Rakuen Le Paradis, Volume 27 (楽園 Le Paradis) is a banner issue for Yuri fans. We have 5 “Girls Love” (publisher’s term) stories by 5 different artists, several of them popular mainstream josei manga artists. 

Nakamura Asamiko continues “Mejirobana no Saku,” (メジロバナの咲く), in which odball Ruby confronts school star Steph, trying to get her involved with fundraising for a Christmas tree at the school. Rumors about the two of them are flying, but neither of them care. Nonetheless, Ruby is struggling with her sincere feelings for the aloof upperclassman.

Kazuma Kowo’s Junsui Luminscence  (純水ルミネッセンス) takes a look once again at Nanao and her affair with the school doctor, as she contemplates marriage. 

In Harumi Chihiro’s  “Hasu no Hana,” (蓮の花)  Karin lashes out at another student because she cannot express her feelings about Okayama. She finally does, shocking her classmates, but Okayama doesn’t care.

Shigisawa Kaya’s (whose collection Kimi Dake Ni, (君だけが光) includes other Yuri,) continues “Praparat” (プレパラート) ) which looks at an artist who confronts her feelings about her muse.

Unita Yumi’s “Moko”  (モコ) follows a student who admits to her male classmate that she’s in love with the girl he wants to go out with. Only…she was  standing there and heard it all.

It’s all schoolgirls, but not all Story A. These stories have the kind of nuance one expects from these artists, in this magazine. I’m fascinated that almost none of the creators have a Yuri background, although both Shigisawa and Harumi have included Yuri in previous stories for the magazine, and Kazuma-sensei originated Junsui Adolescence in Comic Yuri Hime. More importantly, I am interested as heck in what we might see in days to come. This magazine has previously featured work by Takemiya Jin, Hayashiya Shizuru and Nishi UKO, as well, and I’m hopeful that we’ll see more in the future.

Ratings:

Overall – 9

No, seriously, this magazine is once again a must-get for fans of Yuri manga. For the third time. ^_^