Sasaki and Miyano Vol. 1 Review – A Comfy BL Start

Sasaki and Miyano Vol. 1 is the beginning of a BL series that originally started on pixiv. There was also an anime adaption announced last year. The first volume put the spotlight on introductions and focus on simple situations that allow them to bond with each other.

After a specific incident, Sasaki and Miyano become buddies despite being in different classes. Miyano is a kouhai, and Sasaki has a slightly bad reputation because he looks like a bad boy even though he isn’t an actual troublemaker.

Miyano is a cute boy, and Sasaki becomes interested in knowing him better. While trying to get what makes him tick, the senpai finds out he’s a big otaku, and not only that, but his passion is reading BL manga.

Though embarrassed, Miyano accepts, showing him some of the works he likes, and the two start bonding over it. They are a funny combo as Sasaki is unabashed about what he likes, but Miyano is shy, but the thought of the two being a couple doesn’t even cross his mind.

Because of that situation, it’s up to Sasaki to do everything in his power to show his affection and make sure his feelings are known. This comes naturally, though, as he comes to terms with the situation, gauging his kouhai’s reactions and trying not to die from cuteness overload and overstepping what Miyano may find comfortable.

The story is mostly on the comedic side as the pair faces situations that show their feelings’ gradual buildup. However, it’s also important to note these aren’t arranged well, as the approach of starting after they’ve known each other for a while and showing occasional flashbacks can make events confusing at times.

The author has an interesting approach to the story by commenting on some scenes with small titles. These comments help make the jokes a little more amusing while not detracting from the plot development.

Between the chapters, there are small panels with a continuous story separated from the main one. Focused on the cultural festival preparations, it’s mostly inoffensive, but a nice extra. By the end of the volume, there’s a full extra chapter about them hanging out at the festival as well.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the panel with translation notes before the extra chapter. The volume uses a lot of Japanese words and it’s nice to understand them a little better. Though it might not be so necessary for the honorifics, it’s helpful for the more specific jargons. Miyano is very bad at hiding that he’s a fudanshi (a guy who likes BL) and it shows on his vocabulary, which isn’t so simple to newcomers like me.

Overall, Sasaki and Miyano Vol. 1 is a wholesome and comfy story about two guys who would make a nice couple. In the first volume, they are just nice friends to Sasaki’s dismay, but they have an interesting chemistry that makes for a compelling start to a strong relationship.