Archive for the Comic Yuri Hime Category


Yuri Magazine: Comic Yuri Hime June 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄6月号)

June 11th, 2019

It’s my great pleasure to be able to discuss with you another solid issue of monthly magazine Comic Yuri Hime for June 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄6月号).

A news series has begun, and based on the opening color pages, I will be wholly ignoring “Yurimeguri yuimeguri.” Aside from childish faces on too-adult bodies and bathing scenes it appears to have little going for it. This is a series who knows it’s own audience and doesn’t care about me. I am convinced that it was commissioned to be turned into an anime, which I will also ignore.

I’m quite fascinated by the nothings-going-on of Miman’s “Watashi no Yuri ha Shigoto desu!” because really, nothing much can be going on, since our cast is approximately 7 people, a pair of which are taken up with each other. So we turn back to Yano, who is deeply struggling as is Hime. It’s been established that they each believe they were the victim, and from our perspective they were both also the bad guy. But what they have not yet had is the conversation they need to work through all of this. And really, after holding onto it for so many years, would it even be possible to talk this through? Yano doesn’t think so – she can neither forgive, nor forget.. Hime seems to believe there is nothing to forgive. This is going to have to come to some kind of a head.

“Luminous Blue” by Iwami Kikyoko is edging slowly, but inexorably, towards a crisis that we have been able to see coming for months.

I still really like Takeshima Eku’s “Sasayaku Youni Koi o Utau” for reasons I cannot define. Perhaps that everyone seems so drama-free and just enjoy each other’s company?

FLOWERCHILD’S “Warikitta Kankei desukara” is meant to make me feel uncomfortable…and so it does.

Hisona’s “Goodbye Dystopia” is meant to make me feel nostalgic and fails. But it feels so much like something is about to come to an end in that. I hope it’s not the series.

In “Itoshi Koishi” Hina is going to have to decide what to do with her life. Imma gonna guess and say she’ll study baking or cooking because, we’re headed there. In a weak moment, seduced by chocolate and Hinano’s adorableness, Yayoi breaks down and gives her an adult kiss. I’m waiting patiently for what I believe will eventually be an actual coming out scene in this manga. It’s got the right setup.

“Ikemensugi desu Shiki-senpai” has now entered conventional romance territory, and I kinda like it. By necessity, both Shiki and Hina end up coming out-ish and realize that they really, really, really want to be together. I’m all for it.

Ratings:

Overall – 8

As every other month, these are not the only stories in the magazine, nor even all the ones I read. I am following all but three of the current serializations, and those you could not pay me to read. ^_^ So, something for everyone.

A solid volume and another one on the way. I’ve just gone through the July issue and if anything, I think it was even a little better.

 

 

 





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime May 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄5月号)

May 16th, 2019

Due to a conflict with a recent update, the Yuricon Store is not currently functional. We’ll get it back up as quickly as we can, but in the meantime, links on Okazu will go straight to Amazon or Amazon JP. We apologize for the inconvenience.

It seems a lifetime since I read Comic Yuri Hime, May 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄5月号).

The first story, by Usui Shio, “Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts” tells a bittersweet story of the sacrifices a woman makes in her life to be correct and popular; the breakdown she has over her inability to be what society expects of her and the coworker who comes to her rescue. Will it be love? We’ll have to tune in to find out. (No, obviously not, it runs in Comic Yuri Hime for pity’s sake. It will be love, duh. ^_^)

Although it appears to be yet another high school love story, I am really liking Takashima Eku’s “Sasayaku You ni koi o Utau” about a girl and the lead singer she’s fallen for – and who is shocked that she’s falling back.

Iwami Kiyoko’s “Luminous Blue” is heading for a confrontation between various pieces of this love triangle and I don’t see any way around it.

