One of the common unwritten rules in manga is that backstories are poignant. When we learn why our enemy is so driven we’re supposed to care. We’re supposed to feel for them.

Whisper Me A Love Song, Volume 5 takes that rule and tosses it in the bin. ^_^

The Battle of the Bands approaches and Himari is vexed by the fact that SS Girls and Lorelei members don’t get along. One day while out and about, Hima runs into Shiho, Lorelei’s aggressive front woman. And finally, we learn her back story.

It is, quite possibly the least sympathetic backstory we have ever heard. In fact, it’s so bad, that even Shiho realizes how appalling she comes off. Despite this, Himari becomes convinced that she can make the two bands friends again. She pulls strings and bakes cookies, in order to bring them together.

In any other series, surely we would have gotten at least a partial reconciliation. But no. Shiho doubles down on being the villain in this sweet, soft fluffy series about nothing at all. Dedicated to her role, Shiho comes up with a deal so devilish that no one could possibly have expected the Shiho Inquisition…..!

As summer dawns, and their time to make memories is upon them, Himari is to be separated from her beloved Yori-sempai and take over as the manager for Lorelei! Gasp!

I know, I know, but hear me out. This is a HUGE conflict for this series. Himari and Yori won’t get to spend as much time together! I mean, it’s high school, you only have so many summers. Man, that Shiho is a meanie. In the meantime, Yori and the rest of SS Girls are putting everything on the line, and writing new music to take Lorelei out. And this is done with so many bright smiles and cute expressions that it’s utterly impossible to not care.

Props to Kevin Steinbach for a translation that sounds like very serious-minded  young women who are hopelessly, adorably in love. Jennifer Skarupa’s lettering lets us have a smooth reading experience, although I will always prefer giving letterers time and money to do full retouch. Hats off to Tiff Joshua TJ Ferentini for seamless editing and Matt Akuginow’s lovely cover design. All of which means, when I sit down to enjoy Himari gushing over Yori and Yori melting into a puddle at her girlfriend’s smile, nothing gets in my way of goofy grinning!

I know you all know I like mean women, but sometimes, you just want an adorably sweet story about a cute young couple being absurdly happy in your general presence to make life on this planet seem like it’s worth it. When I need that, Whisper Me A Love Song is just the ticket.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 9
Service – 0 It’s such a delight
Yuri – 8

Overall – 8

SS Girls is working on a killer set, let me tell you…! ^_^