Friday, September 10, 2010

-FAKE-

     FAKE is a 7 volume Shōnen-ai (Boys Love) manga series published by Tokyopop.

     FAKE takes place in the late 80's on the streets of New York. Our main characters are two cops working for the NYPD's 27th Precinct named Randy (Ryo) Maclean and Dee Laytner. Ryo is the newest addition to the 27th Precinct's Criminal Investigations Unit and while he is a very kind and loving person, he takes his work seriously. On the other hand, his partner, Dee, is a very loud and obnoxious man who constantly causes trouble for the branch. Nevertheless,  Dee can get serious when he needs to and constantly supports his partner. Soon after, the two meet a boy named Bikky and his lady friend Carol. From there, the duo wrestle with constant danger, corruption and their feelings for each other. Can they overcome all obstacles or will past relationships and new acquaintances threaten to bring down both city and their partnership?

     FAKE is a classic. If you like the BL or yaoi genre and you haven't read this yet, I suggest you pick up a copy some time very soon. The series is written and illustrated by Sanami Matoh. The art is handsomely drawn and fills the page without getting too cluttered. The style is slightly cartoon-like but there is plenty of detail and precision when it comes to the action scenes and weaponry. This story also happens to be very comical. But it's the small details like facial expressions and crude gestures that really have you laughing out loud. Though, since this story is about detectives, you can expect a fair amount of seriousness, death, violence, drugs, etc. But all of that is what makes FAKE the great manga that it is. Of course, there's way more to the story than just that! Plenty of other characters come into the story as it goes on, bringing their own special charms into the setting. And there's the man-on-man love to be discussed...but it won't be because I wouldn't want to spoil it for any of you. Overall, this is something everyone should read at least once or at the bare minimum, be familiar with. FAKE is a great read when you're craving a bit of adventure and a taste of something different. It's one of those series that no one can really say that they absolutely hate. And if you do, I highly suggest you give it another read. Which leaves me with a bit of good news to those who just couldn't get enough; There's a FAKE II.

Thanks again for reading Alcatraz Manga Reviews! My second post and I'll be improving! Check back for my next update and feel free to vote on which manga I should review next!

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