Yuri Network News – (百合ネットワークニュース) – September 11, 2021

September 11th, 2021

Yuri Manga

Winter 2022 is looking pretty great for Yuri! We’ll start with a bunch from Seven Seas.

Our Teachers Are Dating!, Volume 4 brings this series to it’s warm and fuzzy and sexy conclusion.

At last! We are getting a Ohsawa Yayoi in English, yahoo! This winter will see Hello Melancholic!, Volume 1 on your shelves. I genuinely adored this school band drama. Those of you who loved 2DK, GPen, Mezamashitokei will be pleased at Ohsawa-sensei’s new short story collection 2DK, GPen After-Time (2DK、Gペン、アフタータイム。) which is hitting shelves in Japan in October.

5 Second Before a Witch Falls in Love, is also hitting shelves and devices in February.

Don’t miss Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, Volume 2. Asahi and Hinako are starting to get a clue. ^_^

The conclusion of A White Rose in Bloom, Volume 2 was nothing I could have ever, ever expected. Definitely a terrific story by master of school manga, Nakamura Asumiko.

Even If It Was Just Once, I Regret It, Volume 1, is the first volume of a series I haven’t read at all, but I’m told develops interestingly. The premise of a woman giving her body to her female landlord in lieu of rent is not my ideal, but I’m will to give it a try.

And GUNBRED x SISTERS, Volume 1 is the bounty hunter x Vampire Yuri somebody has been waiting for. ^_^

Yen Press is giving us the dramatic fourth volume of Cocoon, Entwined in December.

Don’t miss Otherside Picnic, the manga, Volume 1, which is out from Square Enix this week. I’m reading my copy as soon as I’m done writing the report! ^_^

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Via Yuri Navi, Mikanuji’s Fuzuroi no Renri, Volume 5 (不揃いの連理) has hit JP shelves this week. I’m enjoying this goofy ensemble cast of office workers, yanki girls, school girls and others. It’s random and fun. Also via Yuri Navi, Mikanuji-sensei has a new series running in Young Ace UP called Sempai, Oishii Desuka? (先輩、美味しいですか？). You can see sample pages of this in Japanese on Yuri Navi or read the first chapter on Young Ace UP on Webace.

Mermaid x human Yuri story, Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi, Volume 2 (私を喰べたい、ひとでなし ) is available. I’ve got V1 on the to-read pile, but I’m way behind.

Tamifull’s college-life romance and sex drama, Tsukiatte Agettemo Iikana, Volume 7 (付き合ってあげてもいいかな) hit Japanese bookshelves this week. For the very first time, I’m really interested in where this is going, as the story is nowhere near where it began.

Via Comic Natalie, Toshita no Sempai (年下の先輩) is a “timeslip ero-comedy” Yuri manga about a woman who meets her old sempai as an adult, then travels through time to meet her sempai as a young woman again. Sample chapters are free online in Japanese on Yanmaga Web.

One last via Comic Natalie, Look Back (ルックバック) is a Jump comics one-shot manga about two young women brought together by their desire to create manga.

 

Yuri Light Novel

One more item from Yuri Navi, a voiced light novel preview, Kotozaki-san ga Miteru,” (琴崎さんがみてる) for you to enjoy on Youtube! Volume 1 is available for pre-order now and will be shipping in October.

I just finished Girls Kingdom, Volume 4 and I am going to seriously suggest you read it. Check back tomorrow and I’ll tell you why in my review. The series is loopy, but…trust me.

 

Yuri Anime

Retrocrush TV added Stellvia this month and if you missed it the first time, I recommend it highly. It did a lot of good things and changed a few tropes up for savant-character anime, which was the style at the time. They also have Princess Nine, for girl sports anime fans, who don’t mind having their hearts crushed. Rafael Antonia Pineda has the details on ANN.

 

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Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou. Volume 5 (私の推しは悪役令嬢。)

September 9th, 2021

What if you had the chance to remake the entire world in order to save the person you love…and learned that the world was never what it seemed?

The first thing you will note about Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou., Volume 5, (私の推しは悪役令嬢。) by Inori, with illustrations by Hanagata, is that it is a large-ish volume. That is because there is a lot to get through.

