hontou ni sou omou?

Picked up a copy of Yuri Monogatari Vol.3 and Rica ‘tte Kanji!? in Apr 2005 when I dropped in on the Yuricon gang during the Yuri Revolution. Great bunch of people, with Evil Genius Erica Friedman at the fore, all of whom I deeply respect for taking action to plug gaps in the market rather than just waiting for the established companies to do so (and complaining plenty in the meantime). Thus I was pleased that my pre-ordered YM4 (sneak peeks) arrived so quickly and in perfect condition.

At 176 pages, this anthology contains a diverse variety of art styles and stories. Akiko Morishima’s “Ichigo Hime” and Agatha “Kriss” Laguniak’s “Bittersweet Melody” set their stories in the past. The first drips with cuteness in a pre-modern Japanese setting while playing on two familiar themes of incognito royalty and the heroine saving the damsel in distress. The second successfully evokes dark stormy nights and forests though the Victorian setting made me feel that the dialogue might have been enhanced by a dose of Charlotte Brontë styling.

Kristina K.’s “Happiness” and Althea Keaton’s “Cog” both arrive at surprising endings via very different routes; the former within the context of the summer holidays of youth - particularly enjoyed the expressiveness of our long-haired lead’s face. On the other hand, the latter portrays grimness, violence and isolation amidst utterly empty backgrounds, achieving deft impact with the inversion of its final panel. Beth Malone’s “Tales of Destruction” evinces a streak of black humour with the text narrating a version of events which might be described as being economical with the truth (when contrasted with the pictures) and yet, because the protagonists still have each other, is true on another level.

Lilyshield’s “Model” underlines how communication can often be the most difficult especially when it is to your nearest and dearest. Art-wise I really liked the alternation between normal and SD modes. “Playing House” (story by Erica Friedman and art by Kelli Nicely whose illustrations also grace the cover and transition pages) is about a couple buying an oven, dishwasher and refrigerator. Of course, these purchases are not just for machines but appliances that have also sorts of implications about domestic life, nourishment and even cosplay. LOL

I’m always interested in how relationships develop after a couple (finally) gets together. Many anime/manga end when the confession is finally heard and accepted; we are then often left to assume that they will somehow automatically live happily ever after. [Which is why I think Black Heaven is a masterpiece simply on the basis of its terrifyingly realistic portrayal of how souls-crushing a marriage gone dead can be.] But as a relationship is always a work in progress, it’s interesting to see what happens after the chase and courtship. Thus it was great to see “More Rica ‘tte Kanji” by Rica Takashima which builds on Miho and Rica’s story. The clash of different version of housekeeping had great humour and realism; the very act of having a “domestic disagreement” was indeed moving as it affirmed the existence of the domestic unit of Miho x Rica. I also liked how it looked at their respective families [how many missing fathers and/or mothers in anime/manga?] and underlined the truism that parents often know a lot more than they let on.

Rica Takashima’s art might strike some as exceedingly simple but I think that’s where its charm lies. I am simply quite amazed by how much her characters can express within the simplicity of those strong, clean lines. In contrast, Tomomi Nakasora’s “Kissing the Petals” [the title of which evokes, for me, Morinaga Milk's Kusuriyubi ni Kisushitara] features a more elaborate style that will not look out of place in Yuri Hime. All the characters are all gorgeous, particularly Kazu-san, with her full full lips, flowing hair and uber-coolness that screams “SEI SATOU!!!” Morever while it’s a relatively simple tale about how one couple attempts to matchmake their friend, all the characters have strong individual personalities and their interaction feels really alive. Probably my favourite of the volume and will be chuffed to see these characters developed further as well.

You can order your own copy (and other yuri manga) via the Yuricon shop.