It’s already that time of year again, and boy howdy was 2024 a wild ride here at Renta! We changed our logo! We opened a Bluesky! There was much emotional (and physical) edging to be had! We participated in our first ever actual panel! The dongs were unleashed! We collected some samples! We saw beastmen in heat, many a delinquent on the brink, and men impregnated chivalrously! We released our very first cakeverse! We fostered brotherly love! We saw some knot-y boys and some nice ones! And many a popular series saw its end!
As we get ready to make 2025 an even more successful and exciting year filled with tons of great manga, we still wanted to look back on our favorite BL of 2024! That’s right, it’s once again time for our BL Staff Awards!
This time we have the usual Ames (hello), Sou, and Yomogi from the localization team, and then the wonderful Pochi, Snow, and Ann from our sales and marketing teams! So if you want to see what we enjoyed having the opportunity to work alongside this year, please read on!
Same as last year, we have the following categories:
Favorite New Series
Favorite Continuing Series
Favorite Seme
Favorite Uke
Favorite Up-And-Coming Author
Amazing Art
Favorite Renta! Title
Favorite Cover
Favorite Couple
Feel free to click on each category to go directly to that section, or you can meander through from start to finish to get that full 2024 BL experience! We also decided everyone only had to fill out the sections they have an actual response for, so just know you’re getting our true recommendations!
New Series
The Beastman Is In Heat!? by Nesuo
Sou: This one’s got everything: a younger, smol top, a beastman bottom with big ass tiddies, methods of seduction that are “questionable” at the very least, a boob-obsessed flying hamster mascot character with huge balls, a tentacle monster, male lactation, and more. All in all, it’s a BL fan’s unhinged—yet thrilling—fever dream, and I’m here for it.
My Cute Teacher by Jiro Kawaii
Yomogi: I absolutely LOVE this mangaka’s art style. It’s delicate, smooth, and overall beautiful. Also, the use of darker backgrounds in more somber, serious scenes often reflect the characters’ internal conflict, which has to do with coming to terms with his identity. Last but not least, if you like a blushing, teary-eyed uke, you will not regret reading this. I cannot recommend this series enough!
My Clueless Cutie by Tsuna Azumi
Ames: I considered a variety of different series for this slot since Renta! introduced me to so, so, SO many great series this year, but in the end, I want to push this one. The couple is so cute and I love the circumstances that bring them together again. The slow back and forth progression, too, between the past and present as you realize just how close they once were, why they actually ended up drifting apart, and the reason they were both so keen to be reunited. I talked about them a little in our Naughty x Nice Christmas special, but they’re just both really nice men who really love each other, and their whole world pretty much revolves around each other. Their story is just a joy to read, honestly, and I especially recommend it for people who love the “reunited” trope.
You Should Be The One To Come Kiss Me by Yamayade
Pochi: Watching the two of them slowly grow closer while trying to juggle their feelings for each other and past trauma had me at the edge of my seat. Both characters lives feel so full, and watching their emotions progress through the series makes them feel so real—it really draws you in.
Chivalry Impregnation by Kureha Izumi
Ann: When I saw the cover I figured the ero scenes were the main draw, but in reality this is a wonderful love story! The relationship between Taiga, a Yakuza who’s able to get pregnant, and his unrequited love of two years, Ren, is seriously so good. A lot happens that eventually draws them together, but I couldn’t stop myself from thinking “hurry up and get together already!” the whole time I was reading. A huge appeal of this manga is that Taiga is really strong and independent! I really recommend this series if you like Mpreg, or yakuza, or hosts, or childhood friends—or all of the above!
Pedigree by Michi Tange
Snow: The plot is about two men who’ve loved each other since they were children, but BOTH of them are convinced the other man actually hates him, and so their relationship is at a stand-still. The older uke, who’s a snake, is deliciously sexy. I couldn’t get enough of the side characters asking “why aren’t you guys paired yet?” even though both men were convinced it wasn’t gonna work. Sooo cute…!
Continuing Series
FANGS by Billy Balibally
Sou: I finally got into this series this year, and boy am I glad I did. It’s such a rich, emotional take on vampire love, with interesting lore and a well-rounded cast of characters who feel so human — regardless of their vampire status.
