Archive for the English Manga Category


Kiss the Scars of the Girls, Volume 2

July 18th, 2024

A cute, short-haired blonde girl and a taller long haired girl with black hair, in dark blue old-fashioned Japan school uniforms hold hands as they smile gently at one another.by Christian Le Blanc, Staff Writer

Feet are not something to lance,
And the soft palate’s no place for hands.
Though we’ve been through school combat,
We should leave it at comrade;
You and me could write a stab romance.

As a quick refresher: Kiss the Scars of the Girls is a futuristic vampire Yuri manga from Aya Haruhana and Yen Press where vampires hardly have any powers or protections, and Class S dominates how vampire girls are educated at their vampire boarding schools which are located next to medieval-looking cities full of prey (and vampire hunters). Emille Florence is our bright, cheerful blonde, while Eve, with her long black hair and unapproachable manner, is her older ‘sister’ designated to show her the ropes and watch out for her.   

When I reviewed Volume 1, I felt a bit let down by how dull everything felt, and lamented the absence of vampiral shenanigans, including violence. Reader, you can well imagine my surprise and delight when Kiss the Scars of the Girls, Volume 2 treated me to a flashback of a primary school knife fight where plucky and sunny-dispositioned Emille gets Stabbitha Christie’d by the awkward girl who likes her, Yucca Lotus. 

I will admit, where this story features Class S prim and proper vampire ladies, I was rather surprised at how nonchalantly the narrator of the flashback says this all went down “on an otherwise unremarkable day” where they “were doing mock close-quarters combat training.” 

What surprised me even more was how OMG WTF shocked her classmates are, and how their teacher is furious at Yucca for going all Stabbicus Finch on someone, but, really, when you arm schoolchildren with knives and tell them to fight each other, I don’t know how you can expect anything other than a Black Stabbath concert to break out. 

As it turns out, vampires heal quickly and easily and Emille just waves it off and asks everyone to forgive her assailant, who then sticks with Emille from that point on to avoid getting bullied…I’d say the other students’ fear of ending up as a letter to Dear Stabby is really what keeps them from picking on her, but it’s hard to say with these vampire kids. 

Yucca ends up having one of those friendships with Emille that you only read about in the occasional Yuri compilation of short stories, where that one short makes you feel all squicky because the creepy character loves seeing her girlfriend upset, so she keeps tormenting her in little ways. It’s off-putting, and Emille’s big sister Eve eventually has to step in and resolve things. Yucca leaves a letter saying she has to go now, her planet needs her, and a big part of me hopes that Eve herself wrote it to cover up any extracurricular “murdering Yucca” activities she felt she needed to do as Emille’s senpai. 

Moving on, we start getting into the reason why the vampires in this book seem so human and normal, with the introduction of Colette, a clumsy human girl who Emille befriends in town. Can Emille and Colette forge a friendship, in spite of the fact that all vampires hate humans and all humans hate vampires? Lucce, Emille’s friend who works at the school library, seems to think so. When we learn that Lucce’s parents are a vampire and a human, and combine that with Lucce’s darker skin tones, we are definitely meant to realize that the vampires in this book are a metaphor for discussing prejudice and race, in much the same way that Yurikuma Arashi used bears as a metaphor for discussing prejudice and homophobia (just without any wild Ikuhara symbolism in Scars, unfortunately). 

Ratings:

Characters – 5 (a slight bump up from last volume thanks to Lucce)
Story – 6 (no huge stakes, but I’m mildly curious to see what’s next)
Service – 1 (5 if you’re into seeing tonsils get fingered)
Yuri – 5

Overall – 6

When I read the first volume, I was puzzled over how similar humans and vampires seemed, and I now understand that this is being used to tackle racial prejudice (and for the shock humour value when we see things like combat training). This has made me enjoy this series a little more, and I’m curious as to whether Aya Haruhana will do anything more with the conceit, or if this is simply the current storyline before it gets abandoned for the inevitable return of Stabby McStabface. 

