Available on Renta!: Works by Yuo Yodogawa
Author’s Twitter: 淀川ゆお (@yuo_zero)
Author’s Pixiv: 淀川ゆお
When I first heard whispers that the next Renta! fan letter campaign would center around THE Yuo Yodogawa, I could hardly contain my excitement. My company would be serving as a bridge between international fans and one of my favorite BL mangaka in the game today?? Heck yeah!
In case you’re unfamiliar with the wildly popular Yodogawa-sensei, I’ll quickly share how I became a fan. Have you ever fallen in love at first sight with an art style? I believe that’s what I experienced upon laying eyes on Yuo Yodogawa’s art for the first time. Little did I know when I stumbled upon a chapter in the middle of a random manga and thought, “Huh, that art looks really nice!” that I would quickly be sucked into the Yodogawaverse — and I couldn’t be happier.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a Yodogawa manga, I suppose the best way to describe their body of work would be as sexy, funny, and cute — but that doesn’t do it nearly enough justice, so I’ll just use this space to gush about a few of my favorite series from Yodogawa-sensei!
I hope you’ll join me in the Yodogawaverse, and discover some BL series that are both awe-inspiring and “aww”-worthy!
Yuo Yodogawa states in one of their author’s notes that they like “writing stories that take place in the current reality with a strange twist.” I know I’ve been completely taken by Yodogawa-sensei’s unique style of storytelling and the various worlds introduced in their works — not to mention their sense of humor and expressive art!
Fooling Around While The Zombies Roam
Japanese title: ゾンビ・ハイド・セックス (Zombie Hide Sex)
If you have yet to jump into this action-packed Zom-BL series, now’s the perfect time to do so — Volume 4 is now available on Renta!
“Fooling Around While The Zombies Roam” has long been a hit on ebook Renta!, and for good reason. It’s packed with action right from the start — when Haruomi’s daily life as a convenience store worker is suddenly interrupted by a zombie attack. He’s saved by Kazuma, a member of the Self Defense Force, who agrees to protect Haruomi in exchange for some… physical release. Thus begins this love story paved with danger, mystery, and, of course, zombies.
And believe me, the “zombie” part of this Zom-BL isn’t just a gimmick. Yodogawa’s passion as a horror fan shines through in the way they depict the grisly “infectees,” and all the bloody violence that happens as a result. There are moments that feel like the manga equivalent of a jumpscare, perfectly replicating the feeling of watching a classic zombie flick. As much as I love BL, I’m also a big fan of action manga, so the fight scenes are quite satisfying to read.
But, don’t think that the author’s careful attention to the zombie apocalypse worldbuilding and depicting the fast-paced action makes the “Boys Love” aspect an afterthought. The romance (and spiciness) between Haruomi and Kazuma is the heart and soul of this series.
Character design-wise, Yodogawa-sensei is serving up some nice eye candy. Buff and brave Kazuma is what I believe the kids today call a “Zaddy,” and timid but daring Haruomi is certified THICC. Seriously — even in scenes where he’s fully clothed and his ass is decidedly NOT the main point of interest, your eyes can’t help but wander to that juicy bum hiding underneath them jeans… (I mean, it can’t be just me, right? 
)
True to the series title, some of the ero scenes make full use of the dangerous backdrop to make your heart pound in more ways than one!
There are plenty of humorous moments, too, such as when Kazuma just happens to have a packet of lube on him in the middle of a zombie apocalypse — you’ve always gotta be prepared, right?
Yodogawa-sensei states in the afterword for Volume 1 that they were originally planning on giving the series a “bad ending,” but ultimately decided to go in a different direction, allowing Haruomi and Kazuma to continue providing each other hope in a bleak world. I’m so glad this is the case, as I can’t get enough of this story.
Volume 2 deals with Haruomi and Kazuma finding other survivors, and coming to terms with their relationship. While their connection may have started from physical necessity and possibly their heightened emotions (y’know, from being in the middle of the End of the World), it only grows stronger the more time they spend together — and it’s touching to see them put their lives on the line for one another over and over again.
In addition to getting to know the characters on a deeper level, we as readers also get some hints as to the nature of the virus causing the zombification phenomenon as the story develops. There are surprise twists and turns (the ending of Volume 3 made me audibly GASP) that make each installment more compelling than the last. And, of course, it’s great to see the peaceful moments in between the heavier scenes, where Haruomi and Kazuma get to just enjoy being in each other’s presence. And fucking. Plenty of that.
Whenever I recommend this series to someone, my pitch always goes something like, “It’s not just ‘fooling around’ while the zombies roam… It’s also falling in love while the zombies roam… searching for a cure while the zombies roam… and learning what it means to maintain your humanity… all while the zombies roam — and sometimes attack.” I think you need to experience it for yourself to understand how all the elements work so well together and make something so wonderful. Also, ASS!
