Himegami no Miko (姫神の巫女)

June 12th, 2024

A girl with long dark hair, wearing a black and purple Japanese school uniform, and a blonde long-haired girl in a uniform with knit vest and blue skirt partially embrace as they look at us out of the sides of their eyes.by Rachel Gruber, Guest Reviewer

As a teen growing up in the 2000s, my introduction to yuri anime naturally came in the form of the “big three:” Strawberry Panic!, Simoun, and of course, Kannazuki No Miko. The latter is as iconic as it is infamous, so it’s no wonder that its creators, Kaishaku, chose to bring back poor Chikane and Himeko in series after series over the years. After their truly atrocious 2009 outing in Zettai Shoujo Seiiki Amnesian (Volume 1 and Volume 2 were reviewed here in 2010,) a series rightfully given a 1/10 here on Okazu, Kaishaku made the wise decision to let Chikane and Himeko sit out the 2010s. But by the time 2020 rolled around, they were apparently ready to get back to business. Enter: Himegami No Miko.

This fourth(!) incarnation of Chikane and Himeko have returned with a distinctly modern art style that’s reasonably cute, if admittedly lacking any unique distinguishing features, and a story with a decent mix of new and old concepts from previous series. Instead of a story that ends with the two fated lovers having to kill each other, this one begins with assassination as its core goal. Each of our heroines come from two noble houses on an island ruled over by the evil snake demon Orochi (who is unfortunately not a robot this time) and, upon reaching the proper age, are meant to have the usual duel to the death in order to determine who gets to be this generation’s sacrifice to said evil snake demon. But unlike every previous iteration of these characters, Himeko manages to show some actual agency for the first time by running away from her fate. When Chikane inevitably follows her and ends up on the mainland, she also finds herself making a promise to serve as Himeko’s friend until the date of their duel–at which point Himeko will allow Chikane to kill her. Not exactly breaking the mold when it comes to murder promises in yuri, but it’s a solid enough foundation to build a romance on. Everything is in place for Kaishaku to hit us with another terrible cash-grab. There’s just one problem:

Himegami No Miko is…actually pretty good?

The story is nonsense, of course, and you’ve got your standard sexual predator/fanservice elements that you can expect from Kaishaku, but there’s also enough heartfelt emotion in there to get the reader at least a little invested. What really makes the series stand out, however, is its characters. The usual cast have been given more than a fresh coat of paint this time around; Chikane is less full of self-hatred and guilt than usual (and not a rapist! Yay!), Souma has become both a girl and a villain, and Himeko…Himeko actually gets to do stuff this time! She even gets the best moment of the series, a shocking villainous turn that made me gasp in real life. Throw in a final third full of appropriately dramatic and daring rescues, climactic showdowns, and other unoriginal yet enjoyable moments before providing an actual happy ending, and you’ve got a series that left me smiling far more than I’d like to admit.

Is it still a mess? Absolutely. Supporting characters drop in and out without warning, logic gets tossed out the window on more than one occasion, and there is a hilarious amount of blatantly incorrect medical information. On its own, it’s a dime a dozen action yuri series. But as a sequel to Kannazuki No Miko? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think it might be better. Hell, it might even be better than Shattered Angels. It shouldn’t be possible, but here we are. Himegami No Miko is good. Not great, but good. And after Zettai Shoujo Seiiki Amnesian, that might as well be a miracle.

Ratings:

Story – 6
Art – 7
Yuri – 9
Service – 5

Overall – 7

Erica here – You can read the first chapter of Himegami no Miko as a free sample in Japanese on Comic Walker. I admit to having forgotten to finish it. ^_^; Perhaps I’ll get back to it if this is a decent-er ending than the last…3 times. ^_^

Posted in Guest Review, Kannazuki no Miko | 9 Comments »


The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Vol. 6

June 10th, 2024

Two girls stand back to back. One with long white hair wields a thing saber, the other with medium-length blond hair holds a large energy blade in rainbow colorsAmong the many remarkable things in Piero Karasu’s light novel series, the most remarkable to me continues to be the  author’s willingness to address issues after the happily-ever-after of the romance plot. In The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Vol. 6, having faced and reconciled with her brother who caused Euphyllia so much grief, and the college of magic whose members previously opposed her, Anis is now taking on a crisis that has been brewing on the outer reaches of their country.

That the crisis is merely okay as a plot line does not change my opinion that it is a remarkable thing that this series is both continuing and also addressing the consequences of Anis’ and Euphie’s partnership, as well as the remaining problems in the country as we know it. Problems that are, conveniently, not poverty or social injustice. It’s true that Anis’ ideas for use of magic stones seems to be more on the side of capitalism than socialism and the proliferation of flying vehicles, for instance, strikes me as less useful for the commons than trade and military, but she’s trying.

