Boys Be… Spring, Vol. 1

Romance fiction is stereotypically considered exclusively of interest to the fairer sex. Where would girls be without their knights in shining armor? Or perhaps just the boy next door? This claim is, of course, simply not true. Boys Be… presents romance from the high school guy's point of view, full of jittery nerves, spiking hormones, and first attempts to puzzle out just what the opposite sex wants, feels, and expects. Each of the three episodes compiled here features a snapshot romantic encounter, from a shy artist discovering deeper feelings for a childhood friend, to a wounded, self-proclaimed Romeo attempting to woo the nurse who's treating him. Awkwardness abounds, inspiring laughter and sympathetic winces as well as providing enough drama to keep the stories moving. While not overly original, the tales feel less manic than many schoolgirl-centric romantic comedies and therefore end up seeming more real. When these boys hang out together, they can be crass braggarts but they also goof around and talk about girls as friends. And, yes, while the guys are occasionally driven by glimpses of panties and sexy curves, the flashes of sensuality are sweet and honest—not the ludicrous fan service that haunts so many boys' anime—making the 13-up rating accurate (in fact, the interstitial titles are more risqué than the actual show content). Presented on a dual-language disc, the opening volume of Boys Be… is not a must-buy, but it is a nice shift from petal-strewn girls' romances. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Boys Be…, Vol. 2 is also available, with Vol. 3 slated for release on May 30, and Vol. 4 debuting on June 27.] Aud: P. (R. Brenner)