I received a notification that my copy of the December issue of Comic Yuri Hime has arrived and I still had not finished up the two previous issues (my last bout of illness came with a protracted fever, which made it hard to read for long.) So I kicked into high gear this weekend and valiantly finished reading both. Today, I’m doing a two-issue review of the world’s only monthly Yuri mangamagazine, in order to be current. ^_^

Comic Yuri Hime, October 2024  (コミック百合姫2024年10月号) was an excellent issue!

A number of the new fantasy series really appeal to me. This issue kicks off with the energetic and empowering “Gakeppuchi Reijou ha Kuro Kishi-sama o Horesasetai!” As Black Knight Frost struggles to remain horrible and unpleasant, her new wife endeavors to make herself useful and beloved.

Tamasaki Tama’s “Muryoku Seijo to Munou Oujo ~ Maryoku Zero de Shoukansareta Seijo no Isekai Kyuukoku-ki ~” also provides us some empowerment as the powerless Saint and the Princess who cannot use her power begin to learn that together they are very powerful. Now they just need to get it under control.

In “Salvia no Bouquet” having worked through Ellen’s feelings for Liza, now is focusing on her school life and her friends…a far cry from the lonely orphan this story began with.

A confrontation is being set up in “Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou,” written by inori. and illustrated by Aonoshimo, which will become a climax, which will lead to a Revolution. Volume 9 sidetracked a lot into a Rei and Lily arc which was needed to make several things clear. Overall, while I still don’t care for Lily, I think the time was an interesting way to address an expository part of the story.

In “Odoriba ni Skirt ga Naru” Utatane Yuu is taking a moment to explore Kiki’s older sister’s story and repair their relationship a bit.

Fumino presses ahead with her exotic model and her mother dead-set against her interest in fashion in “Kanaria ha Kiraboshi no Yume wo Miru.”

As usual, Kodama Naoko handwaves the ending of a comic, giving us a happily-ever-after for our couple in “Usotsuki Hanayome to Dousei Kekkon-ron.”

And in “Kiraware Majyo Reijō to Dansou Ouji no Kon’yaku” Eve is kidnapped and Ciel discovers that her true enemy is her older brother

Ratings:

Overall – 9

A very, very strong volume.Which brings us to….

Comic Yuri Hime, November 2024 (コミック百合姫2024年11月号) which was – for me, as I am the reviewer here ^_^ – a pretty weak issue. Every month I note that there are series I am not reading in the magazine…and series I am not specifically mentioning, but do read. Overall, as several of the series I do like had a new volume out now, or are on hiatus, it felt very much like this issue was mostly filled with serials I am skipping. A number of these are the 18+ stories…none of them have held my attention,  focusing on manipulation and just people being super unhappy or whatever that face that Japanese editors seem to prefer women have during sex scenes that are not explicitly them having a good time. So hard pass from me on those.

Although I felt like there were fewer series I specifically enjoyed, this volume is still hovering around 550 pages of Yuri manga, columns and comic essays which…wow.

“Sasayakoyouni Koi wo Uta” has shifted focus to Himari’s best friend and confidant, Aki’s little sister and her band sempai who has asked her out. The thing I like best about this section is that, kind of for no reason, Yori is there and is being treated like a “sempai in Yuri affairs of the heart,” which is embarrassing the daylights out of her.

Kashykaze’s “Kimi ga Hoeru Tame no Uta o” is being very sincere and intense as Ogami struggles to write a song that suits her classmate idol’s Vocaloid voice and tells a sory she wants to express.

Minato and Koharu decide to redecorate in “Koharu to Minato: Watashi No Partner Ha Onna No Ko.” I’d say nothing happens, but that’s the point and the joy of this series, that these two “play house” together and have fun doing so. 10/10 from me.

“Kanaria ha Kiraboshi no Yume wo Miru.” is both great and not-so as the fashion contest finally happens. The other participants complain that Tsubaki does not belong there as a model, since she is a foreigner and this is a contest for Japanese women’s fashion. The great moment is when Fumino, terrified, but firm, insists that since Tsubaki was born in Japan and speaks Japanese, wears Japanese clothing and eats Japanese food, she’s as Japanese as they are, who cares what color her hair and eyes are? This is followed by a conflict I kind of saw coming as  Tsubaki is accused of being a prostitute by a member of the audience. Sigh. So good and bleah.

“Osoto Gohan wo Goissho ni” comes to a gentle conclusion as Fuuka and Yomogi admit that they really like hanging out together and can’t they just stay neighbors forever? This was a series that never really needed a conflict, IMHO.

