Archive for the Comic Yuri Hime Category


Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime November 2018（コミック百合姫2018年11月号)

October 2nd, 2018

One of the things I have enjoyed mostabout the recent cover story is the normality of it all. These two girls are clearly typical(ish) schoolgirl-types – throughout this past year, we have seen them enjoying each other’s company doing extremely average seasonal activities together. Here we can see them in school, but we’ve seen them hanging out on a summer day, in a pool, walking, etc. These covers haven’t been amazing, but they are, I think, quite nice. ^_^

Welcome to Comic Yuri Hime for November 2018（コミック百合姫2018年11月号).

Far from “nice,” this issue starts off with a flamboyant bang with a new series “Scarlet” about a vampire vampire hunter and her werewolf sidekick. The series is action-filled and just the right amount of bloody, but Feine and Iris are on the side of good when it comes to the common folk, which makes them okay by me.

FINALLY, in “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto Desu!” Sumika has worn away the very last of Kanako’s defenses and, while the girl is still not letting go of her obsession with Hime, she can at least put  a name to it, at last. I really like Sumika (and totally would have voted for her in the contest, too.) Here’s hoping she manages to convince Kanako to turn her affection elsewhere. You know…this is the first time I’ve seen a “souer” couple where the point of the couple is actually the point of having a “souer” at all – taking udolescent passion and moderating it through platonic affection and admiration. Rock on, miman-sensei for actually doing that.

OMG, Ohi Pikachi ‘s “Hayama-sensei and Terano-sensei are Dating” is just too freaking cute. So, so cute.

Ohsawa Yayoi’s “2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei” comes to an expected climax and still does something unexpected. I won’t tell you yet, I’ll save it for the review of the collected volume, but if you read it, see if you can figure out what it is. ^_^

Did you know that in Salem, Massachusetts, Halloween is referred to as “The Holiday.” Well, in Neji’s “Welcome to Prisontown” the residents of the underworld clearly feel the same way, and the whole town is gearing up for a festival. Akari and Meari have a beautiful, romantic night, but it all come crashing down when the town headmonster tells Akari that she’ll be returning to our world, tomorrow.

In “Goodbye Dystopia” Mizuki and Asami come perilously close to talking to one another about something important.

Takemiya Jin’s “Itoshi Koishi” continues with Yayoi surprising Hina at her school festival and having way too much fun.

“ROID” by Shiroshi continues to be a favorite of mine. Having established the characters, a plot complication has arisen and, as of yet, we really have no idea what it is that these shadowy people want with Anna and her creators. Stay tuned to read what I hope will be a sci-fi story about AI that moves beyond “what does it mean to be human” into “Anna and her friends get involved with some shit.” You know…a plot.

In “Yurikon,” we circle back to look at two previous married couples and see how they are doing. 

And, as always there are other stories that I have not mentioned. I’m reading about half the current series, skimming through a few more and ignoring about a third for one reason or another. That’s a pretty good percentage for any manga magazine.

Ratings:

Overall – The good is a 9, some of the bad is getting kinda gross. We’ll call the issue an 8, but with an eye to some of the good stories ending and whether we’ll get something suitable to replace them.

December issue will be hitting shelves in Japan mid-month.





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime September 2018 (コミック百合姫2018年9月号)

August 14th, 2018

It’s not often that I’m actually excited about any particular issue of a magazine. This month has been an exception – not once, but twice. First the heavily Yuri-focused 27th volume of Rakuen Le Paradis, and today, Comic Yuri Hime for September 2018 (コミック百合姫2018年9月号). 

I’ve noted that there are any number of series running in this magazine recently that appeal to me. Of them Hisona’s “Goodbye Dystopia” and Hamuro Kei’s “Tsurezure Biyori” – despite, or perhaps because of  -their lack of structure are two of my favorite series. In fact, I’m find the plotless wanderings through life in several series to be unusually appealing these days. 

“Yuri-kkon, Girl’s Wedding Omnibus” by Hisakawa Haru continues to be a lot of fun. This issue follows two rival girl idol group centers who are, in reality, a couple. When work calls upon them to create a feud, they break down and reveal the truth on TV in a kiss. The lead-in to the next chapter is cagier than usual, as we can only tell an important businesswoman is listening to the report of the duet’s new single, “Happy Marriage.”

And then we hit what may well be the most pivotal chapter in all of Comic Yuri Hime‘s history. Ohsawa Yayoi’s “2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei” is not the magazine’s longest-running series, Yuru Yuri wins on longevity. Citrus, which will wrap up  with the release of it’s 10th volume, is also running ahead of it as a narrative series. But “2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei” is the longest-running narrative about adults we’ve ever had in Yuri manga. I have long said it that although it probably not be a great anime, it would make an excellent live-action drama. In this chapter, we learn that Kaede’s manga has been tagged as a drama. Do I think these two unrelated things are related? Nope. Do I have a feeling about this? Nope. Am I squeeing silently with all digits crossed? Yes, yes I am. 8 volumes in to this series, I kind of don’t want it to ever end, and want a three-season TV drama out of it. Nanami and Kaede drive me crazy in the best way.

“Ma cherie” by sakanaya takes a look at the personas we create and how we can hurt ourselves with them. In “Goodbye Dystopia” Masaki has no idea where Asami is taking her, but she’s starting to think about the life – and companions – Asami has before she arrived.

Omg, “Hayama-sensei to Terano-sensei ha Tsukiatte Iru” by Ohi Pikachi is just the most ridiculously adorable story about two teachers going out! 

Ameno’s “Takane no Hana ha Usotsuki desu” comes to a sweet conclusion that bends one’s ability to believe, but that’s okay. ^_^

A great issue and the next volume sees the return of Takemiya Jin-sensei, so I’m already ready for the October issue, baby!

Ratings:

Overall – 9

Fingers and toes crossed, pleaseohplease Yuri gods, give us a live-action drama for “2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei”!





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime August 2018 ( コミック百合姫2018年8月号)

July 1st, 2018

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!

 

 





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime July 2018 (コミック百合姫2018年7月号)

June 21st, 2018

The July issue of Comic Yuri Hime was so good, I read it twice. I’m following more stories and liking them more than I have in some time.

Hisona’s “Goodbye Dystopia” remains the standout series for me, although it turns away sharply from the apparently abandoned, overgrown (post-apocalyptic) world it had inhabited to a thriving town, a mall, shopping for shoes and an Internet Cafe. It was so stark a change that it took me aback quite a bit and I had to reread it to make sure I was not imagining it. ^_^ So, they are doing walkabout in our world, then?

“ROID” by Shiroshi was poignant, as Anna encounters a used and abused robot and helps him, only to have him rebel against the First Law of Robotics and force her to save his abusive master from certain death. Anna has to confront the needs of self-willed AI beings and the limitations of being built, rather than born. I fucking love this story.

“Yurikkon” by Hisakawa Haru follows the two little girls from the end of the last chapter through their mother’s divorces, reunion and eventually marriage, and the not-sisterly love that they feel for one another. The next story will follow someone returning home from abroad hoping to pick up where they left off.

I still have no idea at all what “Prison Town e Youkoso” by neji is actually about, but I’m happy wansdeing the strets with Akari, who seems as puzzled to be there as I am.

“Kimi ha Shoujo” ended suddenly, strangely and incongruously, with a shift into the future and the city, dragging the entire story with it. I’m sorry that that Nanatsufuji didn’t have time or means to give it a better ending.

Hamuro Kei’s “Tsurezure Biyori” was a nice episode in a young couple’s life, rather than a dramatic moment.

And, among the one-shot,s was a story by Tanaka Rin, whose work I haven’t see since 2012! I was unsurprised to see it was a creepy Yuricest story. That’s what she does. ^_^; While Usui Shio’s “Jewel of You” tells a story of unrequited love that becomes requited. Classic stuff. ^_^;

Ratings:

Overall – 9

The August issue of Comic Yuri Hime has hit shelves and I am heading right to the next chapter of “2DK Pen, Mezamashitokei!” ^_^





Yuri Manga: Comic Yuri Hime, June 2018 (コミック百合姫2018年6月号)

June 4th, 2018

I cannot explain to you the feeling of wonder I got, when I picked up Comic Yuri Hime, June 2018 (コミック百合姫2018年6月号), knowing that, for the first time since it has begun publication in 2003, I will read and enjoy more stories than I don’t. That’s rare for me with any magazine. I’ve always maintained that if I really like 2 stories and mostly like a few others, a magazine is worth continuing. To have a magazine with so many enjoyable stories is rare, and for that magazine to be a Yuri magazine is a miracle.

I absolutely adore the nothing that is “Goodbye Dystopia” by Hisona. We know nothing of the characters, nothing of their world. We can guess very little about them, as well. And yet we travel along with them through a ruined, but beautiful, landscape. I could read this for volumes.

I feel bad that I no longer trust Kodama Naoko-sense, but after the extended horror of NTR, the reality is, that I don’t. Nonetheless, “Oya ga Urusai no de Sempai (♀) to Gizoukekkonshitemita.” may be worthy of my trust. A woman who is clearly in love with her roommate and sempai, wants to help her stop the demands for marriage meetups from sempai’s parents. She proposes that they visit sempai’s parents and tell then that they are in a partnership. Yes, the plot is awful and eyerolly and yes, it’s ridiculously clear that the sempai will eventually have to fall for her kouhai, blah blah blah, but I kind of liked the idea that the Shibuya Partnership certificate was presented as a marriage certificate…like it’s meant to be seen as. The parents’ reaction was bad, the story is a comedy and I’ll never trust the author again, so I’m still on the fence. We’ll see.

“Shiori no Sagasu page-tachi” by Kumosususme has had it’s big reveal, thus resolving any confusion or tension in the plot. I have no idea where it might go now.

Still like Shiroshi’s “Roid” and looking forward to more.

This chapter of “2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei” will clearly be the end of of Volume 7…and what a chapter it was! Aois’ wedding at last. Nanami asks Kaede if she recognizes any of the folks at their table from school, Kaede says she has no idea who the other people are. Nanami glowers, thinking that Aoi has put them at a table of her ex-girlfriends…and gets even darker when she realizes the other women are current girlfriends.(-_-);

I have no fucking clue what or why Prison Town exists or how anyone, (most especially Akari) got there, but I’m still happy to read “Prisontown e Youkoso!” by neji.

Nanatsufuji’s “Kimi ha Shoujo” actually makes me quite uncomfortable. But I’m still reading this story about a passionate affair between a young woman and an older woman in a sheltered town.

And Ameno’s “Takane no Hana ha Usotuski desu” also about a relationship between a a younger woman and an older one is equally as uncomfortable, but for different reasons. And yet, I am still reading.

The bouquet has been tossed and caught in “Yurikkon” by Hisakawa Haru, and Hinako comes home to her lover Mizuki, asking “Why haven’t we thought about getting married?” Mizuki exclaims, “Get married?” and Hinako is forced to rethink their entire relationship. But we can see that Mizuki’s reaction to basically everything is to question it and eventually she and Hinako choose a traditional Shinto service for their own celebration. Watching this are two women, holding the hands of two children, who ask the children if they’d rather see their mothers marry in a western or Japanese ceremony. The torch has been passed.

There were other stories both read and unread in this volume, but I’m going to have to say I am really like the current crop. So many grown up women, some same-sex marriage, some kissing, living together (or as Pearl might say, “a little death and birth thrown in!”).

Ratings:

Overall – I’m going with 9. It was that good. Different feels, styles, tones. I like it.

The July issue is sitting on my to-read pile. I look forward to it!