Archive for the Yuri Anime Category


Yuri Anime Manga: Cream Lemon Escalation, Volume 2

January 29th, 2009

A few weeks ago, I regaled you with the tale of my visit to the Media Blasters store. While there, I was given this precious tome, the second volume of the anime manga of Cream Lemon Escalation (くりぃむレモン　エスカレション).

This volume is quite literally stills from the third episode of Escalation, wherein our heroine Rie, having lost Naomi-oneesama to graduation, takes out her needs on new arrival Arisa. Rie’s roommate Mari chases Arisa out, only to declare her happiness at their friendship to Rie, followed by declarations of love, of desire and, after they make love, the fact that she’s leaving Japan in the morning.

Rie receives an invitation to Naomi’s mansion, where she has Arisa for appetizers and Naomi for the main course, after which Naomi declares she’ll be leaving Japan in the morning.

…

I never really noticed that before. Maybe it’s Rie’s love-making skills, driving women away in droves. lol

In any case, we see Rie graduate, leave Arisa her picture and driving off happily to be Naomi’s love slave. Presumably.

The book flips, and becomes the first Black Cat Mansion episode about a guy, some maids and a housefire.

This little treasure of a book is something that I’ll happily add to the collection here at Yuri Central. But I think that if I want to relive this forerunner of so much Catholic schoolgirl Yuri, I’ll stick with the novel, which was howlingly funny.

Ratings:

Art – 5
Story – 4
Characters – 6 Rie really grew on me, although I have no idea why.
Yuri – 9
Service – 9

Overall – 6

A brother-not-in-law saw it on the review pile and picked it up, blushed, then put it down. “Well…,” he said. “That’s pretty explicit.”





Yuri Anime: Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Season 1 Box Set (English)

January 25th, 2009

I’m just as likely to retcon my opinions as the next person. Only, I tend to go the opposite way from most. Instead of remembering the first thing as the best ever, never to be repeated or surpassed, I tend to like the newest and latest, and avoid going back to the orginal. When I first watched this series I was not impressed but, as the series went on, as the second and finally third season built up the characters and the situations, I began to like it more. By the time I finshed watching StrikerS, it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. So, it was with some trepidation that I stepped back more than four years to watch the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha season box set. Would I hate it? Like it? Well….

The story begins with typical 3rd-grader Takamachi Nanoha who finds herself embroiled in the typical magical girl setup of a magical creature who gives her both the power and imprimatur to collect a number of magical items. If left unchecked, these items will inhabit various organic beings and inorganic objects and cause havoc. Also quite typically, she is opposed in this task by an equally magical rival of the same age, in this case, the “girl with the gentle eyes,” Fate Testarossa.

Nanoha becomes more interested in hearing Fate’s story and trying to work with her than anything else – and Fate’s story, when we learn it, is orders of trauma above the typical magical girl series. Her mother, insane from the loss of a child, is driven by a hopeless obsession. Precia’s emotional and physical torture of Fate is extremely distressing, making us root for Nanoha to break through the wall that separates her and Fate just that much harder.

Of course, Nanoha does break through that wall, saving both the world as we know it, and Fate herself, by beating Fate down. Thus she sets up the precident of herself as the “White Devil,” and the also-typical “Dragonball Phenomenon” wherein all former enemies, once defeated, become allies. It’s all so comforting. ^_^ (This is a good point to note that the “White Devil”s particular form of “befriending” shows up right in the middle of the opening song, when the lyrics say something like “I will touch you with a love so soft,” as Nanoha is bring Raging Heart down on Fate’s head hard enough to crack her skull open. ^_^)

There are two things of note that set this series apart from the usual and typical. One is, of course, the intense interest Nanoha shows in Fate and the (obvious to Yuri fans) feelings Fate has for Nanoha. And I am still convinced that Suzuka and Arisa are also a couple, for no particular reason except that I’m a Yuri fan too. ^_^

The second is the sudden appearance of a completely different anime in the middle of the story. The Time Space Administration Bureau’s appearance and absorption of the story takes it to a completely different place and plot – and sets up the tale for the next two series. There is no doubt in my mind that Nanoha was originally conceived of as a seinen version of the popular mahou shoujo series Card Captor Sakura. The wife, who had never seen any of this series, walked in on an early episode and immediately commented on the similarities. Watching this series now, knowing what I know, I found this to be a welcome mid-stream change for the anime. I was actually *happy* when the staff of the Asura join the fight and shift the setting.

