The series I'm reviewing today definitely falls into the Yaoi category. Something you need to keep in mind about Yaoi is that it perpetuates some problematic tropes. That trope being that of non-consensual sex or sex with dubious consent.
So let's talk a bit about each volume. My reviews aren't going to be long and will just be a few of my thoughts about them. I will be honest. The Finder series is violent and does use the sex with dubious consent trope but it's used less and less as the series goes on. I know it's problematic but I can't help but love it a lot though.
Finder Deluxe Edition: You're My Desire, Vol. 6
(Finder Deluxe Edition #6)
Ayano Yamane
Release: April 10, 2018
Goodreads Amazon
Pain and pleasure collide when a sophisticated underworld boss crosses paths with a naive photographer hell-bent on bringing him down!
This deluxe edition includes never-before-released material as well as a double-sided color insert and special cover treatment! Photographer Takaba Akihito takes on a risky assignment trying to document the illegal activities of the Japanese underworld. When he captures its leader—the handsome, enigmatic Asami Ryuichi—in the crosshairs of his viewfinder, Takaba’s world is changed forever.
After being held prisoner in Hong Kong, Akihito Takaba is finally brought home to Japan by his lover Ryuichi Asami. But once again, the feisty photographer escapes Asami’s grasp! It’s not long, though, before Akihito becomes ensnared in a stalking incident and sees Asami’s darker side return. Will he chase the scoop or the man he’s not quite ready to admit he’s attracted to?
Review:
I'm not going to lie. This volume was good but felt like a bit of a let down after the Naked Truth/Hong Kong arc. Akihito is finally back to Japan after his captivity in Hong Kong and he is trying to make sense of his feelings and where Asami fits in his life. Things have changed after Hong Kong for both the photographer and Asami. We know it. Asami knows it. Akihito I think knows but he isn't willing to accept it yet.
This manga contains two loosely connected stories. One features Akihito and Asami and it's just more chapters adding to the main arc. The other is a side story about the high schoolers, Hiyama and Mizuno. To the main story, Akihito and Asami's, I would give four stars. Akihito goes after a story about a stalker and inadvertently discovers that Asami is somehow connected to it. He has some decisions to make and while he can be idiotic and prideful when it comes to Asami, I do like where the story is going and that Akihito chose to go to him of his own free will.
As for the second story about Hiyama and Mizuno, I would give it only two stars because it was all talk and very little actually happened. The most interesting part of it was, once again, the bit with Akihito and Asami. The rest was quite boring.
1/2
3. 5 / 5 Stars
Review:
One thing I've noticed the last few volumes is that in this new translation the language is way more casual and uses more American slang in places when compared to the old one. It doesn't take away from the story per say but it doesn't lend the same emotional depth as the first translation either.
Asami and Akihito’s relationship deepens in intensity in this volume as Akihito's work brings him into contact with Asami's and I foresee him getting into some difficult situations. In this volume, there's a shady politician, a mysterious club manager, a high-end escort club, and a missing girl factoring into the equation. I really liked the addition of the new characters in this volume and I want to know more about them especially Kuroda and his relationship with Asami.
Akihito is finally questioning what he really wants from life and his relationship with Asami. Unfortunately, he's developed a inferiority complex when it comes to his place in Asami's life and it's going to get him in trouble. This arc is not as good as the Naked Truth story arc but it's getting there. By the end of this volume, I can say that I am totally here for it. The story is progressing well, but slowly. I'm hoping now that Akihito is starting to accept his place in Asami's life that he'll cause a few less of his own problems.
What I love about this volume is that we are finally getting a glimpse behind the mask that Asami wears in public. He has a soft spot for Akihito and it's getting more and more apparent that he really cares for him. I really enjoyed this volume and I can't wait to see where things go with Sudo and Akihito's search for the missing girl.
Finder Deluxe Edition: Longing For You, Vol. 7
(Finder Deluxe Edition #7)
Ayano Yamane
Release: June 12, 2018
Pain and pleasure collide when a sophisticated underworld boss crosses paths with a naive photographer hell-bent on bringing him down!
This deluxe edition includes never-before-released material as well as a double-sided color insert and special cover treatment! Photographer Akihito Takaba takes on a risky assignment trying to document the illegal activities of the Japanese underworld. When he captures its leader—the handsome, enigmatic Ryuichi Asami—in the crosshairs of his viewfinder, Takaba’s world is changed forever.
