Love Stage!!

I was putting off watching this anime but, it was so much better than I expected and was so glad that I did, because it was hella good. The plot is a tiny bit cliche with the whole gender bender theme, with this boy that dressed up as a girl and this super hot guy falls in love with him, but then realises he's a boy.. etc. I remember reading the summary/synopsis and rolling my eyes going ' OH ANNNOTHER GENDER BENDER'. BUT WAS I SURPRISED. Even through the theme may be have been overdone so many times, you could feel the chemistry between Izumi and Tsubasa. AND I MEAN FEEL. I found myself squealing and 'aww'ing so many times, I was wondering what my brother thought through his room next door. It's just a really good anime. Don't believe it's going to be another gender bender anime, which is it. But it's so much more, it's a must watch. But srsly, I dont blame Tsubasa in thinking that Izumi was a girl- I mean .. come on. Have you seen his face ? what boy is that pretty ??

Story - 8/10 LOVE STAGE!!! has a good story. Unlike other Yaoi anime that I've seen, both the main characters have never been attracted to nor been with someone of the same sex. Both of them were new to it, though the only reason one was attracted initially was because he thought the other was a girl. As usual, for an anime/manga like this, the main characters have to be big shots. Showbiz family. I wish I had their struggles lol I like how the story progresses quite well and unlike Junjou Romantica or Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, the main characters to think way too much and they don't play ridiculously coy. That's the reason I give this anime an overall 8 as opposed to the aforementioned comparisons which both got 7. Art - 8/10 The art is really nice and clean, although in the beginning I was thrown off with how strange the main character's (Izumi) eyes looked. I realized it had to be different looking in the anime since his eyes was a main part of the plot. I got used to it by episode 3 though. I think the characters look quite attractive. I don;t particularly care for Izumi, but I like Ryouma and Izumi's brother. Sound - 7/10 The soundtrack was not bad or els eI would have noticed it immediately like the suckiness the was OST in Junjou Romantica. That being said, the soundtrack wasn;t anything special enough for me to notice and say wow this sounds good. As for the character's voices, I think it suited them quite well. My favorite voice is of Izumi's brother, Shougo... I've never heard a voice like that before, I thought it sounded quite unique and I enjoyed it. Character - 8/10 As I mentioned before, character development was good, there wasn't much beating around the bush either. Nothing felt forced, no character in this 10 episode anime annoyed me. The characters in this one are quite likeable. You BET I enjoyed this show~! I wish it was longer but it seems there isn't much manga out for it to have had more episodes. I'm giving this an 8/10 for Very good~!

Most guys don't enjoy shounen ai anime. They're mostly meant for the female audience. Even so, this one deserves a watch. After only an episode, I was hooked. What is it that is special about Love Stage? To me, how it managed to combine romance, comedy and drama all into a 10 episode anime and finish it without leaving you with a feeling of emptyness. Most anime nowadays seems to have that one thing that you cannot figure out after finishing, but you just know something is missing, atleast for me. Love Stage manages to make you laugh with it's expressions and situations. It keeps your eyes peeled at the screen wanting see what happens next. Talking about it production wise, well ... It has beautiful artwork. They really outdid themselves. This is the first time I see it and absolutely adore it. Characters look lively and beautiful along with the backgrounds. Sound quality is good. The overall enjoyment is a solid 10. From beginning to end.

Watching this so many years after release, it's visible how much BL media has changed. This anime is well made and Izumi and Ryouma are well written for an anime of this genre, though the same isn't to be said for the other characters. The reason to have mixed feelings about this show however lies mostly in the progression of the story as well as the SA scenes, which sadly are prominent in this anime, however they do slowly get resolved, making the show more bearable. The animation style is really nice and the characters are pleasing to the eye, in both the way they're animated to the expressions they convey. Izumi and Ryouma are a bit more difficult to touch upon because both have redeeming qualities but also a couple unenjoyable ones, which are sadly typical for a BL. Izumi's character is likeable from the fact that despite all the pushback from the rest of the characters, he's still set out to become a manga artist and shows growth through stepping into showbiz to boost his experience. In this aspect, Miyabi and Ryouma are great characters as they actively push Izumi on the right path and are the only characters that actively support his dream. Ryouma is a tough one, because at the start of the show, he doesn't seem like a redeemable character at all (giving the SA scenes especially), but throughout the series he actively grows as a character and takes responsibility for his actions, apologizing but also makes it clear he wants to stay in Izumi's orbit. Towards the end of the show, Ryouma became a respectable character with both the clear communication as well as active support towards Izumi. In the end it's to believe that for the 10 episodes it had, the show put enough material in to make a decent BL, but sadly that's all to say on the matter. For the negatives, there are only a few but they're quite prominent and could dampen the viewing experience a bit. To start off, the other two main characters, Rei and Shougo, did barely anything for the story and it was surprising to see they were also main characters at first. Rei specifically was a nuisance from the way he kept pushing Izumi and Ryouma together and brushing everything off as being "good for them" and also causing the first SA scene. This goes for Shougo as well, as he kept growing to be more likeable as a character that stands up for Izumi, just to never do so in the end and just being there as the character that motivates him to do things. Izumi's friends also have little relevance to the story and it would've been nice to see more of their connection. The last thing that can be bothersome is the lack of connective moments between Izumi and Ryouma, which would've been nice to see as a supportive pillar to their feelings for each other and would've allowed the viewers to feel more connected to the characters. The show can feel like it's dragging a bit because of this, but for an anime from that time and the limited episodes, it's a decent show though it's not worth rewatching.

