Blue Morning, Vol. 1

Akihito Kuze inherits the title of viscount at the tender age of ten, on the death of his father. Because of his mother’s frail health, he has always lived with her, apart from his father, who allowed Akihito to stay with her so she wouldn’t be lonely. Having never lived in his father’s home, he’s in for something of a shock on his arrival at the large mansion which is now his and meets the man who is in charge of raising him—butler Tomoyuki Katsuragi. Before he died, Kuze’s father told him to listen to Katsuragi on all things. Akihito is surprised to discover how young the butler is—only eleven years separates their ages. A reception is held in honor of the new viscount, who feels very much out of place. He notices, to his surprise, that most of the people there are drawn to Katsuragi, and actually seek him out. What sort of a man is this butler? Confiding to Katsuragi that he has never learned Western manners, the butler covers for him by telling everyone he is ill and sending him to his room. Katsuragi takes control of Kuze’s education, and Kuze finds him a stern taskmaster. One day he notices a carriage belonging to a wealthy family seems to come to the estate often, bearing Master Shigeyuki. Curious about his reason for being there, Kuze investigates, and witnesses a kiss between Shigeyuki and Katsuragi! He also overhears the other man trying to entice Katsuragi to send Kuze away and come to live in his house! Kuze is overheard and the meeting comes to an end, Shigeyuki taking his leave. Kuze tries to get Katsuragi to explain things to him, but a clear explanation is not forthcoming. He merely asserts his desire for Kuze to be as perfect as possible. A few years pass. Now seventeen, Kuze is taking classes at a prestigious academy, but he has permission not to sleep in the dorm. Arriving home early one night he learns Katsuragi is with a visitor and not to be disturbed. Kuze disturbs him anyway, only to find him with a woman of the noble class. Katsuragi insists that everything he does is for the Kuze family, even this. He purposely opens the door to reveal the woman’s presence, thus ensuring her cooperation in future matters concerning the Kuze. Kuze has always sought Katsuragi’s approbation, but there’s more to that now. He finds himself attracted to the man. And when Katsuragi implies that all he has to do is command him to go to Kuze’s room, he will obey. Does he mean what Katsuragi hopes he means? This is my first time reading this author. I especially enjoy the artwork, it’s very well drawn, and Katsuragi is certainly easy on the eyes. There is so much more here than the average yaoi manga, wheels within wheels, and I find myself as confused as Akitio at times. I’m sure things will become clearer as we go along. Katsuragi is indeed an enigma. He entered the service of Kuze’s father when he was nine, and was told in no uncertain terms not to go to the Katsuragi house ever again, which he hasn’t. Akihito particularly doesn’t understand this, especially now that Katsuragi’s father is in failing health. He begins to ask questions, and even arranges a meeting with Katsuragi’s older brother, who is in banking. Kiku has been the housekeeper for the Kuze household since before Akihito’s arrival, but she is older now and in ill health, so has left their service. She is the only servant left from the time of Katsurago’s arrival, the only one that knows about him. But what does she know? Katsuragi drives Akihito crazy with his cold, inflexible exterior, and yet Akihito wants nothing more than to please him. What will it take to get through to the man? Ordering someone isn’t the same as having them want to do it. Will he be able to make Katsuragi want him the way he wants the butler? I enjoyed this volume very much and look forward to reading more of the series.

I stumbled with this manga on the internet. Read it online too and I fell in love with it right away. I had to get my copy to support the author and of course, to have my favorite manga in the World with me. I must say, the storyline and art are STUNNING. I'll give 10/10 to the art. Every single draw was beautiful. The characters, setting, the pace of the scenes... all of it felt just right and perfect. Characters will also get a 10/10. In the first volume we can already see how complex Katsuragi Tomoyuki seems to be, a butler in charge of the Kuze house, raising Akihito and teaching him all he needs to know to be a proper family head in the future. Yet, we can see his big hostility towards Akihito. Nevertheless, that only draws Akihito closer to him. It goes until the point of no return. In overall, magnificent manga. I always ALWAYS recommend it to my friends.

Best manga out there, transcends the usual yaoi staff, - intricate plot, complex and deep characters and story not based solely on sex (which is not bad! But still that's something really unique). Also the love here... I promise, that's something you will never forget.

At first I liked it, but I'm not sure I'm on the ship of the main character and his butler anymore...

It's got strong characters, good art, and an actual mystery story line. The sex in this volume is sparse, and what there is is only moderately explicit. If you want to read the series, be aware that it becomes sexier in the 2nd volume. It's NOT romantic. No roses and candlelight. But I was caught up in the story enough to get Volume 2, so if you're looking for a strong story, I recommend it.

this story is really very good. It feels meaty compared to most other yaoi. there is character developement!! and a plot. The adept storytelling makes the characters actions and motives believable. Of course the sex scenes are beautifully drawn. Hidaka Shoko seems to use a less-is-more approach very successfully. You really seem to sense what these two characters are feeling without being over burdened with too much dialogue. really nice work.

I love the manga and the mangaka bought all 7 volumes and do not regret it

This is a nicely written period piece. The build up between the two main characters is slowly developed so you get a good sense of why they come to develop their feelings. Their chemistry is good and the art shows some real pretty boys. I bought the whole series.

Nice illustrations and the plot is exciting.

Shoko Hidaka is a personal favourite BL author of mine and I'm glad her works are getting official english translations. Blue morning is about the young lord of a noble house and his butler whom is more loyal to the house itself than to his lord. Although this manga is indeed a BL, there is very little emphasis on erotic situations or the romance between the two leads as there is a huge focus on the dealings of this noble house as well as the young lord's ascension to the higher role of count. The atmosphere throughout the manga is very tense and the interaction between the two leads can be subtle, leaving the reader wanting more. If you're interested in period dramas and BL where the plot takes the main focus then I'd recommend this manga since it does this very well and is overall a great read, but if you prefer romance and erotical appeal to be the main focus then I'd consider skipping this one.

"Blue morning" is so much above the dozens of mangas I have read, I do not understand why it is sold at the same price as the others : you get a masterpiece at the price of a mass product... Masterpiece, it is, both in art and in scenario. The story is cleverly narrated and magnificently illustrated... Have you ever watched "Stalker" by A. Tarkovsky ? Each picture of this movie is an art photography. So is "Blue morning" : there are so many magnificent drawings it is the first manga I read where I spent more time marveling at the pictures than reading the story. Every tree, every chair, every costume, every building is drawn with exquisite details, how on Earth did Shoko Hidaka took the time to draw this series ??? The series is well worth buying for the art alone, and to be honest, it is a steal at this price... Now, alike "Stalker", not everyone can enjoy the story. You need to be able to appreciate serenity. It unfolds calmly and intelligently. Obviously, this will not be of everyone's taste, especially among manga readers. There are drawings illustrating a story, and in this sense it is a manga. But it is manga elevated to an art. It contains sex scenes between the two male protagonists, and in this sense it is a yaoi. But it is first and foremost a masterpiece.

I love it! they are send in perfect condition, with two envelopes. This edition is so good, and the translation is perfect!

Eu já conhecia a série em japonês, mas não lembrava se tinha gostado da história ou não. Em geral, ADORO as histórias da Shouko-sensei, mas infelizmente, este não me conquistou muito. Comprei os volumes 01 e 02, mas não me empolgou. Talvez precise dar uma nova lida, mas se a sensação permanecer, provavelmente não comprarei mais da série. Illy