Octave (2008 – 2011)

Written and Drawn by Akiyama Haru

Link

This is actually one of my favorite manga’s.

The story revolves around a former idol of a not-so-popular group when she was a teenager, Miyashita Yukino. Not willing to endure the bullying of high school after her failure, she decided to work in the industry as an assistant manager. Through her struggles, she meets a fairly successful song writer, Iwai Setsuko.  Seduced by Iwai’s beauty, she explores her sexuality and eventually falls in love. However she struggles with her relationship as she is not only confused by her sexuality, but has taken on the toll of being a manager and coming to terms with her past.

I really enjoyed this manga. You go through Yukino as she has to come to terms with many things in her life, with love being one of them. It’s a great coming of age story I think and perfect for our generation. The story is very deep though and very….angsty to say the least. Not VERY angsty where you want to cry, but the kind of angst where you’re kind of irritated.

I enjoyed the artwork. It’s simple yet detailed enough. I do encourage anyone to give it a shot!

Art: 6/10

Yuri Rating: 8/10

Overall: 7/10

WARNING THERE ARE SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED

Ga-Rei Zero (2008)

I was recommended this anime by a friend. Who had tricked me into thinking this was Yuri.

I want this more to be of a “warning” post rather than a “review” post (although I guess I can do that too.)

This was recommended to me by a FRIEND who SAID IT WAS YURI. AND TRICKED ME INTO IT. COMPLETELY. 100%.

The story revolves around Kagura and Yomi. Two girls who aren’t biological sisters, but are as close as one. Both work for a supernatural hunting agency. Yomi trained Kagura when she was just a recruit. However, tragedy strikes when Yomi suddenly goes missing. At the exact same time, the Agency is struggling to battle a new, powerful supernatural entity that can summon other supernaturals, as well as a hidden power that greatly affects Yomi.

THIS IS NOT A YURI ANIME. DO NOT WATCH. DO. NOT. WATCH.

So if your “friend” ever recommends this anime to you, YOU PUNCH EM IN THE FACE AND TELL THEM TA GO TA HELL.

However because there is that super sleazy peppero/pocky kiss, I gave it 1 point. (infamous scene below =/)

The rest of this review will mostly contain raging at the non-yuri content as well as perhaps the overall plot.

But I digress, if you can get past the fact that it’s actually NOT YURI. The story isn’t half bad.

Yuri rating: 1/10

Overall rating: 4/10

WARNING. THERE ARE VERY IN DEPTH SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT AS WELL AS CAPS LOCK SCREEMING.