BL Manga Recommendations for Beginners

We often hear that love knows no boundaries, and BL manga beautifully illustrates this notion. If you've stumbled upon this blog, you're probably curious about diving into the world of BL manga—also known as Boys' Love manga.  Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to expand your collection, you're in for a delightful experience. BL manga offers a delightful mix of romance, drama, and heartwarming moments, all wrapped up in beautiful artwork. 

This blog explores the captivating world of BL manga, offering insights into its allure and recommending top titles for beginners to dive into.

Understanding BL Manga

BL manga centers around romantic and often emotional relationships between male characters. Originating in Japan, this genre has gained global popularity for its diverse storytelling and compelling character development. It’s not just about romance; it explores themes of personal growth, societal challenges, and deep emotional connections. Whether you're into sweet and light-hearted stories or more intense dramas, there's a BL manga out there for you.

The beauty of BL manga lies in its ability to present LGBTQ+ relationships with sensitivity and depth. It’s a genre that not only entertains but also promotes understanding and empathy. From the early days of its inception, BL manga has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, influencing anime adaptations, fan fiction, and even mainstream media. It’s a genre that breaks boundaries and brings new perspectives, making it a powerful tool for broadening our understanding of relationships and love.

Also Read: Top 19 BL Manhwa Recommendations for Fans

Top BL Manga Must-Reads for Beginners

Ready to start your BL manga journey? Here are some top picks that will ease you into the genre with captivating stories and unforgettable characters.

Given

• Rating: 8.31/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Kizu Natsuki
• Main Characters: Ritsuka, Mafuyu, Haruki, and Akihiko form the core group, each bringing their unique dynamics and personal struggles to the story.
• Themes Explored: Music, healing from past trauma, and the transformative power of love.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Given" is a beautifully crafted manga that follows the story of Ritsuka Uenoyama, a high school student who is deeply involved in his school’s band. Ritsuka’s world is turned upside down when he meets Mafuyu Sato, a mysterious and troubled guitarist with a haunting past. Mafuyu joins the band, and their connection starts to grow, leading to both musical and emotional breakthroughs. 

The manga is notable for its exploration of grief and healing through music, blending these themes seamlessly with a tender romance. The narrative delves into the complexities of moving past trauma and finding solace in unexpected places.

Junjou Romantica

• Rating: 7.47/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Shungiku Nakamura
• Main Characters: Misaki, Usami, and several other key characters, who each have their own romantic entanglements.
• Themes Explored: The complexity of relationships, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the various forms of love.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Junjou Romantica" is an engaging collection of interwoven love stories, with the primary plot focusing on Misaki Takahashi, a struggling university student, and Usami Akihiko, a famous author. Misaki is hired as Akihiko’s assistant, and their initial professional relationship evolves into a passionate and complex romance. 

Alongside their story, this BL manga features two other couples, each dealing with their own romantic challenges and growth. The series blends humor, drama, and heartfelt moments, providing a colourful mix of love and relationships that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Sekaiichi Hatsukoi

• Rating: 7.63/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Shungiku Nakamura
• Main Characters: Ritsu Onodera and Masamune Takano are the main focus, with their complicated history and unresolved feelings at the center.
• Themes Explored: Unrequited love, second chances, and professional versus personal life conflicts.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Sekaiichi Hatsukoi" tells the poignant story of Ritsu Onodera, who switches careers to escape his past and work in a new publishing company. Little does he know that his new boss, Masamune Takano, is his first love from his college days. 

As Ritsu navigates his new job and strained relationship with Takano, the story unfolds to reveal past grievances and unresolved feelings. The series not only explores their romantic entanglement but also delves into the professional and personal challenges they face. It’s a compelling read for those who enjoy second-chance romances with a touch of workplace drama.

Love Stage!!

• Rating: 7.16/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Authors: Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou
• Main Characters: Izumi, a reluctant actor, and Ryouma, a famous actor with a secret crush.
• Themes Explored: The intersection of personal and professional life, identity, and the impact of fame on relationships.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Love Stage!!" provides a humorous yet touching look at the world of entertainment through the eyes of Izumi Sena, a young man from a showbiz family who has no desire to follow in their footsteps. When Izumi is roped into participating in a commercial, he ends up working closely with Ryouma Ichijou, a famous actor who has had a crush on him since childhood. 

The manga skillfully blends comedy with heartfelt moments as Izumi and Ryouma navigate their evolving feelings and the pressures of the spotlight. It’s a charming exploration of love and identity in the glamorous world of entertainment.

Banana Fish

• Rating: 8.47/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Akimi Yoshida
• Main Characters: Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura, whose relationship grows amidst a dangerous and complex plot.
• Themes Explored: Crime, corruption, and the power of friendship and love in the face of adversity.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Banana Fish" is a gripping crime thriller that combines intense action with a profound emotional core. The story follows Ash Lynx, a young gang leader in New York City, who discovers a mysterious drug called "Banana Fish." 

As he digs deeper, he encounters Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer who gets caught up in the intrigue. Their relationship evolves amidst the chaos and danger, creating a powerful and emotional narrative that stands out in the genre.

Doukyuusei (Classmates)

• Rating: 8.30/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Asuka Katsura
• Main Characters: Hikaru and Rihito, two high school classmates whose friendship slowly evolves into a deeper relationship.
• Themes Explored: Coming-of-age romance, self-discovery, and the impact of personal growth on relationships.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Classmates" beautifully captures the gradual development of a romance between Hikaru and Rihito, two high school students with very different personalities. 

