Archive for the Series Category


Puella Magi Magica Madoka Manga, Volume 3 (English)

December 24th, 2012

Whoa.

Remember when I reviewed Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the manga, and I said it was not great? Well for Puella Magi Magica Madoka Volume 3, they took the blinders and fetters off the artist and the speed and tension of the story works. I mean..it *works.*

I’m basically re-experiencing this story for the third time. To be honest, I’m getting pretty done with it and I wasn’t looking forward all that much to re-living Homura’s transformation again. But hot damn if this volume didn’t totally take the reins in hand and run away with me. I was caught up all over again in Homura’s story and in what I still consider to be one of the best resolutions I’ve ever seen in an anime/manga.

The artist, freed of the constraints of the first two volumes (as stated in the artist’s note) did a really good job. It was a pleasure to look at the art this volume.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Yuri – 3
Service – 1

Overall – 8

And for good measure, at the very end, we get Homura and Madoka walking off together hand in hand. ^_^





K-ON! College Manga (けいおん！college)

December 21st, 2012

Let me be up front here for a sec – there is less Yuri in this new volume of K-ON! than there ever has been, which is to say, there isn’t a single shred of Yuri, even if you work at it.* Even Mugi has nothing to work with. So if Yuri is your single criteria for interest in this series, you’ll be disappointed in this volume when Yen Press publishes it.

If what you liked about the series is the interaction between the members of Houkago Tea Time, you’ll still have to deal with some change, but you’re less likely to be disappointed. ^_^

In K-ON! College (けいおん！college), Yui and the others find that the “Light Music” Club at college has a number of previous members who perform as a band. Tall, attractive Sara, gadfly Ayame and punk-y Akira end up taking their new kouhai under their wings, sort of. Akira, by virtue of proximity is asked to take care of Yui who, without Ui doing everything for her, is more annoying than I can adequately describe. The focus of the volume is mostly on Akira, her transformation to the punk look and her desire to be a pro, with some plot side trips.

With the focus so heavily on Akira and Yui, the rest of both bands fall back into supporting character roles. The real victim here is Mugi. If she says ten things through this volume, it’s a lot. Okay, yes, one of those things is, “Sabotage? That’s something I want to try!” But that’s her best line.

As a post-series fanfic, it suffers from the fate of many fanfic – the shift of focus from the main characters to someone else. But the someone else is as goofy as the originals, so it’s not much of a sacrifice. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 7
Characters – 9
Story – 7 There is a limit to how many “Wake Yui up” jokes we can read before they begin to wear thin
Yuri – 0*
Service – 2

Overall – 7

*There is a teeny-weeny window for implausible slashers to pair Yui and Akira, but the creator works hard at limiting even that.





Yuri Manga: Asagao to Kase-san (あさがおと加瀬さん)

December 18th, 2012

Yamada is a completely typical Japanese girl, completely undistinguished, she thinks. On the other hand, Kase-san is athletic, attractive, popular. Kase-san’s a star long distance runner and Yamada is a nobody. There’s no way they could ever be friends.

In Asagao to Kase-san (あさがおと加瀬さん) Yamada finds that, amazingly, she does have something in common with Kase-san – they both take care of the flower boxes full of morning glories (asagao) on the school grounds. And, amazingly, they do become friends.

But as much as their friendship brings her joy, Yamada is tortured by Kase-san’s proximity. Her feelings are becoming far more intense than just friendship. She and Kase-san become a little closer when the runner decides that she’ll train Yamada for the marathon in gym class. They go out to buy Yamada proper running shoes, and we can see that their feelings are the same, but can they? It all comes to a head during the marathon when Yamada’s training is put to the test and so are Kase-san’s priorities.

Yet again, Hirari brings us a “Story A“-type story in which the pages end just as the story is beginning but, in this case, the emotions ring true and the story left me smiling. As “Story A” goes, this was a lovely little example of the beginning of a first love between two girls. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 7 A little messy, but I liked it
Story – 8
Character – 8
Yuri – 8
Service – 2

Overall – 8

The story broke no new ground, but the characters’ reactions were real enough to carry the volume. Of course, I wish we got to see them after this volume ends, when their relationship begins taking off. ^_^





Okazu Yuri Gift Guide 2012

November 30th, 2012

I know this season is already so chock full of pressure to buy so, I was on the fence about writing this post, but a few folks told me they read it so here we are. ^_^

This guide has little rhyme or reason, it’s not a ranking, just some suggestions for things to ask Santa for. So, here we go….

2013 is going to see a couple of good English anime releases. Whether you’re putting your gift list together for yourself or picking something out for a friend, here’s a short list of couple of things to look for!

Anime Gifts

Penguin Drum – Section 23 is releasing Ikuhara Kuniko’s newest series, Mawaru Penguindrum, in two forms, DVD and Blu-Ray.