In the modern revolution of unambiguously good BL such as Yuri on Ice, Sk8, and the Banana Fish adaptation, Love Stage can certainly feel a little dated. Love first consummated (or at least attempted) via force is a trope largely left in the past but is still present in Love Stage. Romance with ultra famous celebrities is extremely common in the genre, and to modern gay people the waffling over "how could I like boys/boys other than my one true love are no good!" can feel a little tired. That being said, despite all of these potential slights, Love Stage has an oddly infectious energy that left me constantly wanting more. Compared to a lot of BL of the time and before, I found myself engrossed with Love Stage and staying up later than I should to watch more and suffering for it in the morning, only to watch more and do it again the next night. While the tropes are common, the plot is predictable, and the characters are fine but not standout, I blew through this series and enjoyed it. The humor is surprisingly enjoyable, and the earnestness of the characters is endearing. I was never bored with the cast or annoyed with the plot progression. That may seem like a low bar, but older animated BL that this reminds me of wasn't exactly a greatest hits of the best material. The close familial vibe of the cast was warm and inviting. Our main character's annoying traits were funny because he received comeuppance for them rather than expecting the audience to simply like him for being quirky. While I was quick to say that the plot was predictable, I still was sad that it was only 10 episodes and would gladly welcome more. I feel the marks against I mentioned are valid criticism, but Love Stage was consistently a good time despite those. And I have to respect it for that. Overall I was pleasantly surprised and always entertained, which is all I can really ask for in a show.

This anime can be off-putting to some viewers especially those who came to look for something wholesome. The show contains certain scenes that may make you cringe by how awful it is especially with how the characters treat Izumi. Izumi, as the main character didn't come as a strong one and even when he tries to prove his resolve, he just always end up being pushed around by the people who are supposed to look after him. The dynamic on Ryouma and Izumi's relationship wasn't that impressive either and felt bland. They had their cute moments, but their relationship could've been a lot better. The buildup was just to say "happened so miraculous" or unrealistic considering Ryouma has been breaking Izumi's personal boundaries and did a lot of stuff to him without his consent. If ever, Izumi has a lot of reasons to stay away from Ryouma. Everyone is free to try and watch this one but personally, you're better off watching another BL.

I couldn’t love more BL’s anime. I’m really sad that Love Stage have just 1 season and 1 OVA, in my point of view this anime should have much more content because could happen so many things in the context of this story. The story was really great, I had so much fun with with the characters, I literally love then so much. Unfortunately, the art should be better in the scenario, the character design is beautiful… but the scenario sometimes was missing the design and making it so much out of the context. This bother me off just a little bit but doesn’t made my experience worse. I loved the anime and could watch so many more episodes! If you like BL, comedy and romances I totally recommend it.

i came like 6 times this is probably the best yaoi anime i've ever seen like holy shit i came 4 times at the last episode alone and apparently i need a longer review so im just gonna write the words "i came" 58 times i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came i came

Myself personally, I really enjoyed love stage because it was really cute and showed the relationship between the two guys in the sweetest way it also showed how they were reunited from a previous time in the past. The little teasing scene in the show just makes you want them to be together. I never got bored watching the show. But I am upset that it only has 10 episodes because they could have made the show longer to explore more scenes with the guys doing more. This show is comedy, showbiz, and yaoi/ Shounen Ai (new to posting my opinion on shows so if it bad sorry lol)

