Yuri Manga: Parian no Sono (ぱりあんの園)

February 15th, 2008

It is completely true that this is a Yuri manga. It is also true that it is about love between two girls. However. It is *also* true that this is one of the freakiest, most diseased manga I’ve read in a while – so of course I want to tell you all about it! ^_^

I picked up Parian no Sono in the Animate in Ikebukuro. It was shelved with their slowly growing (but as-yet unlabeled) Yuri manga section. These sections, as I’ve mentioned previously, are starting to pop up here and there. They usually have the Yuri Hime collections, Iono-sama, Strawberry Panic and a few random other titles. In some stores the “other” might be slightly more adult titles, in some stores, they were slightly more “soft Yuri”. The sections, which are still relatively new, are completely in flux right now. I look forward to seeing how they grow. This store was the only one that had Parian featured in that section. Bruce and I eagerly bought it. I wonder what he thinks of it? I think it’s pathological. ^_^

In short, Parian is the story of a girl in love with her Judo team captain.

In full, it’s the story of a weirdly drawn, munchkin-like “cute” girl with enormous breasts whose existence invites stalkers, molesters and perverts of every kind, and who “forgets” to wear pants a lot, so she ends up doing a lot of half-naked Judo. Which makes this the first “Yuri” manga I can think of that explicitly adds the wrestling fetish to the more usual Catholic schoolgirl nonsense. (I know that wrestling fetish manga has long added Yuri, but this is really the other way ’round.)

So the story starts with “adorable” heroine Botan (by which I mean she’s awful and I wanted to squash her like a bug) getting on the train and immediately being groped, so she’s late for Judo practice. But the joke’s on us – she’s late because she kicked the guy’s ass and…here’s the best part…got *in trouble* for doing that. Nice.

Lots of pants-off stupidity, hugging the club president, and on and on with the “funny” hijinks. It’s established early on that Tessen-sempai does indeed love Botan, but most of the lovey-dovey is on Botan’s side. There is an actual moment or two when the couple have a quiet interlude. But not too often – and it’s usually interrupted by Botan putting Tessen into a choke hold or arm lock or something equally as romantic.

The first big crisis comes in the form of Botan’s sister, who is 1) even smaller and “cuter” than Botan; 2) goth-loli (duh!) and; 3) evil. She wants her sister to return to classical dance, because Botan had showed such talent and because she’s got a huge siscon. Through lies and manipulation, Botan is made to return to ballet, but being away from Tessen breaks her heart. Eventually the sister realizes that Judo is where Botan needs to be and releases her. The end comes as Botan runs into buchou’s arm’s….without pants. AHAHAHAHAHAHA.

There’s the teacher/nun that falls in lust with Botan, and spends much of the book peeping. And the teacher/Judo club manager who has the hots for Tessen, and colludes with the nun to keep them separated. A misunderstanding over a hot springs incident involving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation almost splits Botan and Tessen up for a moment, but not.

So, yes, Yuri. But any romance is so well cloaked behind so many layers of freakishness, that I thought it fit nicely within this week’s unintentional anti-romance theme. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 3 Augh!
Story – 3
Characters – 3
Yuri – 6
Service – 8, but it has to be a *special* kind of Fanboy to find this appealing, much less sexy

Overall – 3

Usually, I’m totally gung-ho for stories that feature girls who do martial arts (Yawara anime, out in 2008!) and I love joint locking (Ryomou is da bomb!) but this was just too much of a lot of bad things. At first glance, I thought the title was Pariah no Sono It totally should have been named that. This one’s sad, even for Wani Comics (who, incidentally, also do Ikkitousen.) ^_^

Posted in Yuri Manga | 5 Comments »


Tetragrammaton Labyrinth Manga, Volume 2 (English)

February 14th, 2008

There were many reasons why I enjoyed Tetragrammaton Labyrinth Volume 2. The reproduction, the story, the action, the characters. But not the Yuri. Because there isn’t any.

The second volume of Tetragrammaton Labyrinth picks up in the middle of Angela’s struggle against the undead angel and her conquest of the bad juju from the scythe. Angela tells Meg about her real interest – getting revenge for having her humanity snatched from her, so the two head off to find the being who is responsible.

On the ship, they encounter a “vampire,” a person who is stealing people’s life energy to make himself virtually immortal. Angela defeats him, then takes on his demonic master, only to find that she has, at last, found her dream. For the first time in ages, Angela is happy. Her purpose solidifies as she sees a possible end to her half-existence.

The final chapter of the book recounts a little bit of how Meg and Angela came to be partnered. Meg learns that it was Angela who founded the organization they both work for. They have an emotional evening, as Angela recounts how she felt like an older sister to Meg in the early days, and how now Meg acts as an older sister to her. For this night they switch back. Angela holds Meg in her arms as the nun cries.

