Otome and BL: similarities and differences
Both Boys Love and otome genres are known for their intense dramatic plots; though there are softer examples of each, the titles which have been translated into English are largely at the more serious end of things.
boys loveSupernatural Boys Love stories
Magical elements in Boys Love stories are quite widespread, both specifically Japanese-flavoured folklore and elements drawn from other cultures. The fusion of the supernatural genre and BL makes for an appealing mix, as both often deal with extreme emotions and high stakes storylines.
EditorialHow to introduce a friend to Boys Love visual novels
An important thing to consider when working out the best way to introduce your friend to BL visual novels is how familiar they are with Boys Love otherwise.
DRAMAtical MurderThe most memorable romantic and emotionally intimate Boys Love visual novel scenes
There are some scenes from Boys Love games that just stand out as especially impactful for players, and come to define the game as a whole – at times, they become cornerstones of the genre.
visual novelBL, Shounen-ai, and Yaoi: A Comprehensive Exploration of Terminology, Origins, and Cultural Significance
The term "yaoi" was created in the late 1970s by manga artists Yasuko Sakata and Akiko Hatsu as a shortening of the phrase "yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi", meaning "no climax, no point, no meaning."
Editorial