Okay, it’s time to talk honestly about Kodama Naoko’s “Uminekosou Days.” I do not dislike it. I actually kind of like it. But can I just admit that I hate the main fetish here? Mayumi has run from a relationship with a guy with whom she didn’t (couldn’t? wouldn’t?) have a child. And that relationship and the idea of having a child (or not…it’s not really clear whether she wants to and can’t or doesn’t want to,) is haunting Mayumi here in this tiny village in nowhere. This is why I have never loved anything Kodama-sensei writes, even when I like it…it always centers around a compulsion or fetish and won’t move past it. I hope to heavens that this series moves past this, because I actually *want* to root for Mayumi and Rin.

Flowerchild offers two different teacher x student things. “Idola the Coward” is another cute workplace story, by Kayoko, whose art reminds me of something.

Ah…ha! “Itoshi Koishi” by Takemiya Jin has cracked the “coming out” wall. I have been waiting to see this story from her for years. Hanano and Yayoi are making their New Year’s hatsumode when they run into a bunch of Hana’s classmates. Hana, under pressure, lies and says Yayoi is a relative. The older woman is totally understanding, but Hana is devastated by her own internalized homophobia. Yayoi asks Hana if she’s afraid her friends will reject her. Hana says they *know* she’s seeing someone older…and she thinks at least one has figured it out, but…she finds herself, yes, scared. She decides she’s going to tell them. Soon.

This is the narrative we almost never see in Yuri manga. Watch this space as it develops.

“Scarlet” wraps up the current arc and we learn of the promise between Fine and Iris.

In “Goodbye Dystopia” nothing important is said, but as we walk away from Asami’s story, we are clearly about to head into Mizuki’s.

Ratings:

Overall – 9

As always there are many more stories I didn’t mention and some I didn’t read, (and some I did, but this review had gotten so long I wanted to wrap up!) and overall this was a really strong issue of Comic Yuri Hime, that ought to appeal to just about everyone, from moe Yuri fans, to folks looking for fetishy stuff or those looking for adult life Yuri and it’s even edging towards having a lesbian character.





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime April 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄4月号)

March 26th, 2019

Comic Yuri Hime April 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄4月号) begins with a new story by Takeshima Eku, “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Utau” about a girl falling for an aloof schoolmate who rocks out on the guitar. Whether or not I will like it  remains to be seen, but this is a strong opening chapter with great visuals.

“Citrus+” begins this issue and May did, actually, look moderately less miserable, so that’s an improvement!

Let me be really honest with you, I’m reading this magazine for two stories right now. I read them and then go back to the beginning and see if anything else was good. The first of these is “Hayama-sensei to Terano-sensei ha Tsukiatteiru,” which is like a balm to my soul. In this issue, we explore the positives and negatives of hickeys. This series is so charming and goofball lovey-dovey I can barely stand it. ^_^

Yuama’s “Ikemensugi Shiki-sempai” is not one of the two I rest my subscription upon, but it is lovely. Shiki’s earnestness is adorable.

“Uminekosou Days” had less breast jokes than typical and along with what seems to be an obvious adult romance brewing in the background, we are introduced to a school life romance in the foreground.

“Tsurezure Biyori” was, as always, sweet and kind of fluffy and life-y.

“Watashi no Yuri ha  Shigoto desu!” added a new complicating factor to Hime and Yano’s relationship. Because of course it did. ^_^;

The other series upon which my subscription rests, Hisona’s “Goodbye Dystopia,” did something I did not expect; it’s making Mizuki confront Asami’s past, which is poking her all over about her own. I always like the time-less/place-lessness of this story.

And, as always there are many other series I am reading, but not commenting upon or, simply not reading. Another solid issue and a perfect story-before-bedtime read. 

Ratings:

Overall – 8

The May issue is available and waiting for me at the bookstore. ^_^ Auugh, monthly I cannot cope with you!





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime March 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄3月号)

February 27th, 2019

Today’s review is dedicated to all the Okazu Patrons with especial thanks to our newest Okazu no Miko, Pauline! Your support makes this, and all our reviews, possible!