Chew Me Up And Teach Me About Love by Pokerou
Yomogi: Not only will this be a hit for fans of bulky seme x smaller uke coupling, the way Pokerou-sensei incorporates emotional, man-vs.-self kind of struggles is beautiful. There’s a good blend of heartwarming scenes and serious scenes, and the ero scenes are–indeed–ero. The way seme’s personality transforms in spicy scenes is chef’s kiss.
Lost And Undefiled: Lessons in Sensuality by Wataru Nagi
Ames: I feel like Takeru is a bit of a divisive character (at least, he is in the office), but I really love him and want the best for him, even if his initial introduction as the villain in Careless Romance was pretty yikes. But through the series, he’s mellowed out as he’s come into himself and accepted his sexuality and realized he’s not doomed to a life of loneliness and persecution. It’s so cute watching him be super excited about his future with his first ever boyfriend (aww)!!! I think he’s absolutely adorable (and mentally unstable and dumb as a brick) and I’m cheering for him and his relationship with the beautiful and perfect Choko-tan. I can’t wait for the second volume to be up, too!
A Romantic Comedy Between Two Ex-Boyfriends by Kishimoto
Pochi: This story of two guys in love who were convinced their feelings were one-sided finished up this year! It was adorable how even though they loved each other so much they couldn’t be honest with their feelings, but it’s even cuter now that they were finally able to truly open up to each other and reconcile their love.
If You Want Me, Beg by Hachiko Sato
Snow: This BL between a straight-laced, gloomy introvert and a masochist who gets turned on by being face-fucked is SUPER hot right from the first chapter. In reality, the seme had feelings for the uke from the very beginning, which really added to the emotional appeal and had me wondering what he was thinking every time he was dominating him. I can’t recommend this enough for people who’re into kinda pitiful, pathetic but cute tops!
Favorite Seme
Kanato from Wasabi Ochazuke’s Yuzuhi’s Sugar Spot
Sou: I love pathetic men. A highly capable businessman who’s super passionate about his job (to a scary degree) and head-over-heels for his cute subordinate, but can’t express his feelings so he just comes off as an asshole instead? Delicious.
Kou from Yamayade’s You Should Be The One To Come Kiss Me
Ames: Kou is absolutely peak disaster gay, and I love him for it. Even though him constantly pushing away Eito is distressing and frustrating to read (I cried at the office multiple times doing the quality checks for this series…), especially since much of the manga is from Eito’s POV, especially after we’ve gotten Kou’s POV it’s very understandable and heart wrenching why he reacts to Eito’s affection the way he does. I will protect and support this man’s happiness even on my deathbed.
Favorite Uke
Sabi from modu9’s Choose Me And Avoid Cat-Astrophe
Sou: I love everything about Sabi, from his no-BS-tolerated attitude toward customer service, to his love for his found family, to his determination and work ethic, his clumsy approach to romance, and of course, that buff yet boyish catboy character design. Cue the meowing.
Aoki from Oyoshikawa Kyoko & NAOMI AGA’s Heaven and Demon
Yomogi: Ah, the good old oyaji-uke. There’s something special about an older, somewhat tired-looking man opening up (🥵) and getting gradually more vulnerable and in touch with his feelings around a younger seme. Seeing Aoki emotionally invest himself more and more in the world around him made this manga a great read!
Aka from Sakae Matsubara’s The Top-Ranked Omega Doesn’t Believe in Destiny
Ames: As an uke girly, this one was unbelievably hard for me—there’s just so many and they’re all so good. In the end, however, it’s gotta be Aka. You learn so much about him in one short volume, and he’s been through so much but he remains so resolute and is even willing to sacrifice himself for the things he cares about. In the world of omegaverse, the idea that you’d go against fate is just so powerful, and it really sums up the type of character Aka is. Also, he’s beautiful and 100% my type, so that doesn’t hurt.
Kaido from Kara Aomiya’s Super Morning Star
Ann: Kaido is so unbelievably cute! Even though he scares all his classmates all day by looking like an angry delinquent, he’s actually had super pure feelings for the seme Honda the whole time. So much so, in fact, that when Honda tries to talk to him Kaido’s face turns super red—SO CUTE!
Usaka from Tamako Hanamori’s What if I Undress Usaka After Work…?
Snow: Don’t you love an older guy who’s super into frilly, cute, childish things, who then gets super flustered and embarrassed when he’s found out? Either way, his blushing face is so cute and so sexy I can’t recommend this enough for that alone.