Conflict has been the norm in “Kiraware Majyo Reijō to Dansou Ouji no Kon’yaku” and this chapter ups the ante. Eve has been kidnapped by Ciel’s brother, but as they begin to fight, Ciel is not up to the task, and her brother knows it, as he shatters her sword…

The final story is by a new creator, Tomofuji Miru, about a girl who can’t remember her girlfriend’s given name. ^_^;

I called it a “weak” issue, but looking back at this write-up it is really quite okay. Just compared to October, November came off a little less strong.  It was still pretty good. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – 8

December will bring back a number of series I’m enjoying and it is waiting for me at Kinokuniya, so I had better get a move on and get over there, so I don’t fall so far behind again!

Quite a lot goes on in Comic Yuri Hime, September 2024 (コミック百合姫2024年9月号).

Beginning with a double chapter of “Kimi ga Hoeru tame no Uta o” a new series by Kashykaze (the transliteration of whose name is different than the one I have been using and is on I Can’t Say No To The Lonely Girl, Volume 2 of which I reviewed this week.) This series is about a girl with husky voice who wants to sing, but is fearful of even do much as speaking as people always comments on her low tone. An idol classmate may give her the opportunity she needs to thrive.

Usui Shio departs the warm-fuzzy feel-good stories that they are currently known for to look at two women who meet because each has an unusual fetish which may dovetail well. I’m going to keep reading “Bokura no Ai ha Kimochi Warui,” to see where it goes and hope that it goes somewhere interesting!

“Muryoku Seijo to Munou Oujo ~ Maryoku Zero de Shoukansareta Seijo no Isekai Kyuukoku-ki ~” by Tamasaki Tama takes an interesting turn as the newly minted Saint who cannot use her power starts learning how to channel it into potions. The local college of magic are willing to be convinced by her, as they regain their overworked powers.

I’m not sure what to do with “Genjitsu Sekai Demo Shiawasenishite Kudasai ne?” This reverse Isekai has the princess in a game entering our world after she falls for a woman who has played countless times – and choosing to become her housewife. It is a great plot idea for a short story, but I wonder if it can sustain itself. Shibari Kasuko will have to find a groove.

“Salvia no Bouquet,” by Sonohoka, digs into Liza’s past and Ellen learns that they have a lot in common. I like this story overall and hope it ends up being brilliant.

After the behemoth of an issue last month, you might be concerned about the slimmer volume for Comic Yuri Hime, August 2024 (コミック百合姫2024年8月号)…don’t be. It jumps right in to a new chapter (and a “new chapter”) of Takisham Eku’s “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Utau,” as Miki’s sempai from wind ensemble struggles with how to appropriately convey her feelings to the kouhai she both treasures…and likes as a person. Miki remembers how Himari felt tortured about Yori, now she’s in the same boat!

Lirium and Nana dig into their shared power in Isekai fantasy “Muryoku Seijo to Munou Oujo ~ Maryoku Zero de Shoukansareta Seijo no Isekai Kyuukoku-ki ~” by Tamasaki Tama. They may be powerless along, but together they are quite explosive.

In “Kanaria ha Kiraboshi no Yume wo Miru” Fumino is envisioning a life in fashion, with her new model, but there are forces that may work against her – including her own mother –  in this historical piece set in the Taisho period by SheepD.

“Osoto Gohan wo Isshi ni?” has, finally, and not all that welcomely, introduced a conflict.  Fuka is distraught when she learns that Yomogi might have to move. What will happen to their meals and time together?

Did you know that Lily is among the most popular characters in “Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou.”? She is. Not mine, however. And this interstitial arc is very much about her feelings for Rae. As I am not a fan of one-sided obsessive loves, the fact that this arc is at least tied into the royal investigation into corruption keeps us moving forward.

Utatane Yuu’s “Odoriba ni Skirt ga Naru” finds Kiki and Michiru not vibing, but Kiki can’t quite understand why (Again. Still. But differently.) A talk with her beloved and admired older sister – who was their teacher’s partner when they were the star pair- gives her some insight as to what to do.

When confronted with a sudden crisis, Clarice takes charge, even at the risk of her own life in “Gakeppuchi Reijou ha Kuro Kishi-sama o Horesasetai!” with art by Somtime and story by Suo.  Frost-sama is blown away at her actions (ngl, so was I) , and also enraged by her response when asked why she did it. I am confused at to why Frost is trying so hard to get rid of Clarice. Clarice tries to get closer to Frost, but fails, during a game of chess. I like this story and look forward to Frost unclenching.

