BL University | Early Western Canon

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These are the BL those of a certain demographic will likely be familiar with - the small spectrum of books and anime brought over to the West in the early and mid-2000s. This list is intended to serve as a bit of nostalgia, as well as a way to explore what the early BL-landscape would have looked like to the average non-Japanese-speaking Western reader during that time period, and is by no means exhaustive.

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Nomenclature

While today the preferred term is boy's love, in the early days of Japanese "BL" media translations there were two distinct terms used: shounen-ai, and yaoi. Shounen-ai referred to more subtle and understated depictions of male homosexuality in shoujo media; yaoi was more sexually explicit.

Unofficial Fan Translations

Many - quite possibly most - fans at the time first discovered Japanese BL media through piracy. Official translations were few and far between, and accessing them could be difficult (even impossible) and expensive, particularly outside North America. Fan translations, on the other hand, removed many barriers: they were easily available, offered a significantly larger range of titles than official channels, published more quickly after the Japanese release, with greater frequency (usually releasing by chapter/episode rather than by volume/season), and, of course, were free.

While there's no doubt that scanlations (scanned, translated manga) and fansubs (fan-subtitled anime) were technically illegal, it's difficult to say that they hurt the burgeoning English-language anime and manga market at the time; if anything, they could be considered one of the main factors that helped establish said market in the West. They introduced Japanese media to those that otherwise would never have discovered them, and created demand for official releases (it's speculated that official publishers would use the popularity of fan translations to inform them of series that resonated with western audiences).

Some notable BL fan translation teams at the time include Blissful Sin, Dangerous Pleasure, Biblo Eros, Essence of Purity, Obsession, Storm in Heaven, Bliss, Aarinfantasy, Peccatore Sanctuary, Countless Time, Nakama, and Liquid Passion.

Official English-language Publishers

Tokyopop released several BL titles under their own name before the creation of their BL imprint BLU (also stylised Blu), which launched in 2005 and released English translations of Japanese manga and light novels until 2010. Tokyopop ceased publishing in North America in 2011, stating that "our Japanese licensors did not move fast enough to provide a legitimate alternative to piracy"; however the company was able to resume publishing in North America several years later.

DMP (Digital Manga Publishing) created two BL imprints in 2006 (previous BL titles were simply published under "DMP"): Juné, for general manga and light novels, and 801 Media, which published more explicit, uncensored titles (until 2016, when all titles were moved to Juné).

Other contemporaneous publishers, with their BL imprints: VIZ Media's SuBLime; Media Blasters' Kitty Media; Seven Seas Entertainment; Broccoli's Boysenberry (now defunct); Central Park Media's Be Beautiful (now defunct); Aurora Publishing's Deux Press (now defunct).

Further Reading

Interesting links for those who want to delve more into back catalogs:

Notes

  • This list is ordered by earliest release date, regardless of whether they were fan translations or official.
  • Generally, translated BL media was published in the USA and exported to other English-speaking countries.
  • Because the pool of buyers at that point of time was so small, publishers tended to go for the more "hardcore" titles when choosing what might be more successful. Please read these with caution.
  • Scanlation release dates are sourced from MangaUpdates, which was founded mid-2004; it's difficult to find date information for fan translations released before this date. Aarinfantasy was very active at the time; many of their release dates are stated as 2005, though it's unknown if this was when they were founded or simply when their forums were created. Release dates for officially-published English translations of anime and manga are sourced from ANN's Encyclopedia.
  • According to Wikipedia: "The first officially-licensed English-language translations of yaoi manga were published in the North American market in 2003."
  • Fan translation groups are italicized; official publishers are in bold.
BANANA FISH
Book Series
Level 32

Set primarily in NYC in the 80s, the main character is a runaway adopted by a mafia don and used as his sex toy, who uncovers the secrets of a brainwashing drug known as "Banana Fish". Although published in a shoujo magazine, its subject matter made it a crossover hit with adult audiences.

Viz Media published the series in its manga magazines Pulp and Animerica Extra beginning in 1997; the complete 19-volume series was published between 2004 and 2007.

