Archive for the Mikanuji Category


Assorted Entanglements, Volume 3

April 10th, 2024

A woman in pink hair and headphones sits in front of a keyboard, in a gaming chair, while a woman with blue hair leans on the desk next to her.by Matt Marcus, Staff Writer

Previously in Assorted Entanglements Volume 2, sparks and virtual bullets flew as we met mangaka Heke-sensei and her editor Shinohara, who not-so-anonymously play an online First Person Shooter game together while harboring mutual crushes. Meanwhile, Shizuku and Shiori slowly float closer to each other, somehow.

For Assorted Entanglements Volume 3, Mikanuji-sensei must’ve thought “hmmm the last new couple was a little too wholesome. It’s time to spin the Wheel! Of! Problematic! ‘Ships!” A giant prize wheel rolls in and is vigorously spun. Plasticky ratcheting sounds burst out then slowly decelerate as the selection arrow slowly passes over OL x JK, then Sister x Sister (Adopted), and finally Sister x Sister (Not Adopted) before landing on: Teacher x Student. A sizzle reel plays for the winning couple. For some reason they are riding jet skis at a Sandals Resort.

That’s probably not how it happened (I’m sure there was an editor involved somewhere). However, it is less dire than you may be thinking. For now.

Our new pair of star-crossed acquaintances is the stoic gym teacher Kujou and one of her students, 3rd year Sugimoto. Every day after school, Kujou stands outside the door of a lesbian bar, too afraid to enter. Inevitably, she chickens out and instead frequents the maid café next door where Sugimoto works. Sugimoto, who is a bit of a misanthropic loner despite her good looks, decides seemingly on a whim that she is going to help Kujou on her quest to enter the bar and finally find herself a girlfriend.

It becomes clear pretty quickly that Sugimoto is on her way to catching feelings for Kujou; blessedly, her gym teacher doesn’t even register her as an option, despite noticing that her student is pushing the boundaries of a proper teacher/student relationship. (I hate that I find this refreshing.) Regardless, the comedic dynamic between these two works. Sugimoto’s acerbic tongue is a fun foil to Kujou’s sad puppy vibes. I’m just mildly concerned about where the story is going to take them.

Aside from these two, there are still three other “couples” to check in on. Not too much has changed between Minami and Iori, however the same can’t be said for their “jilted” hangers-on. In fact, Shizuku’s hard-assery has softened considerably towards Shiori, much to the latter’s chagrin. You can see the little dance they are doing, inching towards each other then repelling apart mostly because Shiori likes to throw Shizuku’s feelings back in her face to goad her into anger for a laugh. Despite that, progress is being made. For some reason, I’m rooting for them.

Meanwhile, Heke-sensei and Shinohara begin spending more and more time with each other, often pretending to be lovers for “material” to inspire Heke-sensei’s storyboarding. Each time Heke-sensei tries to close the gap, Shinohara’s bluntness and desire to hide her crush ends up unintentionally sending the wrong signals to her coworker/secret gaming buddy. They are the goofiest and most wholesome pairing in this series, so it’s always a nice reprieve when they show up.

I mentioned the art’s Same Face Syndrome in my review of Volume 2, but somehow the issue has now spread to entire characters. You can’t have your characters say a line like “you should be able to recognize your students” and then give multiple characters 99% the same face and haircut.

These are three different characters. Two of them are 12 years apart in age. No, I can’t tell them apart either.

Also, every now and then there’s some weird body proportions. There’s one panel in particular where Shinohara’s right arm appears to have grown 30% too big for her body.

The thing that continues to hold my interest is the humor (again, shoutout to Eleanor Ruth Summers for the excellent localization). Unfortunately, there are still moments of “yikes” that keep me from truly singing its praises. It’s like eating that PB&J sandwich you packed with you to the beach: no matter how careful you are, you will get a bite or two of sand that feels like it’ll crack your teeth. In one notable case, Minami is acting passive-aggressively and Iori has no idea why, and it turns out that she is grumpy because the night before, Iori, who was blackout drunk, did something out of pocket in bed. It’s supposed to be a reversal joke, but there’s enough “ick” to it that it is hard to handwave, let alone laugh at it. The series continues to be one that has enough rough spots to make it difficult to recommend.

