Ai No Kusabi Novel Review
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By yoshihara rieko, 吉原理恵子
6 volumes
1986
Description
On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events… ⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////⬇️ //// About the English translation ////⬇️ //// Current translation status ////⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories //// //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations //// Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994. Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release. //// About the English translation //// The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two). //// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) //// . Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete. //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories //// – The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel. Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- seibido shuppan
- English Publisher
- june
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Ai No Kusabi Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Ai No Kusabi
Ai No Kusabi is a classic BL novel that I finally decided to dive into, and it's definitely left a mark. With its blend of mature themes, sci-fi dystopia, and tragic romance, it's easy to see why it has such a devoted following, even decades after its initial release.
First Impressions
Going in, I knew Ai No Kusabi was a cornerstone of the yaoi genre. The futuristic setting, with its rigid class system and genetically engineered elite, immediately grabbed my attention. The premise of a slum-dwelling gang leader becoming entangled with a member of the ruling class was intriguing, setting the stage for a potentially explosive conflict.
What Works Well
The world-building, though not without its flaws, is a strong point. I appreciate the effort to create a society with its own rules, power dynamics, and ingrained prejudices. The characters, even if not always likable, are complex and possess their own motivations. I was particularly drawn to the development of Iason, whose possessive nature evolves into something that some readers find resembling genuine affection, albeit expressed in a twisted way. The exploration of power imbalances and the struggle for agency within a restrictive society are compelling themes that elevate the story beyond a simple romance.
Areas of Concern
While the dystopian setting is interesting, some found the plot to be a bit drawn out, with some subplots and character moments feeling unnecessary. I can see how the author's focus on certain aspects, like Riki's physical attributes, could be distracting for some readers. Additionally, the abrupt character shifts towards the end felt a little rushed and didn't quite land as smoothly as they could have.
Click "Reveal" to show spoiler content
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, Ai No Kusabi is a memorable and thought-provoking read. Its exploration of power, love, and sacrifice in a dystopian setting sets it apart from many other BL novels. While it may not be a perfect masterpiece, its impact on the genre is undeniable, and I can understand why it continues to resonate with readers even today. I'd recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a fan of mature, character-driven stories with a touch of tragedy.
