Shuuten Unknown (Manga) Review

Full List of Bromance Recommendations

Now that we’re at this, here’s one fun fact about me: I am eternally grateful whenever I chance upon a bromance title with a fantasy setting ( *̩̩̩ ᵋ *̩̩̩ ). Like, there are just not enough of them out there! 

The bromance manga being introduced today might be familiar to some. After all, it is created by the very same artist behind the popular (and super long-running) shounen-ai series The Ice-Cold Demon’s Tale and Silver Diamond. With that said, let me introduce you, Shuuten Unknown.

Genre: Shoujo, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy

Author: Sugiura Shiho

Running Years: 2013 – 2016

Synopsis (taken & modified from BakaUpdates):

The story started with the discovery of the White Jewel Pin – an incredibly rare, precious and powerful magical item. When it broke in half, the two pieces attached themselves onto two strangers from two different organisations. Each man was determined to seize both halves for himself: one man for the sake of his own freedom, the other for the sake of the master who saved him. 

But — neither of the pieces could be detached from their body by any means! Worst of all, the White Jewel Pin’s magic created the oddest bond between the two men: as long as the pieces were still there, the men could not be apart from each other for more than 3 meters!

Hence, the two strangers set on a journey to settle this problem, meanwhile each plotting how to trick the other and run away with both pieces…

Length: Completed with 5 volumes (31 chapters) + 1 sequel volume (5 chapters) 

Translation: Completed (all 6 volumes) 

Personal review:

➕ Follow the two strangers on an engaging adventure with simple drama here and there. The plot makes an easy, but definitely not boring, read. And we get a happy ending!

➕ Their dynamics develop so nicely that it’ll warm your heart. Similar to her other works, Sugiura-sensei dives deep into her characters’ emotions and thought processes. Specifically for Shuuten Unknown, the issues of distrust and loneliness are dealt with tactfully, showcasing a convincing tale of two lost souls learning to have faith in each other, and in the world around them. It feels good to see how two strangers go from (almost) enemies to (almost) family in a very natural progression. Another plus is that despite the small volume count, both main characters were given ample room to develop and grow in maturity.

➕ There is this supporting character who is literally the two men’s biggest shipper (LOL). I like him a lot. And seriously who wouldn’t want them together – they are too shippable to not notice ( ´͈ ᗨ `͈ ). Also, did I mention that they pretty much got married at the end?

➕ I personally think that her art used to be better back in The Ice-Cold Demon’s Tale – but still, for Shuuten Unknown, the art is clean and easy to follow.

➖ The ending for the main story (first 5 volumes) feels kind of abrupt. Luckily, there is a sequel volume Shuuten Unknown Gaiden, which does an acceptable job of wrapping up the whole plot. 

➖ Their adventure could have gone on a lot longer. In my opinion, there is so much world-building and plot thickening to be explored (and look, her other two shounen-ai series were like 24 volumes and 27 volumes respectively…). *Sob*