Hikaru is a cheerful and outgoing individual, while Rihito is more reserved and studious. The manga delves into their journey from friendship to a tender, romantic relationship, showcasing the emotional and personal growth that each character undergoes. It's celebrated for its realistic portrayal of adolescent love and the gentle unfolding of their feelings.

Fuyu no Semi

• Rating: 7.45/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Kazuya Minekura
• Main Characters: Sumi and Takato - navigating a complex relationship during a harsh winter.
• Themes Explored: Emotional healing, past trauma, and the struggle for connection amidst adversity.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Fuyu no Semi" presents a poignant story set during a cold winter, focusing on Sumi and Takato as they confront their past traumas and emotional scars. This BL manga explores their journey towards healing and connection, with the harsh winter serving as a metaphor for the emotional coldness they need to overcome. The narrative is known for its deep emotional impact and the way it delicately handles themes of recovery and love.

Kaze to Ki no Uta

• Rating: 8.09/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Keiko Takemiya
• Main Characters: Gilbert and Serge, whose tumultuous relationship unfolds in a dramatic historical setting.
• Themes Explored: Historical drama, forbidden love, and societal constraints.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Kaze to Ki no Uta" is a dramatic historical BL manga set in a late 19th-century European school. The story revolves around Gilbert and Serge, two students whose intense and forbidden relationship defies the rigid social norms of their time. 

The manga is renowned for its rich, detailed artwork and its exploration of complex themes such as societal constraints and personal rebellion. The emotional and dramatic depth of their relationship makes it a standout in the genre.

Hana wa Saku ka

• Rating: 8.22/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Hoshino Lily
• Main Characters: Asakura and Tsukishima, whose romance blooms amidst a historical setting.
• Themes Explored: Historical romance, societal norms, and personal growth.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Hana wa Saku ka" is set in a historical context, where the romance between Asakura and Tsukishima unfolds against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal challenges. The manga is notable for its rich historical setting and the way it blends romance with historical drama, offering a unique twist on the BL genre.

Yuri On Ice

• Rating: 7.90/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Author: Mitsurou Kubo
• Main Characters: Viktor Nikiforov and Yuuri Katsuki, whose relationship evolves amidst the world of competitive ice skating.
• Themes Explored: Romance, sports, personal growth, and overcoming self-doubt.
• Story Sneak Peek: "Yuri On Ice" combines the thrill of competitive ice skating with a compelling romance between Viktor Nikiforov, a renowned skater, and Yuuri Katsuki, a struggling competitor. 

The manga (and anime adaptation) explores their relationship as it blossoms both on and off the ice, providing a unique blend of sports drama and romantic development. The series is praised for its realistic depiction of the skating world and the heartfelt evolution of Viktor and Yuuri's bond, making it a beloved choice among fans.

Also Read: Top 30 Best Romance Manga Recommendations

Also Read: Best Yuri Manga Recommendations for Newbies

Where to Read BL Manga Online

Ready to dive into these BL manga recommendations? Here are some top sites where you can read BL manga online:

Dashtoon

Snippet of Dashtoon Website.

Dashtoon offers a variety of manga, including BL, with the convenience of vertical reading. This format enhances the reading experience by allowing seamless, continuous scrolling that’s perfect for mobile devices. The platform provides both free and premium content, making it accessible to different preferences.

Zinmanga

Snippet of ZinManga Website.

Zinmanga hosts a range of manga genres, including BL, with a user-friendly interface for easy navigation. The site provides a good selection of titles and is known for its straightforward reading experience.

ManhwaTop

Snippet of ManhwaTop Website.

ManhwaTop is known for its extensive updates on manga, manhwa, and manhua, including the popular BL series. The site provides a comprehensive collection with frequent updates, making it a great choice for avid readers.

Coffee Manga

Snippet of CoffeeMange Website.

CoffeeManga provides access to a variety of manga titles, including BL, offering a pleasant reading experience with a cozy interface. It’s a good site for those looking to enjoy their favorite series in a relaxed setting.

Manganelo

Snippet of Manganelo Website.

Manganelo offers a wide range of manga, including BL, with the option to read manga online for free. The site’s extensive library and easy-to-use features make it a popular choice for manga fans.

Manta

Snippet of Manta Website.

Manta offers unlimited access to a range of comics, making it a great platform for binge-reading BL manga. With a large selection and smooth user experience, it’s ideal for readers who love to dive deep into new series.

Bato.to

Snippet of Bata.to Website.

Bato.to provides access to a large collection of manga, including BL, for free online reading. The site’s comprehensive library and straightforward navigation make it easy to explore new titles.

Also Read: Top Manga Apps for Android and iOS

Conclusion

So there you have it—a primer on BL manga and some top recommendations to get you started. Whether you're into heartwarming romance or thrilling drama, BL manga offers something for everyone. Dive into these stories and explore the diverse world of BL manga. 

Remember that the right platform can enhance your reading experience as you embark on your BL manga journey. For a seamless and engaging way to explore new series, check out Dashtoon. With our vertical reading feature and a vast library of free content,  Dashtoon makes it easy to immerse yourself in captivating stories without interruptions. Dive into our collection today and discover your next favorite series!