Archive for 2023


ULTIMATE-MAMA, Volume 1

March 10th, 2023

A woman with scars across her face in a tactical bodysuit carries a high school girl in a torn school uniform, ULTIMATE MAMA in Japanese and English in pink letters across the front cover. Black letters read Story and Art by Hayashiya ShizuruOne of the minor high spots last year that wasn’t everything to do with launching a book on the history of the Yuri genre (!), was news that one of my favorite manga artists, Hayashiya Shizuru, was serializing a new manga online. ULTIMATE MAMA, Volume 1 is the print collection of that series. Please allow me to simply quote myself for the synopsis:

A bunch of content warnings on the manga for today’s review, for blood, and violence, and “comedic” BDSM and nudity and some other stuff.

Fujimori Manatasu is a very cute high school student. At 18, she already has a modeling career and is well-liked by her friends. Walking home from school one day she sees what looks like a giant black crescent moon in the sky. She is rescued from some slavering creature by a woman with abs of steel, Ultimate Fang, and her apparently small child, Meteora. The next day at school, Manatsu finds the child to be 18, and a transfer student into her class…and both Juou Ruriru, the child and Juouo Hagane, the buff mother, are now her next-door neighbors. Hagane is there because Manatsu has blood that will also give her super powers as well, if only Hagane can awaken them. Preferably by having sex, but whatever. When another equally buff woman arrives, Savage, (real name Jade Anderson) Manatsu’s mom falls, hard. Now it’s up to Hagane to awaken Manatsu’s powers and gain a partner.

In addition to the gags about Hafgane and Manatsu having sex to activate Manatsu’s powers, two high school girls are having intimate relations in the school library, and seem to be opening up the crescent gates for the creatures to come through. Who are they and…why?

This story plays out with not-explicit, but very obvious, sex, along with nudity, gags, blood, and excruciating puns. Hagane and Manatsu save the day from the big bad who was a bit of a surprise in the sense of the “half-brother who had gone to South America” kind of surprise – you know, we just weren’t told the important thing up front.  Everyone ends happily every after, and the bad jokes keep going, one presumes, long after the story ends.

The art here is very on point for me, as well as for Manatsu and her mom. Both Hagane and Savage have exceptional exterior obliques and wear a suit with class. Both the action and sex are full of gags…in fact, when she published the “climactic” (hah) chapter, Hayashiya-sensei commented something like, “I just can’t do good sex scenes.” She can, she just can’t do *serious* sex scenes. But she can’t do serious anything, so that’s fine. ^_^ Her art, though has probably never been better. I was flipping through some earlier work and wow, this art is so confident and mature.

As an added bonus, this volume contains “Friday Is The Day,” the one-shot from the second of Shueisha’s Yuritora Jump Yuri anthologies. This story pretty much convinced me that Sensei and I are separated at birth TM, as it is a short about two mixed martial artists beating their confessions into one another at a boxing gym, while an audience of an elderly man and woman cheer them on.

This volume is a delightful mix of humor, violence and Yuri, by Hayashiya-sensei, just the way I like it. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 8 Ridiculous, but fun
Character – 10 Ridiculous and fun
Service – 5 Ridiculously fun
Yuri – 10 Fun and ridiculous

Overall – 9

In addition to this, I also got Yankoi Shokudo C-teishoku (ヤン恋食堂　C定食), the third issue of Hayashiya-sensei’s yanki girls fighting, eating and falling for one another doujinshi, so I am replete with Yuri, food and fighting manga for a moment. ^_^ 





Pulse, Volume 1 and Volume 2, Guest Review by Eleanor W

March 8th, 2023

Two women lay, clasping hand, sprawled in a bed of white flowers. "Pulse" is written in large cursive letters across the cover in a cursive letters that end in a heartbeat from a cardiac monitor.Welcome to Guest Review Wednesday, where you and I both get the benefit of someone else’s voice here on Okazu! This week we welcome back Eleanor W with a look at the Seven Seas edition of Rata Satis’ Pulse. I reviewed Satis’ own release of this book in 2016! Wow, time flies. I’m looking forward to hearing what Seven Seas has done with this series, so take it away, Eleanor!

Hello again, as always, it’s nice to be back. You can find me on various parts of the Internet as @st_owly, including the Okazu Discord. This is a series that has been on my radar for a while, but I’d never quite gotten around to it until I saw the first volume in the shops. I’m grateful as always to Erica for offering me the opportunity to review it. 

