Loveless is not a shounen-ai. It is not BL. It is not yaoi.

I mean this in the aspect of the genre, where thousands of manga that resemble each other and are very typical and romantic exist. This is why I mean Loveless isn't a shounen-ai. You could argue that there is romance, but I would say that there isn't if we're going by the relationship of the two main characters. A relationship of a twelve year old and a twenty year old. Their relationship is not easy, it is complicated and developing. The only reason this is considered shounen-ai is because they are both male. It is categorized as a shounen-ai so I'll still refer it to one, but it truly isn't.

Most people know this manga, and the reason it became so popular, from the cat ears that show people are virgins. That is completely secondary to the plot apart from making certain characters look cute.

Loveless holds a special place in my heart as one of the first "shounen-ai" manga I ever read. I went from gushing over Ritsuka and Soubi's relationship until the manga got to complicated. I was young.

I decided to re-read it, fully. I couldn't put it down. Loveless pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. Imagine how hard it is to be so focused on the story and it being on hiatus. The pain is real.

Loveless is a mystery. It focuses on Ritsuka and how he grows up, his relationship with Soubi, as he looks the reason of his existence. Years ago the manga was about Ritsuka searching for his brother's killer, and that has definitely change.

Loveless focuses on relationships, that is the main aspect of the plot. There's all types, from romantic, platonic and abusive ones. It is a story that deals with child abuse, rape, murder and identity in intricate manners without being explicit. Everything is implied but nothing is shown, and it works beautifully since we are essentially seeing the point of view of Ritsuka.

The art style is beautiful and one of my favorites.

I believe everyone should at least give it a try even for fear of it having no ending.