The Fall 2023 Manga Guide

Sasaki and Miyano Official Comic Anthology

What's It About? 

There's never a dull moment when the life of a boys' love fanboy turns into one! From encounters with cats to bookstore trips and every sweet moment in between, enjoy this anthology featuring stories exploring Sasaki's and Miyano's relationship together―including three original stories by series creator, Shō Harusono!

Sasaki and Miyano Official Comic Anthology has a story and art by Shō Harusono, Amino Yuki, Aoko Sasaki, Fujiazuki, Hinaru Shimosegawa, Ichiko Tanno, Itokichi, Kō Toriya, Kudan Nazuka, Kyō Hinata, Megumi Dorokawa, Mika, Paru Konno, Shichimiya, Tsugumi Tōya, and Yutoto. The English translation is by Leighann Harvey with lettering by DK. Published by Yen Press (October 17, 2023).

Is It Worth Reading?

Rebecca Silverman

Rating:

Sasaki and Miyano is the gold standard for slow-burn romance, BL or otherwise. It seems that a lot of manga creators agree because this anthology of short comics set in the franchise's world is full of mangaka who write and draw in a variety of genres – among them are a disproportionately high number who have had their work translated into English, which isn't true of my previous experience with multi-author anthologies. The creators or artists of such disparate titles as I Cannot Reach You, The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent, Merman in My Tub¸ and Angels of Death Episode.0 all contribute stories, along with a few others and three pieces by original story creator Shō Harusono.

Even more impressive is that everyone shows a good grasp of the characters and the way the story works. The most “daring” thing that happens is Sasaki kissing Miyano's hand, although his imagination gets the better of him in a couple of stories set before they're officially dating. There's a lot of talking about BL, worrying about Sasaki graduating before Miyano, and just generally goofing around, such as in one story where everyone somehow ends up in a dodgeball tournament. Interestingly enough, there are two stories by different creators about playing in the snow, although one stars Hirano and Kagiura instead of the Sasamiya duo. There are a few Hirano/Kagiura stories in the book, and one that feels like a crossover featuring both couples. (Technically, they are separate series.) The end of the book also has three crossovers with other BL series, the best of which is with Mika's I Cannot Reach You, which gives those boys a lighter tale than their own typically is.

Everyone draws Harusono's characters to be instantly recognizable, which goes for side characters and the two prominent couples. It's clear that they're putting their spin on them, but it never feels like they're not respecting Harusono's vision or style. It may not be a strictly necessary book. Still, it is a really nice one and worth it for the original Harusono stories alone (especially the first one), and it eases the wait for the next books in the series to come out.