Adapted from the manga “Kabe Sa Doujin Sakka no Neko Yashiki-kun wa Shouninyokkyuu wo Kojiraseteiru” by Minamoto Kazuki, the Japanese BL Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-Kun Desires to be Recognized is a comic portrayal of two childhood classmates, Nekoyashiki Mamoru (Matsuoka Koudaiwith) and Kazama Issei (Nakao Masaki) who have unspoken feelings for each other.

When it comes to live-actions and comedies, Japan specializes in over-the-top filmmaking, but they also specialize in nuanced filmmaking, taking comedy and riddling it with deeper undertones. Kabe Koji is a riveting example of this, offering viewers explosively colorful comic book scenes laced with cringe that manages to come off touching the heart.

And it does it by delving into the lives of two very different people with two very different dreams who secretly love each other.

When doujinshi artist Nekoyashiki Mamoru first appears on screen, he isn’t all that likable. His coarse personality and arrogant need for validation are mildly off-putting until it becomes glaringly evident as the show progresses that his dark, blunt, and depressing persona stems from a deep inferiority complex.

Personal insecurity is a dark place full of anxiety and uncertainty that colors how a person handles various situations. Despite the lighter tone, Kabe Koji not only delves deeply into the insecurities and feelings of inadequacy Mamoru consistently deals with, it also shows how those around him react to this. He desires approval from those around him and becomes dependent on his art to achieve that approval. Having the support of others often creates a false sense of security, and Mamoru is looking for security.

On the other hand, his obsession with his art and his need for others to approve of it also make him hard to connect with. His only confidante is his biggest fan, Yamada Koharu (Yahagi Honoka).

As an author who chose to delve into publication on my terms, I relate to Mamoru’s need to control his own creative choices. I also relate to his frustrations over telling a story when meeting Issei again begins to cloud his thoughts. It’s easy to find yourself blocked and unable to write/draw/etc. when life throws you an unexpected curveball.

It’s even more complicated when that curveball is a person of the same sex you have deep feelings for while still in the closet. Mamoru channels his sexuality and desires into his erotic art, and much of those desires are obviously centered on his former classmate, Issei.

This brings me to Kazama Issei himself. A popular idol part of a rising Jpop group, Issei is the exact opposite of Mamoru while also being eerily similar. Where Mamoru’s need for approval makes him outwardly sour and hard to get along with, Issei’s need to please others makes him overly friendly. Issei smiles through every situation, absorbing the criticisms thrown his way in an easygoing manner that feels heartbreaking.

For Issei, Mamoru is the reason he chose to pursue an idol career. His admiration for the artist is filled with love and respect for his artwork.

And that’s where the contrast gets interesting. Where Mamoru seems to need approval on a large scale, Issei desires support from Mamoru the most.

In an engaging first two episodes that take viewers into each of the main characters’ lives, Kabe Koji sets the stage for a vividly, over-the-top story about two men in love who haven’t yet faced the feelings they have for each other.

In an emotionally jarring scene in Episode 2, a classmate accuses Mamoru of being gay and calls him “disgusting.”

While ‘disgusting’ is an adjective used to describe many things, when it’s used to attack others, it’s a cruel way of tearing down another person and a perfect example of why words are powerful weapons.

In Kabe Koji’s case, ‘Disgusting’ is used to rob Mamoru of his pride because of his classmate’s prejudices. It hurts, especially considering Mamoru’s inferiority complex. This is why it is so pivotal when his friend Yamada Koharu steps up and figuratively says, “Not today,” with the slap she gives. While violence isn’t the answer in every situation, it was a decisive ‘ally’ moment, proving that in a world of condemnation, there are people who don’t judge others based on how they love.

And I’m here for that.

For a drama full of over-the-top madness with a serious undertone that strikes a chord, check out Kabe Koji on Viki.

Rating- 4 out of 5