Comic Yuri Hime March 2022 (コミック百合姫2022年3月号) is another solid issue.

To begin with “Kimi to Tsuzuru Utakata” finally comes to the climax we had been expecting – Shizuku learns that Kaori is terminally ill. Her feelings may never have time to reach the other girl.

Following this, in “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Utau” the SS Girls decide to up their game, while Yori and Hima try to make time for each other, even though they are on opposing teams for the big battle of the bands. Gosh, this manga is just so forgivably innocent, it makes me use the word “gosh,” unironically. ^_^ And, oh, they kiss.

“Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou.” dives deep into social justice issues this chapter, as a noble gets away with almost killing a commoner. The commoner movement takes this as a cue to get protesting, in exactly the same way we saw in the real world. This chapter cuts a little deep. As it should.

Speaking of deep cuts, “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” was rough. Nene finally meets up with Youko who plays our poor chef like a keyboard. Nene is looking to find sincerity in a completely insincere person, and makes mistakes she hates herself for. Personally, I hate Youko for them. Sumika takes the wrongest position possible and I realllllly have to hope Nene comes out of all this with her life intact. I’m pretty angry for (not at) her right now. I trust ya, Miman-sensei, but this better be worth her tears.

“Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts” takes the jousei route, as Hinako’s mother comes to visit. Hinako tells her flat out that she likes Asahi, but then runs off and calls the other woman. Now that she has admitted to herself that she likes Asahi, will she admit it to Asahi?

In a Usui Shio two-fer, in “Onna Tomodachi wo Kekkon Shitemita,” Ruriko and Kurumi spend a day together to patch up some holes they have and Ruriko gives Kurumi a hug, which sets her thinking about their “friendship.”

“Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru,” by Keyyang is rapidly rising into my top several stories. Haru and Hi-chan wake up to find themselves engaged and happier than they have ever been. They decide to get rings and talk about wedding dresses. But first, breakfast!

Inui Ayu and Kon-san talk about their exes and how they approach dating so differently and Kon-san takes a point a step too far in “Kyou mo Yane no Shita.” And Ohi Pikachi shares the story of her first kiss with Fuuka in “Pillow Talk ha Fuku wo Kite.”

As always there are other stories I’m not mentioning and some I’m not reading. Basically, the middle third of the magazine is “meh,” to me, which gives me a 2/3 good or great percentage…more than satisfactory IMHO.

Ratings:

Overall – 9

I’m also always interested in the editor’s recommendation pages, in part because they often suggest things I don’t know and in part because I’m interested to see what they think is good (subtext: even if I disagree. ^_^)

The April issue of Comic Yuri Hime is out now in Japanese bookstores!

After the text-heavy cover story for 2021, Comic Yuri Hime, January 2022 (コミック百合姫2022年1月号) treats us to a new image-heavy, story, this one by, I believe the characters are pronounced Isshiki (一色). The cover has an underlying texture with image and lettering as a spot gloss over, which makes for a really interesting feel that aligns with the collage look of the layered art. The title lettering has returning to a a funky font. I’m mentioning all of this because I really like this. A lot. I love that they are coming up with wholly new design aesthetics every year and using the cover as art and story as well as basic information. Remind me to tell them this next time I fill out the monthly questionnaire.

Following this is information about the Comic Yuri Hime Pop-Up Shop that opened in Akihabara, and has now moved to Nagoya. You can absolutely buy goods on the online shop, if you have either a buying service or shipping service, like Buyee or Tenso. Of course I bought some stuff. ^_^

The manga gets off to a fantastic start with “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” by Miman. We step right into Nene’s backstory and…wow. First of all, Nene is the first lesbian character in the story and she’s not shy about it. Secondly, we are quickly approaching a reckoning with the woman who broke her heart and I’ve got my popcorn ready. This issue was great – Nene’s long been my favorite character – but yeah, cannot *wait* for the February issue!

In  Takeshima Eku’s “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Utau,” Yori is trying to understand her own feelings about Himari, including the jealousy she’s now experiencing. Part of what makes this story so good is Yori is very honest with herself and Himari.

“Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru” finally has caught up to itself. Bike returned, Megumi and Haru get dinner (at last!) and a new friend to help the celebrate their summer of freedom.

You know I don’t usually talk about Citrus, but this issue someone actually smiled!

“Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts” is heading for a climax, and so, inevitably, both Asahi and Hinako doubt themselves. Which makes  a perfect double header with Usui Shio’s other series, “Onna Tomodachi Kekkonshitemita.” Hopefully that one only has a 2-chapter funk to deal with.

I also don’t usually bother to talk about “semelparous,” but this page had me howling with laughter. I know some folks like this, but I just cannot take it at all seriously. This is comedy, surely?

And finally (for me), Inui Ayu continues her tale of how amazing her girlfriend is in “Kyou mo Hitotsu Yane no Shita.” ^_^

CW reminds me (thank you!) that this issue also has the beginning of an essay by Pikachi-sensei about life with her girlfriend.  ^_^ It really feels like a tipping point has been passed. 

As always this is merely a selection I particularly enjoy. There are other stories I like and others I don’t, but I am confident you’ll find something you like.

Ratings:

Overall – 8

Lesbians in two issues in a row. Smiling faces in Citrus. It’s already a great new year for Comic Yuri Hime!

Comic Yuri Hime, December 2021 (コミック百合姫2021年12月号) was a terrific end to a year of pretty darn good Yuri manga!