This series is an absolute can’t-miss for anyone who loves horror, action, or just impressive art and thrilling sex scenes. With 4 volumes out in English, it makes for a great binge read session. I know I can’t wait to devour this story up to the very end, and see which directions Yodogawa-sensei will take the story next.
And, hopefully, for some more of this:
Perhaps you’re in the mood for some more lighthearted fare, but still want to enjoy some beautiful art, hot ecchi scenes, and excellent character writing. In that case, you need look no further than Yuo Yodogawa’s other series, which are funny, fluffy, and just as exciting as a zombie apocalypse — minus the scares!
I’m Banging My Rival in a Parallel World!?
Japanese title: 異世界に飛んだらライバルにハメられてました!? (Isekai ni Tondara Rival ni Hameraretemashita!?)
If you love enemies-to-lovers BL stories, endearingly dumb school boys, or hilarious horny antics, you’ll be quickly sucked in by the many worlds of “I’m Banging My Rival in a Parallel World!?” — Yuo Yodogawa’s BL school romcom with a fantasy twist.
I always enjoy seeing BL authors connecting multiple works of theirs in some way — such as spinoff series, or when characters in one series appear in another, sometimes taking place in a totally different universe. It really shows the love the mangaka has for their characters, and serves as a fun little Easter egg for their fans who read their every work.
That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to find out that side characters Sen and Amatatsu from “Fooling Around While The Zombies Roam” actually star as the main couple in this series — only here, they’re still in their high school era.
Once again, we’re thrown right into the action when the rowdy Amatatsu gets bonked on the head and wakes up in another world… which is strikingly similar to his own world, except for the fact that he’s in the middle of getting fucked by — you guessed it — his “rival,” the coolheaded Sen, whose guts he hates. Amatatsu tries to make sense of the situation, but soon finds that his body (and his heart) are telling him something different from what he believes to be reality.
The story wraps up nicely in just one volume, but because this is the Good Timeline, Yodogawa-sensei has graced us with a second volume — which is now available on Renta! That’s right. More otherworldly adventures and hilarious cuteness from an always-bickering couple!
Volume 2 introduces us to even more parallel worlds, and mini “adventures” involving both Amatatsu and Sen being transported to strange and mysterious places. There are lots of LOL moments, and above all, we get to see the fiery Amatatsu and the calm and collected Sen interact more as a couple.
I absolutely adore Amatatsu and Sen’s dynamic — even when they’re fighting, you can tell they care for one another, and their mutual attraction is obvious even when they’re not going at it like rabbits. Which they do, a lot.
Perhaps the most interesting interworldly trip is when we get to see the boys travel to a parallel universe (one that might look awfully familiar to Yodogawa fans!) that’s also set in the future. I just wanna say, their “working adult” designs are SO GOOD. Sen’s hair has gotten even floofier, and he’s just dashing in glasses, while Amatatsu’s beautiful long hair and vest are absolutely swoon-worthy. If you liked them in “Fooling Around While The Zombies Roam,” and want to see their hinted-at romance come to full fruition, Volume 2 is a must-read.
As a fair warning, there’s a scene in Volume 2 where the teen versions of the two witness their future “grown-up” counterparts having sex, and… shenanigans ensue. While there’s no actual sex between the older and younger characters, the naughtiness that does occur may be uncomfortable for some readers. But, if you enjoy the fantasy aspect of this series and are into “self-cest,” what can I say but bon appétit! I found the mindfuckery of it all quite entertaining.
I really can’t get enough of Yuo Yodogawa’s art — especially in the smut scenes. The ukes especially are a delight to look at — I always love to see the bottoms really enjoying themselves during sex, and Yodogawa-sensei has a certain way of drawing their expressions and body language to express not only their pleasure, but the utter joy of being with their partner. Plus, the full-face blushes are adorable.
As a side note, “IBMRIAPW” features some bonus stories after the main couple’s story in Volume 1 — most notably one called “Let Me Squeeze You, Marshmallow Man!” which actually features in both volumes. Essentially a chubby chaser BL, it’s very fetishy, but I always like to see some body diversity in manga. And the relationship’s development in its Volume 2 continuation was definitely more emotional than I’d expected from a story that begins with the line, “Please let me rub your tummy.”
All in all, this series is a fun romp with a stupidly lovestruck couple you’ll love to root for.
Fan Mail Special: Get your questions & comments ready
If you weren’t already a fan of Yuo Yodogawa, I’m sure you will be after reading some of these manga! 
And, once you’re done squealing/crying/screaming over your favorite Yodogawa series, be sure to write your comments — or anything you’d like to ask Sensei— in the official form here, OR post on Twitter using the hashtag #ShrieksForSensei. These messages will be translated (though you’re welcome to test out your Japanese as well!) and delivered to Yodogawa-sensei — and, if you’re lucky, Sensei might just respond to YOUR question!
The submission period is November 10th thru JST December 1st, 2023 (10:00 A.M. JST). Don’t be shy, and show Yodogawa-sensei some love!!
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