It’s a pretty good volume, with very pleasant reproduction, a nice color page and a number of interesting backstory points. The author’s note about the exceptionally creepy real-life circumstances behind the energy vampire story was the most interesting author’s note I’ve ever read.

The translation for this volume is very literal. Meg’s “Onee-san” is turned into “Big Sister Angela,” Angela’s use of “kono ko” for the scythe is rendered as “this kid”. Neither are in any way wrong. Any dissonance I feel is a product of my own fannish brain. :-)

The only thing that was missing, really, was any sign of Yuri. The final chapter made explicit what any discriminating reader could see from the beginning. The “love” here is that between two partners, friends, sisters. Not lovers. Not even friends with benefits. The back cover blurb calls this series a supernatural Yuri adventure. Tetragrammaton Labyrinth is definitely an adventure, but it most definitely *not* a Yuri one. (Check out Scape-God for a real occult Yuri adventure.)

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 7
Characters – 7
Yuri – 0
Service – 4

Overall – a solidly enjoyable 7

Although I won’t be reviewing any future volumes of Tetragrammaton Labyrinth, I’ll definitely keep reading it. I think it’s quite good as an action/occult manga. Arigatou to Daniel for providing this entertaining copy and sponsoring today’s review!

It just occurred to me that I probably should have reviewed something romantic, but you know, celebrating the martyrdom of a possibly fictitious early Christian by writing about lesbian love just isn’t my style. ^_^ In fact, other than Cherry Blossom this has almost been an anti-romance week. Guess I’d better find one more not-particularly-romantic thing to round out the week’s reviews.

Posted in English Manga | 2 Comments »


Kurau Phantom Memory Anime, Volume 2 (English)

February 13th, 2008

Pacing isn’t something I’m likely to notice in a show that I’m watching weekly. There’s a certain amount of repeated footage and dialogue that one expects in anime – as a cost-cutting measure if for no other reason. But in all sincerity, Kurau Phantom Memory, Volume 2, is one of the best-paced volumes of anime that I have ever watched.

Volume 2 starts in an oddly dissonant spot in the narrative. Kurau and Christmas are on the run from the GPO, but we see them sort of settled in again while Kurau fights off the aftereffects of her most recent fight. Despite the brief illusion of comfort, it becomes instantly apparent that their lives cannot and will not ever be quiet and settled again. They are still on the run, whether they – or we – like it or not.

Doug continues to be a Good GuyTM and helps Kurau and Christmas find haven for a short time in an obscure village. Kurau’s father’s former partner’s obsession with capturing Rynasapiens, and the GPO’s desire to suppress Kurau and Christmas almost ends in tragedy, but they manage to flee, just ahead of their pursuers. We learn that Kurau is getting stronger, as her desire to protect Christmas grows.

We see Kurau’s father, a sad old man who has to deny his daughter’s existence, and learn Ayaka’s painful backstory. Christmas’s own Rynasapien powers begin to awaken. And we learn that Kurau’s body appears to be functioning as a gateway for the Rynasapiens to return to their own world.

All of this is told in rapid-fire, incredibly well-paced episodes. With an excellent soundtrack and sticky opening and closing themes.

Extras are a “File Case” full of interesting staff and cast notes (and now I wonder if Vol. 1 should have had one of those, too…. Since this was “File 2”.) I still like the new art for the DVD cover – it lightens up a pretty heavy, dark piece of art.

Kurau and Christmas appear – to me at least – to have settled into a sisterly relationship. For the moment I don’t get any Yuri vibe from them. The cover art is probably the Yuriest thing about this volume, really. But I know some will see it regardless – after all, they do stand next to each other quite a lot. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Music – 7
Yuri – 1
Service – 1

Overall – 8

I can’t help but be amused at my enjoyment of this anime…I am very cognizant of my previous reaction to the series’ end. I’ve been informed by “Friend of Yuri” and sponsor for today’s review, Ted (and btw, thanks Ted!!) that that he’s reluctant to get me the last volume given the fact that he already knows how much I hated it the first time. I sympathize. I’m reluctant to get it for myself, too.

Posted in English Anime | 4 Comments »


He is My Master Manga, Volume 1 (English)

February 12th, 2008

Do you remember the television series Three’s Company? Remember how funny it was when Jack had to pretend to be gay in order to be able to share an apartment with two women? And how hilarious it was when, in every single episode, Mr. Roper would overhear a conversation that sounded suggestive but couldn’t really be because, you know, Jack was gay? Or how hysterical it was when Larry came up with “clever” plans to get a girl which usually involved Jack, but failed because he had to pretend to be gay? And how immensely entertaining it was to see Suzanne Somers play a scantily clad blonde being a brainless bimbo saying all sorts of bubble-headed things every time? And let’s not forget how side-splitting Mrs. Roper’s constant witty comments on her lack of a sex life were.