In a nutshell, because of my particular form of retconning, I enjoyed this series much more this time, than I did the first time around. ^_^ (If you read Okazu regularly, this won’t surprise you too much. I’ve done it before…I’m sure I’ll do it again.)

There were a number of technical problems, however. Some were clearly because Funimation rescued this title from the Geneon pit. Others were original. The art, for instance. The art was inconsistent and in many places, plain old *bad.* Bad enough that I had a hard time looking at the screen. There were about 5 different groups working on this series, with styles that were so different that they really clashed. The “carnival head” group got the uber-moe scenes. The group that put in too much detail and made everyone move so much that they all looked like they had Parkinson’s disease, got all the “unnecessary service” scenes. I was glad when we switched away from either of those two groups, back to the three or so groups that kept the animation to boring standards of “you audience – hey you out there – you do the work.” ^_^

The translation started off pretty consistent and, to my joy, used “Raging Heart” for Nanoha’s device. Midway it switches to “Raising Heart.” (The editing/adapting went out the door about a third of the way through the series, as well. That, I assume, was the Geneon/Funimation switchover.

And there were some technical issues with the subtitles, like lines through the words. And surprisingly, the timing was *bad*. I never notice that kind of thing, really. If I noticed it – it was really, really bad.

Extras can be counted on one finger – double-sided covers for the DVD cases. Credits and adverts just don’t count as “extras” to me.

The only other thing I had an issue with was that I am still not happy with the nudity. I never will be. If there was version of this anime the had none, I’d be that much more pleased with it. It’s just not needed and the people it serves are not me. Thankfully, by about halfway through the series, that too is cast off for the new, shiny, magical dimension kick-ass fighting story.

Despite the problems, I was really enjoyed rewatching this series. It made me want to watch A’s right away, which I did, and I’m about to start on a marathon of StrikerS today. Nanoha is a series that bears watching, sticking with and repeating. I’m not sure I could use this series to turn a non-fan into a fan, but if you already like magical girl stories, it’s probably a shoo-in for something you’ll grow to like.

Ratings:

Art – At best 6 at worst 3
Story – Starts at 5 and ends up at 8
Characters – 8
Yuri – 3
Sevice – 8

Overall – 7

Paeans of praise and thanks to the sponsor of today’s feast, newly awarded Okazu Superhero Brent A! Brent – email me to get your new badge – with thanks for all the support you’ve shown for Okazu over the years!





Yuri Anime: Maria Watches Over Us ~ Printemps, Volumes 2 & 3 (English)

January 23rd, 2009

Spring, in Japan, brings with it the end of the old school term, the beginning of the new and many changes. Promotions and transfers go into effect, everyone shifts just slightly, all at the same time.

For the lovely ladies of Lillian, spring brings with it the change from the old leaders of the Yamayurikai to the new. Eriko, Sei and Youko graduate, leaving behind 5 girls seeking to make their own way as the new student council.

In Volume 2 of Maria Watches Over Us ~ Printemps, we learn how the three Rosas met, clashed and, ultimately, became friends. We get each one’s opinion on the others, which is simply priceless, often funny, insight. We also watch as they leave their final marks on their souer, walking away from the legacy they established as leaders of the school. It’s a beautiful volume, full of emotion and reflection, comedy, drama and tears.

And then we arrive in Volume 3. The beginning of the new semester, and the trials and tribulations of the new Rosas. Starting with the most impenetrable of the three – Rosa Gigantea, Toudou Shimako.

