Sakamoto Mano’s collection of stories that ran in Comic Yuri Hime, Pie wo Agemassho, Anata ni Pie wo ne (パイをあげましょ、あなたにパイをね) has no unifying theme besides “Women who love women.” But, there is an essence in several of these stories about perspective; that is, women who have a unique perspective are often lovable, even if they annoy the hell out of you. ^_^
In “My Unique Day”, Sorako falls for the star of her acting troupe and is a little surprised, but not displeased, to find that Miki likes her too. But Miki feels like she’s pushed Sorako too fast and distances herself. Will they patch it up and get together? Of course they will. ^-^
In the title story, Midori thinks there’s no reason at all that one can’t have a millefeuille for a wedding cake, even when her best friend Yuki scoffs, “It’s called a wedding cake, not a wedding pie.” Midori’s wacky take annoys the heck out of Yuki, but there they are, sharing a millefeuille, together.
In “Suwako-san Uchyuu Ryouko” Mikage falls for and has an affair with married woman Suwako-san and would like to take her away on a trip to the stars.
And finally, a lovely little story about two teen idols and what becomes of them years later.
Ratings:
Art – 8
Story – Average 7
Characters – Average 8
Yuri – 10
Service – 1
Overall – 8
A solid Josei collection of Yuri stories about women, rather than school girls. I’d like to make a “pie” joke just about now, but there’s no way it isn’t going to come out filthy, so I’ll pass. ^_^
I’ve been waiting for this review! I really like Sakamoto’s Yuri Hime work. (Haven’t tried her other work yet.) Not just for her storytelling; her art pleasantly reminds me of Yamashita Tomoko’s (author of HER, another josei collection with Yuri, for anyone reading this who doesn’t know), without being a copycat.
@Katherine – Yes, absolutely. The art isn’t similar at all, but the tone of the story telling is (although Yamashita has more dry-humored characters and Sakamoto more wide-eyed.) Sakamoto’s work would probably fit in at Feel Young magazine alongside Yamashita’s.
“My Unique Day” is one of the best-executed Yuri stories I can think of in recent memory. This portrayal of two women falling in love, and the attraction, worry, hope, and awkwardness they feel is truly sublime. I agree about the art – but not only is it attractive, the facial expressions are second to none in terms of getting across unspoken emotion.
There’s a moment, right after Miki and Sorako kiss for the first time. They move apart, and there’s a look on Miki’s face that to me captures everything there is to capture about falling in love: excitement, anxiety, desire and self-consciousness all at once. Many Yuri stories have come and gone, as will many more, but that panel, that moment, is one that I will remember forever.