#the fact that yuki is her mentor too lol

[penrose-quinn]

It just hit me since I'm trying to catch up with the manga, but I'm processing the fact that Yuki was a Star Plasma vessel and how I think that (unintentionally) adds a layer to her relationship with Musubi!MC after being given to the Konoe and ripped away from having a normal life.

[meandmyechoes]

i knew it… i knew it's gonna end on another cliffhanger but i'm thorough brainrot anyways I was just there too stare starry-eyed at my pretty eldritch assassin kimono lady—

(Joran epsiode 9 afterlog)

okay so. Not BIG plot twist this episode. I mean, I thought it was one way but I guessed wrong but a moment's thought shows there were clues in the first arc so I'm not as distraught as I thought, coupled with it being an exposition/backstory episode.

!!SPOILERS!!

The big twist was Kazuhara has Janome-like scars. I was guessing he was the Black Crow that killed Tsuki after taking the pill. Jury's still out on that honestly, but his scars imply involvement with Janome and possible responsibility for the Karasumori massacre - which is why Tsuki says Yuki's revenge is not over yet. Again, it's an age-old trope. My guess was the Tokugawa government was definitely involved with the massacre and that was the real target Tsuki was talking about, and I was under the impression that was when Janome was still working with the government, but I wasn't quite willing to believe Kazuhara was directly responsible, moved by his caring last episode. (eh please let them have a healthy-ish mentor-protoge relationship if not family) There were dialogues in arc one that touched on "facpov" about who is a "traitor", and with the show part political thriller, I did expect this kind of shifting perspectives. Given the history of betrayls in-show it really wasn't a big surprise —Now, I did NOT see him taking Sawa's blood coming. And apparently Sawa is now aware of the fact. Kazuhara's motive seems really up in the air now? Is he a full on insurgency-sympathiser now? Or was he just protecting Sawa for his own selfish purpose? Why did he give her blood to the insurgent? Why did he draw fresh blood if he still has the pellets - then, what happened to those? How key a role will he, his research and the supernaural element plays? I just wonder how much Kazuhara is hiding from Sawa, was last week all an act? She never revered him like an adoptive father (bless your clarity my child), but it must have cost her to doubt a person she has known so long.

I am a huge sucker for science fantasy, or just fantasy rooted in the real world (albeit alternate history, i.e. Japanese steampunk! - is so nuance i freakin' love it even more). I am slightly concerned, now the sci-fan aspect finally takes center stage. Given the name of the final arc, I was expecting it to move more political. Guess they never meant to venture too deep into political commentary but will stay afloat on the supernatural element side. I am concerned if three episodes is enough to overthrow the government completely (so maybe, just maybe, Sawa gets a third chance at life) AND show the aftermath. I'm crazy scared this show will flop lol. (Not that) Rarely I get into a rare show and if my investment crashes lol.

Rinko… I like her character design and quirk, but her power - what the fuck. I think this is the first time I binged this series (twice in six days) that I went JFC. Yeah it really is the most graphic so far. Regardless, her introduction suggests the government has been doing human experiments on their own for years, after Janome's split. Well, that's within reason. I suppose it foreshadows the big boss would be a "man-made" changeling versus Sawa's "natural". Not sure how that ties in to whichever theme. Hope it's not an established character? I don't know. At least I certainly hope it wasn't Rinko.

Well I don't know what much else to say. This episode is quite expositional. I'm glad we get more development with Yukimura though. We see her actively picking her own path finally this episode. First it was Nue, then Asahi, Tsuki… But this time we see her re-evaluating her purposes. She is still depressed, and revenge-driven. But at least she starts to accept her own emotions and how others (Asahi) has affected her positively. "Cast away your emotion" was a recurring theme in arc one that they challenge within characters themselves in that four episodes, but I sidetracked. Yes, she is "blank", but the point of her character is discovering there are other paths, a chance of recovery. I really look forward to her getting a happy ending. One thing I noticed is her acceptance at mortality. She doesn't try to "bring people back". Coupled with her execution speech in arc/ep one: I don't pity you, I don't hate you. Yukimura Sawa is driven by revenge. But her vengeance on Janome did not bring her peace. Her second taste at vengeance, for Asahi of Tsuki, she couldn't do it. She should begin to learn to accept alternate ways of honouring the dead, like the gravesweeping ritual and dusting shelves in this episode, and healing in the process, those are her freedom to choose.

