Kizuna Volume 1 Deluxe Edition (Yaoi) Paperback – October 5, 2010

This volume of Kizuna contains volumes 1 and 2. I own both volumes 1 and 2 that were licensed and translated by Be Beautiful, so I almost passed on this. I only picked up the copy because I've been told it's leaps and bounds SUPERIOR to Be Beautiful's translation. And indeed it is. The flow of the translations feels awkward at times, but it's much closer to the original Japanese dialogue. I feel like this interpreted translation makes Enjouji come off as more sensually sophisticated than before. That is, when Enjouji isn't putting his foot in his mouth, lol.The honorifics are there, and Ranmaru isn't confusing us by calling Kai and Enjouji by their first names in situations where he wasn't doing so. I'm a little put off by June's translation of Kai's title, Bon, as 'young sir', but it flows better than the yakuza underlings casually calling him by his first name. Which none of them ever did, even when he was a child.I like that they kept in the perfectly innocent kiss between Masa and the child-Kai. It was unnecessary for Be Beautiful to censor it because it wasn't anything sexual or wrong. Be Beautiful made the kiss wrong by censoring it in volumes 1 and 2, and I'm glad June kept it as is.One thing though that stuck out most of all from this volume was the most painful scene to read, and that was Kai's rape scene from volume 2. Since Kai is my favorite character this chapter is always hard to read, but it was June's interpretation of Kai's last scene with Masa that was incredibly painful. In every translation I've read of this scene, from both Be Beautiful and fan translations, the aftermath of Kai's ordeal has him coming off as being accusatory to Masa over what happened to him. The tone always seemed like "This happened to me because YOU put me first". June however, gives Kai a tone of both anger and apology, and no sense of blame. The tone came off of more as "I'm so sorry I put you in this position". To me, this makes the scene much more painful and it adds many more layers to Kai's personality than a selfish, angry brat. It also adds a level of complexity to Kai's relationship with Masa, because later chapters reveal that both men blame themselves for what had happened. Seeing Kai act like it WAS his fault instead of acting like he was blaming Masa helps to lay the framework for their future turmoil and their individual psyche over this tragic event.I've already ordered volumes 2,3, and 4, which by my count would be up to volume 8. The price is a bit high for these volumes, but it's definitely worth it. The translation is amazing, and Kizuna is such an amazing series that you should NOT miss it.

I was VERY hesitant at first to buy this book. Afterall, I already own all the previously released Bebeautiful editions. But with all the good reviews, I gave it a shot. I honestly coudln't be happier that I did. This book is not only translated better, but it has the correct honorofics that were missing in the BB editions (it was a pain in the behind, the way BB messed that up). The missing stories, that of Kai and Masa, as well as the "anniversary special" at the end, were just extra bonuses. I can't wait for the release of the other deluxe editions. If you already have the older editions, this 3-in-1 bundle is actually not a bad deal. If you've never read this, than you're in for a treat. I think I speak for all Kodaka's fans (old and new) when I say, "Thank you Digital Manga, Inc." :)

The manga came in great condition, but I have to say some parts of the story felt a little disorganized, and the doujinshi at the beginning through me for a loop! Overall, I did enjoy it, and would recommend it to any other adult who is a BL fan!

This book is Monstrous! It is more than double the size of a standard manga. It contains the first two books that were released by BeBeautiful plus quite a bit more. This is a great investment if you love the series and want to read it as it was meant to be read. If you've never read Kizuna: Bonds of Love and are a fan of Yaoi manga this is one of the best available.

Kizuna Vol. 1 Deluxe is a fantastic collection of Kazuma Kodaka's original love story. You will fall in love with each and every character, never once doubting their role in the other character's lives.I had previously read the stories separately and was excited to find them all in one collection. I already have my second volume on pre-order! You will not be disappointed at all by this manga.

I have read Kizuna before, and never before have I seen all these stories and the bonus artwork and side story in Volume 1. It is a must have for Yaoi lovers, and I plan on buying the rest of the series again as well. I'm glad I purchased this book, it was very much worth it!

its in perfect state! i love it! <3 and it was shipped very quickly!

I am a Japanese woman. When I was in middle school, me and my friends were really into this comic book. This book`s author is a guy. Therefore, the charactors is this book made us feel like "existing boys" not like other yaoi books.(usually yaoi books are written by women) That is why the guys in this book are attractive. Do you get it? I also recommend "Bad teacher`s education" The series are so funny!

Kizuna is almost an essential read for fans of older BL and this complication of Kizuna manga, art and doujin will not disappoint anyone looking to get into the series. The relationship between the two male leads is well developed and you really end up rooting for them, overall I reccomend Kizuna to BL fans both long term and newer BL fans looking to get into the more niche stuff to getter get into the world of BL.

I am lucky I got my copy for so cheap and I bought it seven years after it was published. It's out of print and the publisher lost the license so try getting your copies now for as cheap as you can before the price goes way up.