But despite my complaints
I am still reading it. This is perhaps the funniest volume so far, and there’s plenty of joy to be had in cropping out panels as reaction images or meme fodder. You just have to be OK taking your Yuri with a grain of sand.

Art – 6 Seems like the art has regressed a touch, and the sameness of the character designs is not helping
Story – 7 A handful of questionable choices hurt it, but the humor stays sharp
Characters – 7 This really is a manga for people who like Women/Girls Who Suck
Service – 4 Iori and Minami’s sex life is still present, and it is a little uncomfy in a couple places
Yuri – 9 / LGBTQ – 9 You did hear me say lesbian bar, ya?

Overall – 7 I’d tell it to run a few extra laps

Volume 4 is currently available in English from Yen Press, with Volume 5 arriving in June. A twisted Yuri comedy with some punch.

Matt Marcus is a serial enthusiast whose range of appreciations include guitars, watches, and a particular genre of Japanese popular media named after a flower. Outside of writing for Okazu, he cohosts various projects on the Pitch Drop Podcast Network, where he frequently bloviates about video games, anime, and manga. He also hosts a blog Oh My God, They Were Bandmates analyzing How Do We Relationship in greater depth.





Assorted Entanglements Volume 2, Guest Review by Matt Marcus

September 20th, 2023

A school girl wearing a sweat jacket with uniquely braided hair, straddles another girl in a blazer uniform, with pony tails, looking mischievously up at her.Matt Marcus is a cohost of various projects on the Pitch Drop Podcast Network, as well as the writer for the blog Oh My God, They Were Bandmates analyzing the manga series How Do We Relationship.

In Assorted Entanglements volume 1, OL dirtbag Iori drunkenly hooks up with a delinquent with a heart of gold, Minami, and the two begin dating thereafter. Also in the mix is Iori’s yandere siscon younger sister Shiori and Minami’s old juvvie friend Shizuku, both of whom are problematic in their own ways which means they make prime secondary ’ship material, I guess.

Before I dive into Assorted Entanglements, volume 2, I do want to go on a Brief Rant about the series generally. I feel that the series has a very conflicting, and dare I say irresponsible, approach to the topic of violence. This is a series where two of the main characters have suffered through traumatic childhood abuse, who both end up in pairings with partners who physically abuse them–but this time, it’s for comedy! I can understand what Mikanuji is going for, which is the role reversal of these two Bad Girlsℱ who end up dominated by two “normie” ones, but the tonal whiplash leaves an awful taste in my mouth. When Minami’s coworkers see her bruised face and say “you should leave your partner”, I go yeah, actually. What’s worse is that the most common cause of Iori’s violence are times when Minami is expressing how little she values herself, which is a result of the abuse she suffered from her parents. The whole conceit becomes very difficult to stomach the second you put any thought into it.

What’s probably best about this volume is that a good chunk of it is not dedicated to Minami and Iori. A new couple is introduced: the mangaka Heke-sensei and her editor, Shinohara. Professionally, they’re in constant friction, but they get along swimmingly when they play online games together while hiding behind their gaming handles. It’s a tad contrived, sure, but it’s a nice panacea to the grimey undertones that haunt our previously established couplings (also props for making this scenario not a coincidence). The way Mikanuji ties their story into the broader picture is one of the most hilariously paper-thin excuses, which is that Iori and Shinohara are old college friends. Of course, neither admit to each other that their love lives involve other women. So it goes.

What we do see of Minami and Iori is still the mixed bag of good sexual chemistry, some warm tenderness, and the occasional smack across the jaw. We get a glimpse into what led to Minami landing in the detention center and hoo boy, is it a doozy (thankfully it is only described, not shown). Meanwhile, Shiori and Shizuku’s relationship continues to develop. They are both so terrible, they deserve each other.

Mikanuji’s art is attractive to look at but it does suffer from the worst case of Same Face Syndrome that I have ever seen. The delinquent characters have an aesthetic that I dig–lots of piercings and tattoos, funky hairstyles–but I find it really difficult to tell apart any of Minami’s or Shinohara’s coworkers. Another odd habit of the art is how Mikanuji often completely skips bouts of action between panels which often leads to a disjointed flow when reading. The most egregious example is when Shiori breaks into Shizuku’s apartment by smashing a window: in one panel, we see Shizuku’s face with a small crash sound effect hiding in the corner, and in the next panel Shiori is standing in the room holding a rock with glass on the floor. Mikanuji is not incapable of drawing action–see Shizuku’s punch in volume 1–but they have a habit of not drawing it when the action is meant to drive a joke, such as the countless times Iori has punched Minami in the face between panels (no I will not let this go, it happens a lot).