Akihito is freeloading at Asami’s apartment, polishing up not only his photography skills but also his skills as a househusband. His career is on the upswing, even though he still finds himself in perilous situations and has the occasional run-in with police. So imagine Akihito’s surprise when, while out chasing a scoop, he spots Asami with another man clinging to him…in tears! Are Akihito’s days as Asami’s live-in numbered?
Review:
One thing I've noticed the last few volumes is that in this new translation the language is way more casual and uses more American slang in places when compared to the old one. It doesn't take away from the story per say but it doesn't lend the same emotional depth as the first translation either.
Asami and Akihito’s relationship deepens in intensity in this volume as Akihito's work brings him into contact with Asami's and I foresee him getting into some difficult situations. In this volume, there's a shady politician, a mysterious club manager, a high-end escort club, and a missing girl factoring into the equation. I really liked the addition of the new characters in this volume and I want to know more about them especially Kuroda and his relationship with Asami.
Akihito is finally questioning what he really wants from life and his relationship with Asami. Unfortunately, he's developed a inferiority complex when it comes to his place in Asami's life and it's going to get him in trouble. This arc is not as good as the Naked Truth story arc but it's getting there. By the end of this volume, I can say that I am totally here for it. The story is progressing well, but slowly. I'm hoping now that Akihito is starting to accept his place in Asami's life that he'll cause a few less of his own problems.
What I love about this volume is that we are finally getting a glimpse behind the mask that Asami wears in public. He has a soft spot for Akihito and it's getting more and more apparent that he really cares for him. I really enjoyed this volume and I can't wait to see where things go with Sudo and Akihito's search for the missing girl.
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
4 / 5 Stars
Review:
Finder Deluxe Edition: Secret Vow, Vol. 8
(Finder Deluxe Edition #8)
Ayano Yamane
Release: March 14, 2017
Pain and pleasure collide when a sophisticated underworld boss crosses paths with a naive photographer hell-bent on bringing him down!
Photographer Takaba Akihito takes on a risky assignment trying to document the illegal activities of the Japanese underworld. When he captures its leader—the handsome, enigmatic Asami Ryuichi—in the crosshairs of his viewfinder, Takaba’s world is changed forever.
After Asami's subordinate Sudo betrays him, Akihito attempts to chase Sudo down, only to wind up captured and at his mercy. Sudo's fixation on Asami has only grown stronger with time, to the point of wanting him dead. But Sudo isn't the only threat: another enemy appears on the horizon, gunning for the power Asami wields!
Review:
Poor
Akihito. He’s still playing the damsel in distress in this volume. But
it looks like he has finally accepted his feelings for Asami.
Hallelujah!
Things are heating up in this arc and it's getting good as things with Sudo and the missing Aoki come to a head! The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat! I was so sad when I finished and there was no more pages. I just need to know what happens next after that ending!
I don't usually comment on the side stories but I have feelings about both of these. I'm a bit upset that they changed the end of the first side story from what it originally was. We know drugs are bad but this is a mature manga about a photographer and a crime lord. It felt really out of place. I definitely prefer the original ending.
The second side story was my favorite where we have Asami dressing Akihito up in a suit and taking him to dinner at a fancy restaurant before heading to Macau for some adult style gaming. My favorite part of the story is that we get to see a new side of Asami! On the surface, he seems impatient with Akihito’s child-like delight in their luxurious accommodations. But the businessman reveals an unexpected playful side to his nature. It was so good to see another side of Asami and his feelings for Akihito!
Gah! The English translations are now caught up to the Japanese volumes and we're back to waiting a long time. The wait to find out what's going on might kill me. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume.
Things are heating up in this arc and it's getting good as things with Sudo and the missing Aoki come to a head! The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat! I was so sad when I finished and there was no more pages. I just need to know what happens next after that ending!
I don't usually comment on the side stories but I have feelings about both of these. I'm a bit upset that they changed the end of the first side story from what it originally was. We know drugs are bad but this is a mature manga about a photographer and a crime lord. It felt really out of place. I definitely prefer the original ending.
The second side story was my favorite where we have Asami dressing Akihito up in a suit and taking him to dinner at a fancy restaurant before heading to Macau for some adult style gaming. My favorite part of the story is that we get to see a new side of Asami! On the surface, he seems impatient with Akihito’s child-like delight in their luxurious accommodations. But the businessman reveals an unexpected playful side to his nature. It was so good to see another side of Asami and his feelings for Akihito!
Gah! The English translations are now caught up to the Japanese volumes and we're back to waiting a long time. The wait to find out what's going on might kill me. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume.
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