Publisher TOKYOPOP highlights a gripping and gritty new BL release that weaves a tense cat and mouse murder mystery against the backdrop of professional sports as it announces the launch of LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL on November 28th.
The new series will be published under TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint and features story by Kurutta Hito and artwork by Tsunderuuu. LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL is based on a hit OEL webtoon that has been read more than 360 million times and currently enjoys more than 45K subscribers. The print release from TOKYOPOP also will be published digitally.
LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL, Vol. 1, story by Kurutta Hito, artwork by Tsunderuuu ∙ Print SRP: $19.99 ∙ 304 pages ∙ ISBN: 978-1427874528 ∙ For Mature Readers (18+) ∙ Available November 28th.
Available for the first time completely uncensored!
As the son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan, Shoto Tanaka’s life is anything but ordinary. Then he meets the most popular athlete in Japan, Goro Nakamura. Goro is used to putting on a show for the public, and since he comes of a family of wealth and notoriety, he is frequently in the limelight. Shoto, like many others, is captivated by Goro’s icy charisma.
What Shoto doesn’t yet know is that Goro is also the infamous “Animosity Serial Killer.” In what ways will Goro and Shoto’s profound devotion to each other and their conflicting ideologies impact their complex relationship and those around them?
This bloody BL thriller is for mature readers (18+) who enjoy dark psychological themes, suspense, and a side of horror with their romance.
“Love Murder Basketball is a mature-themed comic about two men trying to find their purpose in a harsh world,” says writer/creator Kurutta Hito. “It focuses on the twisted and obsessive relationship between Goro Nakamura and Shoto Tanaka. Goro is psychopathic serial killer who cannot comprehend basic human emotions, while Shota is a young man who suffers from severe trauma and one who tends to feel too many emotions.”
The creator further notes how the race of one of the main characters also impacts his story arc.
Says creator Kurutta Hito, “Goro, one of the main characters, is of Japanese and Melanesia-African American heritage. His heritage is an important part of his narrative, and I wanted to explore what it’s like to be a multicultural kid growing up in a homogeneous culture.
During the early stages of the creation of his character, I had a distinct notion that he should be unlike anyone else in the BL community. I wanted him to be unique in his own way. I was also aware that it would not be easy to do. Every character in this series brings a smile to my face, and I sincerely hope that readers will develop the same sentiments regarding any of the characters that ultimately win their hearts. There is a character for everyone. Your readership of Love Murder Basketball is appreciated.”
Source: Press Release