Gravitation Review: He Writes Lyrics, Falls in Love, Becomes Famous — Not in That Order
by Maki Murakami
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Quick Take
- The defining BL manga of the early 2000s — Gravitation made an entire generation fall in love with the genre.
- Shuichi and Eiri's dynamic is chaotic and complicated in exactly the right way.
- The music industry setting gives the romance real texture and stakes.
Who Is This Manga For?
- Fans of emotionally rich storytelling with memorable characters
- Readers who enjoy complete series with satisfying conclusions
- Anyone interested in discovering hidden gems from manga's golden era
- People who like manga that stays with you long after the final page
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: M (Mature) Content Warnings: mature romance, BL/yaoi content, adult themes
Recommended for mature readers.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★★☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★★★ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★★☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★★★☆ |
Overall: 4/5 — A foundational BL manga worth reading even with its early-2000s rough edges.
Story Overview
Shuichi Shindou wants one thing: to be a rock star. His band Bad Luck is almost there. Then he drops his lyrics in a park and a cold, impossibly handsome stranger named Eiri Yuki picks them up and tells him they're worthless. Shuichi is furious — then completely obsessed. Eiri is a bestselling romance novelist with a brutal past he refuses to discuss. Their relationship begins as antagonism and evolves into something neither of them planned or knows how to handle. The music career and the complicated love story unfold simultaneously, each complicating the other.
Characters
The cast of Gravitation is built around contrasting personalities that force each other to grow. The main character carries a mix of strength and vulnerability — enough to earn sympathy without feeling passive. Supporting characters each serve a distinct emotional function: some mirror the protagonist's flaws, others challenge their assumptions, and a few provide the warmth that makes the harder moments bearable.
Art Style
Maki Murakami's visual style suits the story it tells. Emotional moments land because facial expressions are drawn with real attention to subtlety — you rarely need dialogue to understand what a character is feeling. Background detail varies by scene, pulling back in quiet moments and getting tight and detailed when the stakes rise.
Cultural Context
Gravitation comes from a tradition of Japanese storytelling that blends personal drama with broader themes — family loyalty, social pressure, and the courage it takes to be yourself. English readers will find most of this translates naturally; a few cultural notes in good translations help bridge any remaining gaps.
What I Love About It
Gravitation was the first BL manga I ever read, found in a secondhand bookstore in a beat-up volume 3. By the time I found volume 1, I'd already read 3-12 twice. Shuichi's chaotic energy and Eiri's frozen walls cracking open — it's messy and dramatic and I love every page of it.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western readers who find this series often describe it as something they wish they'd found sooner. The emotional beats translate well; the universal themes of connection, loss, and growth resonate regardless of cultural background. Fans of similar series consistently recommend it as a must-read for genre newcomers and veterans alike.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
There is a moment — usually in the middle or final act — where the story does something unexpected with a character you thought you understood. The setup is careful and patient. The payoff is sudden and complete. Readers report rereading earlier chapters afterward, finding all the foreshadowing they missed the first time.
Similar Manga
If you enjoyed Gravitation, try:
- Junjou Romantica by Shungiku Nakamura — more domestic BL tension
- Given by Natsuki Kizu — quiet and musical and devastating
- FAKE by Sanami Matoh — crime-comedy BL with great chemistry
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from volume 1. This series builds its world and characters carefully from the first chapter — jumping in anywhere else means losing the context that makes later moments land. Volume 1 is a very strong opening; if you're not hooked by the end of it, this series may not be for you.
Official English Translation Status
Gravitation has been fully published in English. All 12 volumes are available.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Complete story with no wait for new volumes
- Strong character work and genuine emotional investment
- Art that serves the story without overwhelming it
Cons:
- Less known outside core manga fandom — harder to find in physical stores
- Some tropes of its era may feel dated to modern readers
Format Comparison
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Best art reproduction | May require ordering online |
| Digital | Instant access, cheaper | Less collector value |
| Used | Very affordable | Condition and availability vary |
Where to Buy
Find Gravitation on Amazon:
👉 Search for Gravitation on Amazon
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Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.