Set primarily in NYC in the 80s, the main character is a runaway adopted by a mafia don and used as his sex toy, who uncovers the secrets of a brainwashing drug known as "Banana Fish". Although published in a shoujo magazine, its subject matter made it a crossover hit with adult audiences.

Viz Media published the series in its manga magazines Pulp and Animerica Extra beginning in 1997; the complete 19-volume series was published between 2004 and 2007.

Fake
Book Series
Level 22

Two NYC cops (one of whom is half Japanese) are work partners, and possibly more...

The OVA adaption of the manga was released by Media Blasters in 2000.

Tokyopop published the whole 7-volume manga series between 2003 and 2004.

Two NYC cops (one of whom is half Japanese) are work partners, and possibly more...

The OVA adaption of the manga was released by Media Blasters in 2000.

Tokyopop published the whole 7-volume manga series between 2003 and 2004.

KIZUNA~絆~
TV Series
Level 30??

OVAs 1 and 2 were released in North America by Culture Q Connection in 2001, with the third being released by Kitty Media in 2005.

The manga was translated by Essence of Purity beginning in January 2004; it was officially published in December the same year by Be Beautiful, which released 8 of the 11-volume series. The licence was later acquired by DMP, which published a condensed 6-volume version of the series.

OVAs 1 and 2 were released in North America by Culture Q Connection in 2001, with the third being released by Kitty Media in 2005.

The manga was translated by Essence of Purity beginning in January 2004; it was officially published in December the same year by Be Beautiful, which released 8 of the 11-volume series. The licence was later acquired by DMP, which published a condensed 6-volume version of the series.

絶愛ー1989ー
Book Series
Level 24??
Game Over or Continue began releasing their fan translation in 2002; the series was later picked up by Obsession, which translated the majority of the series, concluding in 2005. The series has not been officially published in English.

The OVA fansub was released by Aarinfantasy in 2005, although there may have been a Lupin Gang Anime translation as early as 1998.

Game Over or Continue began releasing their fan translation in 2002; the series was later picked up by Obsession, which translated the majority of the series, concluding in 2005. The series has not been officially published in English.

The OVA fansub was released by Aarinfantasy in 2005, although there may have been a Lupin Gang Anime translation as early as 1998.

ファインダーの標的
Book Series
Level 24??
A fan translation began in 2003 by Shi-ran, and later the series was licensed by Be Beautiful with the first three volumes being published Aug 2005 - April 2007. After Be Beautiful's dissolution, Juné picked up the license and began to re-publish the series, starting from volume 1, in Sept. 2010.
A fan translation began in 2003 by Shi-ran, and later the series was licensed by Be Beautiful with the first three volumes being published Aug 2005 - April 2007. After Be Beautiful's dissolution, Juné picked up the license and began to re-publish the series, starting from volume 1, in Sept. 2010.
闇の末裔
Book Series
Level 30

A supernatural shoujo with shounen-ai undertones, following the adventures of a shinigami (god of death) and his new partner as they investigate a serial killer.

The anime adaption was released in 2003 by Central Park Media.

The first 4 manga volumes were scanlated by Aku Tenshi prior to 2004; Viz Media then published 11 volumes between 2004 and 2006. Various scan groups continued releasing the remaining volumes; the series is now on indefinite hiatus.

A supernatural shoujo with shounen-ai undertones, following the adventures of a shinigami (god of death) and his new partner as they investigate a serial killer.

The anime adaption was released in 2003 by Central Park Media.

The first 4 manga volumes were scanlated by Aku Tenshi prior to 2004; Viz Media then published 11 volumes between 2004 and 2006. Various scan groups continued releasing the remaining volumes; the series is now on indefinite hiatus.

炎の蜃気楼
Book Series
Level 35

A high school student discovers he is a "possessor", a soul reborn through time, who must battle the warrior spirits determined to conquer the modern world. The series involves complex plots and delves deep into Japanese history; the romance can be considered shounen-ai.

The anime adaption was released in 2003 by Media Blasters.

Asphodel's Haven has been translating the novels since 2005; more than 20 volumes have been translated and the project is still ongoing. The same group also translated all 3 volumes of the manga between 2005 and 2009.

A high school student discovers he is a "possessor", a soul reborn through time, who must battle the warrior spirits determined to conquer the modern world. The series involves complex plots and delves deep into Japanese history; the romance can be considered shounen-ai.

