[Importing old MAL review; April 22, 2015]

STORY:
This story is unique because I have never read anything about doll-makers. This manga even made me sympathize with the love of a classroom skeleton and the Greek statue of Venus! Not many mangas can make me care about a love story between humans less alone inanimate objects. There are few cliches in Shounen Dolls.

However, the inevitable does happen and Ageha falls in love with one of the dolls. Thankfully, it took time for any romantic feelings to arise. I like that the manga wasted no time in recovering Yukinosuke, the other half of the yin/yang doll pair. He was found in the first chapter, so the rest of the manga is dedicated to them helping doll-kind.

Each episodic tale is heartwarming though I do think the manga could almost get a tragedy rating. Sometimes, the trouble Ageha and her dolls, Leo and Yuki, get into turns really serious. Any sorrow is fleeting, but towards the end, there's actual concern things might not turn out well. Despite its dark moments, this manga balances comedy, love, and adventure very well. The pacing is great too. I do wish I could have found out how Ageha's parents died.

CHARACTERS:
If I had to pick a favorite character, it would be Yuki. He was so sweet! Once a chapter he gave me something to 'aww' over. His selflessness, clumsiness, and previous brokenness made me adore him. He became the precious lamb I wanted no one to hurt.

Leo was an utter brat and I love how the characters called him out on that repeatedly. Most of his brattiness stemmed from him trying to grasp any attention from Ageha. It's funny how his personality never changes.

In addition, Leo and Yuki were truly polar opposites. Leo was lazy, but Yuki was helpful. Yuki had a past, but Leo basically had none. Leo was unable to voice his feelings, but Yuki was well-spoken with his, Leo was a hothead, but Yuki was calm, etc

Ageha was awesome! She was a tough cookie in the bleakest situations. She loved dolls and did not mind devoting her entire life to them. Another thing is she did not exhibit the ever-flowing crying habit most shoujo girls have.

I don't have much to say about Kagerou. I liked him and Hine, and I did not find them annoying. Ageha's cousin is in the same boat as well.

ART:
I like the art! Yuki and Leo are designed very well to me.

OVERALL:
[90% | 9 out of 10 | 4 out of 5 | :D ] [keep in mind it's been a while since I've read this]
A fun manga from beginning to end. I definitely recommend Shounen Dolls! I enjoyed these past two days reading it. The only thing that stopped me from giving a perfect ten is that it doesn't hold a high reread value for me. This series is fairly short but worth reading if you have a lazy afternoon to waste away.