Erica here: Volume 3, The Stabbening, is out at the end the month from Yen Press.





My Idol Sits the Next Seat Over, Volume 7

July 15th, 2024

by Luce, Okazu Staff Writer

My Idol Sits the Next Seat Over, Volume 7 is the final volume, in which we get the fallout of Maaya coming clean about her pretending to Chihiro that she wasn’t already a fan when they met, and Sakiko feeling guilty about helping her hide it. Chihiro decides to remain an idol after a heart-to-heart with both Sakiko and Maaya, and is able to perform in Misaki’s graduation concert. The three of them have a sleepover at Chihiro’s house, attend Spring Shine’s summer concert, and ponder their futures.

This series doesn’t wallow in things – they fall out over something, but they manage to sort it out. This means that a lot happens each volume, as always, but despite that, it never feels too rushed to me. The characters do their best to sort things out, rather than endlessly mithering over whether they should or shouldn’t say something. Sakiko manages to get over – in class, in a foreign language at that – her guilt at not wanting Chihiro to quit. Chihiro, rightly so, points out that she herself has agency in her own friendships. It’s a two way thing, not something that should be decided for her. This is reiterated to Maaya as well, which clears the air between the three of them.

One thing I adore about this manga is the journey Maaya takes through it all. Becoming friends with Sakiko and Chihiro, and later Motoyama, has changed her for the better, but she’s still her. She is still a little obsessive, focused, and blunt… But it’s toned down, rather than a sharpened weapon at all times. She doesn’t make a complete 180 in personality, but she mellows, is able to be more honest with herself and others – a big moment here is her truly showing her ‘bare face’ (with no makeup, and I’ll commend the mangaka that there is a notable difference) to Chihiro. It’s a really nice scene, not because Maaya has anything to be ashamed of, but because she finally feels like she can do it.

Sakiko, too, has been on a journey. At the start, she was a shy fan who couldn’t stand up for herself, but through all this, she’s become confident enough to stand up to others as well, and to decide her own path. Often being a bridge between Maaya and Chihiro, with the end of this volume, she’s settled into a good place, with the three of them on more even footing. The last chapter is in the future, showing them all meeting up, and an ‘interview’ with Chihiro which delve a little more into Spring Sunshine after the series.

I did wonder how they were going to resolve the ‘triangle’, and the answer is, it doesn’t really get resolved, per se… But it’s clear that Maaya is in love with Chihiro, and that Sakiko knows that. I don’t mind that it doesn’t pair any of them off, to be honest (while I would have been happy for a poly ending, I’m glad it didn’t rush one) – it’s clear that they value each other immensely, and that’s just as valuable.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed this manga, and I’ll be excited to see if the mangaka gets anything else licensed!

Ratings:

Story – 7, nothing particularly groundbreaking, but not totally predictable, and doesn’t drop into needless drama all the time
Art: 8 – really suits the vibe, and an extra point for actually having a difference between someone wearing makeup and no
Service – 0 (I don’t think there’s even a sleazy angle)
Yuri – 5

Overall – 8

For a cute idol Yuri manga, this is great!





The Moon on A Rainy Night, Volume 5

July 12th, 2024

Two girls ride a bus, one with short orange hair, the other withe long black hair. They are conversing on their phones in text, smiling and laughing together.In Volume 4, a number of loose ends are suddenly untangled. Kanon decides to participate in her school festival fully, and Saki helps Ayano see that her behavior was not as awful as she had told herself it was. Now, in The Moon On A Rainy Night, Volume 5, the stage is set…mostly…for Kanon to release herself from the chrysalis she had built around herself as a protective measure.

Kanon hasn’t had a fun summer since she became hard of hearing, finding herself equally isolated in crowds and by herself. Having decided to participate in both the class’s school festival events, Kanon finds herself shocked that she hasn’t had time to feel isolated this summer – and of course…there’s Saki. Saki always holds a hand out so they can do things together. As a result, Kanon is feeling more confident and less afraid to try new things. It’s a whole new world. Literally, as Tanabe-san introduces them to cosplay for their class maid cafe.

