Story: 10/10
Dark Heaven is not a story for the faint of heart or sensitive people. The story is actually very realistic when it comes to addressing social and other issues present in society and does a very good job at being thought provoking. The story deviates from the usual plots present in the BLs/ Yaois/ Shounen Ais genre: Dark Heaven doesn’t only focus on the main love story but also the society that it’s set in. I really appreciated the realistic portrayals and the unique style off story telling as it is something that I don’t often see in its genre. The story has substance, depth, and complexities that’s really beyond my expectations. It is a very challenging read and many times I found myself taking in breaks to take in the story, something that I don’t do very often. The story doesn’t just leave you feeling hopeful or sad but also leaves you wondering about the issues presented in it. Love story wise, it’s very angsty but also very hopeful. The love story challenges the depths of the couples’ love for each other to the fullest, something that a good love story should be able to do. I love how it really stretched the characters to their limit and how unique situations were presented in the story. This story leaves you with a lot of things to think about. It’s a roller coaster ride from start to finish but also has a deep meaning.
Art: 8/10
As for the art, there’s really nothing much to say. The art is simple and neat: not overly simple but not overly detailed as well. The comedic scenes were drawn in a funny way but when serious scenes were happening the art shifts to a suitable style for that as well. It’s different especially in manhwas where everything is really colorful and sometimes over the top, not really everyone’s cup of tea. I love how because it’s simple, the emotions and mood is convey through the flow of the story and not through the art. The black and white color scheme really helped build the atmosphere for the story.
Character: 10/10
One of my issues with stories, in general, is how characters aren’t really showcased in their fullest potential and how shallow their personalities are. Especially in BLs/ Yaois/ Shounen Ais works where the main couple doesn’t really possess any real personality trait other than being gay or being incredibly generic, but in Dark Heaven I really enjoyed how the main couple had their own personalities. Each character is different, each living in a unique situation with different struggles. The characters (even the side ones) are in situations where we can see their nature and why they do the things that they do. The majority of key characters are fleshed out- with their own positives and negatives. No one in Dark Heaven is perfect but no one is entirely flawed either, which I really appreciate. All characters are engaging and unique, especially the main couple. Simon and Connor aren’t just reduced to their gayness and are portrayed to be much more than their mistakes or their love for each other, both of them are their own person. I also love the compatibility of the main couple and how they both have a legitimate reason to be together other than the generic “I’m attracted to you because you’re hot.” and other what have yous.
Overall: 10/10
Dark Heaven is a series that can make you laugh, cry, think, and most of all: feel. Ever since reading it, I have never seen another BL/ Yaoi/ Shounen Ai even come remotely close to Dark Heaven. The series is genuine, raw, and comes from somewhere. The story isn’t just about falling in love, falling out of it, and finding reasons to fall again. It’s also about struggling against bigotry and being able to fight your own demons- even when you sometimes need someone to help you. It’s incredibly angsty and can sometimes make you feel that the story is hopeless, but in the end it leaves you with a warm feeling inside. It’s one of the few stories that can touch you and that’s why I really love it. It’s a masterpiece and completely beyond its time. If you’re looking for something unique and thought provoking but also lovely at the same time, this is the series for you. It’s a struggle to read but I assure you, this is worth your time.
