12th Nov 2008
Vampire’s Portrait
Rating: ♦♦♦♦
I do love vampire stories. Vampires are erotic all on their own, so throw in some BL touches and I’m in heaven. This is such a nice change from the schoolboys and saccharine sweetness that I’m used to seeing from June. This vampire isn’t a fluffy bunny. No, he’s angsty and tortured and seems to have a rich back story that’s going to get revealed in future volumes. Our willing victim, Lou, finds himself caring for the vampire after he’s asked to paint a portrait of his true face. In Kusumoto’s mythology, vampires can not see their reflections. Vampires also seem to have the ability to transform into a winged demon when weakened or angered.
Our vampire, Sein, also has a history with a young man named Adam whose family is the keeper of some esoteric secrets. Secrets that can bind Sein or set him free. Throw in another vampire who’s got it in for Sein, has a kink for interesting torture and you’ve got something that draws you in and keeps you interested.
The relationship between Lou and Sein is complicated. I’m still not sure the depth of Sein’s feelings, though Lou has fallen under Sein’s spell. Sein was first attracted to Lou because Lou looks exactly like his grandfather, whom Sein used to spend time with.
It leaves you asking questions. Just what exactly was the relationship between Lou’s grandfather and Sein? What does Adam know that he’s not telling? What’s going to happen to our sweet, innocent Lou who is dragged into something far beyond what he was expecting when he took the vampire’s commission?
This release is extremely well drawn and sucked me in from page one. I can’t sing the praises of this one enough. It’s got everything I want in a BL release. Sadly, it’s going to be far too long before they can get the next volume to me. I want to know what’s going to happen! I haven’t been this excited about a series in a long time!
Leave a Reply