This volume also takes time to give us Kanon’s mother’s perspective, and a foil in their teacher, who brings his daughter over to ask about piano lessons. These pages are an emotional reminder that the family of a person with a disability, or that has suffered the loss of a family member, also have their own stories and burdens. I’ll spoil a little here – this does come back again in later volumes, because every character is given some time to grow. Including Tomita, the girl I referred to as a bully in early volumes. It turns out that Tomita has a story of her own, as well. And her situation offers Kanon another chance to grow.

And then there is Saki,who has complicated feelings that have been seen and recognized by an adult,  and has been an incredible friend but doesn’t ask much for herself, except to be able to spend time with Kanon. What is Kanon to her? That will definitely need to be addressed.

Twice now this story has provided an antagonist with…not redemption, so much as humanity. That is just one of the many wonderful things about this series. Characters learning to rely on each other, working within their limitations but learning to expand those limits, friends supporting each other, and reaching past misunderstandings. What an extraordinary series. I feel like I’m learning when I read it not just about accommodations for the people around me – and myself – but also how to just provide useful support, rather than prioritizing what I think they need.

This is absolutely a masterwork by Kuzushiro-sensei, and a must-read manga for everyone.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 9 (But wait…there’s more!)
Characters – 9
Service – 0
Yuri – 4

Overall – 9

 I’ve started to need a wheelchair at times and I’m so thankful for them when I do, but it is always apparent to me, even when I am fully mobile, how many barriers there are in public places. So – especially when I am fully mobile – I will comment to event runners about the inequities they allow in their set-up. It’s important for able and healthy people to advocate for people who need accommodation, because, in the best of scenarios, we will all become old and need accommodations ourselves.

 





Cocoon, Entwined, Volume 6

June 26th, 2024

Two girls with long, flowing hair in white, flowing dresses run offscreen, clasping hands and looking at one another.Guest Review by Patricia Baxter.

As the curtain closed on Yuriko Hara’s Cocoon, Entwined series, I knew that a truly remarkable story had ended.  There have been times when I’ve experienced narratives, manga or otherwise, with strong writing in their characters and world-building, only for the ending to stumble, negatively altering my perception of the entire work.  Thankfully, Cocoon Entwined did not falter but instead ended in a tremendously fulfilling way, both in terms of its numerous visual book ends and how each principal character emerged from their metaphorical cocoons.

As the Christmas dance reaches its climax, the cycle of Hoshimiya Girls’ Academy is finally disrupted in a dramatic and unsalvageable way.  Even more shocking is that this disorder isn’t caused by Youko, the main protagonist, with her verbal plea for change, but by Hoshimiya-san whose actions speak the loudest without saying a single word.  Some readers may be put out by Youko not having the big dramatic “win” during the dance, but I felt Hoshimiya-san being the one to unravel this unchanging cycle made the most sense.  Between her familial connection to the school, her dramatic exit setting the stage for the whole narrative, and the way she has been constantly idolized and objectified by other characters, it is only fitting that Hoshimiya-san finally reasserts her agency by ending the system.

Thankfully, Youko has her moment of personal triumph when she meets up with Hana in the dressmaking room for the last time.  Youko shows just how much she has grown since the beginning of the series, and Hana is finally taking the initiative to step away from her role as the “prince”.  Their dance might be one of my favourite sequences in this series, showcasing just how much these two girls have changed themselves, and each other, for the better, genuinely making me misty-eyed as I read it.

The rest of the cast is also given their chance to change and move forward, though Ayane and Haruka’s story felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the cast.  I honestly wish we would have had more time to explore their relationship, especially considering how much Haruka has been impacted by Ayane’s actions, but the resolution we do see is still satisfying.

