This review of Given explores why Natsuki Kizu’s Boys Love manga-turned-anime resonates so deeply with fans worldwide. From its raw portrayal of grief and healing, to the sparks of first love and the unshakable bond of music, Given stands out as one of the most authentic BL stories ever told. On ComicK, we’ll dive into its characters, themes, music, and the emotional impact that makes Given unforgettable.
Introduction: Why Given Stays With You Long After the Last Episode
When I first came across Given on ComicK, I expected a sweet Boys Love romance. What I didn’t expect was a story that would grab me by the heart, break it, and then stitch it back together with music and quiet tenderness. It’s rare to find a BL title that balances love, grief, and artistic passion so gracefully, but Given does exactly that.
Watching Mafuyu’s silence slowly unravel into song, or seeing Uenoyama rediscover his lost spark through someone else’s pain, felt deeply personal. As someone who has followed many BL titles, I can say Given doesn’t rely on clichés or exaggerated drama it feels real. It speaks to the struggles of being young, lost, and desperately searching for something, or someone, that makes life meaningful again.
That’s why I think Given deserves more than just being called “another BL anime.” It’s a piece of art that lingers, and if you haven’t watched or read it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most sincere love stories the genre has to offer.
Mafuyu: A Voice Born From Silence
Mafuyu is not the kind of protagonist who dazzles with words or dramatic gestures. In fact, what makes him so captivating is his silence. Carrying his guitar like a shield, he feels almost like a ghost at first present, but untouchable. His quietness isn’t emptiness, though it’s grief, and Given captures that in a way that feels painfully authentic.
As the story unfolds, his emotions don’t spill out in speeches but in fragments a shy glance, a trembling note, a hesitant smile. And then, when Mafuyu finally sings, it’s not just music; it’s a confession, a wound ripped open, a release that left me with chills. That one performance scene is among the most unforgettable in anime, not just BL.
Mafuyu represents something many of us understand but struggle to express: the weight of unspoken pain. Watching him find healing through music and connection makes his journey resonate deeply, even if you’ve never touched a guitar.
Uenoyama: Rediscovering Passion Through Love
Ritsuka Uenoyama, the guitarist who takes Mafuyu under his wing, could have been another “talented but bored” archetype. But what makes him different is how Given portrays his growth not just as a musician, but as a person learning to open his heart.
At first, Uenoyama sees Mafuyu as a burden. Teaching him guitar feels like an annoying chore. But slowly, almost reluctantly, he finds himself drawn in not by skill, but by Mafuyu’s raw sincerity. In teaching Mafuyu music, Uenoyama rediscovers his own reason to play, his own reason to feel. It’s both romantic and deeply human.
His arc reminds us that love isn’t always about dramatic declarations it can be about small moments of rediscovery, of being inspired by someone else’s courage to keep going. And for Uenoyama, that courage came in the form of a boy with a broken heart and a voice too powerful to ignore.
Haruki and Akihiko: A Subplot That Stole the Spotlight
While Mafuyu and Uenoyama’s love story is the core, Given becomes even richer with Haruki and Akihiko’s complicated relationship. Haruki, the gentle bassist, wears his heart on his sleeve, while Akihiko, the enigmatic drummer, is tangled in messy past loves and raw emotions.
Their dynamic adds depth and contrast to the main romance. Where Mafuyu and Uenoyama’s relationship is about healing and discovery, Haruki and Akihiko’s story is about maturity, scars, and the difficult process of moving forward. This dual narrative keeps Given from being one-dimensional it’s not just about first love, but also about the messy realities of adult relationships.
As a viewer, I often found myself equally invested in Haruki’s quiet heartbreak as in Mafuyu’s hesitant blossoming. It’s rare for a BL story to juggle multiple romances with such balance, but Given does it effortlessly.
The Power of Music as Storytelling
One of the most unique strengths of Given is how music isn’t just background it is the story. The band performances are not only beautifully animated but emotionally loaded, each note carrying the weight of things unsaid.
The first time Mafuyu sings, it’s devastating. His song isn’t polished or perfect, but it’s raw, and that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable. In that moment, his grief, his past, and his love come pouring out in a way that words never could.
I’ve seen many anime centered around music, but Given stands apart because the songs are tied so closely to the characters’ inner lives. It’s not about technical brilliance it’s about emotion. And as someone who’s felt comfort in music during hard times, this struck a chord I won’t forget.
Why Given Feels Different From Other Boys Love Stories
Many BL titles are enjoyable, but few reach the emotional depth of Given. It avoids the pitfalls of the genre forced drama, shallow attraction, over-the-top tropes—and instead gives us something authentic.
The romance between Mafuyu and Uenoyama is not about lust or shock value. It’s about two people finding pieces of themselves in each other. Add to that the nuanced subplot of Haruki and Akihiko, and you get a layered story that respects its characters and its audience.
It’s also important to note how Given represents LGBTQ+ themes with sensitivity. Rather than using identity as a plot twist, it treats love as love, grief as grief, and healing as healing. That universality is what allows it to resonate with so many people, even beyond BL fans.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Given
If you’ve been searching for a BL story that goes beyond surface-level romance, Given is the one. It’s heartfelt, beautifully drawn, and emotionally rich in ways that stay with you long after the final scene.
I would recommend Given to anyone whether you’re a fan of Boys Love, music dramas, or simply stories that feel raw and real. It’s not just about relationships; it’s about the struggles of youth, the healing power of art, and the courage it takes to move forward after loss.
On ComicK, Given isn’t just a recommendation it’s a must-read, must-watch experience. And if you let yourself fall into its world, you might just find a piece of yourself reflected back through its music.
Read more:
- Review Boys Run the Riot: Fashion, Identity & Rebellion
- Review Koi to Dangan: Dangerous Love with a Yakuza Twist