Oh by the way. No Hana this week :( zero points.

[ae0nx]

FRUITS BASKET S2 EPISODE 6 RECAP!

Cute summer stuff! Yayyy! 

- At the mention of ‘they’ coming, I really had myself all geared up for Akito (goddammit)

Shigure, you literally do nothing but scheme and plot - shaddap

Wow. Hiro and Kisa can really be a mini version of Kyoru at times. I’m pretty sure if Kyo and Tohru confessed to each other right now without their own personal development, it’d look something like this.

- I gotta admit as much as I hate Shigure, his approach to freelance work is one that I am constantly dealing with as a bad habit. (patreon.com/graceofaeons 👀)

That damn hat. I just want these kids to fess up alreadyyyyyy

- I could watch 10 hours of just Kyo and Momiji. They’re so fun 😊

YAAAAAAS. THE QUEEN IS HERE. DRAMATIC FLOWING HAIR AND EVERYTHING. (let’s just ignore what she’s here for)

shit.

i HATE IT/ I HATE IT. I hate it.

I hate that the situation led Rin to make this kind of attempt. I hate Shigure’s smugness. I hate that this scene exists.

It’s just... gross. I don’t wike it. lol

 (and that’s probably the rudest thing I’ve said about this anime)

<3!!!!

I mean... isn’t this just the perfect example/light metaphor for Kyo seeing through Tohru all the time! (I wanna call it her ‘facade’ but I feel like it’s too harsh of a word seeing as it’s something Tohru does that she isn’t aware of... but ‘delusion’ feels even harsher) 

I LOVE THEM! I ONLY WANT NOTHING BUT THE BEST... 

FOR YOUUUUUU.... 

TWOOOOOOOO 🎶

...I’m just glad to have seen this scene animated, I’m sorry haha

Do you think Akito sees themselves as a villain in this story? Are they aware of how much their actions are ruining other’s lives? A lot of writers say it’s more interesting when the villain see themselves as the hero in the story, whereas I’d argue that it’s a little more interesting when the villain accepts their fate as the villain... To know you’re doing wrong and yet still do it seems so twisted yet interesting to me (which is why I keep trying to convince myself that I hate Shigure) but in consideration of Akito... well I’ll get to it later on...

- ‘Shut up, puny rabbit’ 😂

All these masks and facades! I feel like there’s an interesting point to link to the masks characters wear in this anime and how most of them tend to be part of the zodiac who also have animal forms and transform into them when they are at their weakest or most vulnerable. But it’d turn into a whole essay, so... maybe another time.

- I’ll never get over the fact that this silly kitty is swimming in his JEANS... *sigh* BOY... IF YOU DON’T-

An appreciation of a happy moment... 🥶...

Aww, kitten! He really went through it this episode with the water. Whenever I think of Kyo that ‘I want to see my little boy’ vine pops in my head.

But, that’s what you get for wearing JEANS IN THE OCEAN.

... but I get why Hiro would ask such a question. It felt like a mixture of Hiro being genuinely interested to know why, Hiro being a kid and being a bit emotionally unintelligent and Hiro being super jealous of how much time Kisa wanted to spent with Tohru. But it’s also a genuine question! Underneath all the shade. Did Hiro not know that Tohru’s mother and/or father is dead or is he really that mean? Lol

However, I am really proud of Kisa sticking up for her big sis and really telling off Hiro for his behaviour! She’s such a good egg. :)

I hate how relatable this anxiety attack is.

Kyo’s such a good boi in this episode! He really deserves it every week, but he’s Best Boi of the Week. Also, why isn’t Kyo Hiro’s mentor?! I feel like that combination would be good for both of them. Well... maybe back in season 1 where Kyo didn’t even know how to talk to a girl. 

Going back to my Akito conversation... At first, I thought Akito fully accepted their role as villain of the story. And now, I’m not so sure... They just seem... jealous and bitter. Maybe, Akito is just one of those people who don’t like to see anyone else having fun if they’re not. But, I also think they are fully aware of their actions being cruel... So... it’s interesting. 

Also, I get that Akito is constantly sick and under the pressure of being the head of the family/clan/estate and I sympathise with what they went through but... I’m still finding it hard to forgive them up to this day. Maybe when this anime gets there I’ll change my mind, who knows?!...

So gentle!

