The Encyclopedia of Hot Guys

A while ago, I heard about a book called Moe Danshi gatari （萌え男子がたり）or "Talking about Hot Guys."  (The term "moe" is a phrase that comes from the verb "to sprout" but is also a homonym for the verb "to burn" and is used as otaku slang to refer to something that turns one on, so a more accurate translation would be "guys that get you hot," but I digress...)  The book is a collection of the favorite "types" of 52 manga artists (most of whom write boy's love comics) with the artist's own explanation and drawing for each.  So, obviously I had to pick myself up a copy...

Many common archetypes are included, like "the older man," "the poetic guy," and "the guy who's good at raising children."  But, this being Japan and all, most of the types are pretty bizarre (and there are five very specific types of "guys with glasses" to choose from--so you know megane boom is here to stay).  Here is a handful of the most surprising/odd/hilarious...?


Hottie #03:  Sukima Danshi

"Sukima" means gap/crack and according to this author (Yuiji Aniya) this type of guy "likes tight spaces."  He "chooses the seat between two people on the train" and "whenever he sees a small space like a closet, cardboard box, or trunk he feels like climbing inside" (he doesn't of course, "since he is an adult after all," but he wants to).

I think the funniest thing about this one is the little "sukima" the guy in the drawing is showing off.

Hottie #08:  The Macho Drag Queen
I think the illustration (by Tetsuzo Okadaya) says it all.

Hottie #15:  The Bath Boy
This author's (Atsuki Kyouyama) explanation is creepily specific:  "The bath should be slightly tepid.  The lighting should be 60W and white.  His knees should be just peeking out of the water.  A boy taking a bath alone, quietly thinking about something, or nothing at all, while he stares into space."  Whatever lady, you just like looking at wet, naked dudes. 



Hottie #30:  The UNfashionable Guy with Glasses
Yeah, that is called a HIPSTER.
(Illustration by Asumiko Nakamura)

Hottie #35:  The "American Casual" Guy
Author Haim Hinode explains, "'American casual,' which gives a look of both wildness and naivety, personifies the 'strength' of the male aesthetic." 
Ummmm...oookay...

Hottie #40:  The Reptilian-type
Yikes...well, I guess someone has to like the creepy guys...
(Illustration by Marta Matsuo)

And, in case you were wondering (as I'm sure you were), MY favorite type represented in the book is:

Hottie #37:  Hoso-Macho Danshi
A term meaning "slim and muscular."  Author Hyouta Fujiyama puts it nicely by saying, they have "nice curves created by tight, effortless muscles, which unfortunately get covered up when they put on clothes."
OH YEAH, that's what I'm talking about.