A lighthearted and funny read. A fine introduction to the characters and plot but not much happens and you dont really get to know them. The art was nice and detailed. Expressed emotions well.

Kodansha Comics provided a galley for review.

Manga often comes up with interesting premises or titles. This is a case of both, and that's what got my attention to check it out.

The story is very much a work-place romantic drama with some comedic moments. As often is the case, open communication would clear up most of the situations but what fun is that? Some of the situations dance along the lines of traditional tropes (i.e. finding ways to get the protagonists in situations of undress) but again that is expected in a story such as this.

The art is fantastic. Fumito brings that sense of style and fashion that I always enjoy in manga. A few nitpicks: on the cover Hiwatari is portrayed with black hair but the art inside really implies something lighter (blonde or a very sandy brown), and I also found that Mr. Takanashi comes across a lot younger than 40 (yes, he's supposed to be a knockout "zaddy" but I was not getting older male vibes off of how he was portrayed - some well-place wrinkles and graying temples would easily show the man has lived four decades).

this was a lighthearted, funny read. the BL aspect is also fun to see. the 'impotent' punchline could get stale if overused, but in this first volume, it's still cool. the art style is also good, you can distinguish the characters from each other.

Thank you to Netgalley and the published for a copy in exchange for review.

Mr. Takanashi is one of the most eligible bachelors at his trading company. Handsome, single, and in his 40's- he heads the Second sales division through countless office issues and into victory every time. 26 year old Hiwatari looks up to Mr. Takanashi. So much so, once he gets a chance to have a one-on-one meeting with him, he completely blurts out how much he likes him! Although Hiwatari meant it in a respectful way, Takanashi is having second thoughts when a private moment between them triggers a reaction he hasn't felt in years. The two embark on a delicate journey between subordinate and manager, and two friends(?) possibly exploring what could be.

This first installment is a great introduction to the two workaholic men submerged into the office culture of Japan. Readers will enjoy the humor imbedded into an interesting plot! 4.5/5 stars.

3.15⭐

I really enjoyed it but what can I say, it's only the first volume, nothing much happens and if the whole series is about being impotent, I don't really care about that.
Another thing that bothered me a little bit is that, okay, a 40-28 age gap is totally fine, I don't care, but MMC1 knew MMC2 since he was 11 so... I wish this part of the story didn't exist. Yes, it was one-sided from the younger MMC only but it's bothering me, what can I say.

I think it'll be good only if the main plot (MMC1 being impotent) doesn't last forever.

I present thee… my favorite read of the month (so far!)

Takanashi is 40, and in the prime of his life. He’s fit, good-looking, and charismatic. He manages a high-performing sales team, every woman in his vicinity is after him (though he has to turn them down), and he lives in a nice apartment. What more could he want?

His subordinate is Hiwatari, a 26 year old man who is notoriously icy. Takanashi’s life will never be the same after he realizes Hiwatari isn’t as intimidating as he seems. In fact, he looks up to him. And now… Hiwatari knows his shameful secret: he can’t perform in the bedroom.

Overall thoughts:

It’s not hard to picture why Takanashi is stealing hearts left and right. The man is drop-dead gorgeous. The way the series frames him as this irresistible, middle-aged adonis is perfectly hilarious. He’s such a kind love interest, I really liked him!

Ah… has he stolen my heart, as well?

On the other hand, we have Hiwatari. Seeing him work with Takanashi and earn his trust really warmed my heart. They make a really great duo and I’m glad the series is taking a bit of a slower approach for their relationship. This volume, while steamy, romantic, and hilarious, doesn’t have spice juuuust yet. What it does have is a “just right” balance to leave you wanting more, but still be satisfying.

I read this in record time. It’s witty, humorous, and filled with zany twists you won’t see coming. While I’m not the target audience with the“old man yaoi” trope, this story has a lot of other tropes I gravitate towards. Even so, I highly enjoyed this volume—no, I LOVED this volume—and I’ll eagerly be waiting for volume 2.

This tension is about to snap like a bass string hanging on by a thread and I’m here for it. It’s fantastic. Highly recommended.

Who is Dashing Zaddy for?

This manga is primarily for the “old man yaoi” fans, but even casual readers of the trope, or those new to it might enjoy it. If you fancy yourself a hysterical romcom about two salarymen with an age gap and a partners-in-crime vibe, look no further!

See you in the next one!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for early copy for review*

Hilarious first volume! Love the older charming man and younger icy man dynamic. Can't wait for volume 2 and recommend to all BL lovers! (This would make a great live action)

Book Review: The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé by Fumito
Overview:
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé is a bold, comedic Boys’ Love (BL) manga series by Fumito, published by Kodansha in April 2025. The story follows Takanashi, a charismatic 40-year-old leader of a high-performing team, and his aloof, younger subordinate, forming an unlikely duo set against the backdrop of workplace antics and personal revelations.
Plot and Characters:
Takanashi, described as being in the prime of his life, is a confident and stylish manager—earning the affectionate moniker “zaddy.” His world is upended by the arrival of his new protégé, a cold and enigmatic young man whose icy demeanour masks deeper vulnerabilities. The narrative explores their evolving dynamic, blending office comedy with moments of genuine emotional depth as the two navigate professional challenges and personal boundaries.
Themes:
The manga stands out for its playful take on workplace culture, intergenerational friendship, and the awkwardness of intimacy—both emotional and physical. It doesn’t shy away from addressing “problems down there,” using humour to tackle sensitive topics and normalize candid conversations about sexuality and masculinity.
Art and Style:
Fumito’s art is expressive and dynamic, capturing both slapstick humour and subtle emotional beats. Character designs are distinct, with Takanashi’s suave presence contrasting sharply with his protégé’s frosty exterior, visually reinforcing their personality clash.
Strengths:
• Humour: The series excels at balancing outrageous comedy with heartfelt moments, making it engaging and accessible even for readers new to BL manga.
• Character Chemistry: The interplay between Takanashi and his protégé is both entertaining and touching, driving much of the story’s appeal.
• Representation: The manga provides a refreshing look at mature queer relationships and the complexities of age-gap dynamics in a respectful, light-hearted manner.
Potential Drawbacks:
• Outrageous Tone: Its comedic, sometimes risqué approach may not suit readers seeking a more serious or traditional romance.
Conclusion:
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé is a standout addition to the BL manga genre, offering a mix of workplace comedy, unlikely friendship, and queer romance. Fumito’s series is recommended for fans of character-driven stories who appreciate both laughter and genuine emotional connection in their manga

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC!

The art was amazing and the character interactions were funny! I do find it a bit cringey seeing young adults in a company saying 'Zaddy', but I got use to it after a while. I love that the dynamic between the two isn't insta-love right off the bat and has some time to develop the characters more and make their individualities shine. Some of the scenes Are a bit unrealistic, almost cartoony, but its still fun to read. I can't wait for the next volume!

Lol wow this was interesting and an HR violation waiting to happen.

Takanashi is a single 40-yr old ikeoji (I’m pretty sure they translated this to zaddy) who’s very competent at his job at a trading company (?) and popular with everyone, but he’s been hiding his erectile dysfunction for the past year. Hiwatari is his 26-yr old subordinate who comes across as icy and harsh, but he’s actually admired Takanashi since he was 11. After they have dinner one night, one thing leads to another and Takanashi realized that Hiwatari might be the cure to his ED.

It’s a weird premise and there’s quite a many close-ups to (clothed) crotches, and maybe a bit of a red flag about the two leads first meeting when they were 11 and 25. I feel like this is the type of BL where I shouldn’t think too hard and just sit back and enjoy two handsome men get in awkward sexual situations and develop feelings for each other. The situations are dramatic which makes it entertaining but unrealistic, and I was a little confused with Hiwatari at the beginning. I don’t think this manga was really quite for me, but there probably are others who might enjoy this.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

it was quite funny and I screenshotted a few pannels to use as reaction pics because they were so expressive but the plot did not really do it for me.
The characters are nice but I still feel like something is missing.
I also think I remember reading this manga through a fan translation and I think that it worked better than this one. I do not know what possessed the editors to use "zaddy" multiple times in an actual published book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protege 1 by Fumito.

This is an age-gap workplace romance manga where the younger man has long admired—and had feelings for—the older man. As they begin spending time together outside of work, their relationship gradually deepens, evolving from boss and assistant to something much more intimate. I especially loved the twist of the younger character being the protective one—it’s a refreshing change from the typical dynamic.

This manga had me laughing out loud. The innuendo with the “tower” was hilarious, and the storyline involving erectile dysfunction was surprisingly tender. I loved how the younger man was able to help his boss’s “tower” rise again—cheeky and charming in the best way.

I cannot wait to read the next volume!

Art is so pretty and the styling/poses are nice. The story is funny, which maybe does not fit how beautiful everyone looks.

As soon as I picked this up, I couldn't put it down. It was charming and hilarious. I loved the art style and characters. It was just so much fun.

It was so good and refreshing. I like bl and I’m so happy that it’s not only physical but that they also get to know each other and build emotions. Can’t wait for the second one

This wasn’t bad! I think it’s a good start to the two character’s story, and I like their bumbling but otherwise earnest feelings! I’m excited to see where it goes from here!

Content warning: if you don’t like age gap romance, please don’t read! They meet for the first time when the one character is a child, but as far as this volume shows, nothing untoward happened at that time. The two are now 26 and 40, both consenting adults.

I really enjoyed this manga! It was wholesome and hilarious. 😂 I loved every second of it.

Spectacular give me 14 more!

Hilarious and adorable. I can't wait for more volumes. Both MCs are awkward in the best way and the sheer ridiculousness of this manga had me laughing out loud.

I don’t have much to say about this mostly because I somehow expected this to be freakier than it ended up being forgetting that this is just volume 1. The ending does give me hope tho and I’m so excited for volume 2 especially bc the assistant is clearly so obsessed and the boss is very much oblivious. Add in the fact that the assistant is also very protective, this was cute,The art was nice, it made me laugh and I generally had a fun time