The anime adaption was released in 2003 by Media Blasters.

Asphodel's Haven has been translating the novels since 2005; more than 20 volumes have been translated and the project is still ongoing. The same group also translated all 3 volumes of the manga between 2005 and 2009.

The story follows the singer of a band and a popular romance writer who is a harsh critic of the singer's lyrics. The series was classed as yaoi, and the mangaka published several sexually-explicit doujinshi based on the series.

Tokyopop released all 12 manga volumes between 2003 and 2005.

The anime series was released by The Right Stuf International in 2004; the OVA later followed in 2005.

The story follows the singer of a band and a popular romance writer who is a harsh critic of the singer's lyrics. The series was classed as yaoi, and the mangaka published several sexually-explicit doujinshi based on the series.

Tokyopop released all 12 manga volumes between 2003 and 2005.

The anime series was released by The Right Stuf International in 2004; the OVA later followed in 2005.

The OVA adaption of the light novel was released by Kitty Media in 2003.
The OVA adaption of the light novel was released by Kitty Media in 2003.
Haru wo Daite Ita
Movie
Level 30??

By 2004, 9 volumes of the 14-volume manga series had already been translated by fans. The first 6 volumes were then officially published by Be Beautiful between 2005 and 2007; these were later compiled into 2-in-1 volumes by SuBLime. Fans continued to translate the rest of the series after 2007 until it was completed in 2010.

The OVA adaptions were released as fansubs by Aarinfantasy in 2005; the official release in North America by Kitty Media was in 2008.

By 2004, 9 volumes of the 14-volume manga series had already been translated by fans. The first 6 volumes were then officially published by Be Beautiful between 2005 and 2007; these were later compiled into 2-in-1 volumes by SuBLime. Fans continued to translate the rest of the series after 2007 until it was completed in 2010.

The OVA adaptions were released as fansubs by Aarinfantasy in 2005; the official release in North America by Kitty Media was in 2008.

お金がないっ
Book Series
Level 24??

Forever More began translations some time before 2004 (by which time one volume had been released); Dangerous Pleasure continued the series, followed by Chrima Scans, who have translated up to the latest published installment, volume 17. The series is ongoing in Japan, and has never had an official English release.

The OVA adaptions were released first as fansubs by Aarinfantasy in February 2007, followed by the official release by Kitty Media in October 2007 and June 2008.

The original light novel series has never been released in English.

Forever More began translations some time before 2004 (by which time one volume had been released); Dangerous Pleasure continued the series, followed by Chrima Scans, who have translated up to the latest published installment, volume 17. The series is ongoing in Japan, and has never had an official English release.

The OVA adaptions were released first as fansubs by Aarinfantasy in February 2007, followed by the official release by Kitty Media in October 2007 and June 2008.

The original light novel series has never been released in English.

WILD ADAPTER
Book Series
Level 25??

This manga falls into a "not-quite BL" category; there are elements of BL, but this work would not be typically designated as BL today. Regardless, this work can be considered important in regards to the developing BL fandom in the Western world.

The fan translation of the series began sometime before 2004 by Emerald Eyes, and they released four volumes before an official translation appeared. 6 of the 7 volumes were released by Tokyopop between Feb 2008 and Nov 2008, with Wall-E Scans releasing the final volume in 2009.

This manga falls into a "not-quite BL" category; there are elements of BL, but this work would not be typically designated as BL today. Regardless, this work can be considered important in regards to the developing BL fandom in the Western world.

The fan translation of the series began sometime before 2004 by Emerald Eyes, and they released four volumes before an official translation appeared. 6 of the 7 volumes were released by Tokyopop between Feb 2008 and Nov 2008, with Wall-E Scans releasing the final volume in 2009.

SEX PISTOLS
Book Series
Level 24??

Nakama started translating the series sometime before 2004, and released four volumes before the series was officially licenced. The first 5 volumes were released by BLU between 2007 and 2008; SuBLime has been releasing the series digitally since 2011.

Aarinfantasy released a fansub of the OVA in 2010; it has not been officially licenced.

