Okane ga Nai Hot

Okane Ga Nai is what I like to refer to as "the marmite manga", because you either love it or hate it. I'm on the love side, but I can see why many people cannot stand it.

Firstly, it is probably the most clichéd manga I have ever read. Ayase is the epitome of uke, and seems to emit strange pheromones that make every straight guy who come into contact with him want to rape him. (none of the gay characters in the manga seem particularly interested). Kanou could only be out-seme'd by Iason from Ai no Kusabi, and even then, it would be a close run thing. The story line tends to revolve around Ayase getting into trouble by being completely unaware of the people around him and their reaction to him, almost getting raped, getting rescued by Kanou, and then having the obligatory hot sex scene (and yes, it is hot, and very graphic). Oh, and both Ayase and Kanou are definitely NOT gay.

Okane Ga Nai, on first glance, is everything that I would normally avoid; rape, shota looking uke (he is 19, allegedly) repetitive storyline, and the romance moves at a snail’s pace. However, what I like about it is that the manga does not take itself too seriously. It plays on the yaoi clichés that it uses, and takes sadistic delight in doing so.

Ayase and Kanou, as main characters are both completely clueless; neither understands the other. Which is just as well, because if they actually sat down and talked to each other, everything would be resolved, and the manga would be over. The supporting cast are colourful, particularly Someya, the catty transvestite, and the Kuba twins. And the extras that are included in each volume are hilarious. My favourite is definitely the rpg retelling of the story.

Do not read this manga expecting a great literary work, or meaningful plot development, as you will be disappointed. Okane Ga Nai is pure entertainment; it takes the clichés predominant in yaoi, and plays with them; I enjoyed it, read it and see for yourself.

Okane ga Nai has me coming back for more everytime. It's ultra smutty, full of graphic sex scenes, perfect for when I need a quick kick of yaoi.

The plot itself is there, however, you almost forget about it because there's no clear whollistic goal or aim to head towards. Each 'incident' or 'problem' that needs fixing is like a long filler episode that more than likely ends in sex one way or another.

But fear not, they actually do serve a purpose! Tracking how their relationships change and evolve because of these problems is rather interesting in itself. We see the changes in both Ayase and Kanou as their relationship intenisifies and I guess you could call this the ultimate goal that's to be achieved. Individually, the characters contrast each other quite well. Ayase's naivety, Kanou's roughness and all the other colourful characters of the series makes for an interesting read.

The art is quite beautiful, but that's to be expected since most mangas these days use computer softwares.

Overall, I really do love this manga. It's had me hooked ever since I saw bits of the OVA in a yaoi AMV. Definitely recommended but not for the faint hearted.

This is a VERY popular serie right now. I'm actually surprised there's no review for this one already. I guess people are busy reading it. I know, I would be too if I hadn't read all what has been scantalated so far.



The art is truly beautiful...but it can get confusing with all the extra lines. A close-up on Ayase's eyes is a vivid example of that. That's why it's gotta a 4*. I also have to add that I don't always like how Ayase is dressed up : especially those big BRATZ doll shoes...I just can't stand them sorry ^_^.



The characters also got a 4* because as you'll discover pretty soon, a feeling of frustration will burgeon in your heart toward Ayase for being such a clueless uke. This is the worst uke for me, so its kind of a miracle that I have survived the 23 chapters so far. However, the miracle is due to the original plot and the way it unfolds. You could practically take it as an essay on the homosexual suffering and emotional loneliness.



Many dangers, aside from a confusing art at times and a dim-witted uke, awaited this manga to let it fall in the 'typical yaoi manga' genre. To my utter surprise, it avoided all of them, making it a MUST-read and a MUST-see (yes, OVAs included).



Now here's my usual comment for hard yaoi fans : this a treat for you as well!



So have a good one! ;)