Another excellent volume of Monthly Comic Yuri Hime, August 2018 (コミック百合姫2018年8月号) begins with a new anime announcement…for, predictably, a series I don’t follow. I want to address why this seems to be the norm for me. Let’s talk about the “lowest common denominator,” for second. When we apply this mathematical term in qualitative analysis, as we are doing here, “common,” is used as in “the broadest appeal.” And “lowest” means the bar at which the most people, the most broadly, will find something to like.
There are certain trends in anime, specifically, that exist to maximize both the audience who will be interest and minimize the time and money that go into making a production. Simplified character art, limited backgrounds, small ensemble casts, and simple storylines tend to make for a good anime. Physical comedy appeal broadly and, of course, every genre has tropes that any reader would expect.
One of the things you’ll see least in anime is manga that runs in women’s magazines. Think about why that might be. Fewer action or blunt comedy series. A lot of people talking, complicated emotional scenarios…jousei manga are made of the kind of material that is used for television series. Anime tends to look for wacky rather than witty, action-packed, rather than dramatic, and loud public displays of emotionality, rather than more contemplative scenes. And I prefer the laterto the former. I can say with confidence that 2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei would make a slow anime to watch, as we see scene after scene of people inside their heads, churning over emotional complexity. ^_^ So, instead we get wacky, jumpy, grabby, bouncy and cry-y stuff as anime. Which, while it maximizes everything for the production company, leaves me less than compelled. I don’t hold it against Ichijinsha that they have announced Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maoirita! as an anime. I’m just hoping that something I like gets made into an anime or live drama one day. ^_^
Speaking of Ohsaw Yayoi’s 2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei, Kaede and Nanami have returned home and Kaede is stressing over having kissed her roommate on the train, while trying to pretend everything is normal. Thank heavens for Koyuki who has fucking had it with these two. ^_^
Miman’s “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” is cruising for a climactic bruising. Hime wasn’t a particularly interesting character, but both Kanako and Sumika are. I think they will make a good couple, once we work through all the stuff that stands between them.
Hayama-sensei to Terano-sensei ha Tsukiatte iru is a ridiculously cute story about two teachers who are, as of yesterday, dating, and their colleague’s reactions, by Ohi Pikachi. I particularly liked the scene where the school chairman was told and say, “Nice! You’re both young. Have some fun.” ^_^
“Oya ga Urusai no de Kouhai to Gizoukekkonshitemita” by Kodama Naoko slams into a confrontation with the annoying parents and, quite probably a happy ending. This looks to be a one-volume over and done story, but I really needed it after her last story.
I love “ROID,” by Shiroshi. I’m a sucker for stories about the nature of humanity as seen through the eyes of an android.
Hisakawa Haru’s “Yurikkon ~ Girls Wedding Omnibus” offers us a unlikely story with an unlikely ending, but that’s okay, not every chapter has to make sense. ^_^ Next up, pop idols.
“Zenbu Anata wo Tabetai” by Tanaka Rin plumbs the depths of despair and cancer, for an unusual, unrealistic story.
In neji’s “Prisontown e Youkoso” Meari and Akari have a confrontation that ends with mutual confessions. The story is set to continue, so I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes, now that they are a proper couple.
And, predictably, in “Takane no Hana ha Usotuski desu” Yukiho realizes that she’s made a mistake trying to drive Meguru away.
Ratings:
Overall – 8
As I said, a really strong volume. The September volume is available in a couple of weeks!
Comic Yuri Hime, January 2019 (コミック百合姫2019年1月号) magazine has a new cover artist for the year. I like it. The new story begins with a girl catching a glimpse of another girl at the station, as she waits for her train. I like the color palette quite a bit, in fact. I’m sure the story will be “Story A” and will end with them together. ^_^
This year has given us a number of excellent Yuri manga and anime, but as