Volume 3 tells the story of how Shimako meets first-year Nijou Noriko and how their fates become intertwined. We watch them face difficulty together, only to come out the other end connected by the sacred bond of sisterhood. Unless you’re a Yuri fan – then you are watching a shockingly steamy courtship between them. When I watch Noriko watching Shimako’s lips as she talk, I feel as if the “film” is visibly melting at the corners. lol

I’ve said many times that no, I don’t believe any of the soeur couples in Marimite are actually lovers, but if you pinned me down (and frankly, you’d have to have some mad wrestling skills to do that, so I’d probably answer out of respect, since I love women who can fight) I’d say that my favorites in the “what if” contest are these two. Yes, Shimako wanted to be a nun. So did Shiori and look what happened to her. And Noriko, of everyone at the school, wins my vote for the person least concerned with issues like sexuality. She’s the mutt in a school full of purebreds and I love her for it. And…based on that incredibly hot picture of Noriko looking up Shimako’s nose in the end credits for the fourth season, I think Konno Oyuki-sensei thinks so too. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 9
Characters – 9
Yuri – 5
Service – 2

Marimite Fan – 100

Overall – 9

The Red Rose family quality is that they meddle. The Yellow Rose family quality is being bored easily and the White Rose family is totally gay. ^_^





Yuri Anime: Haibane Renmei Anime (Polish/German)

January 19th, 2009

I am so very pleased to welcome a new guest reviewer today! Winterbraid has graciously agreed to review some of Yuri (and Yuri-ish) anime that has been released in Poland. Let’s not waste any time and get right to today’s review!

This is rather old “news” by now, but I`m still going to write about it – because… well, I think it’s worth it. Haibane Renmei (Haibane Renmei: Stowarzyszenie szaropiórych, 灰羽連盟) one of the few truly memorable series I have seen. Basically it has all the powers of Serial Experiments Lain *plus* a story that doesn’t require from viewers the ability to think in five dimensions. ^-^; Also, while Reki doesn’t ride a motorbike, she *does* ride a scooter – and though she and Rakka cannot be – in my opinion – considered a couple by any means, I would say the portrayed relationship of the two is deeper, and more genuine, than it is the case for many of the “couples” that are pretty much canon by now (or were intended as couples in the first place). ^-^

All 13 episodes fit on two DVDs, in two boxes. (Which together cost less than a single box of Murder Princess. lol) The first thing discerning this release from the rows of other boxes on a shelf is… the art. Every anime linked in any way to the name “Yoshitoshi ABe” is notable not only for the scarcity of heterosexual pairings, but also for character designs and artwork… that can`t be mistaken for anything else. …In fact, I’d place these among the most desktop-friendly anime.
^-^ Thus we’ve got the cover, which basically screamed familiar to me from kilometers’ distance to the shelf (that was actually my first contact with the series), and….

Yay, postcards!!! There is one in each box, and while the selection of artwork may not have been the absolute best from all available, the truth is that the average of ABe’s work would be a soaring high for many other artists. (At least I feel this way. Lack of sharp lines is something that appeals to my soul deeply.) ^-^ And the two postcards I received with Haibane Renmei will surely remain my treasure… well, also there is a booklet in the second box with some more excellent artwork and brief descriptions of the major characters, but… nothing beats a good postcard for me. ^-^

Haibane was published in Poland by a different company than the one that does Murder Princess and El Cazador de la Bruja; as far as I know, some of the crew have been “in business” ever since the now-ancient times of the Kawaii magazine, and then its spiritual successor, the late Mangazyn – for a long time probably some of the most important centres of Polish fandom. (Ah… the nostalgia…) And the experience does show, mostly in the translation, which is more consistent and perhaps better overall compared to the other releases mentioned above, although that’s a subjective matter. While there are some typos, slight timing issues and occasional missing lines, the language is… good – just normal, everyday language of normal, educated people, that might not make you go “ooh!”, but also doesn`t make you go “yuck” – so that’s a plus. And it does fit the story, which *is* about presumably educated, perfectly normal people… with wings and halos… uh. ^-^;

