Currently, very few yaoi manga can compete with Given in terms of popularity. It has even gotten a highly-rated anime adaptation, a movie, and plenty of side content.

But is Given the best yaoi manga out right now? Well, I’ve decided to reread the 58 chapters that are out right now and see whether it’s as good as I remember it.

About the manga

"Given," created by Natsuki Kizu, first serialized in 2013, follows the lives of four high school students who come together to form a band. Central to the narrative is the budding romance between two of the band members, Ritsuka Uenoyama and Mafuyu Satou.

For shoujo lovers, the basic plot can be very reminiscent of Nana, with music playing a very important role and being both the driving force and the vessel for many of the character arcs we see throughout the manga. Speaking of which, let’s quickly talk about the characters.

The characters

Ritsuka Uenoyama:

Ritsuka Uenoyama is a talented guitarist who initially feels aimless in life until he meets Mafuyu, a mysterious boy with a guitar. Ritsuka's journey in "Given" revolves around his growth both as a musician and as a person. Initially, Ritsuka is hesitant to confront his feelings for Mafuyu and struggles with his own identity.

However, as their relationship deepens, Ritsuka learns to embrace his emotions and becomes more open about his desires. Through his interactions with Mafuyu and the other band members, Ritsuka finds a sense of purpose and learns to express himself authentically through music.

And as a manga, Given puts heavy emphasis on proper communication. In the case of Ritsuka, the issue was never that he was quiet. In fact, he could be found screaming his heart out on every other page. However, the more important the subject matter, the higher the probability that he will duck around it or ignore it altogether.

Mafuyu Satou:

Mafuyu Satou is a shy and reserved young man who harbors a painful past. Throughout "Given," Mafuyu's journey is one of healing and self-discovery. Initially introduced as a mysterious figure carrying a guitar with broken strings, Mafuyu gradually opens up to Ritsuka and the rest of the band about his past traumas, including the loss of his previous boyfriend.

As Mafuyu navigates his complicated feelings for both his late partner and Ritsuka, he learns to confront his grief and find solace in music. Mafuyu's character arc in "Given" is marked by growth, resilience, and the courage to love again despite past heartbreak.

And for lovers of the hot-and-cold boys love dynamic, he is likely going to be a hit. He is the sweet little angel that juxtaposes Ritsuka’s more brash demeanour, even being portrayed in the manga as a lost puppy. With that being said, he does also have his sobering moments, which is always good to see.

Haruki Nakayama:

Haruki Nakayama is the bassist of the band and serves as a supportive friend and mentor to both Ritsuka and Mafuyu. Throughout the series, Haruki struggles with his unrequited feelings for Akihiko, the band's drummer. Despite his own romantic frustrations, Haruki remains a pillar of strength for his friends, offering them guidance and encouragement when they need it most.

However, as the dynamics within the band shift and tensions arise, Haruki is forced to confront his own feelings and desires. His character arc in "Given" explores themes of unrequited love, friendship, and the complexities of romantic relationships.

And I feel like every good yaoi manga needs a Haruki. It goes a long way to show that it can’t always work out the way you want to. So, while his arc isn’t as tragic as someone like Mafuyu's, it still does help ground the story in reality a little bit.

Akihiko Kaji:

Akihiko Kaji, also known as "Ugetsu," is the drummer of the band and a close friend of Haruki. Akihiko is depicted as a carefree and flirtatious individual with a penchant for casual relationships. He is also the delivery device of multiple head pats and ruined hairstyles, which is a cute trope I never get tired of seeing in yaoi manga.

However, beneath his playful exterior lies a deeply troubled soul struggling with his own insecurities and emotional baggage. Throughout "Given," Akihiko grapples with his tumultuous past and its impact on his present relationships. His interactions with Haruki, in particular, force him to confront his fear of intimacy and vulnerability. Akihiko's character arc in "Given" delves into themes of self-worth, forgiveness, and the pursuit of genuine connection amidst personal turmoil.

So, while he is also a grounding character like Haruki, he’s also a great example of the fact that there is drama outside of just our main duo.

The positives

Overall, I’d say there are quite a few things to like about Given. The characters are well-drawn and it’s very easy to tell what the character is thinking at a glance – which is a must when reading yaoi manga!

It also switches between a more detailed and realistic approach, when dealing with dramatic scenes, and a minimalistic, goofy style when it wants to lighten the mood.

I also found myself laughing multiple times while reading Given! There are plenty of visual gags and those lighter moments really help you fall in love with the cast, as well as flesh out their relationships. Plus, the ending of each chapter has some really nice illustrations that give the manga a very homey atmosphere, which is a very nice touch.

In terms of writing, it can be a bit divisive. Unlike some yaoi manga, Given doesn’t bead around the bush. The characters get asked point-blank whether they’re gay pretty early on. So, if you love that will-they-won’t-they delicate dance present in some other yaoi manga, you might be a bit disappointed here.

However, others might love this about Given. After all, when reading a boys love manga, you want the boys to get to that love sooner rather than later. And the story acknowledging LGBTQ+ characters straight on makes them feel more realistic and helps normalise these relationships. So, a big plus there!

The negatives

As I mentioned, some people might not like how direct the characters are. The will-they-won’t-they dance is quite short and people catch on really quickly.

Another issue that some might have is how the manga starts. During the first few chapters, both Mafuyu and Ritsuka come off as a bit tropey.

Mafuyu is completely lost in time and space, to the point of not knowing what music is (apparently). And Ritsuka can come off as just another loud jerk.

Of course, this was done to immediately make a contrast between the two protagonists but I can see someone not being immediately hooked after the first chapter – especially if they like cooler, more aloof lead characters.

And I’ve also seen some people take issue with the subject matter, especially when Mafuyu is concerned. So, for people who like a less drama-heavy romance, a more typical yaoi slice-of-life manga might be a better fit.

My final verdict

So, is Given the best yaoi manga in the world? Well, it depends on what you like. If you like your boys love drama to be spicy hot and tragic with a healthy dose of adorable, Given is sure to be at the top of your list.

However, for people who want a slower-paced story that doesn’t deal with tragic topics, Given might not be the best fit. So, I’ll say that Given is the best yaoi manga but only for a select crowd.

Do you agree?

But don’t just take my word for it, let your voice be heard! Join the Otaku Community and let me know which yaoi manga is the best in your eyes.

And while you’re there, feel free to talk to your fellow yaoi fans. You might even learn of a good yaoi manga you’ve never ever heard of.