[2007-05-13] Third in the long-running Cold War spoof series. Glamorous art thief Eroica and Nato intelligence agent Major Klaus Eberbach both sneak into Iran to steal something. Turns out that the microfilm Klaus is after is hidden in the art treasure that Eroica is after. That's bad enough, but when Klaus gets home, he finds himself on a new mission -- one where he's ordered to hire the best art thief in the world to steal something for Nato. Needless to say, Eroica takes the opportunity to flirt outrageously with the unfortunate Major.

http://julesjones.livejournal.com/152862.html ( )

From Eroica with Love is an incredible series that starts horribly. I would almost encourage people to skip the first volume so that the experience isn't ruined for them.

The story starts out with three personality-deprived teens with, for some reason, psychic powers. One of the three is a gorgeous and brilliant young man. He quickly catches the attention of the flamboyantly gay, aristocratic thief Eroica (aka Dorian Red, Earl of Gloria)He is kidnapped and slightly molested. Enter strong, severe and serious German NATO officer "Iron" Klaus Von Dem Eberbach (Aoike's grasp of Western naming traditions leaves something to be desired...). The boy is saved, Eroica escapes and blessedly the three psychics are never seen again.

Aoike must have realized that she hit gold with Eroica and Iron Klaus. She dropped the original protagonists and I couldn't be happier. The constant bickering and sexual tension between the two men is a pleasure to read. Their over-the-top personalities also never fail to make me chuckle. Add to this exciting and occasionally ridiculous cold war spy missions and heists (that always seem to overlap) and you have the recipe for a series that is still going strong almost 30 years after the first chapter was published.

The out-dated art style and equally outdated fashion might turn some people off at first but it grows on you. I have watched Aoike's art develop and refine itself and I can now perfectly understand how Klaus can make Eroica's heart flutter. ( )