Fake is one of my first and favorite manga series ever. I re-read volume 1 again last night (not sure how many times that makes it) and it was just as good as the first time I read it! In this first volume we're introduced to Randy Maclean, the newest detective to the 27th Precinct of the NYC Police Department. When Randy walks in on an argument between the Chief and Officer Dee Laytner he gets his first look at the chaos of working with his new partner. Despite his obnoxiousness Dee immediately takes Randy under his wing, quickly figuring out Randy's Japanese heritage and choosing to call him by his Japanese name of Ryo. It is apparent from the start that Ryo and Dee are pretty much total opposites that somehow manage to click and work together well. In their first case Ryo takes in an orphan, Bikky, much to Dee's alarm. Bikky is determined to do anything to take down the drug lords who killed his father. This volume also introduces us to Dee's sneak kissing attacks on his new partner, who has no clue what exactly to think of them.

My favorite part has got to be the one little scene after JJ's introduction where Ryo, who refuses to acknowledge exactly why he's angry, builds up a mini barricade between his and Dee's desk. It is such a totally silly thing for the usually completely composed Ryo to do it always cracks me up. Actually, I pretty much read the entire manga (and volume 2) with a grin on my face. It is obvious that a lot of work is put into not only the stories and character development, but also the drawing and design. From panels with elaborate backgrounds to wild character caricatures when they get excited, this manga-ka has a very unique style that I enjoy very much.

I'm so glad I was introduced to this series early on in my manga reading, although I'm sure I would have liked it just as much if I had read it later. Every time I read it I just wind up liking it more. If you're interested in BL manga with a very strong plot, great characters and well defined stories I'd highly suggest this series. ( )

Adorable. Gay cop manga. A really nice mix of romance and cop story.

Wow, I only just read the first volume in the Fake series and I´m already thrilled by it. I´m sure that I will like this series just as much as I loved the Kizuna series by Kazuma Kodaka. Actually both series have certain similarities, while maintaining their individual characters.

Ryo and Dee are two New York City cops and become partners at work. Their first job is to investigate the murder of a drug dealer and the resulting events of their investigation not only get Dee kidnapped, but also increases the emotional level of their partnership.

I really like the characters of Ryo and Dee. Ryo is the thoughtful person, who is quite overwhelmed by the feelings Dee awakes in him, and Dee is the funny person who instantly begins flirting with Ryo. The story is gritty, as you would expect of a police story. Altogether a fantastic read. ( )

Book Description:
The story revolves around two cops Ryo and Dee. Ryo is just transferring into the department and gets hooked up with the wild child of the department (Dee) that the chief wants reined in. Poor Ryo has his hands full when Dee's attention turns to more than just giving him a hard time on the job to getting him alone at home. All the while the duo are solving crimes and saving the innocent.

My Review:
This book is a must for yaoi lovers. What more can you ask for 2 cops; one with a heart of gold and the other with a heart of passion for his partner. The story line is full of plots each chapter ties in well with the next. As the pages turn, the storyline grows-a nice variety of supporting characters are added in the mix to spice things up. And a wonderful selection of antagonists and triangle love interests (new and old) pop up. All which cause the main boys woes and worries, misunderstanding abound which lead to those wonderful kissing scenes we all love. The art work is good and the imagery is detailed. Ryo's mixed personality of innocent vs. seriousness charms you right off and Dee's devilish side enthralls while the sideline commentary makes you giggle.

Other Great Series/Manga by Sanami Matoh
By the Sword
Tenryu: The Dragon Cycle
Until the Full Moon
RA-I
TRASH

For those who like this series I recommend checking out "Yellow" by Makoto Tateno ( )

Sanami Matoh is a legend of yaoi. Her style, like other legends like Kodaka and Nitta, is unique and distinctive. Her characters, two New York cops, fall short of prettiness due to style, and her plots are necessarily grittier. The culminating act of love takes place only in the final volume, but do not feel cheated to receive intense kissing for so many volumes. Matoh's stories are unusually plot-heavy and worth the read. ( )