We left Volume 4 with a number of major and minor plot points up in the air. Since, once again, you will be able to read I’m In Love With The Villainess, Volume 4 this winter from Seven Seas, I will not spoil those plot points, except to say that they are mostly all entirely relevant to Volume 4 and only one is relevant to Volume 5. This volume mostly takes place in the Nur Kingdom and when I tell you “the world was never what it seemed,” please consider that as much of a spoiler as you will get from me beyond the cover art, which is also a spoiler. I’m actually glad I read this on Amazon’s Kindle app, because the translation dictionaries made it that much easier to wade through some of the terminology. My Japanese vocabulary is not up to economics and finance, and other specific disciplines.

Because so much happens here – loss and gain and loss once more and salvation and damnation and eternity, it’s actually impossible to talk about it, so I will content myself with the least important thing I told Sean Gaffney as I messaged him to spoil the living hell out of it. If you are familiar with Doctor Who, you will entirely understand how everything in this book works…and how it must work. ^_^ This leads to the only criticism, if you can even call it that, I have. Because of that specific narrative structure, there was no way to give it a punchy ending, which was perfectly okay. It ended as it had to…and then didn’t end for a few more post-epilogue shorts. When you like your characters, it’s hard to let go, I understand completely. ^_^ 

Inori-sensei’s writing has evolved. Originally published as a webnovel, the chapters moved quickly, were carefree and goofy. The story began to take on a serious bent as the plot unfolded in later volumes. Through everything, the writing was very, very aware of LGBTQ+ issues in the real world. This is true through the very end of the story. What has changed is that the writing now is very visually descriptive, where before it was narratively descriptive. Inori-sensei clearly has the currently running manga and any potential future anime (which has not yet been proposed, the author’s note states) in mind. That kind of writing works very well here in what must be described as a grand, sweeping, epic finale, in a way that it would not have in the earlier volumes.

Typical of a Light Novel, the art is portraiture and serves to illustrate the characters, rather than the scene. Hanagata’s art has also improved and evolved, which is kind of fascinating, because we got to watch it in real time.

So what can I tell you about this volume? I can tell you that a couple of times I thought the story was going to make me cry. It didn’t…until it did, and the character that did that, was probably one of two characters I would have absolutely guaranteed that you could not get me to care about. ^_^

While this book wraps up every loose end – even the ones it creates – and finishes the story as such, Inori-sensei is still hard at work. “She’s Such a Cheeky Commoner,” is the story (not entirely the same content) from Claire’s point of view. You can read the webnovel of this if you become a subscriber to Inori’s Pixiv Fanbox.

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 9
Characters – 10
Service – Very little, for perfectly good reasons.
Yuri – 10
Queer – 10

Overall – 10

I said of Volume 3, that it was juggling and plate-spinning on a high wire, I called Volume 4 a “wild ride.” Volume 5 of Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou. was an epic parade of the entire circus. ^_^ 

 

Posted in I'm in Love With the Villainess, inori, LGBTQ, Light Novel, Light Novels | 2 Comments »


Otherside Picnic Manga, Volume 1, Guest Review by Sandy F.

September 8th, 2021

Happy day! Not only is it  Guest Review Wednesday here on Okazu, we have a brand new reviewer! Today  we welcome Sandy, who is taking a look at Otherside Picnic, Volume 1 manga, out now from Square Enix! I know you’ll give him a warm welcome. Take it away, Sandy!

I am a huge fan of Iori Miyazawa’s Otherside Picnic series of novels. I enjoy following the adventures of Kamikoshi Sorawo and Nishina Toriko as together they explore the wonders and terrors of the Otherside. And at the same time, they also explore the wonders and terrors of human connection with one another.

When I heard that the novels were bring adapted into a manga, I was so excited that even though I can’t read Japanese, I bought the Japanese editions hoping that at least I would enjoy the artwork…which I did. When I finally got my hands on the English translation, it was worth the wait.

Like the novels, Sorawo is our guide to the Otherside. We are given glimpses of her story as text and artwork combine to introduce us to Sorawo’s first journeys into the Otherside where she will encounter the enthralling Toriko. This will lead into their shared experiences of the Otherside; experiences that will change them both.

For example, I particularly appreciated the depiction of the Wriggler also known as the Kune-kune. Not just the Wriggler itself, but how it acts as the path that will draw Sorawo’s deeper into the world of the Otherside and how this impacts her and Toriko. With this artwork I certainly feel that I am being given a glimpse of the Otherside and its mysteries, but not in such a way where I understand everything.