Well, anyway. I simply like the localization, and I like it even more for one additional reason. I think most people familiar with Yuri (and generally, romance in manga & anime) are also familiar with the “suki vs. Suki!”, or “like vs. love”, problem – the blessing of speculative fandom and the nightmare of translators everywhere. (I’m not a language expert and perhaps I`m exaggerating things, but it’s hard for me to think of any other linguistic nuance that has entire dialogue, plot arcs, and even entire *stories* written around it.) ^-^; I find it rather amusing that, of all people, many *scanlation groups* seem to be desperately clinging to the “I like” version, even when the context would logically leave “I love” as the only choice…. Haibane Renmei has, if I`m correct, one instance of “suki”, used by Rakka and directed towards Reki. The English word for “like” would clearly make no sense in that particular scene – and much less the Polish equivalent. Polish being a complex language, the translating person could easily have gone for some clever construction that would place itself somewhere inbetween; however, they used the Polish equivalent of “love” instead. I’d say that was a rather remarkable decision; with my limited knowledge (supported by a couple of dictionaries), I feel that the Polish word for “love” carries even more gravity than the English “love”…. There are basically two meanings of the word when referring to a person; the first meaning is reserved for God and one’s relatives – either by blood or by law, as through the act of adoption; while there used to be a concept of “sisterly love” and “brotherly love” between individuals unrelated by blood, such use of the word is pretty much obsolete today and replaced by the Polish equivalent of the term “friendship”, which is in fact a *very* strong word in modern Polish. Then there`s the other meaning, which may or may not imply physical intimacy and/or the two falling under a broad definition of a “couple”, but…

…Let’s just say it is not a word used when addressing a friend. Not even a close one. Yeah. ^-^;

Uh, I guess I got carried away “a bit”. ^-^; As for myself, I think “Haibane Renmei” being released on my local market was a most wonderful thing; and while Reki and Rakka may not be a couple, they certainly make a more than prospective pairing. ^-^

(An off-topic fact: for some reason, this anime always comes to mind when I’m listening to “Ministry Of Lost Souls” by Dream Theater. ^-^;)

Erica here again. Thank you Winterbraid for such a delightful, passionate – and erudite – review of the Polish release of Haibane Renmei! I couldn’t agree with you more about Reki and Rakka. And the art. Although, not about Dream Theater. But still, two out of three. lol

I’m particularly thankful for this review, because obviously my only experience with anime is with the Japanese or the American releases. If any of my readers in other countries want to review their versions of Yuri anime releases, please contact me. We *don’t* all get the same things. For instance…the US box set of Haibane came with pencil boards, not postcards. And speaking for myself, the issue of language simply fascinates me – so this was an exceptionally interesting review for me.

So thanks again to Winterbraid (and you’re welcome for the line about Percival) – we all look forward to many more reviews from you!





Yuri Anime: Strawberry Panic, Volume 5 (English)

January 15th, 2009

Strawberry Panic (ストロベリー・パニック!) Volume 5 reminds us that it is incredibly important to not write climactic moments of a series while drinking. In the sober light of day, that so-dramatic bout of selective amnesia seems a bit silly, and the thrilling tennis match between two popular contenders for the throne becomes an immensely mockable cross-fandom moment.

Volume 5 finds us on the doorstep of the climaxes of all of the many complications built up throughout the series. Nagisa and Shizuma are separated physically, their hearts still connected by love; Hikari and Amane so close to being together when an accident tears them apart…and all the other characters floating around affected by these four and unable to do much more than ameliorate their discomfort.

And the most important crisis, when Momomi and Kaname suffer an epic breakup. With slap.

The end of the volume is as melodramatically happy as the beginning is melodramatically tragic, and in the end, the girls all get their girls (with actual sex for the least likely couple,) except for Yaya, who sublimates her desire into torturing Tsubomi and Tamao who, like her namesake from Card Captor Sakura, will probably become a career alcoholic. ^_^

My sincere, sincere thanks to Media Blasters who really notched up their skills for this series and brought out the best possible version of this that we could have hoped – heck, brought it out at all, because what were the chances really, of this series being licensed? I hope that, if you think of yourself as a Yuri fan – and espcially if you say you love this series – you will buy it and let Media Blasters know that you will support their choice to bring Yuri series out on DVD.

Looking back at Strawberry Panic, I think that if I stick with Volume 3 and Volume 5, I’ll come close to finding a comfortable place for this series in my heart. I’ll never buy into the melodrama, but I can definitely enjoy the comedy. In conclusion, for what is likely to be the last post I ever write on this series, I stand by what I said originally said: SP is not a diamond in the rough, but let us call it an attractive riverstone, washed suprisingly clean and shiny by the many, many, MANY tons of water that has flowed downstream from clearer and cleaner sources. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 8
Characters – 7
Yuri – 10
Service – 6

Overall – 8

I’m left with two thoughts. One – Amane’s amnesia seemed to go on for much longer than two episodes. And, two, I am once again reminded that Percival the stuffed bear might well be the most intelligent creature on Astrea Hill.