“Gara no Hime” by Korose this issue was a tear-jerker as Hime and Isana run across broken automatons who have been left activated but unable to fulfill their programming for centuries. Their resolution to set them at rest was touching.

Kodama Naoko’s “Utsotsuki Hanayome to Dousei Kekkon-ron” shows us a slightly stronger Shigizawa than we’re used to (stronger than most of Kodama-sensei’s protagonists are until the final crisis, in fact,), as she pulls herself back from making a terrible mistake with Gotoh, and addresses the gorilla in the room, finally – why did Gotoh run away from her husband? Gotoh’s response is understandable and also still frustrating.

In “Koharu to Minato” Minato has been working hard, so Koharu takes her out for a professional massage.

Yakan starts a new series, “Lolita to Ane” which will give us all a chance to once again learn about the freedom in wearing gothic lolita along with elementary schooler Miyuki.

And, of course, there are plenty of comics I did not read or did not mention in this chock-full volume. It’s still a whole lot of Yuri for the price!

Ratings:

Overall – 9

The September issue is in and I’m reading it now. ^_^ Always playing catch up with this magazine.

Comic Yuri Hime, July 2024 (コミック百合姫2024年7月号) is 800+ pages of Yuri. I am still boggling at the size of this thing. If they used paper the same thickness as they used to, this volumewould be absolutely massive. Even with the laser-thin paper used now, it’s a pretty hefty tome. And, for once, this volume is less about the upcoming and ongoing anime and more about just…the manga. There is so much manga in this volume.

The opening story is a new one by Tamasaki Tama “Muryoku Seijo to Munou Oujo ~ Maryoku Zero de Shoukansareta Seijo no Isekai Kyuukoku-ki ~” another new fantasy isekai. It is…not terrible at all, even though it starts kind of rough. Nana has not managed to make anything of her life and is feeling quite depressed when she is brought to another world along with another woman to save a kingdom as Saints…only she has no power here, either. Until she meets Princess Lilium who has power but cannot use it. Together they are able to manifest the Princess’ power in explosive combination. And hopefully, they’ll save the kingdom.

In “Sasayakuyou ni Koi wo Utua,” by Takeshima Eku, having resolved all the complicated relationships among SSGirls and Laureley, where can the story turn to next for cute reactions to love? How about Miki, Himari’s bestie? Turns out her band (instrumental, not light rock,) senpai is in love with her.

Clarice is turning out to be a smart and capable Marquess in “Gakeppuchi Reijou ha Kuro Kishi-sama o Horesasetai!” In this chapter she learns that her the whole staff left aT Black Knight Frost’s mansion are four maids. Everyone else has been driven off by the threat of monsters and the threat of their monster employer. Clarice, who is determined to save her family, explores ways to Frost-sama’s heart, but is not successful…when news arrives that monsters are attacking a merchant carriage that is headed their way. (I ask myself, though, why is a merchant coming to this monster-infested place with one carriage and no entourage of guards? What could he be selling that would make that journey worth it? …anyway…)

“Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou.” has added a short interlude, as Rae is accompanied by Lily on what the Cardinal thinks is a date and Rae understands as part of the investigation of noble corruption. I have no doubt that this side quest is so we can see Lily in “cute” clothes. ^_^

“Salvia no Bouquet” takes a moment to explore Ellen’s feelings about Riza, as she faces down the loss of her mentor.

Shigizawa and Gotou have it out at last in “Utsotsuki Hanayome to Dousei Kekkon-ron” and Shigizawa loses to herself.

I haven’t talked about “Koharu to Minato” much, but his love-love comic essay has moved from the end  page into the magazine proper and continues to be a sweet, idealized day in the life of a couple. I’ve just finished Volume 1 of this series and will be reviewing it shorty. It is very cute.

“Kiraware Majoureijou to Dansou Ouji no Kon’yaku” has added new characters and a mystery – which is more interesting than the unsurprising romance between Ciel and Eve. Who is Eve’s mother and how is Eve able to do dark magic?

Oh yay, an historical Yuri set in the Taisho period about clothing. I am 100% excited for this new title by Sheep D, “Kanaria ha Kiraboshi no Yume wo Miru.” A girl with a dream, and a mother determined to crush it, and a beautiful Occidental girl will shake up the fashion world in Taisho Japan.

I was going to wine about the length of the titles, but I have decided that I actually prefer these longer, more descriptive titles over, like, “Fashion” or something like that. Still a pain to transcribe, though ^_^;

As always, of course, there are other stories I read, but have not mentioned and others I did not – indeed, there are several series I have never read more than one chapter. The offerings are leaning heavily towards fantasy right now…but let’s be honest, isekai is hot. There’s still a bunch of great work about adult lives and competent women in our reality and another world in this issue.

Ratings:

Overall – 9

With 800 pages, there is definitely something for just about everyone! The August issue is out, and I started reading it this week. There’s great stuff in there and I can’t wit to tell you about it.

Teenager angst is such a staple of fantasy literature that we don’t really question is any more. We all know that been an adolescent is fraught, (complicated, unnerving and frustrating) as well as full of unknown excitement and opportunity. So of course it’s a fertile area for queer and queer-adjacent works to suggest alternatives to this reality. Comic Yuri Hime, June 2024 (コミック百合姫2024年6月号) begins with one such new story.  “Genjitsu Sekai Demo Shiawasenishite Kudasai Ne?” follows Machino, a girl who is deeply, obsessively a fan of manga. When the president of the manga club introduces her to an Isekai game in which she can play the love routes as a girl or a guy, she falls hard.  She plays the game over and over, playing all the routes as a girl. When the princess appears in her room one night and confesses to her, things are (clearly) gonna get wacky.

This is followed by “Gakeppuchi Reijou ha Kuro Kishi-sama o Horesasetai!” in which a hapless princess is trying to find the way to her heartless Black Knight fiancee’s heart through…food. A time-honored strategy.

Shiho *finally* has her come-to-god moment! It’s really about time, She’s just been so intolerable. Now she’s merely annoying in a totally normal way, in Takeshima Eku’s “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Uta.” In case you’re watching the anime and wondering if she ever gets less appalling Yes, eventually.

Still REALLY liking “Salvia no Bouquet” with its focus on finding joy and sharing emotional bonds through magic. There is a lot of fntasy in the magazine right now, as I have pointed out, so it’s good that some of it is…nice.

I have a lot of big feelings about “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto Desu!” by Miman. Kanako has come to some important conclusions for herself but in doing so, has still forgotten that Sumika is on her own journey. I am  – as I have been all along – hoping that the to of them can be sisters to one another in a supportive way.

In “Odoriba ni Skirt gag Naru,” Shion is finally given space to think about her relationship with Kiki. My hope for them is that they lean into a friendship based on healthy competition.

Kodama Naoko’s “Utsotsuki Hanayome to Dousei Kekkon-ron” is moving into it’s “crisis because we can’t have a conversation” phase. I’m sure all will be well, since as dark and bitter as her set-ups are, they tend toward fluffy endings.

Ciel  rips her father a new one in “Kiraware Majoureijou to Dansou Ouji no Kon’yaku” as a distraction (and confession) while the rest of the cast tries to figure out some clues to the dozen or so secrets laying around the story.

In “Ooto Gohan Wo Gossho Ni” food is bought and then prepared and eaten outside. Please the gods this story never develops a plot. It’s fine just the way it is!

“Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijo.” gives a Rae, Lily and Claire working for the Crown, but maybe against their fathers? and the infamous Mito Koumon reference, which I am pleased to note makes this the second Yuri manga to reference this series. ^_^

I have no idea where “Gan no Hime” is going, but I guess I’m okay with wherever it is. As basically the only scifi in the magazine right now, it is carrying a lot of weight for me.

And also of interest to me was this moth’s film review which took a look at Sakura no Sono – a 2008 remake of an earlier 1990 movie of the same name that I reviewed based on a manga by Yoshida Akimi, creator of BL classics Banana Fish and Lover’s Kiss.  Katherine Hanson reviewed the manga for Okazu,  I really enjoyed this movie when I watched and reviewed it in 2013, so click the link above to read my thoughts. ^_^

As always there’s a lot I read, but didn’t mention, or just didn’t read, but flipping through, I am reminded that I’m reading about half the stories here and enjoying most of those – and of those, I am enjoying very much, so that’s an excellent percentage.

Ratings:

Overall – 9

I’m back on my normal schedule now, reviewing one volume of Comic Yuri Hime just as the next comes in to the bookstore. It was nice being ahead for a month or two! ^_^ The July issue is on Japanese bookstore shelves now and, once again, waiting for me at Kinokuniya.