The popular BL (Boys’ Love) manga, A Love Too Captivating (Tamaranai no wa Koi na no ka) by Mia Sorahana, is set to receive an anime special adaptation. Fans can mark their calendars for April 6th, when it will air on CBC/TBS’ “Agaru BL Night!” programming block at 11:30 p.m. JST. The anime will also be broadcasted on 27 CBC/TBS affiliate channels.
What is BL Manga?
BL (Boys’ Love) manga is a genre of Japanese fictional media that focuses on romantic relationships between male characters. BL manga is typically created by women for a female audience, but also attracts a male audience and can be produced by male creators. The BL manga genre offers diverse sub-genres, catering to varying preferences. The best BL manga blends emotional depth, complex themes, and captivating art. BL manga selections range from pure romance to deeper societal issues.
BL Key Terms
- Seme: The top or the pursuer in the relationship.
- Uke: The bottom or the pursued in the relationship.
‘A Love Too Captivating’: Story Synopsis
A Love Too Captivating debuted in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Friend magazine in July 2023. Kodansha’s K MANGA service describes the story:
Misuzu, labeled a delinquent after an incident that led to his isolation, one day steps in to help Kitahara, a top student, who is being bullied. This act sparks Kitahara’s interest in Misuzu, who tries to keep Kitahara away. Misuzu warns Kitahara that associating with him will lead to ostracization. The manga follows Misuzu’s resolve as it begins to waver.
Production and Availability
Mia Sorahana’s manga is available as a simulpub release on Kodansha’s K MANGA service. As of March 13, 2025, Kodansha has published the manga’s fourth compiled book volume.
Where to Watch
The anime special will air on April 6th on CBC / TBS’ “Agaru BL Night!” programming block at 11:30 p.m. JST. It will also air on 27 CBC / TBS affiliate channels. Check local listings for availability in your region.
Popularity and Reception
A Love Too Captivating has garnered positive attention within the BL community. Praised for its sweet and wholesome narrative, likable characters, and stunning art style, it stands out for avoiding toxic tropes often found in the genre. Readers appreciate the gradual character development, healthy relationship dynamics, and the absence of explicit content. Some reviewers have compared the graphite style of the art to animation, expressing excitement about a potential anime adaptation.
Other BL Anime Adaptations
Here are some other popular BL manga/ novels with anime adaptations:
- Given: A story about the members of a band and their relationships with one another.
- Yuri!!! on Ice: A sports anime about figure skating and the relationship between Yuuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov.
- Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!: A story about a man who gains the ability to read minds after remaining a virgin until the age of 30.
- Semantic Error: A short adaptation of the popular BL manhwa series of the same name.
- The Untamed (Mo Dao Zu Shi): Wei Wu Xian is assassinated but reincarnated thirteen years later and reunites with his former classmate Lan Wang Ji.