For fans of Revolutionary Girl Utena, surrealism and/or Yuri, this series is an exploration of alternate unrealities that exist simultaneously.

This series is not especially suited for younger viewers, there are some adult scenes and childhood abuse and neglect. More importantly, it’s a non-linear story that has an ending, while never actually being resolved, which confuses people. ^_^

Sweet Blue Flowers – Nozomi/RightStuf launches its budget line with this highly anticipated series. This delightful tale of Fumi and her friend Akira and their friend as they enter high school, is quite simply one of the best Yuri stories out there.

I’ve said this many times, and I’ll continue to say it, it would have been life-changing for me if Fumi had been in existence as a role model/media representation of a young woman in love with other women when I was young.

I know RightStuf will treat this series kindly – and I’m told that pre-orders will come with an “exclusive gift” the nature of which I have no more clue to than you. We can all be surprised together. ^_^

Maria Watches Us – Meet the  Student Council of Lillian Girls’ Academy, competent Youko, trickster Sei, pot-stirrer Eriko and their younger “sisters” intense Sachiko, boyish Rei and otherworldly Shimako. The Maria-sama ga Miteru series was a gamble for RightStuf, but they’ve been really happy with the results. Now all four seasons of anime following Yumi and her adventures have gone to discount litebox. There’s never been a better time to make a gift of the Yamyurikai to someone you love. ^_^ Another RightStuf offering.

Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4

Bodacious Space Pirates – Section 23 again with DVD or Blu-ray options for what was one of the most amazing dark horse anime I’ve ever seen. Who knew that a space opera anime series would exist with so little fanservice, great writing, terrific characters and Yuri!

The story of high school girl Marika’s transformation into the captain of the space pirate ship Bentenmaru is a bundle of fun.

This will absolutely be on my wish list.

Not sure what you (or your friend) actually wants to watch? Don’t worry, here’s a suggestion for that, too.

Crunchyroll Subscription – For a reasonable price, get a great deal of anime, including premieres, simulcasts, contests and extras. The perfect gift for the animevore you know.

For folks who are more readers than watchers, here’s a few suggestions:

Manga Gifts

Sailor Moon – The first 8 volumes of this manga classic are now out in English.  This is a groundbreaking series in the sense that it changed the way the world viewed girl’s manga forever. With archetypal characters, an epic romance to accompany the epic plot, and the charm of a young woman coming of age in the middle of turmoil, this series has enchanted millions. Now, in a new edition, it’s making a splash all over again. Yuri fans should read it to, at the very least, meet the Queens of Yuri, Haruka and Michiru. ^_^

Volume 1 | Volume 2 | Volume 3 | Volume 4 |
Volume 5 | Volume 6 |Volume 7 | Volume 8
with more volumes to come.

GIRL FRIENDS – Seven Seas has put out a 2-volume omnibus collection of Morinaga Milk’s series about love between Mariko and Akiko.

Volume 1 and Volume 2 were translated by the very capable Ana Moreno and are still a surprisingly realistic exploration of the first time we fall in love.

And, for a load of really excellent Yuri Manga, here’s my number one gift suggestion:

JManga Subsciption – Check out their Yuri Page to see the series they’ve already released – there is more on the way, including  favorites by Morishima Akiko, Fujieda Miyabi and more! Jmanga will make the perfect gift for any Yuri manga enthusiast.

As a bonus, I offer up one more suggestion for the folks out there who can read Japanese. I know I’m beating the drum hard for this, but really, it’s all that and a bag of chips.

Nishi UKO’s Collectors is the Yuri manga *I* have been waiting for. Life after happily-ever-after looks exactly like this and no one draws or tells it better.

Shinobu, the book collector, Takako, the fashion plate and their long-suffering friend Naomi are the most real characters I’ve ever read. I love them and I hope you will too.

I hope you find something you like on this list. Happy Yuri Holidays!





ALC Publishing and JManga Present Yuri Manga Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana)

November 29th, 2012

ALC Publishing and JManga announce the addition of Takako Shimura’s Sweet Blue Flowers(Aoi Hana) manga today on JManga and JManga 7!

In celebration of the release, JManga will be holding a special contest from November 29th to December 5th (PST).

Anyone who purchases the first volume of Sweet Blue Flowers during the contest period will automatically be entered to have their chance at winning an amazing gift pack of rare Sweet Blue Flowers merchandise straight from Japan!

Prizes include pins, postcards, clearfiles, even a special Sweet Blue Flowers Tote bag.

Here’s a peek at some of the goods JManga is giving away (click on image for larger picture):

In addition,any JManga7 Member (Free or Premium) who reads the preview chapter will receive a limited edition Sweet Blue Flowers digital collector’s card!

More great Yuri from JManga – we’re very proud that ALC is part of this project. ^_^