A positive light amongst many negative

I want to start things off here, with something that I recommend all adults find and read, if they want an example of sex positive media. A manga that I wish got a full anime series, rather than a just an OVA that completely fails to represent the vast number of subjects covered within the books.

Nana to Kaoru is far and away the most realistic, and healthiest expression of kink and BDSM that I've found in any media. Two awkward teenagers, who live next door to each other, are trying to get through high school and discover the benefits of the world of BDSM play. Nana is completely new to the subject going in, and coming to terms with this being an aspect of herself, as she realizes how much scenes (referred to in the manga as "breathers") assist in her stress management of juggling classes, student council, and approaching higher education. Kaoru has experience by way of porn and books, but has studied the more ethical aspects of negotiations and dynamics as opposed to just the fantastical aspects.

Even in the early parts of their relationship, while they try to keep their friendship secret, and without having many toys, they do their best to create situations that emphasize power exchange and risk in a healthy way. Aside every scene that focuses on Nana's struggle, you see Kaoru doing everything he possibly can to make the situation as safe as possible, while not ruining the anticipation of what is happening. Limits are ultimately respected, and safewords are created for the comfort of everyone.

When the scenes aren't happening, you see things like life getting in the way, and Kaoru trying to figure out what to do next. He goes searching for concepts that he feels comfortable doing, and that aren't beyond his skills, or sometimes even practicing types of play prior to their meeting. When they eventually get to things like rope bondage, or even spanking later in the series, you see Kaoru self tying, or testing his form in order to create a scene where Nana won't be harmed, even mentally with aspects of keeping discrete in public.

Over time, other bottoms are introduced, and some even discover the concept of switching in play, thus allowing for a wide range of dynamics and situations within all of the characters and their relationships. You see them all exploring many things, and finding what makes them comfortable and happy, while pushing themselves in new ways. Likewise, it encourages the characters to all form deeper connections with each other, like when Nana decides to help Kaoru with his school exams, foregoing the chance for play, but providing service within their dynamic.

At the same time as the BDSM however, we have the awkward lack of communication that comes with naive teenagers. Despite the safe environment, they struggle to talk about how they feel, or to ask for more from the other outside of play. This winds up becoming the major source of conflict throughout the manga, as they navigate their own feelings within the stereotypes of kink, expectations of themselves and others, in what ultimately turns into a love story.

For those who already practice kink and BDSM, almost every scene should ultimately be amusingly relatable, or a fantastic example to show those who are newer to the concept. It's refreshing to see this take on kink, where the psychological benefits are celebrated, as well as the focus on safety and realistic pacing. As a whole, the series is light, fun, and a beautiful expression of alternative lifestyles.