Nakama started translating the series sometime before 2004, and released four volumes before the series was officially licenced. The first 5 volumes were released by BLU between 2007 and 2008; SuBLime has been releasing the series digitally since 2011.

Aarinfantasy released a fansub of the OVA in 2010; it has not been officially licenced.

腐った教師の方程式
TV Series
Level 30??

Scanlations of the manga began sometime before 2004 and concluded in 2007; the majority of the series being translated by MegKF. The series was later officially published by Juné between 2011 and 2012.

The OVA was fansubbed by Aarinfantasy in 2005; it has not had an official release.

Scanlations of the manga began sometime before 2004 and concluded in 2007; the majority of the series being translated by MegKF. The series was later officially published by Juné between 2011 and 2012.

The OVA was fansubbed by Aarinfantasy in 2005; it has not had an official release.

合法ドラッグ
Book Series
Level 25??

CLAMP was - and continues to be - a popular group of mangaka that published primarily shoujo works, often with shounen-ai undertones. This series is notable due to the BL involving main characters, rather than side characters. Some of their other well-known titles at the time were カードキャプターさくら, xxxHolic, and 東京BABYLON.

A fan translation of the manga was started sometime before 2004; all three volumes were then released by Tokyopop between 2004 and 2005.

CLAMP was - and continues to be - a popular group of mangaka that published primarily shoujo works, often with shounen-ai undertones. This series is notable due to the BL involving main characters, rather than side characters. Some of their other well-known titles at the time were カードキャプターさくら, xxxHolic, and 東京BABYLON.

A fan translation of the manga was started sometime before 2004; all three volumes were then released by Tokyopop between 2004 and 2005.

A popular BL game that was adapted to various media.

The one-volume manga was scanlated by Aku Tenshi in 2004; it has never had an official English release, nor have the several light novel adaptions.

The anime was released as a fansub by Aarinfantasy in 2005; AnimeWorks later released the official English DVDs between 2005 and 2006.

A popular BL game that was adapted to various media.

The one-volume manga was scanlated by Aku Tenshi in 2004; it has never had an official English release, nor have the several light novel adaptions.

The anime was released as a fansub by Aarinfantasy in 2005; AnimeWorks later released the official English DVDs between 2005 and 2006.

ハレムでひとり
Manga
Level 24??

Hoshino Lily was a popular BL mangaka in the 00s - several of her works were officially published in English, with many more being translated by fans. She didn't have a representative series as most of her work at the time consisted of oneshots, but she is notable for the number of titles that were translated.

Storm in Heaven released three oneshots from this collection in 2004, and the volume was officially published by DMP in 2005.

The mangaka's other official English titles at the time include 花嫁くん, ラブクエ, ボクだけの王さま , and ミックス・ミックス・チョコレート.

Hoshino Lily was a popular BL mangaka in the 00s - several of her works were officially published in English, with many more being translated by fans. She didn't have a representative series as most of her work at the time consisted of oneshots, but she is notable for the number of titles that were translated.

Storm in Heaven released three oneshots from this collection in 2004, and the volume was officially published by DMP in 2005.

The mangaka's other official English titles at the time include 花嫁くん, ラブクエ, ボクだけの王さま , and ミックス・ミックス・チョコレート.

The manga adaption was published by DMP in 2004, followed by all 5 light novels from 2006 to 2012.
The manga adaption was published by DMP in 2004, followed by all 5 light novels from 2006 to 2012.

A fan translation of the manga began in 2005 by a collaboration of three separate scan groups. The series was later licensed and distributed in North America by Tokyopop, October 2008-August 2010; only the first 7 volumes were published. Various other scan groups continued the translation, with 18 of the 21 volumes being released.

The first season of the anime was released by Geneon in 2005-2006; the second season was released by FUNimation Entertainment 2006-2008.

The first two volumes of the light novel series were translated into English by Asphodel's Haven in 2007 and 2008. Natively has a book club dedicated to it for those interested in checking it out!

A fan translation of the manga began in 2005 by a collaboration of three separate scan groups. The series was later licensed and distributed in North America by Tokyopop, October 2008-August 2010; only the first 7 volumes were published. Various other scan groups continued the translation, with 18 of the 21 volumes being released.

The first season of the anime was released by Geneon in 2005-2006; the second season was released by FUNimation Entertainment 2006-2008.

