365 Days of Manga, Day 172: The Moon and the Sandals

THE MOON AND THE SANDALS (Tsuki to Sandals, “Moon and Sandals”) (月とサンダル) • Fumi Yoshinaga • DMP (2007) • Houbunsha (Hanaoto, 1994-2000) • 2 volumes • Yaoi • 18+ (brief mild violence, nudity, graphic sex)
Fumi Yoshinaga’s debut work, The Moon and Sandals is the story of two pairs of gay lovers, one pair in high school and the others teachers and adults. Unusually for the idealized world of Boy’s Love, there’s an element of both love and loss, with characters who nurse heartbreaks and go through troubled spots but ultimately overcome them–early on, a character vows “I’ll accept my broken heart with flair.” The first volume is relatively tame, but the second volume takes place mostly in bed, and focuses on explicit sex with snippets of plot about coming out, cooking, and long-term relationships. The result feels slightly padded out but is a sweet and sexy story.

It’s “Yaoi Saturday,” and today’s winner is Megan A. of New Jersey. Congratulations, Megan!