Up-and-coming Author
Yamayade
Sou: The BL world has just been blessed with Yamayade-sensei’s debut work “YSBTOTCAKM,” but I hope there will be more to come! From their charming art style to their ability to write likeable characters and compelling drama, they have all the hallmarks of a true BL master.
Snow: If you love slowburn romance with an emphasis on the gradual building of feelings between the characters, look no further! And, this is Yamayade’s DEBUT work! Unbelievable! I can’t wait for the continuation, but I’m also excited to see many other wonderful stories and characters Yamayade will cook up in the future!
Kawaii Jiro
Yomogi: This mangaka is so talented in portraying characters and relationships in a way that feels REAL. In both My Cute Teacher and in We’ll Get Our Happy Ending, I enjoyed how the main characters were complex, seeking emotional fulfillment. I absolutely love their smooth, delicate art, too!
Mojio Ikejiri
Ames: As you may know by now, I’m usually not into buff guys. And I’m also not usually into cops. But holy shit, both these characters are just so cute??? You know an author is writing wonderful, interesting characters and a fun story if you’re enjoying it regardless of your usual preferences, and with this debut work Mojio Ikejiri does just that. The art is so wonderful and detailed, and the characters are so expressive, and I love love love the way Ikejiri includes cute chibi characters to add more comedy to the heavier scenes. I absolutely can’t wait to see their next work!
Kaibashira
Pochi: Kaibashira’s comedic timing is absolutely impeccable, and their characters just feel so real. In The Doggy And The Fairy Prince the seme is this cute, dainty little fairy prince, and the uke is this massive lout of a man, and that gap between the usual roles is just too good. We’re in the process of releasing the continuation, so I hope everyone is looking forward to it…
Favorite Art
I Want to Spoil You by Hoshi Nobiru
Sou: All I can say is, DEM TIDDIES! But seriously, Nobiru Hoshi had me by the balls from the moment I first laid eyes on their art. I want to Spoil You is a BL that heavily relies on the sensuality of its steamier scenes to get across the characters’ relationship, and they’re so beautifully executed that I want to frame every panel and decorate my apartment with them.
Sweet Apartment in Paradise by Sakana Tojo
Ames: You will rip my obsession with Sakana Tojo’s art away from my cold dead hands. I already wrote an entire thesis on my love for Sakana Tojo (as well as a whole review for Sweet Apartment in Paradise) so I’ll try not to go too off the rails, but her characters are just so soft and beautiful and expressive. I love the fluffy, absurd haircut Angel gives Sui. I love the subtle shift in Sui’s expressions over time as he becomes more confident in himself as an individual and in his place in the world. I love how grungy and spooky Sakana Tojo makes the rest of the world feel in comparison to the homey comfort of Angel’s apartment—even though he’s a literal assassin. Everything about the atmosphere of this manga is so good.
Loveless Momentum by Zeniko Sumiya
Ann: I absolutely love Zeniko-sensei’s art! I love how subtly expressive their characters are, and how carefully they draw all the characters gestures and body language. I get absolutely lost in each page. Also, since this is a manga about musicians, there are full orchestra scenes and they’re just amazing. I don’t even have words to express how detailed and impactful Zeniko Sumiya’s art is.
The Perfect Prince Loves Me, His Rival?! by Ao Yuki
Snow: The art is just so cute. Also, the way Lonie’s lower back and hips are drawn is super sexy, and I love the designs of the side characters.
Favorite Title
My Erotic Streamings have been Exposed and I’m being Fucked by My Boss! by Tamuko Kuwata
Sou: Gee, I wonder what the premise of this story is. Oh, wait…
Ogura Doesn’t Want to Get His Butt Developed! by PATO
Yomogi: When I hear the word “developed,” I somehow think of urban development and city planning (lol), so I found this title to be pretty amusing. From a localization perspective, this is a fun example of how different companies and translators work with interesting Japanese words like kaihatsu (開発).”
Bitch-kun Doesn’t Want to Marry by Kodama Suika
Ames: me neither, bitch-kun!
I Got Reincarnated in a (BL) World of Big (Man) Boobs by Tsukiji Nao
Ann: You can tell from the title alone it’s gonna be wild. Just as the title says, this manga is about a titty-loving otaku who thinks he’s been isekai‘d into into a world of huge boobs—but in reality the love interest is a man and he’s expected to go along with the BL plot. Much moreso than BL romance, this feels like more of a meta comedy, but it’s really funny so I recommend it to anyone who likes “Big (Man) Boobs”!
