The Man of Tangoby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 10 Angie has the spark of Tango, a firey Argentinian dance, but he has never truly felt it's passion in his life ... at least not until meeting Hiro, a half-Latin, half-Japanese straight man. Despite protesting that he's "not gay," Hiro finds himself opening his heart and his body becoming Angie's "Man of Tango."This book is divided into three main sections. First, the main body of the story, which can stand alone. Second, the short, "love-crazed" version (according to the table of contents). And third, an epilogue that gives us a peak at Hiro and Angie as an old couple. This story is beautiful and moving, and it so different than anything else I've come across. The men in it are burly, with large frames and defined muscles. They are grown men and not boys. They are expressive and emotional without coming across as anything other than "manly." The relationship is mainly that of a gay couple, but there's also a bit of polyamory. Angie is a lover, plain and simple. He will be in a relationship with men or women, and continues to love those he's no longer with. Bene is Angie's female dance partner and former lover. She's a dominatrix as well, adding yet another layer to her as a person. She shares an apartment with Angie. Seeing Angie, Hiro, and Bene together as a family just makes so much sense and seems so natural for them. Spoiler alert: While I understand the author's decision for the end, it is terribly sad -- though I very much appreciate seeing Angie and Hiro in the future, living Bene's dream they all shared! I got teary-eyed. I also like that Hiro still gets embarrassed when Angie brings up the intimate part of their life. The art and story are both wonderfully crafted. I love how Hiro's martial arts experience is used to instigate the first love-making session. I've seen other manga do the "sleeping person pulls their love interest into an embrace on the bed," which always comes off as more fantasy than reality. However, this manga makes it realistic Hiro's body reacts instinctively (from years of training) when Angie grabs his shirt, and Hiro puts Angie into a specific hold. From there, Angie takes over the lead. I love that all the characters, including Bene, are toned and not petite. It's a different type of beauty we don't get to see often, especially in romance or boys' love. I really like how we're privy to Hiro's thoughts during certain scenes, as it conveys the process of him opening up and accepting both Angie and this new side of himself. The sex scenes are well done and are a level of passionate that resonates with the internal passion of the entire story. The book is priced at $12.99, and I can tell you that I would easily have paid more. This story filled a void in my library I didn't even know was there. Written: October 13, 2013
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