Hat boi! 🙆🏾‍♀️

I almost hate that Yuki’s so relaxed rn cos ohhhh boy... a storm’s a-coming...

This was a fun one as per usual. This whole beach arc is full of really interesting stuff and interactions so this episode felt more so of a set up for stuff than anything else really. After this whole show is done, one of my goals is to understand Akito more of a character and I’m hoping the anime opens my mind to do so!

See you next week!

[komatsunana]

My Yuri/wlw Manga Rec List

Heeeey I’m bored so I’m making a Yuri manga/webtoon/etc recommendation post of some of my faves that are underappreciated or deserve more love. Obviously this isn’t a comprehensive of all great Yuri series out there, just some that I enjoy & think are worth reading... And have (obviously) either read or are caught up on.

All of these are available to read as online scans, but I’ll indicate if you can legally purchase it in English as well.   I’ll also indicate if they are on-going as of April 2019.

There’s a lack of yuri series that aren’t set in a high school but I’m going start with all of those first, just to get them out of the way, but this list will mostly be dedicated to college and older aged characters.

Additionally, my recommendation of these series is not my personal endorsement of everything about the series. Don’t expect any of these stories to be perfect by any standards, much less Western standards.  Additionally, I try to give warnings for some series with dark themes: that is not me giving the series a condemnation.  Just a heads up for common triggers, that I caught and remembered to warn for.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow (Nettaigyo wa Yuki ni Kogareru) by Makoto Hagino

Summary:

Konatsu Amano is a high school girl who has just moved to a seaside town in Ehime Prefecture after her father is transferred overseas for his job. Lonely and unsure of her new surroundings, Konatsu finds herself gravitating towards Koyuki Honami, an older girl at her school who is popular but is seen as out of reach by her peers who view her as too perfect. Koyuki is also the sole member of the Aquarium Club, which in turn makes her feel cut off from others. In an attempt to help ease Koyuki's and her own feelings of loneliness, Konatsu befriends Koyuki and the two gradually grow closer together.

Why I think you should read it:  This is SUCH a sweet but impactful series.  At a surface level read, it’s a beautiful and enjoyable series that I’m interested in seeing where these girls’ relationship goes, but a deeper look at the series really shows the amount of thought that went into the characters and their surroundings.  Honestly [this] YT video by Zeria is why I finally started this series and covers why this is such a good worthwhile series much better than I can so I recommend watching it, if not jumping straight to reading!

Status: On-going, first English volume will be released in late 2019!!

Their Story (Tamen de Gushi) by Tan Jiu

Summary:

Tamen De Gushi manga is a slice of life manga that revolves around two high-school protagonists, Sun Jing and Qiu Tang, and how they meet and fall in love and start dating.

Why I think you should read it:  If you’ve been on tumblr long enough and follow enough queer fandom blogs you’ve probably heard of this series.  Everything you’ve seen about it is true: it’s sweet, cute, funny, and fluffy.  It also covers topics like victim blaming without derailing from something you’re reading to distract you from reality.

Status:  This one is a webtoon and currently on-going.

Pietà by Haruno Nanae

Summary:

A story about two classmates, Sahoko and Rio. Rio is depressed and self-harms due to lack of loving relationships with her "family" -- which consists of her negligent father, selfish stepmother, and stepbrother; and Sahoko quickly becomes her only comfort in life. Sahoko on her part has a frigid relationship with her otherwise loving parents, and lives with her aunt.

Why I think you should read it:  Prior to meeting, these girls dealt with mental illness and that’s what bonds them very quickly as they come to rely on each other.  I debated whether or not this series should be with the school-girl series or the adult ones, I decided to keep it with the school-girls because... they’re high school girls! Even though the girls’ school is really only ever the place they first meet, it’s the fact they are high school girls that colors their perspectives for the best and worst.  

But the reason I think it is worth reason it is that it portrays depression, self-harm, and suicide the way you think about it as a depressed high schooler but it is narratively treated with the seriousness it deserves, and to be responded to with love and compassion.  While we’ve got Rio’s parents who don’t take her mental illness seriously and compassionately enough (or at all), but there other adults who do from the very beginning.  It’s 1 volume long and despite all the trigger warnings I am about to give for the series: I promise a happy ending. 

