So, you say, I really love Revolutionary Girl Utena-inspired stories, but sword fights are done. Let’s have something cooler than a sword fight. Well, we have just what you are looking for in S.I.R.

Avery Sakai has lost everything. Her parents, their company, her girlfriend Nico. Having lost so much, Avery is unwilling to give up the last and heads to super-elite Bridleham Academy to find her. What Avery finds is a culture of dueling by motorcycle jousting…and Nico is the enemy everyone is aiming for.

This one-volume graphic novel by Fell Hound and Eleonora Bruni is a fast-paced, electric comic that seamlessly integrates a bunch of things lesbians love: Utena, absurd dueling hierarchies, motorcycles and a heroine named Sir Athene. This series is set up for success in this household, at any rate. ^_^

Nico as the Rose Bride is pretty bad ass herself. Positioned as the conflict, Oscar Sanson makes a good try at being the baddie, but we all know that, as a lesbian drama, it’s Avery’s and Nico’s feelings of failure and self-loathing that have to be defeated first, before they can kick Oscar’s sorry ass. And, so it is. Music, metal clashy sounds, engines revving, Mokushiroku. All is right in the dueling arena.

I’m joking about Utena, but the roses are a dead giveaway. This homage is merely homage, however, as the story and characters are not at all derivative. Right from the get-go Avery is a sincere hero. Nico’s darkness is a bit more complicated, the result of ongoing harassment, but Avery’s righteousness shines a light on the darkness and helps Nico to find her own way out.

As a single volume, this story slams straight through with few twists. It would make a great OVA. ^_^

Fell Hound’s art and story are easy to follow, full of movement and energy, brought to life by Eleonora Bruni’s coloring. Becca Carey’s lettering is great throughout, and especially fun on the knight’s names.

Ratings: 

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Service – lesbians on motorcycles, duh
Yuri – 10

Overall – 8

For a fun, powerful manga that is sure to scratch your dueling itches, S.I.R. is super read.