A remake of the 1992 OVA, Ai no Kusabi is set far into the future, where a majority of the population is male. On this futuristic planet called Amoi, there is a rift between the elite class of “blondies” and the dark haired, bottom of the barrel, “mongrels.” Iason Mink is a genetically altered blondie who sits at the top of the social caste system, not only having the privilege of communicating with the planet’s controller, Jupiter, but running as his right hand man. Just for kicks and giggles, Iason decides to venture into the slums, where he encounters Riki, your average, normal, human male. Keeping him as a pet, Iason draws attention to himself, holding onto Riki longer than it is socially acceptable, and supplying the rumor mill stories of a possible romance.

In comparison, both Iason and Riki from Ai no Kusabi, and Takaya and Naoe from Honoo no Mirage are in a love/hate relationship from the start. Each duo possesses clashing personalities, are hesitant to have a working relationship in the beginning, but gradually learn that they need/enjoy each other’s company. The foundation of both relationships is carried out differently. As we observe the couples, Iason and Riki’s attraction is purely physical/sexual, while Takaya and Naoe’s differs by holding a lot more emotional depth with the sense of genuine concern for one another’s safety. Nonetheless, Ai no Kusabi and Honoo no Mirage bear the essence of dependency and companionship.

Ranmaru is about to get married to his soon to be wife in a romantic getaway to Italy. Though the occasion is supposed to be a joyous one, Ranmaru and Kaoru’s relationship is rocky, with this union posing as a cure-all remedy for their troubles. When the pair gets into another tumultuous argument, Ranmaru finds himself chatting it up with Al Valentino. Blame it on the alcohol? Ranmaru ends up getting drunk and spends the night in Al’s room. A whirlwind fling, Ranmaru and Al miraculously meet again when they dock in Italy, once again, rocking the boat.

Ikoku Irokoi Romantan and Honoo no Mirage stand on two different platforms when it comes to describing the couples’ romance. Ikoku expresses the idea of being swept away by Mr. Charming. While everything seems to move so quickly around the lovers, Ranmaru and Al scenes appear slow motion, as they are no doubt, captivated by each other’s presence. On the other hand, Honoo no Mirage takes the opposite stance, drama-filled and constant clashing. Essentially, Takaya and Naoe’s relationship starts off slow, steadily taking off with each episode. Ahem, Mr. Right Now versus Mr. Right, lol. Although existing on different levels, Ranmaru and Takaya are individuals that are newly exposed to this distinct type of romance, with experienced Al and Naoe to ease them into things in the most delicate way possible.

In a time when Japan is shifting from traditional to industrial, society has found more reliance on man-made industry and the emphasis of science more than mythology. Contrasting this, as a child, Kantarou Ichinomiya has the ability to see spirits and demons, and over time, this rare sight has not subsided. Now that he is an adult, Kantarou makes his living as a fiction writer, using his gift as a basis for his stories. Making due with his ability, Kantarou makes friends with demons, as he believes in a peaceful coexistence. Later down the line, Kantarou hears stories and rumors of the strongest demon, Tengu, in his vicinity, and vows to find him. Traveling vast distances, Kantarou and his demon companions seek out Tengu.

After finding Tengu and naming him Haruka, Kantarou and Haruka’s relationship turns into a Master/Servant thing, a similar relationship described in Honoo no Mirage. Additionally, as both share a characteristic in the supernatural, Tactics and Honoo no Mirage deal with resolving a paranormal condition in order to restore peace and normalcy. With both series, we get a glimpse of Japanese occult history as well.

The story of Yami no Matsuei surrounds Asato Tsuzuki and Hisoka Kurosaki who are both shinigami. These two young men have unfortunately lived and died at a very young age, taken too soon in most perspectives. Tsuzuki and Hisoka have partnered up to find humans who have acquired evil and dangerous abilities. Working at an agency that monitors death, evil, and the supernatural, the pair unearths mysteries surround a Dr. Murakai Kazutaka, bringing Tsuzuki closer to revealing his own past. A little bit of comedy, drama and romance, Yami no Matsuei is genuinely entertaining.

When comparing Yami no Matsuei to Honoo no Mirage, both involve an older man showing great compassion for his younger partner. Though the tone and theme in Yami no Matsuei and Honoo no Mirage are dissimilar, with Yami being more lighthearted and Honoo more intense, the premise for both stories surrounds qualities of death/the afterlife, the paranormal, and exposing a clouded past.

Yuki Sakurai is troubled by his ability, in that a simple touch allows him to see a person’s painful memory, drawing him to question his life and reason to live. With his power brought to light, many have sent death threats, only bringing him down even more. Feeling alone and dejected, Yuki encounters a beautiful man who will forever change his life completely. During this meeting, he is enraptured by Luka, who vows to never betray him, pledging his loyalty.

Both anime are male/male romances encompassing dark color schemes in the style of animation. The shadow and gloominess surrounds a young boy with mysterious powers, fending off supernatural foes beyond his comprehension. Then lo and behold, a loyal and handsome man, willing to do anything to protect his charge, meets the young boy and the rest is history. To this, many of us can relate when we say we’re still waiting for our knight in shining armor to rescue us, lol. Those piercing eyes, be still my heart!

Loveless is a fantastic drama, romance, fantasy shounen ai following 12 year old Ritsuka Aoyagi, who is just beginning the school year. Here, he meets Soubi Agatsuma, a friend of Ritsuka’s brother, who was, unfortunately, tragically murdered. After various meetings, Ritsuka must partner with Soubi, fighting in magical duels in order to avenge his brother’s death. Team Loveless battles in countless, awesome fight scenarios. In addition to various intriguing components, the duo keeps this anime 100, providing excitement in its entirety.

Ritsuka from Loveless and Takaya from Honoo share a lot of similarities in that they are both brash individuals guided by emotion. Keeping them grounded, Soubi and Naoe are older, more mature guys who help them see reason. Besides the romance factor, Loveless and Honoo no Mirage incorporate a lot of fight scenes in each episode, detaching it from the normal male/male romance anime.