Kodama Naoko-sensei’s newest series, “Uminekosou Days” gets off to a bang in Comic Yuri Hime, March 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄3月号) and almost immediately settles into territory that makes me, personally, feel very uncomfortable. I have to just assume that Kodama-sensei’s and my areas of interest and ickiness are just not in sync. ^_^; Setting that aside, the plot follows a morose woman who is looking to start a new life after her best friend and boyfriend have had an affair and are now getting married. She’s escaped to a seaside town to become a teacher and immediately becomes involved with a female truck driver and her “family.” One the one hand I am glad to see a story about women and children. On the other hand, I really am not at all interested in children, so this one is going to alternately annoy and freak me out.

Hanimi’s story about love and cookies was adorable, Kanoko and Hime go on a “date” in “Yuri is My Job!” and despite Chibana’s concern, I think we’re still heading towards a crisis with Kanoko. I hope not, but…that girl is not stable.

“Luminous Blue” by Iwami Kiyoko is taking a turn into the unexpected, but Ohi Pikachi’s “Hayama-sensei to Terano-sensei ha Tsuiatteiru” stays just where we like it, in predictably grin-making cuteness.

Yuama’s “Ikemensugi desu, Shiki Semapai!” is developing a romance. Until now it’s not really been anything but admiration on Hana’s part.

“Scarlet” by Yuino Chiri turns uglier, as Iris may have just sacrificed her life for Feine.

Hisakawa Haru’s “Yurikon” wraps up all the married couple’s stories. I’m kind of sad that this particular fantasy didn’t get a third book.

And in Hisona’s “Goodbye Dystopia” Mizuki and Asami’s probably ex, Uzuki, have an awkward, but expository conversation, while Asami visits the ruins of her past.

Hime Cafe interviews Takemiya Jin-sensei, and new stories will begin next issue.

Ratings:

Overall – 8

I don’t want to become complacent or anything, but for now Comic Yuri Hime looks strong and has enough going on that I like, that I’m sort of relaxing as a I read. ^_^ The April 2019 issue is already out, so get ready to find out if annoyed and freaked out by Kodama-sensei is going to be the new standard, again. ^_^





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime February 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄2月号)

January 27th, 2019

Comic Yuri Hime, February 2019 (γ‚³γƒŸγƒƒγ‚―η™Ύεˆε§«2019εΉ΄2月号) conveniently front loads all the stories I have no interest in, so I can skip past everything they consider worth animating and putting promotional money into to get to the stories I feel are worth reading.  ^_^

I began with “Luminous Blue,” by Iwami Kiyoko, which is developing into an attraction triangle. I’m having a hard time seeing love, rather than infatuation here, but am willing to watch to see if this goes all melodramatic on us.

Usui Shio’s “Friday Night Cinema” is a cute one-shot of a couple. And Takemiya Jin’s “Itoshi Koishi” starts to fill out with a bit of a back story and a little light jealousy in the present. 

“Kimi ga Shinu made Koi wo shitai” just gets weirder and creepier and I still don’t know if I like it, but I’m certainly still reading it! That also goes for “Scarlet” by Yuino Chiri.

Miman’s “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” explores the differences in tea and clearly sets up the next crises within the two pairs of Schwestern. 

“Ikemen-sugi Shiki-sempai” really blasts up the too-cool-for-her-shirt factor for Shiki-sempai, but I can’t get a read on any of the characters’ true feelings and have to wonder if this is going anywhere, or we’re just circling the dance floor for fun. Which is perfectly okay, too. ^_^

Shiroshi’s “ROID” wraps up kind of suddenly and I feel like either the story had no idea where it was going or it was cut off just before the plot fully developed. I would have liked for us to spend more time with these characters and their world. More importantly,  the Yuri I had seen a hint of was tossed into the ring in the final pages as if it suddenly remember that it ran in a Yuri magazine. That was unfortunate.

“Welcome to Prisontown” also wrapped up with an epilogue. Again, I felt like this could have developed more and was cut to fit an arbitrary volume limit, but for all that, I liked the ending.

And, “Yurikon” delves into a fairly old school story for dramatic effect and change of pace. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – 8

Another decent, and varied, issue of Comic Yuri Hime. And a prayer that one day, something I like gets to be animated. /clap hands together/

The March issue is waiting for me at the bookstore. It’ll be interesting to see the new stuff!