Review for Kotaro's "VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM"

 

VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM.
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kotaro

RELEASE DATE:
May 05, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647295806

RATING:
4

 

 

Aito is a reincarnated mermaid princess, one who died tragically from unrequited love. He believes the curse followed him into his new life as a human. Aito has sworn off love because of it. However, a chance encounter with Toru causes him to change his mind. Can Aito find a way to break his curse? Or will history repeat itself?

Toru is a junior in the sound and engineering department of college. After watching a video of Aito singing, he realizes he wants him to do vocals on a track. Whenever Toru is around Aito, the other man cannot speak. When he finds a way around their communication barrier, Toru finds himself falling in love with Aito. Can he convince Aito to go out with him?

Poor Aito. I can understand his reasons for being so jaded about happy endings and love. Being bombarded with such heart-wrenching memories at a young age would have anyone swearing off love.

I only have one small nitpick. I would have liked more of Toru’s point of view. Aito’s friend Mizuki has more scenes than Toru – which seems odd and off putting for me. It did not allow me to connect with him.

Mizuki may be a side character but he/she is a GREAT friend. I admire how far he/she went to help Aito overcome his curse. There was no derision, just acceptance.

This is basically a Boys Love twist to The Little Mermaid telling – the Grimm version not Disney. There are no heated sex scenes nor any heated kissing. Overall, it gives off a wholesome vibe.

A one-shot manga. So the pacing between Aito and Toru is rushed in some places. I would not be adverse to another volume being released, side stories showing the progression of Toru and Aito’s relationship.