2022 was the year print editions of webcomics exploded, with several publishers now offering full colour printed graphic novel editions of popular comics from online platforms such as Webtoon, Tapas and Lehzin. Most of these releases are of Korean comics, but today’s review covers a notable exception. Pulse was originally released on the Lehzin comics platform, and is by Thai artist Ratana Satis. Due to the mature content, this series is not available on the Lehzin iPhone app, you can only read it on their website.

The synopsis from Seven Seas on the back of Pulse, volume 1 is as follows:
Mel, a renowned heart surgeon, is well-known for being a stoic loner. She views her erotic flings with other women as a tool for pleasure rather than a show of affection. Then she meets Lynn, a beautiful and spirited cardiac patient who needs a new heart, but refuses a transplant. The two women meet with minimal expectations but soon become enthralled in a relationship that changes everything for them both.

This Girls’ Love comic–and first place winner of the 2nd Lezhin Comics World Comic Contest–is one of the most popular series by fan-favorite Thai creator Ratana Satis, also known for Soul Drifters and Lily Love.

Seven Seas covers are usually excellent, and these two volumes are no exception. The title is embossed on the volume covers and spines, and the heart monitor line in the logo is a nice allude to the theme of the series. The volumes themselves are printed on nice glossy paper, and the lines and ink are crisp, especially important for a full colour release. Moving on to the actual contents of the books, it’s nice to read a yuri story where one of the main characters is openly described as a lesbian. The first 2 chapters are all about Mel. Lynn, the other protagonist, isn’t actually introduced by name until chapter 3, when after a chance meeting in the hospital corridor, circumstances mean that she and Mel meet formally as doctor and patient. Lynn strong arms Mel into buying her lunch the next day, and as the book progresses they gradually start getting to know each other. Read together, volume 1 feels like an introduction, setting the stage for the actual story to start in volume 2, but I don’t see this as a bad thing.

Volume 2 begins with Lynn showing up at Mel’s apartment and announcing she’s moving in with her. U-haul lesbians are a meme for a reason, but this is fast even by lesbian standards. There’s even an obligatory yuri aquarium date later on in the volume, where it’s lovely to see them both just genuinely enjoying each other’s company and, as the book goes on, Mel realising she cares for Lynn in more than just a professional way. Hints at Mel’s romantic past are sprinkled throughout the 2 volumes, no doubt all will be revealed later on, and I’m definitely sticking around to find out. The two of them are too charming not to, and I’m rooting for them to get their happy ending. 

 

Ratings:

Art: 8. Whilst it’s not particularly unique, it’s attractive and well done and some of the facial expressions are a delight.

Story: 7. Don’t think about it too much, just enjoy it for what it is and you’ll forget how implausible the scenario actually is (does this hospital not have an ethics board?) 

Characters: 9. These two really do make the series. Lynn reminds me of a little puppy with her energy and eagerness to please, Mel is the cold hearted one who “doesn’t like dogs” and their growth, both as individuals and as a couple, over the two volumes is very endearing. Service (level of salaciousness): 10. This one is rated Mature and shrink wrapped for a reason. The erotic scenes are plentiful (2 in the first chapter alone) and there is very little left to the imagination. 

Yuri: 9. Two women who need each other more than they both realise. It’s lovely to see Mel opening her heart (no pun intended) to Lynn. 

Overall: 8. If you’re looking for something with adult characters and a decent bit of spice which isn’t just porn, you could do a lot worse than Pulse. 

Erica here: Thank you so much! Now that this is available digitally, I might pick up the next volume and see where the story leads ^_^





Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou., Volume 5 (私の推しは悪役令嬢。)

March 6th, 2023

Before we start today’s review, I want to let you know that until May my reviews are going to be less regular. I have a relentless schedule for March and April, but at the end of it, I hope I have a lot of fun stuff to share with you all.

Today, to get this new schedule off with a bang, we’re looking at Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou., Volume 5 (私の推しは悪役令嬢。) In the aftermath of the Commoner Movement and the resulting loss, Claire is depressed and Rae is desperately trying to cheer her up. But when Claire does cheer up, it is because Rae’s only real rival is arriving – Manaria, the crown princess of the neighboring country Susse. Manaria is good-looking, popular, accomplished and worst of all, she’s the only quadcaster in the world. She’s top-level at all four elements, to boot. Even worse than worst, Claire has a childhood crush on her “oneesama.” Manaria is an understandably popular character, but in the real world, she’d be insufferable. ^_^

Now it’s Rae’s turn to feel loss…and have her worldview challenged. Manaria pushes Rae to be honest about her feelings for Claire, then destroys her in a duel. But when Rae gets back up and challenges Manaria to an epic battle of vows of love, it will change everyone in the story. This is one of the most popular arcs of the original series, according to inori.-sensei. For good reason. There’s a lot of nail-bitingly good stuff here.

