Only the Ring Finger Knows (Yaoi)

This was definitely a good manga in disguise for me. I was browsing through the yaoi manga, trying to find something that wasn't rated above 16+ but that I hadn't read before, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon this. If you pick this up, be prepared for a wonderful manga. This is a one-volume manga - something that is actually rather disappointing - so don't look for anything more. Don't let that turn you away, though! Even though I would very much enjoy another few volumes of this, even the one was brilliant. Even if you dislike homosexual relationships, I would still recommend this - the yaoi title is very misleading, because it's definitely shounen-ai, with a definite emphasis on love. The artwork is lovely - it's somehow the classic bishounen style and yet is so new and awe-inspiring that some pages you could look at for ten minutes without moving (especially if you're a shounen-ai lover like me!). It is the same sort of effeminate bishounen that tend to be common, so some people might be put off by that, but again, don't be misled! The true beauty of this manga is not solely in the beautifully rendered artwork but also in the storyline. Yes, this was a novel before it was transformed into a manga, and it shows in the wonderful plot. The story might sound a bit silly and immature, but it's very serious and almost heart-wrenching in places. It's got quite a bit of angst in it as well, from beginning to end, but it's a feel-good story that you really can't pass up. Each page and each line flows very well together, and almost all of it is told from Wataru's point of view, which lends the manga a first-person feel. Indeed, the characters make this manga one that you simply cannot put down. They are so realistic and likeable despite their flaws - or perhaps because of them. Their emotions and thoughts and actions are so wonderful to piece together and try to explain and figure out - which you naturally do with regard to every character, especially Kazuki (as he is the object of Wataru's attention). Kazuki's contradictory nature and Wataru's awkward, defiant confusion draw you in almost immediately, and there are hints and little occurrences littered all throughout the manga that keep you intrigued and interested until the very end. It's left in its original, unflipped format; however, the translation does seem to be a bit off in a few places, namely where they have removed the suffixes and attempted to translate them into English instead. It's also a bit larger than most other manga - about an inch is added to both height and width - but this is actually a plus in that it gives us bigger images. The yaoi label would probably be more accurate as shounen-ai, as there are only three kissing scenes, which are actually rather chaste in comparison to other shounen-ai and yaoi manga. It's rated 16+ for said kissing scenes and alcohol use, but the rating is still a little high Only The Ring Finger Knows is full of sweetness and angst that's bound t

Yaoi fans will be thrilled with the recent releases of English translations, after relying so long on 1) fan translation (at best) 2) raw Japanese yaoi (no clue about story dialogue etc.) 3) years of Japanese classes just to get the Sound Effects right. Only the Ring Finger Knows isn't strictly Yaoi, but don't let that stop you. The story and dialogue is worth the trade in for the few explicit scenes that would have pushed this into Yaoi category. The story is sweet and angsty, and the dialogue translation conveys that sweet/painful boy love crisis that's so satisfyingly painful and enjoyable to read. Snarky fights? Denial brigade? No silly weepiness? o yeah! Plus, the art. Clean lines, gorgeous modern eyes (a mix of Chi-Ran and Takakura Row - but sharp and spare, reminiscent Higa Sakia) and lush jaw lines. The boys are in high school, so the clothes are mostly school uniform, but the 3rd and 4th parts has modern street casual black that is quite droolworthy. The school uniforms with loosened tie and collars, and black pants are worth a dozen explicit scenes. And if you're a fan of long and lean lines, bony but sexy arms (even the elbows are a turnon in this volume), this is the style for you. This is one where even the side chibi versions are cute (pretty) rather than cute (ridiculous). Definitely one of the best selections out there, at the tail end of 2004.

first of all, this manga was published under the yaoi series, which is kinda of stretching it... so fellow buyers beware. this is strictly shounen-ai territory. heck, there isn't any groping at all, other than a few really beautiful kisses... heh heh heh. non-yaoiness aside, i really, really enjoyed this manga. the plot is not strictly typical and i think both characters are well portrayed; although for the most part it's shown through the eyes of wataru. this highschool student's life takes a rather drastic turn when his fate became entertwined with that of the older, uber-cool and nearly perfect school idol yuichi kazuki. readers basically know that there's more to it than meets the eye, but the authors were able to entice readers with tasty tidbits along the way but still retaining the suspense (if i can label it that) until the very end. it helps that both wataru and kazuki are believable, both showing unique characteristics and quirks that added to their appeal. in fact, i can't really say which of them i find more appealing; the normally hot tempered, straightforward (albeit sweet) and understandably bewildered wataru or the cool and collected kazuki who behaves cryptically only towards wataru. i also appreciate the way the authors manage to make wataru seem confused by kazuki without relegating him to the category of weepy, spineless ukes (he's really spunky) and the understated way they portray unguarded moments in kazuki... one can't help but sympathize with the situation faced by these two. now on to the art... i really like the way odagiri draws the manga. it's soft, beautiful and strangely calming without being too shoujo-ish. although both kazuki and wataru are slender and beautiful, they never seem girlish. it's a very tricky line to tread, and the illustrator manages it phenomenally. i adore the way she draws the eyes, for a single look really conveys a multitude of meanings in the way she handles them. the background art is neither too detailed nor opulent but it fits the overall look very well. what i regret is the fact that this is a single volume manga, which is based on i think a series of novels by kannagi. i really wanted to see the continuation of this manga, and unless the novels are translated and published here, the further adventures of both wataru and kazuki remained a mystery for us english readers. all in all, a very satisfying read and money well spent.