My synopsis: Teahouse is a whorehouse, run by Xanthe Atros. Supposedly, in the past, Xanthe’s father owned Teahouse, and Xanthe possibly grew up there? Whether his father built the place with the idea in mind to make it a whorehouse, I couldn't tell you. Actually, beyond that, I can't tell you much about this story. Other than Xanthe is a central character out of a cast of fifteen. He runs the show. And while his prostitutes make him money, there are several love interests, that I assume are there to help built the plot. Don't get me wrong, I love Emirain's artistic skills, but Teahouse is nothing more than a fuck-fest with a minimal background story and slow character development. Every week I stop in to see what the next page will bring and unfortunately nothing really changes. Linneus has the hots for Xanthe, who seems to share the same feelings, but can't act upon those feelings. Axis is a smug smartass that ends up under the control of Rhys (an arrogant bastard in his own right). Rory is an eighteen-year-old kid just learning the ropes and finds himself singled out by Alistair Grayson–a rude, pompous man who is almost old enough to be his father. Anyway, I could go on and on about the characters and it still wouldn't shed any more light as to what exactly is going on. Where did the characters come from? Is everyone somehow linked? The character creation is decent. The art is awesome. But sadly, the plot is non-existent. No matter how twisted, or simple, a story must have a beginning, middle, and end; not float aimlessly. It should also have a clear protagonist, antagonist and maybe a climax-explain things a little. I give this yaoi 2.5 flames only because the sex is hot and the eye candy is worth looking at. 1st read: 2/4/11Reread: 7/16/11, 6/17/12Xanthe Atros (aka The Owner) as well as the manager of Teahouse-a brothel he inherited from his father. Within it's walls a colorful and assorted cast of characters make a living as courtesans. There's Linneus (aka The Doormat); he is the longest running courtesan of the group. He is quiet, reserved, and with a delicate sort of beauty and grace that doesn't manage to hide the indefinable emotions and tension between him and Atros.Lilith (aka The Bitch) is the top earning female courtesan and one who does her nickname justice by never missing the opportunity to belittle Linneus, especially since she is the one that Atros is currently bedding.Axis (aka The Womanizer) is the top earning courtesan overall. A hit with the ladies with a wild look and personality; he's currently a favorite of Rhys-a male client who gets a kick out making the 'supposedly straight' Axis submit to his desires.Rory Dubois (aka The Virgin) is a new addition to Teahouse. Highly prized for his chastity; he is a young shy bishie boy still trying to settle down into his environment, but he is sweet and kind. In the cliffie he comes face to face with a potential suitor-Reed (aka The Mystery Man).Claret (aka The Ditz) is a simple, big chested, and curvy woman. She manages to do well but finds herself as the cause of Axis' jealousy when Rhys-in one of his visits-picks her instead.Then there's Mercutio (aka The Freak) a wacky character who obviously enjoys his job, as he is the one who handles the fetishists.Finally, rounding up the cast is Argent(aka The Bodyguard) who is loyal to Atros.This is a wonderful introduction, giving a little of each character and an incentive to keep going in order to learn more about them and what lies in their past, present, and future. It's a solid 48 pgs. replete with comedy, drama, and hot man love; the artwork is gorgeous and the artist's fine detail-especially when the guys are getting it on-is just eye popping. So come on into Teahouse, where the fun awaits as soon as you step through the door.
What do You think about Teahouse, Chapter 1 (2000)?
I loved this. The art was amazing. And oh the drama. Look forward to reading the rest.
—sam