He is My Master isn’t quite that funny.

Ratings:

Art – 6 Tsubaki Asu’s work isn’t bad. However baby faces on adult bodies squick me.
Characters – 2
Story – 3 Ah screwball comedy, a nice change of pace from quality.
Yuri – 4 Ana’s gay for Izumi, whee.
LoserFan Boy – 999

Overall – 3

This story is pretty much an 8-ball of otakudom’s saddest fetishes, repeated over and over again every chapter ad nauseum. The funniest thing about the volume was the author’s and artist’s notes at the end where Asu admits to never having even met the editor.

And thanks to Daniel for sponsoring today’s review. I’ve been dying to write it.  ^_^

Posted in English Manga | No Comments »


Maria-sama ga Miteru Drama CD 11: Cherry Blossom

February 11th, 2008

Is there any one among us hard-hearted enough not to swoon when Noriko relates her first sight of Shimako under the sakura tree, looking like Maria-sama come to life? Not me, certainly.

Maria-sama ga Miteru: Cherry Blossom Drama CD set was lovely. Simply lovely.

For the plot, please take a look back at my notes on Part 1 and Part 2 of the novel. (I had not yet begun translating the books at that point, so these are notes/synopses not full translations and therefore still available on Okazu.)

The first CD in the set recounts “The Sakura Among the Gingkos,” the portion of the novel in which we meet Nijou Noriko for the first time, and she meets Shimako. Incidentally, we also meet Matsudaira Touko, but I’ll get there in a bit.

“Sakura” follows Noriko as she meets Shimako and deals with some mild bullying because of their developing relationship. (The latter is only partially true, but she doesn’t know that.) The story climaxes during the Maria-sai, as Shimako is forced to out herself as the daughter of a Buddhist priest.

The Drama CD of this part was fantastic. Noriko, a transfer student from a co-ed school, has always seemed to me to be the most grounded of all the characters in the series. She comes off here as so *normal* it almost takes one’s breath away. Confronted in the beginning of the story by Touko and two other classmates and their positively Baroque formal Japanese, it’s really no wonder she feels disoriented and alien at Lillian.

Noriko’s meeting with Shimako is related very prettily. Noriko’s happy obsession with Shimako is instant and very much *right* on that line between friendship and love. It’s powerful – and mutual. The “outing” scene was horrific. From Noriko’s point of view, it can only be seen as heavy-handed…at best. When Shimako admits to being the owner of the juzu and Noriko bursts into tears for her – it was very moving. Once again, the Marimite cast is superlative.

The second disk of the set, “Background Noise,” covers the same circumstances from Yumi’s point of view. We see the concern Shimako’s friends in the Yamayurikai have for her, and how much they are, really, trying to help. However…to her credit, Yumi spends the entire story thinking that they are handling it really badly. They are, and I’m glad Yumi recognizes it. Itou Miki’s over-acting Sachiko is both hysterical and really cringe-making. As I listened to the scene in the church, I kept thanking the universe that I was no longer a teenager. ^_^

The other half of “BGN” is the introduction of Touko who, if you will please excuse the language, is a total twat. Kugimiya Rie is spectacular as the entitled, manipulative Touko. I’ve grown so used to her – and she has changed *so* much in the course of the novels, that I had completely forgotten what a slappable little creature she is when she first arrives en scene.

Listening to her snipe at Yumi, a thought suddenly hit me. Rainy Blue is coming up. I’m going to have to sit through those DCDs. Ugh. Ughughugh. I don’t know if I can do it. Oh well…I have Kohitsuji no Kyuuka to look forward to, after that whole thing is over. I’ll just grit my teeth and cope.

In happier news, we get a little Sei-service, when Yumi visits her, and after the Maria-sai.

For the first time, there is a bonus track where we get some very amusing comments and a lots of “natsukashii”s and “hisashiburi”s by the voice actresses. I was very glad for the bonus track. It’s about the only time we hear what the seiyuu have to say for themselves – it is immediately apparent that this group feels *very* comfortable with each other at this point. And that they’ve got a load of in-jokes. Also, I found it amusing to hear several of them refer to the series as “Marimite.” ^_^ I don’t know why, it just tickled my fancy.

The one physical extra is a postcard of Hibiki Reine’s art of Noriko. Pretty, as always.

Ratings:

Story – 7
Characters – 8 for Noriko and Shimako, 4 for Touko, 7 for everyone else
Yuri – 5 It worked a bit better visually, with those long, lingering “just kiss her” moments
Service – 8 who else buys these other than us obsessive fans? ^_^

Overall – 8

This is me, grasping at the Touko of Bara no Hana Kanmuri and trying to forget the Touko of Cherry Blossom, signing off.

Posted in Drama CD, Drama CDs & Audiobooks, Maria-sama ga Miteru | 6 Comments »