After the text-heavy cover story for 2021, Comic Yuri Hime, January 2022 (コミック百合姫2022年1月号) treats us to a new image-heavy, story, this one by, I believe the characters are pronounced Isshiki (一色). The cover has an underlying texture with image and lettering as a spot gloss over, which makes for a really interesting feel that aligns with the collage look of the layered art. The title lettering has returning to a a funky font. I’m mentioning all of this because I really like this. A lot. I love that they are coming up with wholly new design aesthetics every year and using the cover as art and story as well as basic information. Remind me to tell them this next time I fill out the monthly questionnaire.

Following this is information about the Comic Yuri Hime Pop-Up Shop that opened in Akihabara, and has now moved to Nagoya. You can absolutely buy goods on the online shop, if you have either a buying service or shipping service, like Buyee or Tenso. Of course I bought some stuff. ^_^

The manga gets off to a fantastic start with “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” by Miman. We step right into Nene’s backstory and…wow. First of all, Nene is the first lesbian character in the story and she’s not shy about it. Secondly, we are quickly approaching a reckoning with the woman who broke her heart and I’ve got my popcorn ready. This issue was great – Nene’s long been my favorite character – but yeah, cannot *wait* for the February issue!

In  Takeshima Eku’s “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Utau,” Yori is trying to understand her own feelings about Himari, including the jealousy she’s now experiencing. Part of what makes this story so good is Yori is very honest with herself and Himari.

“Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru” finally has caught up to itself. Bike returned, Megumi and Haru get dinner (at last!) and a new friend to help the celebrate their summer of freedom.

You know I don’t usually talk about Citrus, but this issue someone actually smiled!

“Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts” is heading for a climax, and so, inevitably, both Asahi and Hinako doubt themselves. Which makes  a perfect double header with Usui Shio’s other series, “Onna Tomodachi Kekkonshitemita.” Hopefully that one only has a 2-chapter funk to deal with.

I also don’t usually bother to talk about “semelparous,” but this page had me howling with laughter. I know some folks like this, but I just cannot take it at all seriously. This is comedy, surely?

And finally (for me), Inui Ayu continues her tale of how amazing her girlfriend is in “Kyou mo Hitotsu Yane no Shita.” ^_^

CW reminds me (thank you!) that this issue also has the beginning of an essay by Pikachi-sensei about life with her girlfriend.  ^_^ It really feels like a tipping point has been passed. 

As always this is merely a selection I particularly enjoy. There are other stories I like and others I don’t, but I am confident you’ll find something you like.

Ratings:

Overall – 8

Lesbians in two issues in a row. Smiling faces in Citrus. It’s already a great new year for Comic Yuri Hime!