Overall, the artwork and the dialogue between the characters complimented my vision of these people and the Otherside that Iori Miyazawa had created so vividly in the novels. There are moments of the terror that creeps up on you from the Wriggler and the Eight-Foot-Tall Lady. And then there is the wary banter between Sorawo and Toriko as they take their first steps in learning about one another and helping us to understand what brings them into this world.

As well as the banter, through Sorawo’s internal monologue we are introduced to Sorawo’s emerging and complicated feelings about Toriko. Feelings shaped by Sorawo’s response to the nature of Toriko’s quest to find the mysterious Uruma Satsuki, as Sorawo wonders, what are Toriko’s expectations of her?

There are a couple of minor issues, such as the artwork was sometimes a bit cutesy for my taste. I appreciated the work of the translator, though I did miss some of the colourful British words and phrases used in the novel. There is also a bonus original story that gives us some interesting insights into Kozakura and the nature of her relationship with Uruma Satsuki and Toriko.

Ratings
Story – 9
Character – 7
Service – 4
Yuri – 5
Overall – 9

All in all, I thoroughly recommend reading this manga, but don’t forget the novel!

Erica here: Thank you Sandy! I’ve got this on my to-read list and am looking forward to it even more, now. ^_^ Thanks for whetting out taste for more Otherside Picnic.

Posted in English Manga, Otherside Picnic, Yuri Manga | 3 Comments »


The Whole of Humanity Has Gone Yuri Except for Me

September 7th, 2021

Marika idolizes a “normal” life. Meet a guy, get married, have children…the usual. So when she wakes up to find that she is suddenly in a world in which there are no men, and all the people around her normalize relationships between women, she..freaks out. One classmate, Lily, says she believes her, and offers to pretend to be Marika’s beard as she figures out what happens. The Whole of Humanity Has Gone Yuri Except for Me by Hiroki Haruse is half science fiction and half shoujo-ish romance.

The main thing about this series is that it has actually got some great moments, but almost every one of them is sandwiched between thick layers of “D…d…d…date!?” and surprise kiss and rain fevers and, and, and. As I read, I remembered why I had read the Japanese chapters online and just never managed to pick up the series, Watashi Igai Jinrui Zennin Yuri (私以外人類全員百合) in Japanese. It wasn’t bad, but it just never quite managed to be great.

The science fiction just happens to be exactly the same plot as something else I’m reading, which is not surprising as humanity is pretty obviously an extinction event on this planet; but, the flight of fancy for this protecting earth somehow is lost in the physical gags. The romance here is inevitable and the story takes no chances with the ending. I mean, obviously I probably would have enjoyed a more explorative approach to an all-female planet, but this story is not that. It’s a rom-com wearing a lab coat.

Before you think I hated this, (I did not) let me talk about the thing it did get right. Marika’s perspective of “normal” is put into stark light at the beginning of the book, as she is thrust into a world where “normal” is just not within her operating parameters. But that is not what makes her question her own interpretation, nor is it really her relationship with Lily that changes her perspective. Simply by seeing, and living in, a society that has different norms opens her to the idea that her own idea of “normal” is a construct. And that, in a nutshell, is a message I can get behind. Seeing how other people live changes you. Our “normal” is not universal.

I would say that I enjoyed and eyerolled this self-contained 2-in-1 volume in equal measure. I’m ready for “being shocked at the concept of going out on a date” to drop out of manga for anyone over 12 or so, and, as this manga ran on Kadokawa’s Shounen Ace plus service, I’m willing to let it go here, (that also explains the “wow what big boobs!” that happens every other chapter,) but still done with it, as a whole. It’s a date, not a commitment; you’re getting a bubble tea, not a wedding ring. 

Both art and writing were loose and flexible, with occasional flashes of something great. Eleanor Summers had to make sense of a lot of vaguely-formulated theoretical concepts, so props for the translator. Lettering by Erin Hickman was quite good, with a lot of translucent word balloons which allow us to see the background, but also be able to read the text clearly.  Fine job from the team at Yen Press.

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 7
Characters – 7
Service – 4 Mostly comments about Marika’s chest. But a fair amount of that.
Yuri – 8

Overall – 7

For a no-stress science fiction about love and the end of the world as we know it, check out The Whole of Humanity Has Gone Yuri Except for Me by Hiroki Haruse. Out now as a 2-in-1 omnibus from Yen Press. 