I discovered this little gem via HiDive’s ‘Celebrate Pride’ suggestion list, and am glad such a suggestion list existed since brought a few anime to light I hadn’t considered. This one is about a guy Izumi who is from a wealthy family of famous entertainers (hoo BOY did they nail it with these people) By way of his family, Izumi ends up filling in for a girl's role in a wedding commercial when he’s a kid. The boy he was paired with was infatuated with him right away (but thought he was a girl). And for some reason they’re doing a ‘reunion’ commercial with the same cast 10 years later, which puts the now 18 yo Izumi in a dress again, and hijinx ensue… At first, I was bothered that the story was so determined to create a ‘Trap’ scenario with Izumi, and the whole reunion thing was a bit too contrived; as well as now-famous actor Ryouma still thinking Izumi is a girl and being fooled that he actually is, i/e “can’t tell the difference”. We’ve seen this trope before. The way the two of them end up shortly after is also a bit rocky… I want this to be a non-spoiler review, so I’ll just say it rhymes with “Metsuo Bizault”… But despite the rough start, the story actually comes together well, and the way everything goes thereafter was really surprising and uplifting. There is some really great chemistry between these two- and between Ryouma and ANYONE really. They are all played by really good voice actors and the anime draws you in with this weird family, and especially with Izumi. In decades of watching, I don’t think I’ve ever related to an anime protagonist as well as with Izumi… he wants nothing to do with the profession his whole family is in, and instead wants to draw manga. He sits at a desk all day drawing pictures (sounds way too familiar), and yet he’s terrible at drawing (I feel ya bro), has constant delusions of grandeur, has very few friends, is infinitely better looking than the ones he does hang around and is therefore clearly out of place… this all felt very real, he doesn’t come off as some Mary Sue, despite his ridiculous family and being very wealthy- he talks and acts exactly like any 18 year old and is a total dork. But he’s also adorable, which fascinates everyone around him especially Ryouma. I didn’t understand the whole need to put him in a dress, since he actually looks way cuter without it, and his glasses are incredibly dorky yet fit his face perfectly- so he has a distinctively nerdy but not ugly appearance. Despite the poor treatment he gave to him early on, Ryouma proves himself to be a truly amazing friend to Izumi; the plot with the Paparazzi was kind of a surprise and really well written (unlike some of the other clumsy, way-too-convenient things that happen elsewhere) and everything that happens with the manga review felt absolutely genuine. Ryouma finally getting the moment he wants with Izumi- but then crying, “I’m not that strong of a person!” was probably the show’s absolute high point of emotion, while both the main characters were at their lowest. I probably should just give this a 10 because I liked it so much, but that doesn’t seem an honest way to rate something if just by personal taste. There are a few gripes- for one, the background characters are uncolored, and it's very noticeable. A weird money-saving move there, and coloring background people is way cheaper than animating them-but this anime chooses the opposite. I can’t figure out how if Izumi looks the same age as Ryouma when he was in the commercial- when they’re grown, Ryouma appears to be several years older (and is way more mature than) Izumi. Some of the stuff above that I said about it being clumsy in trying to find a way to get Izumi involuntarily in a dress, and a few other small things- mostly that it was way too short and could have used at least one more episode as an epilogue. This isn’t really a ‘masterpiece’ kind of anime anyhow, but it’s very funny- the jokes land every time, it looks good from start to finish, it tells a good story, and if you like BL or are at least open to it, then this is definitely one of the better ones. It focuses on the emotions and struggles of two ridiculous yet completely believable people, so it gets my full recommendation. 9/10

ugh, like I don't want to give this show a low score but I'm going to. If you are like me and enjoy a good BL story, this will only build you up to drop you so hard and leave you hanging. It really felt like it was going somewhere and then stopped. Did it have what you could call a happy ending? I'm mean sure. I know "but it only has 10 episodes how could it do everything you're wanting it too?" I know I should of saw that and been like there's no way, but the reviews put it above avg so I thought why not. I'm sure this is a case where the manga is the way to go for this story. Also it plays around with consent, it's very weird. I had a hard time with some of the characters and the choices that they made, but they seemed pretty one dimensional. There are a lot of shows worth watching and this one is not one of them. IF you have seen every other BL show then maybe watch this....., but like that's 3-4 hours you could be watching something else.... -Ano

Love stage joins what I'd like to call "Shows that Easy decides to binge in one night because he is a chronic insomniac" along with shows like Shield Hero and given. Now, this show is VERY rapey. There's some legit scenes where people try. to rape the main character, and I really don't get why. The voice acting was pretty annoying in some places, especially izumi's brother. I cant stand his voice. But it is what it is i guess. The animation, the faces looked really weird. Very out of place in my opinion. I can't exactly nail on why it looks weird, but it just does. Ironically, this show was actually. all considered, good. I don't. know why, maybe its cuz its 2:30 in. the morning and sleep deprivation got me high as balls, or some other thing. Ending was wholesome as fuck tho. That I do appreciate. Im on a **downward spiral** **downward spiral** **downward spiral** **downward spiral**

I loved it! I thought Love Stage was spectacular. This is honestly one of the best BL anime I've seen. You get to see the characters Izumi Sena and Ichijou Ryouma stumble their way into love and it's so adorable. The story is a average love story, but it is enjoyable to watch these characters find their way to each other. The art style could have been a bit better. The characters almost all look a like, because most of them have the same face shape. Izumi and Ryouma were so vastly different but they worked well together and took time to understand each other which was sweet. This show has the same tropes of all other BL animes with choosing the very obvious Semi and Uki traits, and the not so concentual encounters. But how it differs from the other BL animes is that they use it as a plot point for the relationship of these characters and they don't overlook it or brush it aside. Which then in turn leads to great character development. You also have a great supporting cast wit Sagara Rei and Shougo Sena, their involvement in with Izumi and Ryouma's relationship is very realistically wacky. The only negatives I had with this show were the dream sequences that Izumi had that took place within his favorite show. Overall I gave Love Stage a 9/10. If you want a good BL anime this is it.