(c)2025 Tokyopop
Bound of the Bound: Return, Volume 1
Story and Art: Keri Kusabi
Publisher: tokyopop (print & digital)
Imprint: Lovelove
Translation: Christine Dashiell
Retouching and Lettering: A Vibrant Publishing Studio
Publication date: June 3, 2025
Rating: Mature 18+
Genre: Boy’s Love, Omegaverse, Manga
Takaba Ke Bow (Alpha) is a work that is subordinate to his boss and his fellow Miyabi Karasuma (Omega). Despite their position in the workplace, the two overcome incredible challenges (particularly from Karasuma’s past) and become a loving and devoted couple.
(c)2025 Tokyopop
This manga is a continuation of the storyline of Bound Wails and Bound of the Bound: Beta. The characters have been reintroduced (including the beta series Shingo Utou and Sumito Sasabe), allowing readers to see the latest information on their lives. And then, a while since I jumped into each series, with Bound of the Bound: Return, there is a reintroduction of characters along with the rules of Omegaverse, and readers are ready to read armed.
Return has spent more time on the former couple Takaba and Karasuma, and continues their story now that they live together. A new challenge arises: Takaba has been moved to the entertainment division where he has to work with two idols who are reunited after a decade of separation. One of them happens to be Karasuma’s younger brother, and shocks Takaba. Another member of the duo is someone who attempts to manipulate Takaba, introduces the concept of “Alpha Syndrome” and identifies Takaba as being attacked by it. Does Takaba succumb to the dangerous impulses associated with Alpha syndrome?
(c)2025 Tokyopop
As an Omegaverse reader, this is the first time I can remember what I’ve learned about Alpha Syndrome, and it’s an interesting concept. Whether he is mate or not, he is more aggressive towards it, and he loses control in the alpha. Takaba had some rough encounters with Karasuma during sex, so he wonders if he is suffering. The comic ended on a cliffhanger that raises this question to readers, and I was both frustrated (I tend to be anxious), but I was hooked on what was going on.
That’s the keyword here: I’m crazy. This volume begins with establishing the incredible normality of Love, but as soon as Takaba and Karasuma’s lives fade away by Takaba’s promotion, conflict emerges. Then there is a new mystery to promote the reader through the story, to add fuel to the fire, and then there is a cliffhanger.
I say the manga starts a bit on a bit slower side, but it quickly picks up the pace and the tone becomes a little darker and urgent as it progresses. The past has always played a major role in the series, but it is difficult for characters to escape and overcome. RETURN introduces new issues related to the past that can elicit the curiosity of readers. Have these men not experienced enough already?
The art is beautiful. Keri Kusabi elegantly portrays men from the manga series. Long limbs, long torso, a lovely face. And speaking of faces, wedges do a great job with expressions. This in particular flutters my heart. Because you can see the character clearly in love:
(c)2025 Tokyopop
So, what was my final verdict? Wails of the Bound: Return Volume 1 is worth the time and attention, and there is one caveat. I think you’ll need to read the original series and spinoff beta to get a fully enriched experience. The return makes sense without reading the original, but we miss the struggles the characters endured and how hard it was for them to find love. The couple doesn’t get that much in Vol 1 so it might be okay to skip the beta, but to see how far Karasuma and Takaba have come, you’ll need to read the first lament of the boundary… especially for the tragic story of Karasuma.
The full lament of the Bound series consists of originals, spinoffs and ongoing sequels.
Bound of the Bound Wails: Beta Volume 1 Bound of the Bound: Beta Volume 2 Wails of the Bound: Beta Volume 3 Wails of the Bound: Return Volume 1
Again, you don’t need to read them, but I highly recommend it to get the most sense of the characters and their stories.
This addition to the Omegaverse is worth it, including dedicated couples, sultry sex scenes, conflicts and more. With sophisticated art and detailed character representation, Bound of the Bound: Return Volume 1 is a gorgeous start to the series’ sequel.
Wails of the Bound: Return Volume One is available digitally from a variety of book retailers and can be printed from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo and more. To support publishers, you can order printed copies directly from Tokyopop.
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