This is the manga that made me fall in love with manga. The story is engaging from the start - I love the intricacy of the word-battle system. The Fighter-Sacrifice system is brilliant and unique, and really provides a lot of opportunity for some gorgeous fight scenes. The art overall is incredible - beautiful characters without too much detail that it's distracting, but with just enough that it's captivating.

There's also a large cast of characters that really win you ever. It's also nice how loyalties change. No one is what they seem to be at face value - lots of mystery and intrigue in a complicated plot.

Of course, there is plenty of shonen-ai/boylove. Not full-blown yaoi yet, but getting there. The cat-ears as a symbol for virginity makes the sexual themes prominent but not explicit. I personally love Ritsuka and Soubi's relationship - one of necessity, yet founded on love? Is it real love? Very interesting.

There's also hints of brother-incest in Seimei's creepy obsession with Ritsuka. It'll be interesting to see where that goes.

Also a lot of comedic elements with Yuiko and friends. Overall, this manga has it all. One of my all-time favorites!