One of the Best Yaoi Titles     Feb 26, 2008     reviewed by Noon    

By the time I finished reading Yellow, I knew Makoto Tateno is gonna be one of my favorite mangakas, so I started looking for more of her titles, and guess what? I got this one. The first volume of Hero Heel left me wanting more and more especially that it ended in such a way that makes you wanna know what is gonna happen next between the two protagonists. I rarely get hot by Yaoi but the chemistry and the sex scene between the two will put you on fire. I just hope we will get more of that in the next volume. Highly recommended.

Noon also recommended: Yellow, Finder Series, Love Mode,
Is this review helpful? Yes | No

A wonderful start to Ms Tateno's new series!     Nov 09, 2007     reviewed by Iolantha    

I enjoyed Ms Tateno’s ‘Yellow’ Series for her exquisite art - clean lines and expressive eyes - and was eagerly awaiting my copy of ‘Hero Heel 1’. Once again, the art is fabulous. The two protagonists are gorgeous, with beautiful faces, hot bods (what more can a yaoi fangirl ask for?) and they really talk with their eyes – that’s how good Ms Tateno is.

Minami lands the lead role for the first time, cast as the hero in a TV series. He is initially unenthusiastic and does not perform well, and is unprepared and daunted by having to execute his own stunts. His first meeting with his more experienced, enigmatic co-star, Sawada, is prickly, with Minami feeling inferior and defensive. As shooting progresses however, Minami finds himself unconsciously trying to impress Sawada, in spite of the animosity between them. Sawada sizzles with sexuality, is cool, confident and wavers between being touchingly caring and aloof in his treatment of the lead actor. Minami, who is straight, becomes fascinated with Sawada when he discovers his co-star’s sexual orientation, almost to the point of obsession, leading to unfortunate results.

This is an excellent first volume, with a tantalizing taste of things to come. I could relate to and sympathized with poor Minami, remembering all-consuming, ‘absolutely not thinking straight type of’ giddy crushes I experienced in my adolescence. The last few shots of him really tore at my heart and I’m waiting (impatiently) for the next volume.

Iolantha also recommended: Hero Heel, Finder,
Is this review helpful? Yes | No

Has it all...     Aug 17, 2010     reviewed by jeff    

Tateno-san has yet to disappoint me with her works, and Hero Heel is no exception; fantastic (HOT) art and character development are just automatic for her. Although the storyline is a bit wishy-washy at times, all 3 volumes together create a very colorful and dramatic up and down relationship that you will want to read again and again. Sorry, I don't give out plot synopses or spoilers, but try Hero Heel, you will not regret it!

jeff also recommended: Anything by Tateno-san!!!,
Is this review helpful? Yes | No