Mizu-Iro Ether (水色エーテル), by Kurokiri Misao, is a rather typical set of “Story A”-type Yuri stories that trace schoolgirls’ loves.

There are two stories that have some unique qualities, although one, in which a girl falls in love with a mermaid, was a tad too Disney princess for my taste.

The second story in the collection, “Kono Mune no Hana” starts with the story of Yuka and her friend Sayo who are (obviously, to our eyes) in a relationship. We’re not the only ones to whom it is obvious; Yuka’s grandmother also can see what’s going on and, in a very unsubtle way, is trying to explain to the girls that this is not forever. We learn that Grandma once has a school love of her own, Yukue and, although they genuinely loved one another, when they graduated, they went their separate ways, married, had children and even now have not spoken to one another again since. Reading this story, I was strongly tempted to scream at Grandma, and tell her things were different now, but alas I remained three-dimensional. The story left me feeling more bitter than sweet, but it made me think once more how much things have changed – and how much they have not. Luckily for us, and for Yuka and Sayo, Grandma ends the story thinking much the same thing.

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 7
Characters – 6
Yuri – 8
Service – 2

Overall – 7

The collection as a whole is not significant. The territory in most stories is well-trodden, the conclusions all have been come to before. With the exception of Grandma’s past (and, mind you, Grandma maybe goes back to mid- 20th century Japan, now, not early 20th) and the mermaid, nothing was unique. If what you like best is that schoolgirl setting and lives and loves of teens, this will make good reading. If you’re looking for something significant, give this one a pass.

要約: 典型的な10代の少女達の関係を描く平凡な内容、という評価ですね。(要約/翻訳 |小松さん)