10 Underrated BL Manga, Manhwa, and Webtoons
10 Underrated BL Manga, Manhwa, and Webtoons (2023)
Romance is one of the most popular genres in all of media. People love reading and seeing stories of characters meeting their destiny, falling in love and all the drama surrounding it. However, not all stories have rosy endings. There are both pitfalls and rainbow roads in the journey people call love.
BL, which stands for Boys' Love, is a subgenre of depiction of same-sex relationships between men. Japan generally uses the term Yaoi to include all forms of relationships, whether romantic or sexual.
In the West, the term BL (also known as shounen-ai) is primarily used to describe the more emotional and romantic aspects of a relationship while Yaoi focuses on the more explicit, sexual side.
Today we will be Underrated BL Manga, Manhwa & Webtoons. We will follow the Western term and focus more on sweetness.
These stories will make your heart race, make you cry, make you angry, and make you feel all kinds of feelings. Get ready for an emotional journey and don't forget to bring a box of tissues with you!
10 Underrated BL Manga, Mangas, and Webtoons
1. A man who challenges the world of BL
Let's start our list with an extremely funny commentary and parody of the BL series. Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otoko is about a seemingly simple protagonist who one day realizes that he is living in the world of BL.
Each part of the world runs on technologies popular in BL manga. Our protagonist may like girls and not want to be part of that world. He fights back but can't help but be assailed by the sight of romantic situations around every corner!
The story is hilarious and the author didn't hesitate to add all sorts of exaggerated situations into the series.
2. I think our son is gay
This mother deserves this award for being one of the most understanding and caring mothers in the world. Although the Aoyama residence is home to four people, Akiyoshi's work usually keeps him away.
Thus, mother Tomoko and her two sons, Hiroki and Yuri, peacefully continue their daily lives. Since Hiroki recently started high school, he has become more interested in the topic of romance.
Her little mistakes lead Tomoko to believe that her son is probably gay and, being the supportive mother that she is, she wants him to go at his own pace.
However, Hiroki is anything but subtle, so it's very difficult not to notice what he says and does. He may be doing his best, but he risks dying of shame before revealing his “secret” to his mother!
The series is really wholesome and we can't help but love Tomoko and all the little ways she helps her son.
3. Summer Hikaru is Dead
Hikaru and Yoshiki have always been childhood friends. They were known for doing everything together. Until one day Hikaru was enveloped in a strange light, then something else took his place. Something not human.
Something imitating Hikaru. Yoshiki still wants to be with Hikaru from the bottom of his heart, but is the Hikaru he wants to be with really him?
The Summer Hikaru Died is a story and has a unique concept. The psychological, horror and thriller aspects are exceptionally interesting, and you can't help but get drawn into the storyline.
4. I want to be a wall
The BL may not take center stage in this series, but it certainly deserves a mention in our list. Yuriko is an asexual woman, incapable of being sexually or romantically interested in anyone else, with a penchant for BL stories.
Gakurouta is a homosexual whose heart forever belongs to his childhood friend. There are not many people who understand both in the world, but what if they marry to satisfy others?
may not be on the table for the couple, but what is blossoming is a wonderful relationship unlike any other.
Marriage of Convenience is a popular troupe among manga and manhwa, but I Want to Be a Wall takes this troupe in a completely different direction and instead presents something beautiful and unique.
In a world where romantic love takes priority, it's nice to see a story tastefully tackle something different.
5. High class gays
It's time to give them some love too. Princess Sapphia of Mytilene doesn't like boys. So it's a huge headache when her parents start pestering her to get married. In such a difficult situation, what does she do?
Well, she enlists the help of her gay best friend, of course! When Prince Augustus of Phthia heard of his friend's project, he easily accepted.
So the question is. Will these two gay best friends be able to pull off a convincing marriage while flirting with the gender of their choice? And what about their current job, which is no less difficult?
High-Class Homos has a light tone and a pretty, bright art style. The story is captivating and leaves you eager to discover all the antiques that the two idiot royals pull out.
6. Go ahead, Nakamura!
The shy and awkward Nakamura falls in love with his dreamy and popular high school classmate, Hirose. But will this love come true even though they have not yet met?
Nakamura's social awkwardness and shyness make him a totally recognizable character that audiences can't help but applaud. The art is reminiscent of old Shoujo manga and has a charming vibe throughout.
7. I hear the sunspot
With several sequels, I Hear the Sunspot tells the story of Kouhei, who is often misunderstood by others due to his hearing disability. This causes him to become more reserved and he begins to keep his distance from others.
Until he meets Taichi. This cheerful, outspoken and somewhat poor college classmate breaks down Kouhei's walls and finds his way into her heart. Kouhei begins to see parts of himself that he didn't even know existed.
The author addresses various things in the story, particularly regarding Kouhei's disability. Despite the somewhat clumsy writing in the relationship parts, this manga is worth a try!
8. Heesu in class 2
Heesu has a crush on his best friend, Chanyoung. However, he just cheers her on from the sidelines and hears about her girl problems. Suddenly, Heesu starts hearing his name everywhere.
Classes, buses, canteen... It turns out there's a rumor going around that if someone has a love problem, all they need to do is consult Heesu in class 2! So what does Heesu do now when he can't even solve his own love problem?
It's cute, adorable, fluffy and comforting. The simple yet charming story is what makes everyone who reads it fall in love with it.
9. Scrolling Faded Images
What happens when someone you have no memory of claims to have come to fulfill a childhood promise? This is what happens when Izumo is approached by Ryuta, who saved his life from a Youkai as a child.
Their childhood promise to go on adventures was never forgotten by Ryuta, but it seems that Izumo has no memory of their memories together.
However, this doesn't stop Ryuta from embarking on a journey with Izumo. In the middle of all the arguments, Izumo will come to see Ryuta eye to eye. RIGHT?
10. Interview with a Murderer (Queensa)
Ending our list with a not-so-wholesome series. Aspiring journalist Jonathan is tricked by his brother into taking his place in an interview with a violent serial killer, Kister the Slaughterer.
He just wants to get it over with since the subject is the famous killer who murdered 33 people. Unfortunately for him, Kister suddenly starts to take an interest in him...
This thriller is a roller coaster from start to finish. The ending is clever and the whole story will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more.
And that's it for our 10 Underrated BL Manga, Manhwa, and Webtoons. We've tried to add a little variety, so I hope you find something to your liking!
Do small things with lots of love.
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