Boys Next Door Reviews

Rating: ♦♦♦♦

I was very wary about Eerie Queerie when I first purchased it. I was afraid it was going to turn into a big snorefest or some tear-jerker bullshit manga. I was pleasantly surprised that it was neither. So, why didn’t I give Eerie Queerie 5/5 diamonds?

The answer is easy: no smut. You will not find full-out boy-banging (which I adore) in this manga. There are implications and a kiss or two, but nothing serious. The mild BL was very refreshing though and made Eerie Queerie a light, yet addictive, read.

The story is rather silly, but, come on, this is manga. It’s rarely ever realistic. Anyway, Mitsuo (uke) is just your typical high school cutie who, surprisingly, even for himself, can communicate with ghosts. Hasunuma (seme) is a classmate who ends up helping Mitsuo in more ways than one. Together they assist spirits and their friendship grows deeper.

I recommend this to anyone who has a soft spot for shojo manga. Shiozu is a wonderful illustrator and storyteller. The chibi-Mitsuos sprinkled throughout the manga are just… oh, lord, just the most darling things ever.

As probably most of you know, TokyoPop does not do color plates in their manga. This is their only shortcoming, really. I don’t know about you guys, but I would love to see more of Shiozu’s color illustrations.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Mitsuo and Hasunuma are back! This time on their school trip, the whole class has to stay at a haunted inn. After that it gets interesting. Heh. It seems that Ichi is after Mitsuo and Hasunuma has to protect his territory.

Yes, this volume is just as adorable as the previous one. Shiozu keeps her light and funny storytelling here and Eerie Queerie continues to be as charming as ever. I always feel like a happy fangirl after reading this series.

I am happy to report that TokyoPop actually included a mini-poster with this volume! It’s glossy stock and everything! Also… Hasunuma and Mitsuo are in leather. That’s just good fun for everyone, in my opinion.

This mini-poster has negated the no-sexing thing.

I also want to point out that the TokyoPop editors and translators know their shit. When you read this volume, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

So, if you enjoyed volume one, please pick up volume two. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll be dying for more. (Ha ha, bad pun.)

Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Ah, the gang returns and is cleaning up the temple for New Year’s. Everything is quite normal until Mitsuo stumbles across a person taking refuge at the temple. It’s all down hill from there. Mikuni hires a shrine maiden who’s not really a maiden. A summoning ceremony is interrupted, so God gets all pissed off. There are transformations all over the damn place.

Everything is going to Hell in a handbasket, but I’m enjoying the ride.

Eerie Queerie, if you’ve been paying attention, isn’t a serious series. It’s supposed to be fun and quirky. There is a lot of sweetness without it getting saccharine. I really want to emphasize that this series is perfect for the underage crowd. However, it’s got enough maturity to keep the adults interested. Well, it holds my interest and I have the attention span of a gnat.

Shiozu does not disappoint in art either. Emotions come through quite easily. There is also a certain amount of messy, sketchiness that I just like. I really can’t sing her praises enough.

TokyoPop did a very good job translating and printing. There is no color insert in this volume, but that’s okay. I’m enjoying the story too much to care.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

The last book of the series. I’m sad to see it end. But, this is a sweet series and I will probably always enjoy it.

Mitsuo has finally seen the light regarding Hasunuma! He might be falling in love. Oh, but now he has to move with his family to Osaka. This completely sucks. How will he keep his friendship with Hasunuma and Mikuni?

Will he confess to Hasunuma or fake a love with Mikuni just to protect Hasunuma?! Hasunuma is suspicious, but will he do anything? And what about Ichiro? All of these questions are answered in Eerie Queerie, Volume Four! At a bookstore near you!

Ahem. Adorable silliness abounds still. It’s rather infectious, actually. I suppose you could say that Eerie Queerie is fluffy in that charming puppy way. If I’m having a gloomy day, this is the series I pick to cheer me up.

No, there are no color inserts. TokyoPop made this a simple release. No bells or whistles. I think the story far makes up for any of this. I happily recommend this to the newbies in the BL universe. Now for kurimanjuu! :)