The biggest problem with collections of one-shots that ran in Comic Yuri Hime, is that when collected together, it’s easier to see any structural flaws in the creator’s vision. In the case of Akaneiro Confiture (茜色コンフィチュール) by Kurokiri Misao, the major flaw is that she likes not-particularly happy stories with not-particularly sane or grounded people.

The story that is most memorable has become representative of this book in my mind. Unfortunately titled “In the Closet,” it is not a story about sexual identity, but about obsession and narcissism. It’s also a creepy lesbian doll story. So if that’s the kind of thing you like, you’ll like this book.

Ratings:

Art – 6
Story- Variable, but averaging about a 5
Characters – Same
Yuri – 7
Service – 3, for creepy lesbian doll story

Overall – 6

I think it’s time we talked about “I don’t like her, until she’s not here.” This is a common plot complication in Yuri and it’s time we pointed out how dysfunctional it is.

Those of you currently in like with someone or have in the past liked someone a lot, what was the general feeling you had when you were with them? Was it annoyance, irritation, being utterly vexed by their every word and action? No, it was more likely to be “I love being with them, no matter what we do.”

If a person annoys the living hell out of you, how selfish and bizarre is it to suddenly be even more annoyed when they aren’t there? Basically, it’s treating that other person as if they are an accessory to your life.

In Eden no Higashitotsuka (エデンの東戸塚), Kiku, having managed to gain entrance to a good high school, is determined to study really hard and become an elite. So when perfect, rich and all-too-easygoing Hiyoshi-san turns out to be her next door neighbor and in her class, she’s vexed at the other girl’s intrusive overtures of friendship. Even though she resists, Kiku finds herself drawn into Hiyoshi-san’s plans, even joining her in the Manga Research Club.

Just as she’s settling into her life, a doujinshi event pops up, causing Kiku even more stress. It turns out, in sudden plot change, that Kiku is a doujinshi novel writer and feels the need to hide it from everyone. Although the Manga Club invites her to join them, she’s got a table of her own. At the event, Kiku finds herself in crisis when she’s discovered by Hiyoshi-san. Crisis quickly averted as Hiyoshi admits that she’s a huge fan.

Although Kiku still thinks she thinks Hiyoshi-san is annoying, when the other girl goes home, she finds herself at loose ends. Crisis averted when Hiyoshi-san retursn to the dorm. The volume ends, one desperately hopes, with Kiku dropping the pretense of disliking Hiyoshi-san.

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 7 with a pivot mid-stream
Characters – 6 As they are mostly one-note songs
Yuri – 2
Service – 2

Overall – 6

It’d be nice to see if anything actually develops between the two.

Suzuhara Kaname is playing guitar in the park, being ignored by passers-by when a cute girl walks up to her and tells her she sucks.

Thus begins Rock it Girl!! (ロケットガール) by Tanaka Minoru.
Kaname, we learn, has a genuine talent for songwriting and playing the guitar, but that talent has not brought her joy. In fact, if anything, it’s been the tool others have used to use her.

When she’s approached by a talent agency, it terrifies her that they want her for these talents. When she’s paired with veteran drummer hippie Hanako and deadpan bassist Katsura, it gives even her less confidence. But when she learns that vocals will be performed by the very same girl who told her she sucked, Seira, it’s understandable that she’s at the end of her rope.

Even more confusing is Seira’s drunken confession that she desperately WANTS to sing one of Kaname’s songs.

It’s all too much, and the pressure of their first gig absolutely breaks Kaname. She runs away and hides in her home, until the rest of the band shows up. Seira breaks the walls figuratively and literally to confront Kaname, who tells her she’s written her a song, ロケットガール. “Rock it, girl”? Seira asks. “Um, no…it’s Rocket Girl,” mumbles Kaname.

Tanaka’s art is drippy and I’ll be honest, I don’t actually like it, but it’s so goofy and silly that it helps temper the serious scenes and keeps from them being too depressing.

Rock, it GiRL is a little about surpassing expectations, it’s a bit about pursuing your dreams, it’s a bit about how cold reality is and it’s a bit of “oddball ensemble gets together and makes it work.”

On the good side, this story is continuing, so maybe we’ll get a chance to see Kaname and Seira’s relationship develop past the tsundere tsukkomi and mopey boke that they currently are.

Ratings:

Art – 5
Story – 6, but rising
Characters – same
Yuri – 2 but there is potential
Service – 0 I cannot even imagine a single way to view this manga salaciously

Overall – 6, but I hope to see that score go up with the next chapters.