The thing that keeps bringing me back to this series is that when a joke lands, it lands well. The way Minami texts with Shizuku? The weird phone charm that Shiori is interested in? The argument between Iori and Minami on who should top? All good gags. I would credit translator Eleanor Ruth Summers with keeping the dialogue snappy. When the characters are bouncing off of each other with things other than their fists, it’s a pretty good time.

Art – 7 I like it, but the craft of it could use some improvement
Story – 7 Better than volume 1 but the violence issue still persists
Characters – 7 Every character has their moments of likability. Yes, even Shizuku
Service – 4 Iori and Minami still go at it from time to time
Yuri – 8 / LGBTQ – 6 This is the first time I’ve seen “pillow princess” used in a manga, so that’s neat

Overall – 7 I’m still willing to play a round or two

Don’t involve your children in your crimes, but if you must, at least make it a fun crime





Assorted Entanglements, Volume 1

May 29th, 2023

A businesswoman and a young woman with tattoos hold hands as they lay next to one another, their shoes to the side, smiling gently at one another. In 2019, I first encountered Mikanuji’s Fuzoroi Renri. I followed the series, and have reviewed Volumes 1-5 here on Okazu. Now I’m pleased to take another look at this manga series now that it is out from Yen Press in English.

In Assorted Entanglements, Volume 1, Iori is a 28 year old career-woman in an unfulfilling job. She takes her frustrations out by drinking at a local izakaya, and talking to one of the servers, a cute girl with facial piercings and tattoos, Minami. When Iori wakes up naked next to Minami, both of their lives are about to change.

When I first read this volume, I was deeply gratified at Minami’s character. Pierced and tattooed, she was not a criminal or a gang member. She was still on the wrong side of the tracks in Japanese society, but she was a good person who had gone through some rough spots. 

As I re-read, I am less moved by Iori. Having just finished Sempai, Oishii desuka? Volume 2 (ć…ˆèŒ©ă€çŸŽć‘łă—ă„ă§ă™ă‹?) by Mikanuji-sensei, I’m done with sloppy drunks. But, since almost all of the volumes of this series will pair unlikely couples, I’ll roll with it. ^_^

After Minami and Iori are settled, we introduce their foils. First, we meet Minami’s foster sister, Natsuki who greets her with a beatdown. Then we get Saori, Iori’s creepily obsessed little sister. When they meet each other, sparks fly and quickly burn everything around them down. They are a terrible couple that kind of works anyway. ^_^

There will be no resolution with this series – as couples begin to  function with something approaching normality, a new differently dysfunctional couple will be introduced. Once again the team at Yen Press did a fine job for a goofy manga that requires no deep emotional investment.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Service – 3 Some light nudity, nothing salacious
Yuri – 10

Overall – 8

This series of short gags about odd people forming odd couples is a fun read.





Sempai, Oishii desuka? Volume 2 (ć…ˆèŒ©ă€çŸŽć‘łă—ă„ă§ă™ă‹?)

May 17th, 2023

A woman with long black hair, wearing a tan blouse and red skirt hugs a woman, wearing gray slack and a white blouse, with her brown hair in a bun, from behind. Huh. It was almost exactly a year ago I reviewed Volume 1 of Mikanuji’s Yuri + food manga. At the time I said, “I can definitely recommend it with some significant reservations.” Today I am looking at Sempai, Oishii Desuka? Volume 2 (ć…ˆèŒ©ă€çŸŽć‘łă—ă„ă§ă™ă‹?) and I find that the reservations are mostly the same, and the story is not what I wanted it to be.

To begin with Miho spends the majority of the book wallowing in significant low self-esteem churning over whether Sempai reeaaalllllllllly likes being with her or not because of things other people tell her. When sempai kisses her we are treated to chapters of her worrying what sempai meant by it. Miho gets blasted drunk on non-alcoholic something, which is impossible for me accept and made the final pages of the manga unpalatable. Mori is not free of criticism, but her issue is in a post-COVID world not entirely impossible to understand.

