Comic Yuri Hime is not as predictable as the turning of the seasons, but it’s also got some rhythms of it’s own these days. The November issue tends to be rather strong, to keep folks engaged as some series come to an end and others begin. Comic Yuri Hime, November 2022 is a volume in which most of the crises, cliffhangers and pain points resolve before the new arcs begin. With one good exception.

The opening color pages herald a new series this issue….one that I confess I did not finish. “Aishitabun dake Aishite Hoshi~!” has made it plain to me that escort/arranged dating/brothel stories have worn out their welcome on my shelves. There’s nothing new to be done here except have women worry that their bodies aren;t good enough and I will never find that appealing. Dear readers…your body is fantastic and sexy. Imperfections are like accents in speaking, they give us character.

Manaria confronts Rei about her real desires in “Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou.,” as the finale to the Scales of Love Arc approaches. inori’s characters are just so vibrant when rendered by Aonoshimo’s art. I’m actually a little surprised we haven’t had anything visual for this yet…not so much as a promo video. After claiming that most Jousei and Yuri are written and drawn in a way that makes them better as live-action, this series would, actually, make a terrific anime. ^_^

Shiho is finally having to face down some of her many piled up issues in “Sasayakuyouni Koi wo Utau.” Kind of unsurprisingly, it all comes down to love and jealousy. I mean, they are in high school, after all. ^_^ Not to be uncharitable, but I will not mind when we move past Shiho to the battle of the bands.

Shizuku seems to finally have movde past her trauma and is reaching into herself to make Kaori happy in “Kimi to Tsuzuru Utakata.” It looks like Kaori’s plan is working. Then what?

Here’s the one exception to “handwave the crisis over” motif that fills his volume.  The boot is poised. Kanako feels lost and searches for help with the wrongest person. Youko convinces Kanako to the do the wrongest thing and as the chapter ends, we see the boot, slipping from fingers, headed towards the ground. I have a very clear idea about what I need from “Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto Desu!” now, but I wonder if I’m going to get it. I’m just gonna have to trust Miman-sensei. ^_^

We already know that “Natsu to Lemon to Overlay” will be ending shortly. This issue I had to agree with that choice. The premise is so interesting! A voice actor hired by a woman to read her final statement after her death. We’re chapters into this and we know nothing about anything. Konno is just throwing money at Yunimaru and they have fun doing typical manga versions of happy daily life stuff. Where did the plot go?  Yunimaru won’t ask, Konno isn’t saying. I love fireworks, but what is this manga about?

“Onna Tomodachi to Kekkonshitemita” resolves the latest crisis rather neatly. Rio is back and Kurumi’s friendly nature makes her an ally.

Another crisis averted in “Lonely Girl ni Sakaeranai” and then precipitating crisis averted! Oh phew. This series has legitimately been over for a couple of volumes, but I really am okay with this. ^_^ Oh but, finally, the whole gang admits what has been obvious to us (but not to all of them) that the 6 of them is really three couples.

The volume ends with a number of new series, columns and comic essays as always. I’m reading and enjoying about half of the content, which make this year a pretty solid showing for Comic Yuri Hime.

Ratings:

Overall – 8

The December issue is out in Japan. Don’t forget to let Comic Yuri Hime know which series you like best and least!