Summary
Despite its current popularity, the Boys Love theme has historically been glazed over in mainstream media. While the anime and manga industry has made strides in bringing parity, BL narratives are still constricted toslice-of-life storylines, limiting the potential this dynamic theme has to offer. However, several mangaka have diverged from this norm, adding a touch of futurism to the usual BL antics.
Be it post-apocalyptic worlds or a setting far off in the future, sci-fi narratives serve as an intriguing backdrop for a budding BL romance. By intermixing these two themes, Boys Love sci-fi manga presents premises with unconventional conflicts set in futuristic worlds, resulting in nuanced tales that showcase the profound depth of same-sex love.
2018
1
Japanese Title
Omae Gonomi no Ore wa Dore?
Which Me Do You Like the Most?is set in the year 2117, a time period where an eccentric scientist named Youichi has achieved the feat of human cloning. Instead of using this technology for the betterment of humanity, Youichi selfishly makes two clones of himself with different personalities, all part of his plans to find his crush’s type.
If the premise wasn’t bizarre enough, things take a steamy turn after the clones start acting on their own accord. Evenas a one-shot manga,Which Me Do You Like the Most?encapsulates all that the BL sci-fi subgenre has to offer through its solid storyline and a racy relationship.
2009
8
Author
Mitori Fuji
True to its namesake,Rental Loverrevolves around a lonesome man’s efforts to shed his fear of intimacy by renting out a lover. However, Kurosagi never could have imagined his “rental lover” to bea life-like androidwho is well-versed in alleviating loneliness.
Rental Loveris a romantic account between man and machine, as Kurosagi ends up falling for his rental android. As a Boys Love sci-fi manga,Rental Lovershowcases a world where machines can replace humanity, even for such an intimate purpose.
6
500-nen no Itonami
His Romance of 500 Yearsis a dramedy that is laced with several nuanced subtexts. Torao Yamada ends up taking his own life after his lover passes away, but he opens his eyes once more, albeit250 years in the future. By his side is an android with the appearance of his dead lover, making matters all the more bizarre.
The manga focuses on Torao’s journey of accepting loss and coming to terms with his new life. As a Boys Love sci-fi manga,His Romance of 500 Yearshits all the right notes through its deeply moving romance that makes perfect use of its futuristic setting. Being confined to only five chapters, the manga can feel rushed at times, though it makes up for it through its fleshed-out characters.
35
Aoi Hitsuji no Yume
Spanning over nine volumes,Blue Sheep Reverieis arelic from the late 90sthat has aged into a classic sci-fi BL manga. While the manga begins with Kai seeking his wife’s murderer, he gets entangled with a gang after becoming a bodyguard for Lahti, a gangster with a ring that resembles the one his wife had.
With Lahti’s inclination towards men being a known fact, Kai seeks to seduce the man, turning the entire ordeal into one steamy mess. While the premise itself doesn’t feature any sci-fi elements, the manga’s dystopian setting is enough to give it a futuristic touch.
7
Shihan Ichinomiya
While not exactly set in a futuristic world,DistopiA: Mikansei na Sekaitakes place insidea VR video game, where an amorous epic unravels between Kirishima Haru and an NPC. Despite being relatively short and wholesome, the manga underlines a few melancholic sentiments, especially with the NPC being nothing more than pixels.
With just six chapters,DistopiA: Mikansei na Sekaimanages to present a fleshed-out narrative. As a BL manga, a few explicit scenes are to be expected, though these panels only add more depth to this forbidden romance.
44+
Hanger: Shikkounin
Hangeris set ina dystopian futurewhere crime is rampant and drugs are the norm. To combat this chaos, a task force is set up, and Hajime Tsukomo is one ambitious member of this newfound unit. His partner, Zeroichi, is an ex-convict who signs up to reduce his sentence. What starts as a professional partnership ends up with much more than camaraderie, leading to an audacious BL romance.
The initial premise ofHangeris all too reminiscent of the hit sci-fi animePsycho-Pass, though the manga differentiates itself through its same-sex romance. With plenty of action-packed scenes, high-stakes moments, and a bit of comedic relief, this BL sci-fi manga has it all.
Moshimo, Ashita Sekai ga Owaru nara
If the World Was Ending Tomorrowis a tragic, albeit touching, one-shot BL manga. With the moon crashing down onto Earth, shelters have been set in place, yet two young men are unfortunate enough to be left off to die. As the two friends rekindle old memories, confessions arise, and suppressed sentiments unfold, leading to one last heartfelt moment between the two.
Despiteits tragic undertones,If the World Was Ending Tomorrowconcludes with a happy ending for the two characters, as they spend their last day with glee and satisfaction. The manga is laced with profundity, even forcing readers to question what they would do if the world were to end tomorrow.
