▪	RELEASED BY:		BLU MANGA UK
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		SHUNGIKU NAKAMURA
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / BW
		▪	PAGES:		193
		▪	RATING:		M
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		10/01/2006
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		01/08/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		SANDRA SCHOLES

Unassuming high school student Misaki needs to pass his exams to enter the college of his choice, but things seem to be worse than usual until he meets Akihiko Usami, a professor and best friend to his brother. Once he knocks on the professors' door they get off on the wrong foot when Misaki finds a manga romance book lying on the living room table along with a letter from Aikawa-sama. For when Misaki begins to read the book, it is revealed Akihiko is a successful boy's love romance novelist in his spare time and has included his brother in the novel as his lover. It is not surprising to note Misaki is not pleased until Akihiko makes it known he and his brother are just best friends and nothing more as his love for him has been unrequited.

This all amazes Misaki as Akihiko has a reputation for his high intelligence having won the Naomori literary award, and graduated the top of his class at T University's law school, and yet he finds he is actually a man who has feelings for his brother and writes them in his novels.

After a frosty start, Misaki decides to endure being in Akihiko's company for the sake of his studies as he wants to eventually attend M University, which Akihiko finds highly amusing as at the moment with his current grades, he is unlikely to get in.

Junjo Romantica volume one is more than just a romantic story. It follows the life and troubles of Misaki, Akihiko and Takahiro during the novel, which consists of two and a half acts.
Misaki's naivete keeps the humour in the manga flowing nicely while Akihiko's dry wit is the perfect opposite for the young male.
Though the two do not see eye to eye about most aspects of Misaki's staying with Akihiko, he soon learns more about his new friend than he thought.

As the manga starts with Misaki announcing that he is Akihiko's lover, the reader is only left to read on about how he came to live at his five-room penthouse mansion earning his keep by cooking for him.
There are parts of this, which delve into Misaki's brother's past and how he felt that link well with the pair as far as the story progresses.

This is enjoyable, fun and keeps the reader interested in the intricate plot.

The manga is well drawn by Shingiku showing both the romance of the encounters and their sensuality.
Misaki and Akihiko are represented as skilfully as possible. Their slender male forms beautiful in every way.
One of the highlights for the reader will be the colour card insert watercolour of the couple and Suzuki the bear, Akihiko's faithful companion is drawn with a great deal of attention to detail and colour.

This manga would be recommended for those who enjoy their romance mixed with a rich blend of comedy.

IN SUMMARY:
Loveable characters, sensual art and more besides - why would you not want to read it?