Shout Out Loud!, Volume 1

I'd hate to think that many over look this series because of the boring, unimpressive covers. But don't be fooled! What this series lack in art (compared to others out there), they make up with a wonderful story. A story that older women can enjoy with a sweet tone throughout the series. And unique compared to the many office men affairs books out there since this revolves around folks in a rare career. Throwing in responsibilities with an offspring, and a deceased lover, helps keep the tone serious which I enjoy.

First of what is apparently a five volume series. The first three parts are now available in English translation; the remaining two parts are scheduled for release in April and August. Orphaned 17-year-old Nakaya goes looking for long-last father, expecting to find a burnt-out salaryman, and instead gets a baby-faced 33-year-old who makes a living as an anime voice actor. Finding himself with an unexpected son to support just as his current series is finishing, Shino tells his agency he'll take any job. What he gets offered is roles in boys love audio dramas -- and as becomes clear to the reader and eventually Nakaya, but not (yet) Shino, two of Shino's co-workers are gay and have the hots for Shino. There's a good story in this book; the primary focus in the first volume is father and son getting to know each other (no, not in that way). Nakaya's mother fell pregnant when she and Shino were teenagers, and she chose to leave Shino to stop him sacrificing his education to look after them. Now they have to build a relationship, at a time when both are grieving, and Nakaya is having to make decisions about his own education. It doesn't help that Nakaya's grandmother has never forgiven Shino for getting her daughter pregnant, and doesn't want Nakaya living with Shino. Along with this, there's a look at the voice acting industry, and Shino's developing relationships with two of his fellow actors -- platonic on Shino's side, but not on theirs. And then there's Nakaya's teacher, who is also gay and has a thing for nice voices... The erotic content in this volume is mostly in the scripts Shino and his colleagues are working on, though there's one very nice kiss. If you're looking for hardcore you'll be disappointed, but fans of UST should enjoy this one. The cover's a bit disappointing, but don't let that put you off, as the interior art is much more attractive. Note that it's a lot less bishounen in style than many (which matches my own preferences). I liked this a lot. There's an interesting story with relationships that develop over time, there's a lot of gentle humour, it's nicely drawn, and the guys are hot.

I'm the type of person who enjoys the chase, the slow build up to what you know is going to be a memorable climax. For me, Shout out loud has this formula, it doesn't rush into things, but has enough spice and innuendo to let you know that things will heat up. It's Boy Love with a plot. I kid you not. Seeing as it spans five books though, I'd guess it would want to. The main character of this series is Shino, a baby faced anime voice actor who has just been reunited with his son. To make ends meet he accepts any voice acting jobs thrown at him. The majority being yoai. The scenes where they are recording the Yaoi drama CD's are just adorable. I don't really want to say much ,more for fear of spoiling the plot, but i'm hoping people will give this manga a chance, even though it's cover is less then appatizing. The artwork is beautiful and the comical sides of the story are refreshing, book two has a bit more action then book one, with a second person vying for Shino's affection.

I own all 5 volumes in Japanese! But now that it is in English, even better. The story does get better and becomes very endearing too. Vol 1 starts out kind of slow introducing almost all of the key players. Although the art style aren't as bishounen as most beloved series, the facial features and body proportions are well done. What makes this series a keeper are the story and character interaction. It is very mild BL not full-fledge Yaoi.

Who said it is not Yaoi...This is definitely Yaoi .I rather call it BL besides the Japanese writers prefer it called that way.It is soft core ,thats all. I really like this one.I didnt know what to expect when I picked this up at the BLU booth. I was surprised that I got interested in the story right away and could not wait for the next volume. Story develops well, the characters are introduced and gets a bit interesting as the story goes. If you are into hard core,then dont bother .Nothing of that nature is shown in Vol 1.I like the drawings as well.