Art-wise, this book is phenomenal. From the tension on the spectators’ faces during Rae and Manaria’s duel to the incredible climax of the Scales of Love contest, there are whole volumes in Claire’s eyebrows. ^_^

This arc is a breather before the story takes a darker turn – a breather that is still quite intense. It’s also the first time Rae is able to meet someone in this world who admits to being queer…a remarkable thing that heralds many other remarkable occurrences in the series, as well as laying some foundations down for future arcs.

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 9
Characters – 9
Yuri – 7
Service – Manaria is a kind of service. ^_^

Overall – 9

This volume does not yet have a English-language release date, but when it does, don’t hesitate – it is wonderful. ^_^





Asumi-Chan is Interested in Lesbian Brothels! Volume 1, Guest Review by Matt Rolf

March 1st, 2023

A partially dressed pink-haired woman is surrounded by three other partially dressed women.Letters read Asumi-Chan is Interested in Lesbian Brothels! Vol 1, story and art by Kuro ItsukiIt’s Guest Review Wednesday on Okazu and today we welcome back Matthew Rolf who will take a look at this new 18+ manga series from Seven Seas!

Asumi-Chan is Interested in Lesbian Brothels! does not convey an air of nuance or subtlety. The cover of the book shows our protagonist being ravished by three other women, with four sets of breasts barely covered by clothing or the book title. On the back cover, our heroine stands with her nightgown open the length of her body. Asumi gazes at the reader while another woman places her hands on her butt.

It’s true: this manga contains graphic depictions of lesbian sex, and the back cover helpfully contains a parental advisory for “explicit content.” Author Kuru Itsuki set out to create a “comical, sexy yuri manga,” and has succeeded. This volume contains five episodes in a story that now extends to at least three volumes.

Asumi is a sexually inexperienced college student pining for Mai, a slightly older girl who kissed her back in grade school. Asumi’s friend Ouka thinks she’s seen Mai in the lesbian sex trade. Ouka makes Asumi an appointment with a sex worker, so that she might find Mai. So begins Asumi’s adventure of hiring women for sex until she can find and sleep with her childhood friend.

This book is as unapologetically gay, sex positive, and kinky as it is implausible. Just one sexual encounter contains kink elements of cosplay, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and edging. Other encounters tease rope play, domination, puppy play, group sex, and a few other things. There are no men in this book.

The sex scenes are rendered both in cartoonish and more realistic styles, depending on the encounter. Some effort is made to show a variety of body types within a narrow range, and the chest excesses of the cover are mostly avoided in the story. There is nothing unusual in the artistic presentation, but the blocking and rendering of the intimate encounters is a strong point. The sex workers Asumi encounters are given at least some characterization.

There’s no gender play, and the book feels less queer than it might for being so kinky. The slick presentation feels inspired by mainstream pornography. That likely makes the book more appealing to a wider audience, including men, but will probably turn off some readers. It’s a minor criticism for a work that brings its protagonist to climax no fewer than four times.

This book owes more than a little to Nagata Kabi’s My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness. One can imagine an editor wanting a pitch for “Kabi’s book, but with hotter sex and without all the mental health issues.” Itsuki’s story delivers to the point of reading like an advertisement for the sex trade in places. Kabi’s work is undoubtedly more touching, moving, and real, but Itsuki’s work is pure fantasy to help you get off. This book is in a different genre with a different purpose, and I have veered between feeling it’s a salacious ripoff or just fine for what it is.

Asumi-Chan is Interested in Lesbian Brothels! is entertaining, explicit, and doesn’t ask much of the reader. If you like your lesbian sex manga explicit with a small side of kink, consider picking up this book the next time you need to get in the mood. The English translation of volume 2 comes out later in 2023.

Final Verdict: Gold Star Yuri Erotica.

Published by Seven Seas Entertainment, through an arrangement by Kodashana Ltd., with translation by Lily Aspen and lettering by Ash Works.

