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Fake #2
Fake, Volume 02
Ryo and Dee, two of New York City's finest, are called in to investigate the activities of some two-bit street punk. The operation goes south rather quickly when Dee is kidnapped and Ryo must put all of his skill and training to the test to get his partner back in one piece. Their partnership is on the line as electrified emotions raise feelings between the two guys that are hard to ignore.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 5, 2022
Dee and Ryo go on vacation to England. Why would they? No idea. Why did the author make this choice? Even less idea! The whole setting is a hotel by a lake, it could be anywhere, and no English people are met. The new character is also an American cop. Our guys have coincidentally come to stay at a murder hotel. So plausible!
Then they return to the US, land of foul-mouthed perverts and badly behaved children. Ryo manages to prevent Dee from actually murdering any suspects, although a few do get beaten up due to his anger issues. Perks of law-enforcement, I guess.
Having given this a fair shot by reading a second volume, I think I call it quits with FAKE (why the title?). CW for homophobic slurs.
Then they return to the US, land of foul-mouthed perverts and badly behaved children. Ryo manages to prevent Dee from actually murdering any suspects, although a few do get beaten up due to his anger issues. Perks of law-enforcement, I guess.
Having given this a fair shot by reading a second volume, I think I call it quits with FAKE (why the title?). CW for homophobic slurs.
February 17, 2024
Dee and Ryo escape to a lake resort for a vacation only to find murder. Second story, we learn more about Dee's past.
July 18, 2016
I enjoyed the cases and secondary characters in this volume more than the relationship of the main characters - they seem a bit clichéd, their attraction is purely physical with no depth, and I sometimes feel uncomfortable with how forceful Dee is - he even ignores and mocks the idea of consent.
If I ignore that, then the stories are harmful fun.
If I ignore that, then the stories are harmful fun.
November 25, 2023
to quote my own review for the movie saw 4: nothing more american than a gay cop
June 18, 2024
Mucho mejor que el anterior, no? Por lo menos me ha dado esa sensación. A ver si se mantiene así y va mejorando poco a poco (bueno no demasiado que solo son 6-7 tomos al fin y al cabo).
September 1, 2017
The nostalgia journey continues. This volume is better plot-wise, although the cop cases the characters struggle with are barely there, more as background for their relationship than anything else but I'm okay with that. As for the relationship itself, there is something I miss in so many love stories nowadays - yeah, the characters were attracted to each other pretty quickly but from the start they get to know each other, learn about each other and start to fall for each other because of their respective personalities and not only how they look like. Quite refreshing. There is even some acknowledgement of some problematic themes and although it's thought of as comical, well, it is there, so it's a step in a positive direction. Continues to be a nice distraction! ♥
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October 14, 2013This volume seemed less authentic than the first.
September 30, 2025
3.5*
I liked the action of the cases they investigate, and I love the slow burn between Ryo and Dee (as well as Bikky and Carol). You can tell they really care for each other and I enjoyed getting to know them, as they get to know each other and build a relationship.
In terms of romance, it's less "will they/won't they" and more, "when will Ryo admit his feelings for Dee?" It's clear they are both interested and both want it, to some extent, and I'm totally on board with waiting for them to work it out. I like the slowly increasing heat between them, as their feelings ramp up, but...
...I don't enjoy the "You're saying 'No' but you don't really mean it" side to the story (or "You're saying 'No' but just need to be convinced"). I'm not sure whether it is a trope, a stereotype, a social product of its time, or some combination of all three, but you see this a lot (especially with manga written around this time).