The failure here is simply trying to insert conflict where it just didn’t need to be. It would have been lovely to just have Miho make food with Mori and them enjoy it. Turning up Miho’s “there MUST be a crisis” meter to 1000 – while relatable for those of us who overthink everything – really just drained the enjoyment of two women and food and possible romance.

Which brings me to the Yuri. I noted in Volume 1 that Mori regularly violated Miho’s boundaries. In Volume 2, she still does, and Miho has to be “drunk” to just tell Mori she’d like to kiss, in a creepy and boundary violating way. This is just so unnecessary! They are both adults with an interest in each other, they could just get together. That they don’t is fine, but the way they are portrayed is so…weird…and not healthy. Just have a conversation, ladies.

The end result is, as much as I like Mikanuji’s work, I don’t find this manga all that enjoyable and will stop reading. That said, if you like awkward boundary-pushing, but not really adult behavior in your Yuri, you might find this manga fun. And you’ll learn how to cook as a bonus.

Ratings: 

Art – 8
Characters – Miho drops to a 5 here, Mori is a 6
Story – 7
Service – One too many “funny” boundary violations
Yuri – 5, but I’m not convinced they’ll be good for each other

Overall – 7  





Sempai, Oishii desuka? Volume 1 (ć…ˆèŒ©ă€çŸŽć‘łă—ă„ă§ă™ă‹?)

May 19th, 2022

Miho loves food. She happily eats large bowls of rice with a big smile. But, back in high school, a schoolmate told her it wasn’t really feminine to eat so much or with so much gusto. That hasn’t stopped Miho, but she does prefer to eat alone these days.

A college friend wants to meet Miho’s boyfriend before a group date and Miho is in a bind. She usually brings her brother to these things to stave off both answering questions about not having a boyfriend from the girls and advances from the guys. But her brother can’t make it, so he’s sending a substitute…who turns out to be beautiful woman, Mori-sempai. Moris one of those people who is completely comfortable with herself and jumps right in as Miho’s “lover.” But Miho is much less comfortable with the kind of skinship Mori-sempai seems to favor. When Mori-sempai shares that she’s seen Miho eating and everything seems so delicious, Miho invites Mori to make some food together.

When I heard about Sempai, Oishii desuka? Volume 1 (ć…ˆèŒ©ă€çŸŽć‘łă—ă„ă§ă™ă‹?) which combines three things I really like –  Yuri, food and Mikanuji’s art and characters –  I was really excited to read this volume. Now that I have read it, I can definitely recommend it with some significant reservations.

Miho is a well-conceived character. She’s awkward in a very relatable way; hyper-focused on things she finds relaxing and fun, and unsure and often uncomfortable outside those situations. I think I and nearly everyone I know fits that pattern. She really can’t read Mori and Mori isn’t really being entirely upfront…a fact that she admits to Miho. Miho’s really cute. Her reason for not going out with a girl who confessed her feelings was totally in character…and Mori agrees. ^_^

Mori’s the deep waters here. On the surface she’s perfect. However, she regularly violates Miho’s boundaries, not with malice, but she still does it. This is the reservation in my recommendation. If you are made uncomfortable by a story in which boundaries are ignored, this may very well distress you, because it did begin to distress me. I found it a little much. Perhaps read as a monthly serial it would be more tolerable than in one sitting.  As the volume progresses, we see – and Mori mentions –  that she has some secrets.

One wonders if this story about food and Yuri doesn’t have a third layer about…something…beneath the surface. I could conjecture, but I don’t want to make the book about something it’s not about. I just have a gut feeling.

Lastly – the food parts aren’t quite recipes, but they’ll certainly stimulate the appetite and imagination, especially if you enjoy Japanese food. And of course Mikanuji-sensei’s art is quite cute.

Ratings: 

Art – 8
Characters – 8 
Story – 7
Service – Mori getting too close too often is problematic rather than salacious
Yuri – Beyond the premise, let’s give it a 4

Overall – 7  

I can see this story doing some good things and equally, I can see it cutting corners. I hope as it develops it goes the former route. I’m really hoping Miho and Mori grow a bit more in synch and work through their baggage together.