Was I deeply irritated when the 1) greatest and most powerful of all the Vampires was basically 2) a lonely child 3) with an extremely limited vision of what “togetherness” is? Yup. Very. On all three counts, so the climactic battle was not engaging except as an exercise in tactics – but that, too, does not detract from the fact that this author cleans up their messes, which is both unique and interesting.

In the end, Anis and Euphie as a couple are cute and Anisphia and Euphylia as a ruling couple are interesting and I’d like to read more because I am a fan and don’t want to let go….

Ratings:

Art – Inconsequential and moe
Story – 8 for intent, 7 for execution
Characters – 9, except for the Most Powerful Vampire In The World who was a 5
Service – More in intent than practice, but I am becoming inured to the series’ coyness about sex
Yuri – 9

Overall – 7

….but I am very, very done, with powerful immortal, supernatural beings that look and think like children. LN authors, please get a new idea already.

Posted in Light Novel | No Comments »


Koudou Ryou no Seizana Hibi, Volume 1 (黄道寮の星座な日々)

June 9th, 2024

A blonde with short hair in a white school uniform and beige cardigan, embraces a brunette with pigtails, who reaches out towards us. Both smile as they look at us, surrounded by small cute girls representing the Zodiac signs at the Zodiac Dorm.One again, this review comes with a story. I was standing in Animate in Shibuya and saw a book I had been meaning to read for a while, so I nabbed it because it was one of the featured titles. Well, I got home and found that I had purchased Volume 2 of this series, so it was going to require me to get and read Volume 1 first.  As it turns out, I was incorrect – I absolutely could have started with Volume 2 and just jumped right in, but I didn’t know that yet. ^_^

So Bookwalker to the rescue, which is where I purchased Koudou Ryou no Seizana Hibi, Volume 1 (黄道寮の星座な日々) by Canno, creator of Kiss and White Lily For My Dearest Girl.

A young woman comes to the “Zodiac Dorm” where every resident is referred to solely by the Zodiac sign they represent. Our protagonist arrives to explain the she intends to be the next Virgo. She seems passionate, and competent and all she needs to do is get the approval of all the other 11 (no Ophiuchus here) residents, which necessitated Virgo meeting all the other signs, being dragged into their drama and solving several conflicts before breakfast.  The rooms in the dorm accommodate two people, so there are some love affairs and personality conflicts. As far as I can remember Scorpio and Taurus are dating and, I think, Aries and Sagittarius.

And then, there’s Gemini. Gemini is…well Gemini. I’m not hugely into astrology, but if you know a Gemini, you know this Gemini.  She’s a human boundary violation. ^_^ And at the end of the tour, she rejects Virgo. Why? It’s a Mystery!

Only, it isn’t really and about then I realized I could have just read Volume 2 and have known exactly what was happening. No worries though, there’s nothing wrong with a little predictability. I’m watching Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix, I feel like it’s the equivalent of watching a Shaw Brothers movie (including the masterwork 36th Chamber of Shaolin, which is a must-watch for fans of the genre) – every line is pretty much predictable, every “reveal,” every scene. It’s okay to relax into that kind of thing and just let it wash over you.

What is Gemini’s deal? Who is the “Alice” that Virgo was told to protect by her older sister? Yeah…it’s the same story.

Ratings:

Art – 7 Not Canno’s best
Story – 7 Same as above, but that’s okay
Characters – Exactly as you’d expect
Service – 0 Unless you have an astrology kink
Yuri – 9

Overall – 7

So Volume 2 is awaiting me, but I’ll be shocked if I am shocked. ^_^ In the meantime, as the worst Virgo ever, I absolutely approve this Virgo as the new resident of the Zodiac dorm.

Posted in Artists, Canno, Yuri Manga | 3 Comments »


Yuri Network News – (百合ネットワークニュース) – June 8, 2024

June 8th, 2024

In blue silhouette, two women face each other. One wears a fedora and male-styled attire, one is in a dress and heels. Their body language is obscure - they may be dancing, or laughing or fighting. Art by Mari Kurisato for Okazu

Yuri Manga

On the Yuricon Store this week:

The Moon On A Rainy Night, Volume 5 hits shelves this week! Do not miss this wonderful story by Kuzushiro from Kodansha.