Consent is a major issue in this book, made worse/more confusing because Ryo seems into it, then cries foul and Dee pushes, but then pulls back. It makes it unclear whether Ryo is a victim of sexual assault or just playing hot or cold. Is Dee a predator? If Ryo is unwilling to admit what he wants and IS saying 'No' when he means 'Yes' (we have at least one confirmed scene where he was disappointed that it stopped), then is Dee in fact just doing what Ryo doesn't want to admit he wants and is stopping when Ryo makes it clear he isn't on board? I think a better way of achieving this would be for Ryo to show interest, then pull back and go "whoa, too much, I'm not ready" or "I'm not gay" (or whatever his hang-up is, because it seems to bounce between these two points), but to at least be honest that he had wanted it, even if he changed his mind. Instead, he allows it one minute, then freaks out the next and yo-yos between the two. Dee ignores this and puts a lot of pressure on Ryo, but then stops before going "too" far. Also, Dee's constant jokes about not caring about consent didn't age well. Honestly, it is a terrible example of what consent should look like, and muddies the waters so it seems like it's okay because "well, he did really want it, even if he said 'No'." In modern times, it's clearly not how consent should work, but the story paints it in shades of grey which justifies it, despite how uncomfortable these scenes are.
It's a pity, because other than this, I really enjoyed the story.
Edit to add: The time jumps with Bikky and Carol's story are a little confusing, but also make for an interesting read. Instead of a sequential timeline, we get snippets of their story (ranging from 10 and 13, 12 and 15, and 13 and 16 so far), that really come together to give a multifaceted view of their relationship.
I liked the action of the cases they investigate, and I love the slow burn between Ryo and Dee (as well as Bikky and Carol). You can tell they really care for each other and I enjoyed getting to know them, as they get to know each other and build a relationship.
In terms of romance, it's less "will they/won't they" and more, "when will Ryo admit his feelings for Dee?" It's clear they are both interested and both want it, to some extent, and I'm totally on board with waiting for them to work it out. I like the slowly increasing heat between them, as their feelings ramp up, but...
...I don't enjoy the "You're saying 'No' but you don't really mean it" side to the story (or "You're saying 'No' but just need to be convinced"). I'm not sure whether it is a trope, a stereotype, a social product of its time, or some combination of all three, but you see this a lot (especially with manga written around this time).
Consent is a major issue in this book, made worse/more confusing because Ryo seems into it, then cries foul and Dee pushes, but then pulls back. It makes it unclear whether Ryo is a victim of sexual assault or just playing hot or cold. Is Dee a predator? If Ryo is unwilling to admit what he wants and IS saying 'No' when he means 'Yes' (we have at least one confirmed scene where he was disappointed that it stopped), then is Dee in fact just doing what Ryo doesn't want to admit he wants and is stopping when Ryo makes it clear he isn't on board? I think a better way of achieving this would be for Ryo to show interest, then pull back and go "whoa, too much, I'm not ready" or "I'm not gay" (or whatever his hang-up is, because it seems to bounce between these two points), but to at least be honest that he had wanted it, even if he changed his mind. Instead, he allows it one minute, then freaks out the next and yo-yos between the two. Dee ignores this and puts a lot of pressure on Ryo, but then stops before going "too" far. Also, Dee's constant jokes about not caring about consent didn't age well. Honestly, it is a terrible example of what consent should look like, and muddies the waters so it seems like it's okay because "well, he did really want it, even if he said 'No'." In modern times, it's clearly not how consent should work, but the story paints it in shades of grey which justifies it, despite how uncomfortable these scenes are.
It's a pity, because other than this, I really enjoyed the story.
Edit to add: The time jumps with Bikky and Carol's story are a little confusing, but also make for an interesting read. Instead of a sequential timeline, we get snippets of their story (ranging from 10 and 13, 12 and 15, and 13 and 16 so far), that really come together to give a multifaceted view of their relationship.
February 20, 2022
Ryo and Dee are off on vacation and end up in my neck of the woods, England. But being Dee and Ryo murder seems to follow them. As you can expect they can't just sit around and do nothing! We also meet someone who ends up turning up again and again in this series, Inspector Berkeley Rose. Also JJ, just give up already and you also say too much! This mystery was just so creepy and plain sad when you find out why. It was nice to finally get some background on Dee and I loved Mother, aka penguin, she was just so sweet! They're feeling are progressing at a nice simmer and I live for those moments. Bikky as usual is turning up just as it starts to get good. He can't leave poor Dee alone. It was weird seeing him grown-up at one point though, but Dee is still his hot self. In the latest edition there is an extra chapter and it's in the new style they're drawn in. It's an extra from Fake Second and it's about Dee when he was newish on the force! It gives us more insight into Dee.