To begin with “One Hundred Years Distance,” Hanna Ren’s science-fiction time-travel plague-focused cover novel wraps up with a message for all of us to get vaccinated, wear masks, wash our hands and care for one another. Japan gains a new Youtuber, as Shizuka send her message across time from 1921. Kesshin’s art was wonderful,I really enjoyed this story, but oh my goodness did I dislike the teeny-weeny font size.  Still, it was the best of the shousetsu this time around.

Takeshima Eku’s “Sasayakuyouni Koi o Utua” has moved into a new arc that I will not spoil, but the stakes are completely different than “does Himari love Yori?” now and it’s way more interesting. We’re seeing more of Yori’s real self and watching her learn to ask for help.

“Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru” by Keyyang had a pretty weak start, in my opinion, but seems to have found itself and is now ready to fly! Having been stranded, our two protagonists head to a relative’s home. In a call to her aunt, Hi-chan and Haru take the leap from lovers to engaged and their lives instantly become brighter. NOW I’m ready to see what happens.

I…loved…”Suszume-chan to Mahou no kiss,” a zombie story by Nimu. Just a fantastic short story.

“Lonely Girl ni Sakarenai” is now, finally, addressing Ayaka’s problem, the source of the entire story – that she is terrible at taking tests.

“Onna Tomodachi to Kekkon Shitemita,” by Usui Shio was kind of frustrating, in part because it was realistic. Kurumi and Ruriko are starting to see the cracks in what is an unbalanced relationship.

Low-key one of my fave stories this year has been “Odoriba ni Skirt ga Naru” by Watane Yuu. Kiki has an honest and loving talk with her former partner – and forever best friend, Shion. Now, Kiki and Michiru can move forward together as dance partners.

As always, there were many more stories in this issue I read and either enjoyed or didn’t. This was a strong and varied volume that topped of a year full of a lot of stuff I loved and a lot I would be happy if you scoured out of my brain. In other words, something for everyone. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – 9

One of the most solid years I can remember since 2011 or so.The January 2022 issue is already out, I have already read it and cannot *wait* to review it!

Well wow. Comic Yuri Hime November 2021 (コミック百合姫2021年11月号) was a great read, for a couple of reasons.

The cover story has found a way to resolve itself, so humans don’t die off. I wasn’t worried, but…kinda wondered if the story would take any time to work at it. Nope! Just, “humans are fine, thanks.” That said, look at this gorgeous cover by Kesshin. Really nice. Next volume will go back to a white background and provide a happy ending.

The last few years have given us interesting and aesthetically pleasing stories. I’m pretty much sold on the cover novel model.

inori, hanagata and Aonoshimo’s “Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou” arrives on the doorstep of the crossdressing cafe. You my have seen spoilers for this online. The next volume is waiting for me to get it. I am a-quiver with anticipation. ^_^ This story is genuinely made even better with the manga art. What a pleasure it is!

“Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” went somewhere I did not expect and I found myself on the edge of my seat. What will happen with the reappearance of a former employee who threw the cafe into turmoil once before?

“Kimi to Tsuzuru Utakata” comes to a surprising climax in which Kaori creates an opportunity for Shizuku to say what she needs to say in order to forgive herself. A new crisis has arrived – one that has been foreshadowed for chapters, so I wasn’t nearly as surprised as Shizuku.

Kiiyan’s “Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru” started very gonzo last chapter, but this time took a turn in a bizarre direction. Two women running away from life find themselves on an even more unexpected journey.

Usui Shio’s “Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts” is coming up quickly towards its end, and this chapter was worth the price of admission. Fuuka and Hinako have a talk, again, about Asahi. Hinako is still convinced that a physical relationship is not something she can understand. Asahi likewise does not really know what she’s feeling. I hope, honest, that Hinako is allowed to remain asexual, as she is potentially presented here. She and Asahi have a lot to work through, and I’m here for all of it.

In Shio-sensei’s “Onna Tomodachi to Kekkonshitmita,” for once Kurumi spoils Ruriko a little. I’m glad, too, because Ruriko deserves to feel appreciated.

“Makoto to Momoka” by Agu felt like an old-school doujinshi. A bartender is using the bar’s name, Makoto and all her customers think it’s a cool name for her. But her name is not Makoto. The bar owner has appropriated her name, which has caused a bit of identity crisis.

“Mukeikaku Yuukuu Saihate Tour” was a nice scenic one-shot. I kind of like the travel spots in this magazine, as I’m not going anywhere these days, but is this Yuri? Is “Futari Escape”? I don’t really know.

Inui Ayu’s “Kyou mo Hitotsu Yane no Shita” is once again a paean to how much Kon-san understands Inui-sensei. This series is getting it’s first collected volume next month, yay!

Which brings me to the final excellent thing in this volume. Inui-sensei is the featured artist in the Hime Cafe section and for the first time since I’ve been reading this magazine, a contributing artist discusses issues like coming out,  being a lesbian and living with a girlfriend. I don’t think we’ve had an out artist in the magazine proper before and I am absolutely thrilled that Inui-sensei is the one to break that barrier.  I was so happy, in fact, I made *sure* I filled out the survey in the back to let them know how happy I was.

Note: Reader CW comments that Takemiya Jin has previously discussed coming out in an early issue of Hime Cafe and I thought I recalled that, as well, but I was unable to confirm it from my archives.

A great penultimate issue for the year. One more to go and then everything is in the wind again.

Ratings:

Overall  8

The December issue is already out in Japan, and I hope will be in my hands this week. ^_^