As always, Yuriko Hara’s art is some of the most gorgeous art you can ever read in comic form, with extremely striking visuals that stay with you even after you have closed the book.  It is clear to me that she is an astounding talent in the medium of comics, who continues to develop and hone her skills, and I look forward to seeing what projects she tackles next.  I also sincerely hope that we can get her two manga collections, Out of the Cocoon (アウト・オブ・ザ・コクーン) and Atami no Uchujin (熱海の宇宙人), in English someday soon, since her talents in writing and art also excel in one-shots, as showcased in the Éclair and Bloom Into You anthologies.

Cocoon, Entwined was a delight for me to read, both as a yuri manga for its depiction of sapphic relationships and as a manga for showcasing the power of storytelling that only comics can achieve.  Even if I can’t see more of Youko and Hana’s story, I know that they are walking together, moving forward and always remaining open to changing themselves for the better.

 

Art: 10

Story: 10

Characters: 10

Service: 2 (for Youko and Hana wearing slips on the cover and during the dance sequence)

Yuri: 10

Overall: 10





Pulse, Volumes 5-7

June 23rd, 2024

by Eleanor Walker, Staff Writer.

Content warning: Volume 6 contains scenes of sexual assault.

A blonde with long hair in an orange dress and a long dark-haired woman wearing a beige top embrace happily.

Remember when I said back in my review of the first two volumes “does this hospital not have an ethics board?” Never did I predict this statement would come back to bite the way in the way that it has.  The hospital director, who we met at the end of volume 4 is cunning, ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what she wants, which is Mel. They have history together (they are ex girlfriends), and thanks to something Mel did which is never explicitly discussed, although it is covered in flashbacks, she cannot use her hands properly and had to give up being a surgeon. She is quite clearly a sociopath who only sees people as tools to be used and thrown away once she’s finished with them.

Back to Lynn and Mel. At the end of volume 1, they made a bet “If I can get you to fall in love with me within 2 years, will you be the one to operate on me?” It’s now time to call that bet in, or is it? Volume 5 sees Lynn’s condition getting worse, she’s back in the hospital and been moved to the top of the transplant list. But the director steps in, and the donor heart is sent elsewhere. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Lynn has to have another operation to place a device in her heart to squeeze out some more time while waiting for the transplant, and the director bursts into the operating theatre mid surgery and orders Mel to leave the room immediately.

 

A blonde and a dark-haired woman share an intimate moment, as the blonde takes the other woman's glasses off, as she sits on the floor next to a bed.

Because of the situation Mel finds herself in, in volume 6, Lynn overhears some of the other staff talking, concludes that this is all her fault and it would be best to break up with Mel so she doesn’t lose her career. It’s the least convincing breakup ever, but I’m pleased to report that they eventually find their way back to each other via all your favourite cliches, including a reunion at the airport, as is obvious from the frankly adorable cover of Volume 7.

Lynn finally gets a new heart, the director gets her long awaited and well deserved comeuppance, and they all live happily ever after. How far we’ve come from the stone cold woman who doesn’t believe in love, and the journey has absolutely been worth it. I’ll certainly be reading again from the beginning, and at 7 volumes the story is a nice length without dragging itself out too much.

 

 

 

A blonde in a wedding dress and a dark-haired woman in a wedding suit smile at one another happily.

Lynn and Mel continue to be the main attraction of the series, and although you do want to tell them to just talk to each other sometimes, we wouldn’t have a story otherwise. Olivia also deserves a lot of credit for being brave enough to stand up for what she thinks is right.

The art is as attractive as ever, and the erotic scenes are well crafted without leaving much to the imagination. Seven Seas have once again done a lovely job of designing the covers, and the interior printing is of good quality with clean lines.

Hot off the press, Thailand is expected to legalise same sex marriage by the end of the year.

 

Ratings:

Art: 8. As charming as it’s ever been.

Story: 8. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and even thinking the unthinkable. The side story with Mel and Crystal at school is also very fun.

Service: 10. Graphic depictions of sex with very little left to the imagination, as always. Also, Mel in a suit.

Characters: 9. Olivia, thank you for doing the right thing.

Yuri: 9.

Overall: 9. As I said for the first two volumes, 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. These later volumes up the drama but if spice is your main thing, you won’t be disappointed.