September 19, 2018
I really, really wish Dee wasn't as pushy as he is. I get that Matoh is relying on the reader to interpret Ryo's "no" and whatnot as hesitance because he's not entirely certain of his own emotions and whatnot, but I feel like there has to be a better way to do that. Also, Dee's a bit more predatory than I remember, and his interactions with Carol are sometimes way more problematic than his interactions with Ryo.
Bikky and Carol, however, continue to delight, and I absolutely love those two and how much more mature (relatively) they are in their own budding romantic relationship than the adults that they look up to (and down on).
Bikky and Carol, however, continue to delight, and I absolutely love those two and how much more mature (relatively) they are in their own budding romantic relationship than the adults that they look up to (and down on).
December 8, 2018
quick series review:
so, so good!
I had not read fake in years and oh, I am so glad I did so on a whim! the series is just so refreshingly free of many of the genre's most troubling and terrible stereotypes, it's a truly a breath of fresh air! and then there are the very lovable, well-rounded main and side characters... fake is just really, really good.
some of the smaller cases feel a bit rushed and I wish some arcs/cases had more time to them, but overall the crime story aspect of fake is solid.
content note:the manga can be quite graphic when it comes to the depictions of homicides, that's something to be aware of and maybe look into depending how sensitive you are to such things.
so, so good!
I had not read fake in years and oh, I am so glad I did so on a whim! the series is just so refreshingly free of many of the genre's most troubling and terrible stereotypes, it's a truly a breath of fresh air! and then there are the very lovable, well-rounded main and side characters... fake is just really, really good.
some of the smaller cases feel a bit rushed and I wish some arcs/cases had more time to them, but overall the crime story aspect of fake is solid.
content note:the manga can be quite graphic when it comes to the depictions of homicides, that's something to be aware of and maybe look into depending how sensitive you are to such things.
March 23, 2022
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November 16, 2022
Reading the second book in the series and while it's a lot of fun and I enjoy the adventures everyone gets up too the translation is not good. Especially since I assume this was a paid translation. Looking back at the original paperback books I have those were much better but also looking back I see how yellow the pages are. Glad for a digital copy but wish it was a better translation. Still I'm enjoying it.
September 17, 2018
I liked this issue a lot more than the first one. There are still some serious consent issues, but I loved seeing Ryo tentatively take initiative with intimacy and affection. The found family with Ryo, Dee, Bikky and Carol warms the heart. Despite it's problems, I am so hooked on this series now. Bring on Vol. 3!
June 9, 2022
I really enjoy volume two more than I did volume one. I feel like we really are getting to know the characters now. But I have a question it seemed like the stories were flipped in this volume because things took place in the second story that happened before the first story, is my manga misprinted or is this how it is?
August 12, 2020
I didn't remember we got into Dee's past so early in the books. I do remember loving this, because we knew Dee was a bit crazy but he goes completely unhinged here, and with reason. I'm having fun rereading these after so long.
December 15, 2022
This really enjoyed this book and I found this book to be funny in some parts but I would of like the characters and the relationship to be flash out bit more.
Both the ending and the atmosphere was that fine also I didn't really like the cover or art style.
Both the ending and the atmosphere was that fine also I didn't really like the cover or art style.
July 20, 2018
It's just as good as the first volume. I still think that everybody should read this book. I can't express how much I'm loving this series.
June 28, 2021
No se cómo se las arregla la autora para meter historias tan diversas, algunas súper oscuras y meter chistes que sí dan risa xD
October 5, 2021
4.5 stars
April 8, 2023
When I first read it, it was a 5 star book.
