I know I’m running way behind on Comic Yuri Hime magazine. I have been unable to go to the Japanese bookstore since March, and reading Japanese was too much effort for me until recently. So, I’ll do my best to get the May and June issues asap and get caught up.

In the meantime, let’s look at what is now ancient history in manga years, the April issue of Comic Yuri Hime. ^_^

To begin with, our cover story seems to have hit a major turning point, as our two protagonists dance together in a gymnasium. I love how Mebachi’s story has slowly moved from almost-monochrome, to adding a little color with every passing month.

“Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou” written by inori and drawn by Aonishimo, heads into the Euclid arc. There are a number of things that the manga can do that the LN could not, so I’m finding this iteration very interesting.

In “Sasayakouyouni Koi wo Utau,” by Takeshima Eku, Shiho takes time before the battle of the bands to tell Aki how she feels. Finally. Phew. Now can we have the battle of the bands? ^_^

Usui Shio’s “Onna Tomodachi to Kekkon Shitemita” turns a page, as Rio packs up and goes home. All of them have been changed for the better, but Kurumi and Ruriko have their place to themselves once again…then the phone rings.

Deep breath, because “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto Desu!” has consequences to deal with. Youko may be gone at last, but her actions have fundamentally screwed with Kanako and Sumika. I do want to spoil this chapter a bit because one of the two things I wanted to see in this arc was Sumika punch Youko (the other thing would have been Nene punching Youko.) Well, we get a beautiful punch here as an opener. It was very gratifying.

Keyyang’s “Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru,” has taken a realistic and somewhat depressing turn. Can Haru and Hi-chan turn this around and find their ideal life? I’ll have to wait to find out!

And last for me, “Oodoriba Skirt ni Naru,” by Utatane Yuu, also shifts a bit as Michiru gets ill from an oncoming typhoon and Kiki takes care of her. When she wakes up, Michiru finally comes to the conclusion that she’s falling for Kiki-sempai. I still love this manga and hope it just keeps dancing along.

Ratings:

Overall – 8

As always there are other stories I read and some I did not. Each issue is a good balance between things that keep my attention and things that are for people who are not me. Honestly, I’m just really glad to be reading manga again. ^_^