What is bara managa?

Bara manga is a subgenre of manga (Japanese comics) that features gay male love and romance. The word "bara" can be translated to mean "rose" in Japanese, but in this context, it refers to the muscular and masculine body type often depicted in the artwork.

Bara manga initially gained popularity in the underground community in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s and later spread to other countries, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the genre being controversial for its explicit content, it has become increasingly mainstream and is now widely accepted in Japan.

Bara manga typically features muscular and masculine male characters in romantic and sexual situations, often with a focus on dominance and submission. The stories can range from light-hearted romantic comedies to darker themes such as violence and non-consent.

There are many talented artists within the genre, a few of the popular ones include Gengoroh Tagame, Jiraiya, and Takeshi Matsu. Bara manga is also often referred to as "gei comi" in Japan, which stands for gay comics.