Thanks very much to Yen Press for the review copy!

Posted in English Manga, Yuri Manga | 2 Comments »


Yuri Network News – (百合ネットワークニュース) – September 4, 2021

September 4th, 2021

Yuri Manga

The Bloom Into You Anthology, Volume 1 is hitting shelves this month from Seven Seas. This was a great addition to any Bloom Into You fan’s collection.

Via YuriMother, I Love Yuri and Got Body Swapped With a Fujoshi!, Volume 4 is out on digital devices. Let me know if this is indeed a “thrilling final volume.”  ^_^

Ajiichi’s school life drama, Failed Princesses, Volume 4 is on shelves now! Should you wish to be lightly spoiled, I have reviewed this book in Japanese here on Okazu.

Otherside Picnic, Volume 1 manga from Square Enix is on shelves now! I really liked the art when I read volume 1 in Japanese. Gonna have to grab a copy of this. Square Enix doesn’t participate on Bookwalker, but you can get this in digital through Kindle, or print at Amazon, RightStuf or a retailer near you.

 

Via Yuri Navi, we have news of Mao to Yuri, a harem love comedy interactive Yuri manga. Demons and Humans have been fighting and to heal the scars, the Demon Ruler (female) will have to take a human wife. It’s like Gay Bachelorette, the Isekai. ^_^ You can read the first 3 chapters in Japanese on NicoNico.

 

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Yuri Light Novel

Girls Kingdom, Volume 4 has arrived on your digital device from J-Novel Club and, we are assured by reviewer Sean Gaffney, that it is worth reading.

Brazil’s NewPOP Editora announces the Portuguese-language version of inori-sensei’s series, Me Apaixonei pela Vilã! Pre-orders are going strong, as it was #1 in Graphic Novels category on Amazon BR as I write this. Just to be clear, this is Volume 1 of the Light Novel, not the manga.

 

Yuri Visual Novel

Yuri Navi has details, summary and voice cast of Watashi-tachi no Marriage ①  (私たちマリアージュ①) a new Yuri VN coming to Steam next Spring. It appears to be a mystical fantasy involving the zodiac, a goddess and a corporate spy at a private girls’ school.

 

Yuri Anime

Funimation is, for the first time, streaming Burst Angel anime. I implore you to watch this so you will understand my joke about Sei-who-is-not-named-Beth. The story makes little sense, but I have retconned it in my head to having been fun enough with a fair dollop of service. I do have two killer figurines of Jo and Meg from it. Check out Alex Mateo’s article on ANN for more details!

 

Other News

This week, Twitter was aflame with the images of the new Aquatope of White Sand figurine by FNEX, available for pre-orders “soon,” at the Akihabara GAMERS store, which, naturally, has a Aquatope display and special goods through September 12. It is quite beautiful with, stunning detail. Check out the Hobby Japan article for closeup visuals. YNN Correspondent Megan points out Kukuru’s baby book among the coral and I also see Fuuka’s suitcase and a microphone.

The Shinjuku Marui will host a Futaribeya pop-up shop from Sept 24 – October 8. Yuri Navi reports that it will feature goods with series art by creator Yukiko. Since the art is the Yuriest thing about the series, this seems like fun. ^_^

I’m posting this because I have a theory and this news sort of bears it out. Go Nagai is launching a new manga – he’s taking on Tezuka’s Barbara. I’ve always said that if Tezuka is the God of Manga, then Nagai is Manga’s Creepy Uncle. But, privately, I have always felt that what Nagai was actually doing was taking every genre/idea Tezuka did and trying to one-up him. ^_^ Anyway, check out Alex Mateo’s article on ANN and decide for yourself.

Speaking of Tezuka, Megan D, the Renaissance Josei, has written this fantastic article about The Story of Animerama, Tezuka’s visionary project that effectively destroyed MushiPro and created works that wouldn’t be appreciate for another 40 years, like Belladonna of Sadness, which is streaming on TubiTV. I highly recommend this for your afternoon reading.

Via YNN Correspondents Patricia and Megan, Gengoroh Tagame’s most recent serialized manga, Bokura no Shikisai (僕らの色彩), has been licensed by Pantheon as Our Colors, as a three-in-one volume, available next spring.

 

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Posted in Yuri Network News | 2 Comments »