*Warings* Self-harm, suicide attempt, forced institutionalization, parental abuse, gaslighting

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Kase-san by  Hiromi Takashima

Summary:

Yui Yamada, a girl who enjoys tending to her school's greenery, falls in love with the athletic Tomoka Kase. The two eventually begin dating, and the story follows the pair as they face various challenges in their relationship

Why I think you should read it:  Another one I see on tumblr a lot and, again, it’s everything you’ve been promised: cute, fun, and a natural progressing romance.  What I think is worthwhile about the series is that it’s continued into their college years, but that hasn’t automatically made them adults. They continue to deal with the same insecurities they did in high school, but even still they’ve been maturing since the start of the series and they continue to do so. 

This series is unlikely to ever delve into darker or political themes, but we need series like this - where problems don’t linger but are resolved relatively quickly without losing the character’s defining traits and flaws.

Status:  Ongoing and available to buy in English.  Also has an OVA.

Ano Musume ni Kiss to Shirayuri o (Kiss and White Lily for my Dearest Girl) by Canno

Summary:    

In middle school, Ayaka Shiramine was the perfect student: hard-working, with excellent grades and a great personality to match. As Ayaka enters high school she expects to still be on top, but one thing she didn't account for is her new classmate, the lazy yet genuine genius Yurine Kurosawa.

Why I think you should read it:  A rivals-to-lovers story, for all my rivals-to-lovers lovers out there! <3 While Shiramine and Kurosawa are definitely the protagonists of the story, roughly only 40% of the time are chapters focus on them and their relationship, as the series spends a lot of time on their many, many side characters and relationships... which are all wlw too.  Lots of different relationships explored in the side characters, including a triad that forms together wonderfully.  

A part of the series that particularly tickled me was that male characters are barely ever mentioned, if ever.  It’s entirely possible that that men do not exist in this world.

*Warning*  One romance between a student and her aunt (though the aunt is only 4 years older).  The two chapters depicting their relationship are skipable and even then it’s vague enough that you can interpret it as a family relationship imo.

Status:  Completed and available officially in English.

Bloom Into You (Yagate Kimi Ni Naru) by Nakatani Nio

Summary:

Yuu has always loved shoujo manga and awaits the day she gets a love confession that sends her heart aflutter with bubbles and blushes, and yet when a junior high classmate confesses his feelings to her...she feels nothing. Disappointed and confused, Yuu enters high school still unsure how to respond. That's when Yuu sees the beautiful student council president Nanami turn down a suitor with such maturity that she's inspired to ask her for help. But then the next person to confess to Yuu is Nanami herself.

Why I think you should read it:  What, did you really think it wouldn’t make my list (lol)?  Of course everyone should give this series a try!  I’ve been following this series for a while so I’m glad to see it blow up in popularity recently because of the anime because it really deserves it.  This series is very far from your typical straight-forward cute high school yuri romance, it’s an awkward fumbling as the girls have their first relationship and all that comes with that - including learning consent and boundaries -  in a very unusual set-up (that I’ll let you read to discover).  

Additionally, an adult relationship between two women is also portrayed, proving the usual “lesbianism is transient” is many school-girl manga wrong, but the adults tend to mentor Nanami’s also gay friend more than Yuu and Nanami (who could frankly use some adult guidance, since they can’t seek out their parents). 

Yuu reads as very aro-spec too, if that resonates with you, and I (personally) don’t think that anything in her relationship with Nanami negates those feelings.

Status:  Currently ongoing and available in English.  Anime which covers the first half of the series.

Nameless Asterism (Nanashi no Asterism) by  Kobayashi Kina

Summary:

Tsukasa, Nadeshiko, and Mikage have been inseparable since they began junior high, but Tsukasa has a secret she's been keeping from her best friends—she actually has a big crush on Nadeshiko. Not wanting to risk their friendship, she planned to keep it a secret forever, but when Tsukasa learns that Nadeshiko has a crush on Mikage, her desire to support her friends now conflicts with her own feelings. First love blossoms in unexpected ways for these three young women and their circle of friends.

Why I think you should read it:  This one is actually a junior high school one, but I’ll stick it here regardless.  But it’s a fun series, and for a love-triangle story it’s not over-wrought at all.  More than a series about love, it’s about the concept of romantic relationships at the characters’ age as well as friendship. One of the character’s in particular thinks her feelings are transient, but it’s also rather clear that they are not and she’s just scared after a bad past experience. Despite being in a love triangle that not all of them are completely aware they are in, it’s also very clear they want to keep being friends and fear losing their friendship more than anything else.

