Fake, Volume 1

I always love representation in all forms of media, but this is like a buddy-cop show turned on its head. Can't wait to continue the series!

I'm not usually into Manga, but for FAKE of Sanami Matoh. Here you have enchanting characters, a real plot, a sweet teasing seduction-type love story, where the gist of the plot is the sense of anticipation, will Dee succeed in making his beloved Ryo fall in love with him? The tough Dee and gentle Ryo are simply adorable, and the fact that they are both supposed to be detectives at NYPD Police requires only a moderate amount of suspension of disbelief. Bikky and Carol,two wayward kids entrusted to Ryo's (and Dee) care are absolutely endearing. Notably there is a zany humour pervading the series that, though for "late teens" and not recommended for the homophobic, is narrated in a gentle and poetic way, no concession made to vulgarity or crude scenes. I think that. as a graphic novel , FAKE ranks as one of the best, next to Monsieur Jean of Dupuy-Berberian. A must read for the comic novel connoisseur!

This is the first shounen-ai manga I've ever bought, though I'm quite familiar with shounen-ai through the works of others (fan fiction). FAKE, Vol. 1 starts off with Dee, a member of the NYPD. Next, we're introduced to Ryo, a part-Japanese cop, who's the newest member of the NYPD. At the time, you're completely oblivious to the fact that Dee is gay, and has a crush on Ryo. To not give away the majority of the first book, I'll leave it at after their first mission, things get interesting.A great read, one I couldn't put down. Matoh doesn't treat sex like it's taboo, and the humor is enough to make you laugh out loud. Matoh has some memorable characters in this one, and it's done beautifully. The sexual tension is enough to make you smile, and this is a series that is sure to be a favorite among any shounen-ai fans, young and old!

The FAKE anime was my first introduction to shounen-ai (aka "boys in love" but not graphically sexual) and still is my favorite. Since the anime left something to be desire (it only covers 2 manga chapters), I was both surprised and thrilled to hear that FAKE was made into a graphic novel so I could actually read more about the adventures of Ryo and Dee.This book is great on various levels. First, for girls (and guys) who like shounen-ai, there is the growing and tenuous relationship between the two main characters and the supporting characters (Bikky, Carol, and J.J.) who try to come between them. Second, there's the comedy of Dee trying to snare Ryo, the interactions between Dee and his boss, Bikky and Dee, and so on that's quite hilarious. Third, there's strong plots through all of the chapters: cops hunting down the wrong-doers and trying to save the day.The other reason that this is so good is because the translator did a great job of changing the text to fit English colloquialisms. I don't read Japanese so I can't comment on the quality of the translation, but the book flowed nicely and was relevant to life today in America.This is a definite reccomend. However, I would not reccomend this to someone who is homophobic or someone who does not like swears/sexual references. I believe the rating is 16+, so if any parents are thinking of this book as a gift, be aware that it is not meant for younger readers.

I thought this day would never come while I was alive, but it has! Tokyopop finally took the stick out their rear and released some shounen-ai! Woohoo! It's nice to see they aren't only turning out all wimpy stuff... Well this is what I have to say about this manga, BUY IT ALL! It is sooooooo hilarious. I mean I read it during school, and people were giving me weird looks because I would burst out laughing in the middle of chemistry class... Back on topic, I guess I wouldn't recommend this book for you if homosexuality makes you nervous, doh. The story is about two NY detectives who fall in love, bla bla you can read the summary at the top. Unlike some shounen-ai and yaoi, this actually has a plot! Whee! Some parts are so touching, and so far, most of it is just silly! I really don't see how you could go wrong with this one... But I guess I should also say, don't get this kids under like 13, cuz of the language and gestures. Tokyopop says it's for 16+, but I think 13 year-olds can definitly handle it.

Most Shonen Ai (gay male themed manga) lacks story and emphasizes squidge over content in every conceivable way, but FAKE is the truly charming tale of a buddy police team, one very gay, the other very uncomfortable about his new partner. The resulting hijinks are often quite funny and the writing is clever. Don't even think that Matoh has a flipping clue about US police departments or procedures: like most foreign writers, she has not done her research in that department and does not come even close to capturing an authentic feel to police life in the USA (yes, I do know what I am talking about--three generations of cops in my family, thanks so much). Why am I still giving this five stars? Becuse the characters are so darned entertaining and the goofy premise is easily overlooked (especially if you realize that many manga are short on story and long on page count--this one actually has a story which puts it a cut above on many levels). I like the art style a lot-it is less sketchy than most manga. This book is genuinely sweet and entertaining. I have all the original books in Japanese, went to great lengths to get translations for them and am deliriously pleased to see this edition in English. Here's hoping the publisher continues to experiment with shonen ai themed books, especially considering the numbers of fans who have been spending BIG BUCKS for pirate editions over the years. All the money we now save will go into buying more legitimate english editions of manga.