Rakuen Le Paradis is an unsung hero of amazing manga by amazing manga artists that lean towards a female audience, sort of a Morning for women. I wish more people read it, if only so I’d have a chance to gush over it with someone. ^_^

Volume 19 of Rakuen Le Paradis continues to be a veritable gem store of josei manga. Among these are the glittering ruby red “Collectors” by Nishi Uko,  and a new emerald short from Takemiya Jin.

Ume Aoki’s school story took a turn into a short, sweet Yuri scenario, and Sengoku Hiroko’s series about Hashimoto and the teacher she’s convinced herself she’s in love with slowly treads water.  Kurosaki Rendo makes sex look gross, as usual and Harumi Chihiro’s story “Girl Friend” about two otokoyaku-type girls figuring out liking each other was cute and not nearly as awkward as expected.

As always, many of the other non-Yuri stories were strong,  with entries from Kazuma Kowo, Mizutani Fuuka,Unita Yumi, Kojo Kumeta, Nakamura Asumiko and many other incredibly skilled storytellers. If this magazine is flying under the radar, it’s not the creators’ fault. In the meantime, it is a must-read magazine I get regularly, because this is what manga should be like – awesome stories, told by amazing artists, about great characters, and a big helping of Yuri. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – 9

A terrific issue of a terrific magazine.