It ends prematurely so some things are left unresolved but still a fun read and I still give it a huge rec.  YMMV on the handling of one cross dressing character, especially as he takes over the story for a bit, but it’s far from the worst handling but. ya know.  Heads up, he exists.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Aaaaaand that’s about it with the light-hearted (mostly) school romances.

On to college-age and working adult yuri series which don’t get nearly enough love!

It’d be great if you didn’t exist by Carbonara

Summary:

Why did she meet her ideal girl in the worst situation?

After catching her boyfriend with another woman, Han Guk-hwa promptly breaks up with him and expects to never see him again. What she didn't expect was to keep thinking about the woman who was with her ex and develop a begrudging crush on her.

Jang Mi, the crush in question, also didn't expect to see such a beautiful girl approach her and finds herself thinking that she could do so much better than the scumbag Guk-hwa was dating.

Why I think you should read it:   There’s.... a lot of reasons I could give you about why this series is worth reading.  It’s a wonderful balance between funny and a soft, tender romance between two women, even while dealing occasionally with darker themes and topics.  The characters are both well fleshed out with flaws and a rationality to their actions.  More than that: for every bad experience they had in the past which gives them insecurities about themselves and others, they are rewarded for trusting each other with a happy, loving relationship.  Inter-relationship problems (like insecurity) are resolved with communication, while their separate personal problems they share mutual support. 

BUT ALSO, I mean... it’s pretty much like that text from last night that goes:  “ I just found out two girls I dated met each other, bonded over how much they hate me, started dating and are gonna get married soon.”  And I just.... really enjoy and appreciate it. Because it’s like: that’s it that’s the series.

*Warnings* Stalking, abuse, bullying

Status:  Another webcomic, completed at 80 chapters all available online in English

Cheerful Amnesia by  Tamamushi Oku

Summary:

Arisa wakes up in the hospital, with no memory of the last three years. When Mari, a girl who's just Arisa's type, arrives at the hospital and informs her that not only are they living together, but they're actually in a relationship, Arisa is over the moon.

Why I think you should read it:  MC has amnesia, but as the title suggests, it’s light-hearted series.  Afterall, MC wakes up to discover she has a beautiful girlfriend!  What couldn’t be better in life?  Well, there are... like sex with your girlfriend.  Wait no, that’s way too good for Arisa to handle (lol). And it just gets better for Arisa as the story plays out.

Usually the amnesic lover trope is played for the drama, but here it is only played for laughs.  A little eye-roll-y regarding some aspects and maybe even down right stupid but still cute and a fun romp if you need mindless fun. It’s a 4-koma so it’s not particularly deep, but a fun exploration of the story’s premise.  Let’s be honest: all the jokes about sex probably won’t make you laugh and probably won’t even titillate you, but you’re not here for laughs you’re here for something cute and see an adult relationship between two women get to be fun, silly, and mindless.

Status:  On-going and not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Ultramarine (Gunjou) by  Nakamura Ching

Summary:

Out of desperation, a woman asks an old high school acquaintance to kill her abusive husband for her. The acquaintance, having long been in love with this woman, does it, and now they are on the run from the law.

Why I think you should read it:  I’m going to be honest.  This isn’t a series for everyone or even a series that most would like and that’s ok. The summary just covers the first few pages - everything devolves from there as they avoid the police and the stakes get higher - or rather, revealed to us as the readers.  Definitely not a series for a fun, quick read and I don’t rec it if you want an ideologically pure series - but the series mostly acknowledges the fucked up nature of everything going on.  If you’re interested in story where the main characters aren’t clear-cut “good” and “bad” and you don’t mind not rooting for the main characters’ romance, give it a try.  Because this is not a series about two women learning to be good to each other.

It’s a heart-wrenching read for those that read it and explores themes that aren’t often explored without being edgy for the sake of being edgy.  I think if you can stand to read this series in one sitting, you’ll be absolutely gutted and be thinking of this story for a while.  It’s a powerful read, awful in a very necessary way.

*Warnings* for rape, abuse, dub-con (between the main characters), lots of talk of suicide, infant death, death of a wlw (not main romance).