Ratings

Art – 7 – Sparse, mostly anatomically correct.
Story – 6 – Meticulously constructed to get to the next erotic encounter as quickly as possible.
Characters – 5 – Here for the boning.
Service – 10 – Non-stop lesbian sex.
Yuri – 10 – Gold Star.
Overall Score – 319 (referencing the apropos Prince song of the same title)

Thanks so much Matt!

Volume 1 is available in Print on Bookshop and RightStuf, and digital on Bookwalker. Amazon has Volume 3 listed, but not V1 or V2, presumably because of the covers.

There were a lot of lesbian sex worker stories that popped up after Nagata’s initial work. We’ve reviewed some here. Of them, the one I’ve really enjoyed is BariKyari to Shinsou.

***

We’re always looking for guest reviewers, especially as there is so much coming out in English and Japanese, I can’t keep up. If you are interested in reviewing for Okazu – I am particularly interested in hiring non-white writers here  and queer folks, as well. I have a review copy of Futaribeya, V9 going begging. So if you like this series, and want a shot at a paid review gig, drop over to our Submission Guidelines and put yourself forward!





Comic Yuri Hime, March 2023 ( コミック百合姫2023年3月号)

February 27th, 2023

In front of a grey school and windows, girl in a dark blue school uniform stands in front of a railing looking down, while another girl on the floor below, in partial B&W smiles one hand extended, to catch rain.So, what do we think of the cover art story this year by Mebachi? In a sense, the lack of color is a bold choice, after last years’ brightly colored and textured cover images. It still feels like a one-sided love story, but that remains to be seen.

The magazine gets off to a bangin’ start as things we’ve been waiting for in “Sasayakuyou ni Koi wo Utau” collide. Of the several things we have our eye on – Shiho, Aki, the battle of the bands, and Yori and Hima, I care less about everything than the last. Before Yori gets up on stage once again, they share a lovely kiss. A moment of joy.

I can’t wait to see this as an anime. ^_^ Color pages give us a glimpse at the seiyuu comments and staff.

“Osoto Gohan wo Goissho ni” teaches Japanese readers to make a fat sandwich. I doubt anyone cares, but fat sandwiches were birthed at my alma mater while I was there as an undergrad.  As you watch Fuuka and Yomogi eat a burger with fries on the roll with the burger, you can tip a hat to the excellent grease trucks of Rutgers University. Especially the Sunrise food truck – they made the best damn fat burgers on the planet. I miss those burgers.  ^_^ (Chalk this up to things you’d never expected to learn on Okazu. I was an OG fat sandwich eater. I skipped class to get those burgers.)

Middle of the book color pages include info on the upcoming Yuri is My Job! anime. And then..”Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto Desu!” goes to the place I was really worried it might go to. This was a “Holy Shit!” chapter as Youko does something we really wish she would not do. The consequences are immediate. I refuse to spoil this, but I will say that the thing I didn’t want was followed by one of the two things I did want. Now we just need another of those and the other thing I want and I’ll be happy. ^_^ Holy shit, Miman-sensei… .

Claire and Rae are walking around Euclid and Claire is getting a completely different view of this commoner she’s finding it increasingly difficult to not admire. We see that Rae has many things she does not explain to Claire…and Claire feels left out. Claire is also made much more aware of the limitations of commoners’ lives…and the Ship of the Undead approaches. in “Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou.”

Shizuku is finally forced to face the truth about Kaori in “Kimi to Tsuzuru Utakata” and it finally galvanizes her to finish the novel and talk with this girl she’s come to care about. But, will it be too late? I hate to be rude about this story, but, look, either Kaori’s gonna die, or she won’t, and both endings are a little trite.

As always there was a lot I haven’t mentioned here. The Yuri Hime editors’ symposium and the continuing look at design in the magazine, and many other comics. There is a lot right now I’m not reading, but I don’t hold that against the magazine. I just hope there will be some new series that capture my attention! The April issue is out on Japanese shelves and I should be getting it shortly, so we’ll see. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – 7

I do want to say one tangential thing which is relevant to the editors’ symposium. A whole lot of Yuri recommendations in the past year have suggested Takopi’s Original Sin as a fantastic story . I have to say – I found it to be one of the most unpleasant and traumatizing things I’ve read in years. I not only don’t recommend it, but would like you to understand that it is about child abuse and bullying in very real and awful ways. There is a kind of Yuri, and a not-entirely-awful end, but I would not call it happy. So should you see that suggested on a Yuri reading list, consider it with all the content warnings you can imagine. I found it to be an appalling thing that I can not scour from my memory. Your mileage, I hope, may vary.