Favorite Cover
A Beast’s Love Is Like the Moon by Guri Nojiro
Sou: Guri Nojiro, man… their art just hits different! The cover illustration perfectly conveys the bittersweet yet gorgeous story inside. Shout out to TOKYOPOP’s team on the lovely English logo, too — it’s the little things like that that I’ve come to really appreciate in my time as a manga localization editor.
Countdown to Yes by Roji
Yomogi: This is the epitome of “simple, but effective.” The cover design reminds me of a portrait photo, which totally is a motif in this manga, and the juxtaposition of Wataru’s smile and Minato’s yearning expression just tugs at my heart. If you’re curious, check out the Naughty x Nice feature for a short review!
Eat Me Up, My Husband by yukiharu
Ames: Here at Renta! we try to cover the entire spectrum of BL manga, and so with my choice I bring the THIRST. Which isn’t to say yukiharu’s cover isn’t beautiful—it absolutely is. I’m always in awe of how simultaneously stunning and horny yukiharu’s work is, and this cover captures that perfectly. If you can stop staring at Mizuki’s tits for a moment, you’ll see how pretty the hands are drawn, how beautiful the anatomy and composition are, the loving expressions on boths men’s faces—not to mention the coloring, shading, etc. Satisfying to both your soul and your loins.
The Top-Ranked Omega Doesn’t Believe In Destiny by Sakae Matsubara
Snow: The art is just so clean and beautiful, and you can instantly tell the relationship between the main couple as well as the uke’s confident personality. Without even looking inside, there’s a reassuring sense that they’ll have a happy ending—and it’s amazing that the cover conveys so much! But, it’s not just the cover—the actual story is also amazing, so please do read it. There’s plenty of comedy, too, so I think even people who aren’t usually into omegaverse might like it!
Favorite Couple
Ren & Tadaomi from Kusege’s My Classmate Ren-kun is Kinda Scary
Sou: We work on all sorts of erotic, dramatic BL here at Renta!, and don’t get me wrong, I love that for us (and as a fan). But sometimes I’m just in the mood to watch cute boys dance around their feelings for each other and be all innocent and adorable in the blooming of their first love. If “wholesome” BL is your jam, or you’re looking for a silly BL to giggle and “aww” at, you’ve GOT to give this a read.
Snow: Ren is so easy to read, and Tadaomi is so lovey-dovey—it’s just adorable! Truly the best!! At first it seemed like Ren was the one who was super in love, but Tadaomi being the one who was really obsessed was just too perfect. I want them to be together forever, and I wish I was one of the side characters who got to watch over them and cheer them on.
Yano & Shizuki from Zeniko Sumiya’s Breathless Momentum
Yomogi: I’ve been following this couple for several years now, and I always enjoy seeing their relationship develop and how they continue adjusting as they learn more about themselves, what they value, what their goals are, etc. Also, I’ve been on the hunt for BLs featuring thick-browed bois and Shizuki fits the brief perfectly. And, they’re both musicians! BONUS: There is a bonus story titled Breathless Momentum: Super Pink which features a cute ero scene, which I recommend you to check out!
Naoto & Tomoki from Kishimoto’s A Romantic Comedy Between Two Ex-Boyfriends
Ames: What can I say, I’m a sucker for the 両片思い trope, or the trope where both characters are madly in love but painfully clueless toward each other’s feelings. I love that the manga starts post break-up (if you can even call it that) and shows how they still are so ridiculously in love with each other, even if they just can’t seem to communicate it properly. I also love how realistic the reason for them breaking up is—just slowly contacting each other less over time as they felt less secure in their relationship. You just want to lovingly take them both aside and be like “use your words!!”
Mitsuru & Natsuki from Tamayumi Saba’s Genka Togawa: A Tale of Two Authors
Pochi: These two make their feelings for each other so clear that even when a love rival appears halfway through, it doesn’t cause any issues in their relationship. Their relationship is also super balanced, with Mitsuru (the seme) being the type who gets super fixated on one thing and Natsuki (the uke) being there to cover what Mitsuru can’t. The silly “punishment” scene in the middle was really fun, too, lol.
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