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Lonely Wolf, Lonely Sheep by Fuka Mizutani

Summary:

Two women with the same name happens to meet each other when they're at the same hospital for the same injury. They want to become closer, but both must overcome their insecurities and self-loathing first.

Why I rec it:  Ehehe.  If you follow me, then you probably know I’m half-way to being a NANA blog.... Well this has the basic premise of NANA, with two girls with the same name (in this case first AND last) meeting under similar circumstances.  It’s a short & sweet series, but not without a lump of angst mixed in, because despite their meet-cute they’ve still got a shared loneliness and fear of rejection to contend with.  Despite that: it’s not drowning in angst and unnecessary, drawn-out melodrama.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Fluttering Feelings by Ssamba

Summary:

The comic follows the life of two Business University students, the average slightly immature Kim No-Rae and the beautifully captivating Baek Seol-A but equally immature, as well as their friends and family.

Why I think you should read it:  This series is a beautiful exploration of two women slowly falling in love - or rather, slowly realizing and accepting that they are in love with each other.  A lot of will they, won’t they story get stale very quickly but here the characters are so expertly explored that you understand why they aren’t kissing right now this second and it just makes you hope that one day they will and be happier.

Additionally, just because they aren’t dating doesn’t mean that they friendship doesn’t continually progress and flourish as they continue to get closer and more emotionally intimate with each other.  As their friendship gets closer, they struggle more and more to define their feelings for each other.  

Unfortunately Ssamba passed away last year, before completing the series.  So the series will likely remain forever unfinished but I think this series is so great that it’s a worthwhile read even unfinished.  I think Fluttering Feelings maybe even is a series that especially proves that unfinished series are worth reading, because for me: the ending to a story is one of the most important parts... but not for this series.  This series is all about the journey and the journey until where it left off was worth it.

Status:  Unfinished Webcomic, available online in English

Ohana Holuholu by  Shino Torin

Summary:

Maya, who works as a translator, lives with her bisexual former girlfriend, Michiru, and Michiru's son, Yuuta. Residing in the same apartment building is an actor called Nico, who drops by for a visit almost everyday, and knows about Michiru's past. Somewhat like family, and somewhat not, their lives interweave full of warm days.

Why I think you should read it:  This one is about family, at it’s core.  A found family, in particular.  I think for many like me, that’s enough of a recommendation (lol).  The rekindling of Maya and Michiru’s relationship is an important part to the story, but just as important is the fact that they have formed a family even before then.  Michiru isn’t always the best friend, roommate, lover, or even person and she definitely isn’t the best mother, but watching over her growth through the series to take responsibility for herself and for her family is incredibly rewarding.

Status:  Complete, still in the process of being translated online into English.

Collectors by Nishi Uko

Summary:

Two women in a relationship disagree about the other’s spending habits.

Why I think you should read it:   Most of this list is comprised of series that are about before the relationship begins, but Collectors is here for everyone who desires a pre-established relationship!  It’s very sweet and very obvious how much the two women love each other.  

This is the bickering couple done right - with love, especially after the initial few chapters, and it’s honestly just a form of flirting as the characters just as often find common-ground on their spending habits.  

It’s primarily 4-koma style, so not much happens story-wise but it’s well worth it just for to see their day-to-day interactions, how much they enjoy spending time with each other, and their friend’s commentary about their relationship. Also, if you’re a collector or hobbiest that compulsively buys things related to your interests... be prepared to be called out!

Status:  I thiiiiink it’s on-going - definitely the English online translations haven’t caught up as far as I can find.

The Robot Next Door (Tonari no Robot) by Nishi Uko

Summary:

In an ordinary neighborhood, a team of engineers are developing a robot they call Praha, who looks like an ordinary human high school girl. Chika, a 4-year-old girl who lives next door, meets her neighbor and learns her secret. The two girls become friends and high school classmates, and Chika teaches Hiro—as she calls Praha—about human emotions, including love.

Why I think you should read it:   Another story by Nishi Uko!!! There is a severe lack of sci-fi Yuri works!!  It’s a short and sweet feels trip as it explores the premise - a robot and human girl having feelings for each other.  While the bulk of the series takes place while both characters are in high school, I’m sticking it here with the “adult” series because it’s not about youth so much as it is about the premise.