But now, re-reading it years after, the whole murder in the hotel feels kinda silly ngl. Also, JJ is so damn annoying, I complitely forgot he existed.
But now, re-reading it years after, the whole murder in the hotel feels kinda silly ngl. Also, JJ is so damn annoying, I complitely forgot he existed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
Es mi tomo favorito, porque contiene el caso que más me gusta: Dee y Ryo se van de vacaciones a Inglaterra y con un asesinato se han topado, además introduce a un nuevo personaje
April 28, 2024
2024 me is looking back at 2004 me who ate this with a spoon and just shaking my head.
September 20, 2021
Love the characters
Finished volume 1 and can't stop. Wanted to know how Dee and Ryo getting into.
The side characters are funny too. Can't wait for the next book.
Finished volume 1 and can't stop. Wanted to know how Dee and Ryo getting into.
The side characters are funny too. Can't wait for the next book.
October 17, 2013
Ryo and Dee can't stop being cops, even while on vacation in England! When a body is found by the hotel in which they are staying, their interest is piqued, even as they try to keep their eyes on the prize and enjoy their vacation. (Well, Ryo focuses on relaxing. Dee's eyes are on Ryo the whole time!) That doesn't mean the crime won't be solved, though! Berkley Rose, another NY state cop, is also vacationing close by and he's on the case like a hound dog with a scent!
While I like this series and enjoyed this book on the whole, there were a few elements that jumped out at me and I feel the need to bring up now:
- What's with the ghost? It didn't do anything for the plot and, as far as I know, this isn't a supernatural manga, so why bother with it at all?
- Is it just me, or is everyone falling for Ryo? Bikky trusts him immediately, Carol likes him, Dee fell in love almost immediately (okay, it's a yaoi manga so they have to move fast to keep the readership happy, I get it), Berkeley Rose seems to like him, too. In fact, the only person who isn't immediately smitten with Ryo is JJ. Sure, JJ is annoying, but it's refreshing to see him treat Ryo like a normal person, if not with a bit of animosity.
-Dee's backstory encompasses the fact that he grew up in an orphanage and has a nun for a "mother". Is that all there is to his character?
- What is with these 10-year-olds holding people up and being these great street thieves? Bikky, I can see. Hell, Carol pickpocketing? Her dad was a thief, so I'll let it slide. But the ENTIRE gang of kids from Dee's orphanage stop random passerby and threaten them with violence if they don't hand over their valuables? Really? What is that nun teaching them?
Well, aside from all those points, I still enjoyed this book. I think the mangaka was still trying to find her footing with the series, which explains the experiments with ghosts and a trip to England. I'll definitely keep up with the series, though, I can see through the plot and reasoning in places. Very thin.
My favourite part was the last story with Bikky and Carol. Funny I should focus on the het romance in a yaoi manga, but I guess I just like Bikky that much.
While I like this series and enjoyed this book on the whole, there were a few elements that jumped out at me and I feel the need to bring up now:
- What's with the ghost? It didn't do anything for the plot and, as far as I know, this isn't a supernatural manga, so why bother with it at all?
- Is it just me, or is everyone falling for Ryo? Bikky trusts him immediately, Carol likes him, Dee fell in love almost immediately (okay, it's a yaoi manga so they have to move fast to keep the readership happy, I get it), Berkeley Rose seems to like him, too. In fact, the only person who isn't immediately smitten with Ryo is JJ. Sure, JJ is annoying, but it's refreshing to see him treat Ryo like a normal person, if not with a bit of animosity.
-Dee's backstory encompasses the fact that he grew up in an orphanage and has a nun for a "mother". Is that all there is to his character?
- What is with these 10-year-olds holding people up and being these great street thieves? Bikky, I can see. Hell, Carol pickpocketing? Her dad was a thief, so I'll let it slide. But the ENTIRE gang of kids from Dee's orphanage stop random passerby and threaten them with violence if they don't hand over their valuables? Really? What is that nun teaching them?