The first two volumes of the light novel series were translated into English by Asphodel's Haven in 2007 and 2008. Natively has a book club dedicated to it for those interested in checking it out!

志水ゆき全集
Book Series
Level 24??

A yaoi series featuring multiple couples, revolving around a male escort service. Many of the relationships feature large age gaps, the younger partner often being a teenage boy. It also features disturbing tropes such as rape leading to love; read with caution.

All 11 volumes were published by BLU between 2005 and 2008; scanlations of the first 8 volumes may have been released sometime before 2004.

A yaoi series featuring multiple couples, revolving around a male escort service. Many of the relationships feature large age gaps, the younger partner often being a teenage boy. It also features disturbing tropes such as rape leading to love; read with caution.

All 11 volumes were published by BLU between 2005 and 2008; scanlations of the first 8 volumes may have been released sometime before 2004.

Osakana wa Ami no Naka
Movie
Level 30??

A fansub of the OVA was released by Aarinfantasy in 2005.

The 3-volume manga was released between 2005 and 2007 by Desperate Love and YMCA.

Neither the anime nor manga have had an official English release.

A fansub of the OVA was released by Aarinfantasy in 2005.

The 3-volume manga was released between 2005 and 2007 by Desperate Love and YMCA.

Neither the anime nor manga have had an official English release.

是-ZE-
Book Series
Level 24??
Translated by Peccatore Sanctuary starting in 2005, only a few months after the Japanese volume was released. The series was eventually published officially by 801 Media from 2009 to 2016.
Translated by Peccatore Sanctuary starting in 2005, only a few months after the Japanese volume was released. The series was eventually published officially by 801 Media from 2009 to 2016.
LOVELESS
Book Series
Level 23

A shoujo fantasy manga with plenty of shounen-ai. Despite the cuteness of characters having cat ears and tails, the series explores heavy topics such as abuse, mental illness, bullying, trauma, and grief. The title can be viewed as problematic due to the nature of the relationship between the main character, a 12-year-old boy, and the love interest, a college-aged man; however the romance is merely hinted at, rather than being explicit.

The manga was scanlated by Obsession starting in 2005. Later, it was licensed by Tokyopop (Feb 2006 - Sep 2008); the first 8 volumes were released before Tokyopop went under in the States. Various fan groups - most notably Kamibana Scanlations - have continued the translation up to the current Japanese release. The series is on an indefinite hiatus.

The anime was fansubbed by Aarinfantasy in 2005; it was officially released by Media Blasters in 2006.

Other works by the author available in translation at the time include アーシアン and 超獣伝説ゲシュタルト

A shoujo fantasy manga with plenty of shounen-ai. Despite the cuteness of characters having cat ears and tails, the series explores heavy topics such as abuse, mental illness, bullying, trauma, and grief. The title can be viewed as problematic due to the nature of the relationship between the main character, a 12-year-old boy, and the love interest, a college-aged man; however the romance is merely hinted at, rather than being explicit.

The manga was scanlated by Obsession starting in 2005. Later, it was licensed by Tokyopop (Feb 2006 - Sep 2008); the first 8 volumes were released before Tokyopop went under in the States. Various fan groups - most notably Kamibana Scanlations - have continued the translation up to the current Japanese release. The series is on an indefinite hiatus.

The anime was fansubbed by Aarinfantasy in 2005; it was officially released by Media Blasters in 2006.

Other works by the author available in translation at the time include アーシアン and 超獣伝説ゲシュタルト

間の楔
TV Series
Level 30??

Aarinfantasy released fansubs for the OVAs in 2005; there has been no official English release.

The light novels were published by Juné between 2007 and 2013.

Aarinfantasy released fansubs for the OVAs in 2005; there has been no official English release.

The light novels were published by Juné between 2007 and 2013.

Takanaga Hinako was a popular BL mangaka at the time, with several titles being officially published in English. This was her debut series.

The first volume was scanlated by Storm in Heaven in 2005; the complete 4-volume series was later published by DramaQueen 2006-2007.

The mangaka's other official English publications at the time include リトル・バタフライ, 恋する暴君, デキる男が好きなんだ!, LOVE ROUND!!, リバティ・リバティ, CROQUIS, アクマのひみつ!, and きみが恋に堕ちる!

Takanaga Hinako was a popular BL mangaka at the time, with several titles being officially published in English. This was her debut series.

The first volume was scanlated by Storm in Heaven in 2005; the complete 4-volume series was later published by DramaQueen 2006-2007.

The mangaka's other official English publications at the time include リトル・バタフライ, 恋する暴君, デキる男が好きなんだ!, LOVE ROUND!!, リバティ・リバティ, CROQUIS, アクマのひみつ!, and きみが恋に堕ちる!

放課後の職員室
TV Series
Level 30??

Aarinfantasy released a fansub of the OVA in 2005; it has not had an official release.

A single chapter of the manga was released by Bitter Sweet; a digital edition of volume 1 was released by Digital Manga Guild in 2013.

Aarinfantasy released a fansub of the OVA in 2005; it has not had an official release.

A single chapter of the manga was released by Bitter Sweet; a digital edition of volume 1 was released by Digital Manga Guild in 2013.

A light novel series that was adapted to manga, anime, and live movie adaptations.

The OVA was fansubbed by Aarinfantasy in 2005; the one-volume manga was translated by mochimochi and Hochuuami the same year.

A light novel series that was adapted to manga, anime, and live movie adaptations.

The OVA was fansubbed by Aarinfantasy in 2005; the one-volume manga was translated by mochimochi and Hochuuami the same year.

純情ロマンチカ
Book Series
Level 25

Blu published 12 volumes between 2006 and 2010; the series is still releasing in Japan, and is currently at 28 volumes.

The first series of the anime was subbed by Aarinfantasy in 2008 before being officially released by The Right Stuf International in 2010.

Blu published 12 volumes between 2006 and 2010; the series is still releasing in Japan, and is currently at 28 volumes.

The first series of the anime was subbed by Aarinfantasy in 2008 before being officially released by The Right Stuf International in 2010.

学園ヘヴン
TV Series
Level 30??

The main character is accepted into a prestigious boarding school, Bell Liberty Academy (BL Academy), full of handsome young men. The original BL game has multiple sequels, and has been adapted to manga, anime, light novel, and drama CDs. The franchise resembles a dating sim, with different adaptions focusing on different love interests.

Aarinfantasy began releasing fansubs in 2006, shortly after the anime began airing in Japan. The official release by Media Blasters was in 2007.

Several manga versions focusing on different characters were released (as well as multiple anthologies); the most well-known being written by Higuri Yuu. A fan translation by Essence of Purity began sometime before September 2006, before being taken over by Biblo Eros, which translated up to volume 4. It was officially published in English by BLU beginning in November 2006, although only 3 of the 5 volumes were released before Tokyopop's demise in 2010.

The main character is accepted into a prestigious boarding school, Bell Liberty Academy (BL Academy), full of handsome young men. The original BL game has multiple sequels, and has been adapted to manga, anime, light novel, and drama CDs. The franchise resembles a dating sim, with different adaptions focusing on different love interests.

Aarinfantasy began releasing fansubs in 2006, shortly after the anime began airing in Japan. The official release by Media Blasters was in 2007.

Several manga versions focusing on different characters were released (as well as multiple anthologies); the most well-known being written by Higuri Yuu. A fan translation by Essence of Purity began sometime before September 2006, before being taken over by Biblo Eros, which translated up to volume 4. It was officially published in English by BLU beginning in November 2006, although only 3 of the 5 volumes were released before Tokyopop's demise in 2010.

A scalation of the work began in February 2007 by Forever More; it was officially published later the same year by Boysenberry, which proved popular, as it sold out at Yaoi Con.

The mangaka, Yamato Nase, did not have a representative series at the time, although her works were popular and had a large number of fan translations. Despite this, few of these titles were officially published in English, due to many of the characters looking very young.

A scalation of the work began in February 2007 by Forever More; it was officially published later the same year by Boysenberry, which proved popular, as it sold out at Yaoi Con.

The mangaka, Yamato Nase, did not have a representative series at the time, although her works were popular and had a large number of fan translations. Despite this, few of these titles were officially published in English, due to many of the characters looking very young.