I Can’t Say No to the Lonely Girl, Volume 2 also hits shelves this week.  While the premise was a bit sus, I will continue to promise that it does get better and ends in a terrific place. Just bear with this volume. ^_^;

How Do I Turn My Best Friend Into My Girlfriend?, Volume 2 by Syu Yasaka will hit shelves in September, which seems impossibly far away, but will be here all too soon.

Twinstar Cyclone Runaway, Volume 1 (ツインスター・サイクロン・ランナウェイ) is the “comicalized” version of an award-winning story from the Literary Yuri Short Story Contest run on Pixiv annually. It tells a science fiction story of a young woman who is looking for a marital partner so she can go out and fish (something only married partners do on this world,) and the restaurant server (which is sort of meant to explain the incongruent maid costume) who joins her. It was a fine short story, I guess we’ll see what it becomes as a manga.

Via Comic Natalie, V Drive (Vドライブ！) is about a girl who joins a talent agency that is a front for saving the earth from alien invasion and is paired with someone who can’t stand her, but with whom she is in” Business Yuri” relationship on stage. Throwing everything at the wall to see if anything sticks, I guess. ^_^ Check out a sample chapter in Japanese on Comic K.

Genkai OL to Joshidai-sei ga Rei Rei Suru Hanashi (限界OLと女子大生が〇〇する話) is about an office worker and a student  who become friends, then more. Check out a sample chapter in Japanese on Comic Walker.

 

 

Yuri Drama CD

We’ve added the Kininatteru Hito Ga Otoko Janakatta Drama CD, Special Edition (ドラマCD 気になってる人が男じゃなかった) to the Yuricon Store. How exciting that Drama CDs are making a comeback. This is particularly a fun one as the entire premise is about retro music. ^_^

 

 
Okazu News

If we get $50/month more in patronage/support on Okazu this month, we can give every single reviewer – staff and guest – a raise. Help us get Yuri reviewers the wages they deserve! You can support us on Patreon or Kofi.  This is a huge help to us and allows us to do more coverage of the Yuri you love! This Pride month, help us support queer creators and their work! 

 

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Yuri Live-Action

Big news from Sal Jiang, creator of Black & White! Her office romantic comedy Ayaka-chan ha Hiroko-sempai ni Koshiteru is being made into a live action drama for Japanese TV. (Yet again confirming my long-held belief that Josei work is almost always more suited to live-action than anime.)  This will begin next month on several JP networks and I’ll be looking for some way to watch this without bending the rules of time and space. ^_^ I have reviewed Volume 1 and Volume 2 here on Okazu, but have not yet had a chance to read Volume 3. I’ll bump it up, now.

 

Sailor Moon News

Netflix has announced that Sailor Moon Cosmos will be headed our way in August. ANN’s Egan Loo has details. Fans are, predictably, relived that we’ll get the final two movies of the Crystal series.

Now. Wouldn’t it be cool if the next time they redo the anime, Toei doesn’t rush or shortchange it, puts directors on it that understand the franchise and the US localizer doesn’t hire toxic asshats to handle talent? Just saying, I would like to think this series will one day actually get a chance to shine.

 

Yuri Visual Novels

Via YNN Correspondent Patricia B, Studio Élan has announced two new VNs!

A Tithe In Blood, is a “A dark yuri visual novel, about a quiet university student who discovers blood magic in the depths of her grief. Stepping into a world she little understands, Honoka finds unexpected love, and inadvertantly [sic] sets in motion a deadly series of events.” Wishlist on Steam or download on Itch.io. Trailer is up on Youtube!

“After getting lost in a blizzard you find yourself in Rainbow Valley—a strange mountain with even stranger villagers.” Wishlist Rainbow Valley on Steam. Creator Izzy calls Rainbow Valley a “cute dating sim, set in a secluded mountain village.”

 

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Other News

In honor of Pride Month, the outstanding documentary about Queer Comics, No Straight Lines is streaming for free on US PBS (Public Broadcasting Stations). If you have not seen it, I hope you will make time for it, it is fantastic. I reviewed it back in 2021 and it is even more important as we lost more of our first-gen folks this year, including the incomparable Trina Robbins.

In fantastic news, Anime NYC, The Japan Society and star anime journalist and opinion-maker Deb Aoki announce the creation of the North American Manga Awards! I know Deb’s been working on this for years and it’s amazing that it finally is off the ground. With manga accounting for almost half of comics sales in the US and only just this year being eligible for Eisner Awards outside the English Edition of International Comic (Asia) category, it’s been time for a long time that we have our own award. Congrats to all the judges and to everyone involved. I’m looking forward to the results. Get the details on ANN from Alex Mateo about this long-anticipated award.

This week’s fun fact, Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou in this month’s Comic Yuri Hime is the second Yuri manga reference to Japanese Edo-period costume drama television series Mito Koumon. The first was Fujieda Miyabi’s Iono-sama Fanatics. (Another series that just did not get the chance it deserved through bad timing and organizational incompetence.)

 

If you’d like to support Yuri journalism and research, Patreon and Ko-Fi are where we currently accept subscriptions and tips.  Our goal now, into 2024, is to raise our guest writers’ wages to above industry standard, which are too low!

Your support goes straight to paying for Guest Reviews, folks helping with videos, site maintenance, managing the Yuricon Store and directly supporting other Yuri creators. Just $5/month makes a huge impact! Become part of the Okazu family!

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Posted in Yuri Network News | No Comments »


Assorted Entanglements, Volume 4

June 7th, 2024

A woman in sweatsuit and a girl in a school uniform sit close in a classroom as the sunset turns golden in the windows.by Matt Marcus, Staff Writer

In the previous volume of Assorted Entanglements, a new couple joined our problematic posse with the 3rd year high school student Sugimoto and her perpetually maidenless gym teacher, Kujou. Everybody else is still on their normal bullshit.

Assorted Entanglements Volume 4, brings something that was sorely needed to the series: character development. No, really! The series up to this point was content with short four-page chapters that loosely hung together but were mostly setups for gags. About a third of the way through this volume, Mikanuji-sensei starts writing longer chapters that expound more on the girls’ histories and their evolving connections to each other. It’s something that I would not have explicitly asked for, but it greatly benefits the whole package.

Minami has a flashback to the time she spent with Shizuku after getting out of the child services facility, which prompts a crisis of confidence. Nevertheless, she continues to think only of Iori and how she might leave her someday. After another open-handed peptalk from her older lover [sigh], Iori admits that she is a terrible person (true!), but she says that they would not have met if either one of them were normal. It’s almost touching!

Elsewhere in the city, a meaningless spat between Shizuku and Saori* leads to the two girls not talking for some time. Shizuku, never one to be fully honest with herself, finds herself feeling lonely enough that she goes out of her way to patch things up by laying out her point of view for Saori: that she is a fundamentally broken person who cannot relate to “normal” people, and thus despises them. Saori accepts this, finding common cause as maladjusted girls with twisted, unfulfillable loves. It’s kind of endearing!

Kujou’s girlfriend quest hits a snag as she gets a harsh dressing down from the cantankerous manager of the lesbian bar. Sugimoto is still trying to push her along, her last act in the volume being to offer her teacher an aquarium date as a “girlfriend test” (we all knew this was coming). We do find out in a bonus chapter that Sugimoto found the gig at the maid cafe after finding herself too gripped with panic to deal with the social stressors at school, and that seeing Kujou outside the bar everyday gave her the motivation to go back to class. It’s nearly sweet!

While all the other couples are angsting it up, Heke-san and Shinohara are still slowly circling towards each other like a binary star system. They are still the most wholesome couple here. It’s refreshing!

You may be detecting a theme here. With some space to stretch out, Mikanuji-sensei is able to add more contour to the characters and, despite all of my kvetching and faint praise, there is a core here that I do indeed like about this series. It’s still a hard recommend, but if you’ve stuck it out through three volumes already this one is worth picking up; it’s the best the series has been so far.

Art – 7 No major changes here, but Shizuku does give one the best “silent seething rage” faces I’ve seen put to page
Story – 8 It’s not going to win an Eisner but at least it’s trying
Characters – 7 Everyone’s schtick is firmly established here, yet there is some growth
Service – 2 Points are mostly for Minami’s tattoos
Yuri – 9 / LGBTQ – 9 Kujou gets a lesbian dating app

Overall – 8 Normality is overrated

Volume 5 of this ensemble story of Sapphic misfits is coming our way in June.

*I hadn’t noticed until recently that while the localization by Eleanor Ruth Summers has been excellent, Iori’s sister’s name has ping-ponged between Shiori and Saori throughout the series, even within the same volume. It’s an odd editing miss. Either may be technically correct, but after some discussion in the discord we have decided to go with Saori.

Matt Marcus is a serial enthusiast whose range of appreciations include guitars, watches, and a particular genre of Japanese popular media named after a flower. Outside of writing for Okazu, he cohosts various projects on the Pitch Drop Podcast Network, where he frequently bloviates about video games, anime, and manga. He also hosts a blog Oh My God, They Were Bandmates analyzing How Do We Relationship in greater depth.

Posted in English Manga, Matt Marcus, Mikanuji, Staff Writer, Yuri Manga | 1 Comment »