Anyway: one of the interesting things about the series is how Praha expresses her love for Chika, which is obviously different than how humans feel ”love” because she’s a robot.  Meanwhile, Chika pines for Praha in her youth but insists that Praha’s feelings aren’t love.  She thinks their feelings for each other are “different,” which is both true and untrue.  As it is thought, robot/human love stories are often bittersweet because the premise predicates that the human will age while the robot will not.  Honestly, the ending is not bitter in the least, but it’s something that looms over you as you, the human reader, know as inevitable future.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Poor Poor Lips by Gotou Hayako

Summary:

Okashi Nako is a young woman living in poverty. When she applies to work at a Gem store, she learns that store owner, Otsuka Ren, is a lesbian. Ren promises that Nako's not her type, but she may be lying.... Nako takes the job and so begins a comedic tale of rich and poor, sickness and health, for better and for worse!

Why I think you should read it:  It’s a boss/employee romance but tastefully done imo - it’s been a while since I read it but I remember it fondly. It’s primarily set-up as a comedic series (another 4-koma!) but by the end the ladies *are* explicitly in a relationship, after some “will they/won’t they.”

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Octave by Akiyama Haru

Summary:

This story revolves around 18-year-old Miyashita Yukino and her life as a former idol. As a child, Yukino had always been fascinated with TV. And before she knew it, she wanted to be one of those idols behind the screen. At 15, she entered the entertainment industry and debuted as a member of the four-person group "She'sN." However the group wasn't very successful and they broke up shortly afterwards. Returning home in disgrace, Yukino was welcomed with people's curious looks and hurtful words. Wanting to find herself, regain her pride, and perhaps experience love, Yukino decides to move back to Tokyo. There she meets a certain woman, former composer Iwai Setsuko. Together they embark on a very interesting and mysterious relationship.

Why I think you should read it:  Don’t be fooled by the simple, minimalist art... The characters are complex and each of them realistically flawed.  The series explores themes unfulfilled dreams and miscommunication and most of all: maturing into a decent person.  A lot of people are turned off of this series because the choices Yukino sometimes makes are, but it’s worth seeing her journey imo.

The series also deals with coming out not being an entirely positive experience and... it’s gutting but real and in the end says more about other people than Yukino.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

And that’s it for now!! Let me know if you read any of these, whether or not on my recommendation or not!  Depending on if people liked this I might do another one, because I discovered a whole bunch of series while researching plus cut some from the list last minute that I still think deserve a rec!!

[mariedemedicis]

Tortall for the meme?

❤ Favorite Male: Probably Raoul, I love him. It’s so awesome that he went from a friend of Alanna’s but less important than Jon or Gary to Kel’s mentor. As Kate pointed out, the ripple effects as the years roll on and the series keep going is really fascinating and such a testament to Pierce’s good writing.

❤ Favorite Female: Alanna! Partially colored I think by the fact that I read her first but I also see myself in her a bit. Kel is a very, very close second. (I think it’s because I honestly like the knight storylines better than Daine or Beka or Aly’s even though I still like those.)

❤ Favorite Pairing: It’s funny because I do tend to ship stuff and I’m a multishipper but like none of the canon pairings are like too important to me? I do quite like George/Alanna and Jon/Thayet (Numair/Daine kind of squicks me out with that age difference and I’ve never been super big into Numair - I like him so much more in Tempests and Slaughter). I can sort of see the appeal of Kel/Dom but it’s never really been something that mattered to me and I’m completely fine with Kel not ending up with anyone. I like Buri/Raoul but like we don’t have a whole lot of that to work with. I do want more of them AND of Neal/Yuki though. By default, I’m going to say Alanna/George because I wanna know more about their post-SotL life and their new daughter! Plus although we met Aly and know a lot about her, I feel like we don’t know much about her as a younger character and we don’t know a lot about Alan or Thom.

❤ Least Favorite Character: ughh, I think Roger? He’s more viscerally annoying and smarmy than other villains even though he’s not necessarily the most evil/scary.

❤ who’s most like me: Alanna again

❤ most attractive: Thayet both to me and canonically

❤ three more characters that I like: Daine, George, Jon, Buri, Roald, Shinko, Yuki, Neal, Beka, Aly, Varice, Coram, Gary, Rizpah, Kara, Kourrem, I could go on...

+ adding some more random thoughts because I can (thanks Lil for enabling me lol): I know they’re like extremely on the back burner but I really, really want that Maura of Dunlath book and the one about Kel and her squire and the one about Neal and Yuki’s daughter!