Well, aside from all those points, I still enjoyed this book. I think the mangaka was still trying to find her footing with the series, which explains the experiments with ghosts and a trip to England. I'll definitely keep up with the series, though, I can see through the plot and reasoning in places. Very thin.
My favourite part was the last story with Bikky and Carol. Funny I should focus on the het romance in a yaoi manga, but I guess I just like Bikky that much.
January 29, 2023
Ryo y Dee van de vacaciones a un hotel en Inglaterra, donde Dee pretende finalmente hacer suyo a Ryo, pero Bikky, Carol y JJ les caen de sorpresa. Mientras, en la zona hay una serie de homicidios ocurridos a turistas japoneses. Malas noticias para Ryo, que es mitad japonés, pero Dee y un nuevo personaje misterioso.
Además conocemos algo del pasado de Dee, que es huérfano y fue criado en un orfanato por una monja a la que llama "penguin". Pero en su visita anual, descubre que el orfanato está en problemas porque una compañía desea el terreno para construir y han mandado a unos matones para hacerlos marcharse.
La última historia es con Bikky y Carol mayores, lo que más gracia me hace es que hace 20 años, en un foro que seguramente ya no existe, las fans diseccionaron cada aspecto de esa historia. ¡Miren, si 3 años después todavía aparecen Dee y Ryo juntos, es que ya son pareja oficial!
Además hay un par de páginas de la continuación de la historia sobre Dee novato (con el diseño de personaje nuevo).
No me puedo acostumbrar al estilo de la portada, aunque es más estético y redondeado, prefiero el anguloso original XD
Además conocemos algo del pasado de Dee, que es huérfano y fue criado en un orfanato por una monja a la que llama "penguin". Pero en su visita anual, descubre que el orfanato está en problemas porque una compañía desea el terreno para construir y han mandado a unos matones para hacerlos marcharse.
La última historia es con Bikky y Carol mayores, lo que más gracia me hace es que hace 20 años, en un foro que seguramente ya no existe, las fans diseccionaron cada aspecto de esa historia. ¡Miren, si 3 años después todavía aparecen Dee y Ryo juntos, es que ya son pareja oficial!
Además hay un par de páginas de la continuación de la historia sobre Dee novato (con el diseño de personaje nuevo).
No me puedo acostumbrar al estilo de la portada, aunque es más estético y redondeado, prefiero el anguloso original XD
Well, as far as I know, if two people really care about each other, wheter it be boy or girl, a relationship is a wonderful thing to have.
November 12, 2009
Fake #2 picks up where #1 left off. Police Officer Dee has pleaded his way into taking off some vacation time along with his partner Ryo. Ryo went along with the plans because he was under the impression that their young friend Bikky would be joining them. Sounds weird, but this book is so far from reality that you just have to go with it. Anyway, Dee has plans to seduce naive Ryo but of course that doesn't work out when Bikky and Carol show up and then Dee & Ryo find themselves smack in the middle of a murder mystery, complete with ghost.
This was better than the first book because it filled in some gaps, delved into Dee's past, and had some sweetly tender moments. I'm really looking forward to completing the series.
This was better than the first book because it filled in some gaps, delved into Dee's past, and had some sweetly tender moments. I'm really looking forward to completing the series.
August 2, 2017
2nd in the fantastic 7 book buddy-cop/romance series Fake. 1st story is the arc that was used in the anime - Ryo and Dee go on vacation together in England and stumble across a murderer targeting Japanese victims. Ryo is in danger when the killer finds out about his Japanese heritage. Can Dee save him in time? 2nd story has Dee take his partner to the orphanage where he was raised only to have it attacked by greedy property developpers. To end we have a cute Bikky/Carol interlude as the pair both suffer jealousy over misunderstandings. Carol gets abducted after witnessing a murder and its Bikky to the rescue.
Engrossing story, fab artwork, wonderful characters and a light humour with the antics of the supporting cast throughout. Another packed volume.
Engrossing story, fab artwork, wonderful characters and a light humour with the antics of the supporting cast throughout. Another packed volume.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews