Archive for the Yuri Manga Category


I’m in Love With the Villainess, Volume 1…again!

October 29th, 2021

It’s not unheard of that we sometimes review the same book more than once here on Okazu. Books that were published by one company, then again by another are the most common culprits – like Azumanga Daioh by ADV Manga and again by Yen Press or Aria by ADV, then again by Tokyopop. We’ve definitely had more than one reviewer taking a look at the same material such as various perspectives on the Citrus anime. Today marks  – as far as I can remember – the very first time I am reviewing the same book that I have previously reviewed. And let me tell you, I’m really happy to be doing it!

In March, I took a look at the first volume of the manga for I’m in Love With The Villainess, which I had previously read in Japanese, but not reviewed because of delayed shipping.  This was followed by a review of Volume 2 in Japanese.

In the end, there were some problems with the first volume in English that I felt were impossible to ignore. I wrote a polite, detailed email to Seven Seas. I, like you, love this series, and wanted – needed – it to be perfect.  Imagine my surprise and delight to hear back from them recently, with an offer of a new edition!

So, today, for the first time ever on Okazu, I am reviewing the exact same book for the second time. Today I am looking at I’m in Love With the Villainess, Volume 1, written by inori, art by Aonishimo, character design by hanagata.

The story follows a Japanese office worker, Oohashi Rei, as she finds herself transported to the world of her favorite otome game, Revolution. Freed(?) from her previous life as a wage slave and given the chance to be the game’s protagonist, Rae Taylor as she is now known, pursues her favorite character – the game’s villain, Claire François.

The beginning of the story is goofy, as Rae plays the fool to Claire’s stereotypical high school rich girl villainess. But, as the story goes along, Rae’s behavior seems to have a different meaning and Claire begins to wonder what makes this odd and annoying commoner tick. We are also introduced to the rest of the players from the first novel of the series.

My sincere concerns about the word choices have been wholly alleviated. Claire remains high-handed and imperious, but now lacks any signs of vulgarity or uncouthness. She is the high-born noble daughter that Rae, and we, fell for. ^_^  I thank everyone on the Seven Seas team for going back over this translation and smoothing the rough patches out of the book. My especial thanks to translator Joshua Hardy, and editors Dawn Davis and Peter Adrian Behravesh, Also, some recognition to Courtney Williams who was given time to letter and retouch, which gives the story a smoother feel than just jotting in translated sound effects. (I know how hard that is and why it’s not possible for the artiest of s/fx, but I always appreciate the effort.) And once again, Nicky Lim’s cover design is lovely, with the embossed title.

As an added bonus, I genuinely think the illustrations by Aonoshimo-sensei actually enhance the story. This volume is of course, early days on this collaboration, but I know from later chapters, the art is good and will become fantastic.

This is the edition we wanted. Now I can recommend the manga as highly as I do the light novels. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 8
Characters – 9
Story – 8 It will improve over time. ^_^
Service – 5 Nudity and bathing
Yuri – 9

Overall – 8

Volume 2 is heading our way in English in winter 2022 and I look forward to it with as much enthusiasm as I do Volume 3 in Japanese. Thank you Seven Seas for this review copy, and for taking our concerns and desires so seriously. It is very much appreciated.





Comic Yuri Hime November 2021 (コミック百合姫2021年11月号)

October 28th, 2021

Well wow. Comic Yuri Hime November 2021 (コミック百合姫2021年11月号) was a great read, for a couple of reasons.

The cover story has found a way to resolve itself, so humans don’t die off. I wasn’t worried, but…kinda wondered if the story would take any time to work at it. Nope! Just, “humans are fine, thanks.” That said, look at this gorgeous cover by Kesshin. Really nice. Next volume will go back to a white background and provide a happy ending.

The last few years have given us interesting and aesthetically pleasing stories. I’m pretty much sold on the cover novel model.

inori, hanagata and Aonoshimo’s “Watashi no Oshi ha Akuyaku Reijou” arrives on the doorstep of the crossdressing cafe. You my have seen spoilers for this online. The next volume is waiting for me to get it. I am a-quiver with anticipation. ^_^ This story is genuinely made even better with the manga art. What a pleasure it is!

“Watashi no Yuri ha Oshigoto desu!” went somewhere I did not expect and I found myself on the edge of my seat. What will happen with the reappearance of a former employee who threw the cafe into turmoil once before?

“Kimi to Tsuzuru Utakata” comes to a surprising climax in which Kaori creates an opportunity for Shizuku to say what she needs to say in order to forgive herself. A new crisis has arrived – one that has been foreshadowed for chapters, so I wasn’t nearly as surprised as Shizuku.

Kiiyan’s “Kimi to Shiranai Natsu ni Naru” started very gonzo last chapter, but this time took a turn in a bizarre direction. Two women running away from life find themselves on an even more unexpected journey.

Usui Shio’s “Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts” is coming up quickly towards its end, and this chapter was worth the price of admission. Fuuka and Hinako have a talk, again, about Asahi. Hinako is still convinced that a physical relationship is not something she can understand. Asahi likewise does not really know what she’s feeling. I hope, honest, that Hinako is allowed to remain asexual, as she is potentially presented here. She and Asahi have a lot to work through, and I’m here for all of it.

In Shio-sensei’s “Onna Tomodachi to Kekkonshitmita,” for once Kurumi spoils Ruriko a little. I’m glad, too, because Ruriko deserves to feel appreciated.

“Makoto to Momoka” by Agu felt like an old-school doujinshi. A bartender is using the bar’s name, Makoto and all her customers think it’s a cool name for her. But her name is not Makoto. The bar owner has appropriated her name, which has caused a bit of identity crisis.

“Mukeikaku Yuukuu Saihate Tour” was a nice scenic one-shot. I kind of like the travel spots in this magazine, as I’m not going anywhere these days, but is this Yuri? Is “Futari Escape”? I don’t really know.

Inui Ayu’s “Kyou mo Hitotsu Yane no Shita” is once again a paean to how much Kon-san understands Inui-sensei. This series is getting it’s first collected volume next month, yay!

Which brings me to the final excellent thing in this volume. Inui-sensei is the featured artist in the Hime Cafe section and for the first time since I’ve been reading this magazine, a contributing artist discusses issues like coming out,  being a lesbian and living with a girlfriend. I don’t think we’ve had an out artist in the magazine proper before and I am absolutely thrilled that Inui-sensei is the one to break that barrier.  I was so happy, in fact, I made *sure* I filled out the survey in the back to let them know how happy I was.

Note: Reader CW comments that Takemiya Jin has previously discussed coming out in an early issue of Hime Cafe and I thought I recalled that, as well, but I was unable to confirm it from my archives.

A great penultimate issue for the year. One more to go and then everything is in the wind again.

Ratings:

Overall  8

The December issue is already out in Japan, and I hope will be in my hands this week. ^_^





Chasing After Aoi Koshiba, Volume 2

October 26th, 2021

Sahoko and her high school friends head out after their class reunion for some karaoke. A friendly dare turns in to a kiss and both Sahoko and Anna find themselves out of sorts. What the kiss means for Sahoko, who is probably still pining after Koshiba Aoi and what it means for Anna, who appears (to us, at least) have an unrequited crush on Sahoko, are entirely different things.

Anna spends time looking back at her feelings about the elusive Koshiba and discovers the roots of her antipathy are not at all what she thought. Sahoko’s thoughts are centered on her struggle to be seen as cool, but not be overwhelmed by it. Aoi sits in the middle of maelstrom of emotional turmoil, all the while doing her best to hold her own life together.

As I have said many times, I picked this story up for the art, which – despite Fly’s tendency towards visible bra straps under shirts (as if camisoles and t-shirts don’t exist for this very reason) – I still quite like. But I won’t lie, I struggle with the story. What I had hoped would be an exploration of adult feelings is a pretty thorough wallow in school life and loves. It’s not that Takeoka Hazuki-sensei’s writing is bad…it’s actually quite good, which is why I am still reading. I just spend every volume waiting for the scraps of adult life. I’d like Anna to work through her feelings for Sahoko and wonder if adult Aoi will even make an appearance at all. Probably not. Certainly, if I were writing this story, she would not. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 7
Characters – 7
Service – 2
Yuri – 6

Overall – 7

Volume 3 in English is headed our way late January 2022. I will probably switch over to just reading this in English, as I’m not motivated enough to read it in Japanese as well.

To that point, I want to say that the Kodansha editions are really substantial. I feel as if I’m getting a chunky, slickly produced book for my money.





How Do We Relationship?, Volume 3

October 22nd, 2021

How Do We Relationship?, Volume 3 by Tamifull takes a sharp turn away from our expectations. It makes for a harder read, but an infinitely more satisfying one.

Miwa and Saeko are not “out” to the general public but, in this volume, Miwa admits to someone else that she is only interested in women. Miwa’s taken a couple of huge steps forward into understanding and accepting herself…and we spend some time understanding where she came from in that regard and what that journey has been to her.

Saeko, though. She’s got a lot of stuff yet to deal with. Stuff she’s not telling Miwa…and stuff she’s not telling herself.

In my review of Volume 3 in Japanese, I commented “This is much less a Yuri romance at this point than a referendum on relationship communication issues, featuring a same-sex couple.” What I did not tell you at the time was I fought myself about four times about just giving up. Also I said, “Oh fuck you, Saeko,” more than once.

At this point, you may wonder if this manga is worth your time. I assure you, this manga is totally worth your time. But it is going to make you work a bit. And for that, I completely credit creator Tamifull, whose work is excellent. We, like the characters, are going on a long journey. It will take us through their and our pasts and present and future. We and they will not be the people we know right now, but I am convinced we’ll all be better for it, in the end.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8 Getting harder, not easier to read, but also becoming queerer and more real
Characters – 7 I’m rooting for everyone, but not liking everyone at this point
Yuri – 8 / LGBTQ – 6 still room for more
Service – 4

Overall – 8

This is not a “girl meets girl, they like each other, then end” story. And thank goodness for that.

How Do We Relationship, Volume 3 and Volume 4 are available now from Viz Media in print and digital.

Before I wrap up, I want to shout out translator Abby Lehrke, with whom I have had super fun conversations on Twitter where we basically screamed at each other incoherently about this series, and whose work is excellent. And mad props to Joanna Estep whose work in retouching will likely never be noticed by you, but the fact that she’s done the work of replacing Japanese S/fx with English, rather than setting them side by side or merely lettering the meaning, stands out to me. Well done and much appreciated Joanna! Fine work from Viz Media on this completely, not at all in any way simple series.





Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts, Volume 3 (欠けた月とドーナッツ)

October 19th, 2021

What is love? How do we fall in love? What does that even mean? How do we make space in lives that are full already, for other people?

In Kaketa Tsuki to Donuts, Volume 3 (欠けた月とドーナッツ), Hinako and Asahi are wrestling with these questions and others. They aren’t the only ones, either.

The story begins with a crisis from an unusual quarter: Subaru is not planning on taking the college exams. Asahi, who has been working on the assumption that her younger sister would go to university, is confronted by an immovable will. Subaru has watched her older sister sacrifice everything for her and, frankly, doesn’t want that any more. They have a fight, Subaru says she’s leaving. Asashi insists it’s too late, so she’ll leave. And so she does, ending up with Hinako.

This precipitates a crisis with Fuuka, who is tired of waiting to be noticed. It’s too little, too late, but it does clear the growing miasma. Asahi and Hinako both have come to a realization about what they want…but they both, in their own different ways have no how idea to understand their own needs and desires. More importantly, they haven’t found a way to talk to each other about it all.

I love this series. I love how complicated every character is, how neither Asahi nor Hinako have any context for what I’ll call romantic affection in their lives, for completely different reasons. Asahi, who has prioritized her sister, is discovering her sister has other plans than the track Asahi expects. When that sister is off on her own, will Asahi even be able to prioritize herself? Hinako had been trying to fit herself into a path that does not fit and ever day is finding that path more confusingly unsuitable… . Now she’s starting to see the direction she needs to head in.

And for both these women, Fuuka and Subaru can see more clearly than they and know that they cannot squeeze too hard, or these fragile emotions will break.

I am interested in a frank conversation Fuuka and Hinako have here, about Hinako’s desire for Asahi. Hinako realizes that, while yes she does want to be with Asahi, she does not seem to have desire for her. As I am reading ahead a bit in Comic Yuri Hime magazine, I hope that this expression of asexuality is not tossed aside causally as it was in Bloom Into You. I’d like to see Hinako continue to be asexual, as opposed to her having never felt desire for her boyfriends because they were guys. For no particular reason I can verbalize, I trust Usui Shio-sensei more on this matter. I may be wrong, of course. It’s clear that Asahi and Hinako are on a course to, at the very least, be by each other’s side. What that relationship will look like is still in the future…but not that much more in the future, as this series is ending with Volume 4. (This link goes to Yuri Anime News, a great bunch of folks who translate JP Yuri news into English. Follow them on Twitter!)

Could I read about these characters forever? Yes. Should I? No. This story is going to end, and that’s okay. Usui-sensei has more to come and I will be here for it.

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 9
Characters – 9
Yuri – 6
Service – 0

Overall – 9

Volume 2 of Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon is out now in English, from Seven Seas and Volume 3 will arrive next March. You can pre-order it through this appropriately labeled affiliate link to Amazon, or, as soon as it’s listed on all of our multiple vendors, on the Yuricon Store. ^_^