Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Noticed That I’ve Become A BL Game Protagonist’s Younger Brother!
This web novel is a wild ride, to say the least. It's got comedy, fantasy, a gender-bent protagonist, romance, school life, and a dash of the supernatural. It's a lot to take in, but I dove in headfirst, ready for some lighthearted fun.
First Impressions
Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. Reincarnation into a BL game as the protagonist's younger brother? Sounds like a recipe for some hilarious shenanigans. The cover art is eye-catching, and the tags promised a cute, dense protagonist navigating a world of accidental seduction. I settled in, hoping for a story akin to "Kiss Him, Not Me!" but in a BL setting.
What Works Well
The humor definitely shines. The MC's denseness is played up for comedic effect, and his internal monologues had me chuckling. The author does a great job of creating ridiculous situations where the MC obliviously attracts attention, leading to some genuinely funny moments. Also, many readers praised the translator's work, and I found the author's writing to be solid.
Areas of Concern
However, I can't ignore some of the issues that several readers have brought up. The MC's initial attitude towards BL and the portrayal of his fujoshi tendencies are, to put it mildly, problematic. Some readers found his behavior to be fetishizing and even creepy. The constant insistence on being "straight" despite being surrounded by potential male love interests also struck me as a bit tiresome.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
This section contains spoilers about the ending. Read at your own risk!
The biggest point of contention seems to be the ending. Many readers felt betrayed by the fact that the MC ends up with a girl, especially since the story heavily implies romantic connections with several male characters. The female love interest is not on the cover and has zero chemistry with the MC. A straight ending in a story marketed as BL feels like a major bait-and-switch.
Final Verdict
Overall, I Noticed That I’ve Become A BL Game Protagonist’s Younger Brother! is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine humor and charm, but it's also riddled with problematic elements and a frustrating ending. If you're looking for a lighthearted comedy with no serious romantic development, you might find some enjoyment here. However, if you're expecting a fulfilling BL romance, you'll likely be disappointed. Proceed with caution.
