Color was serialized in Dear+, a magazine known for its romantic and non-explicit boys love manga published by Shinshokan,[1] and a tankōbon collecting the chapters released in February 1999.

[7] Danielle Leigh, writing for Comic Book Resources, noted that the characters' relationship was "based on equal parts affection, respect and interests", which she felt was lacking in other yaoi.

[8] Connie C., writing for Pop Culture Shock, felt that although each chapter of the manga was good, that they did not connect enough to each other, leaving the story feeling disjointed.

[9] Namtrac, writing in Homosexualité et manga : le yaoi, felt Color was only of interest for those new to boys love, due to its "light" and "gentle" story, "all but memorable" characters, "comedy that doesn't hit the mark" and "lukewarm sex scenes".

[11] NiDNiM, writing for Manga-News, felt the story was "well-constructed despite its lightness", and wanted to know more about the characters, expressing frustration over the one-volume space of the manga.