Kimi Shiruya - Dost Thou Know?

Katsuomi Hanamori and Seikai Yaegashi are two of the best kendo fighters at the high school level. They are also bitter rivals. But when Yaegashi moves into Hanamori's neighborhood, and their two younger brothers start becoming good friends, things begin to get a little complicated between them. Hanamori becomes increasingly intrigued by Yaegashi, and begins to wonder what would happen if they, too, formed a friendship, or, maybe, had something more.

One of the aspects of this manga that I enjoyed most was that it did not solely focus around the love story. There is actually a plot outside of the growing relationship between the two characters that involves various kendo tournaments, sticking up for friends when they get picked on, and summer camp. Furthermore, the two main characters do not rush into the relationship. Rather, it has a slow build up that serves to make it more exciting. The conversations between characters are meaningful and interesting, and I actually learned a little about kendo through the progression of the story. The relationship between Hanamori and Taegashi is complex and interesting. On one level is their attraction for each other, on another is their rivalry, and on another is their consideration for their younger siblings.

On the other hand, the manga could have been longer because it would have been nice to know more about the characters and their pasts. It is also a little sudden when Hanamori first brings up that he might be attracted to Yaegashi, and it is basically taken for granted that anyone and everyone can be attracted to someone of the same sex. The artwork in the manga is probably it's weakest aspect. The faces of the main characters are long, their mouths are wide, and their bodies are a little awkward looking. The backgrounds are also fairly plain. Despite this, the artwork does not hinder the enjoyment of the story. It had sort of grown on me by the end.

This manga is one of the better shonen-ai manga I've read. Though there could have been a little more boy-on-boy action and also a little more character development, it stands out to me as a story with more depth than I have encountered in other shonen-ai manga. While the artwork may not be anything special, the story is fun, interesting, and sweet. I definitely recommend it.