In today’s rapidly changing comics industry, there are two universal truths. First of all, Valentine’s Day just passed. The second is that more people are reading comics and web images (also known as vertical scroll comics) than ever before. So we continue the weird romance of beats at Comics Beat. Every week, we have three writers recommending some of our favorite comics from Japan, Korea and elsewhere. This week we have more jigs, more Yuri and of course the game.
The one I love
Writer/Artist: clamp
translate: Ray Yoshimoto
Lettering: Abelardo Bigting
Publisher: VIZ (formerly Tokyo
The one I love is a collection of short comic single shots, originally published in the magazine Young Rose of Monthly and then collected into a book. Everyone is focused on another woman or girl dealing with insecurity related to a man’s relationship. This is an interesting concept, clamp Explore different aspects of women, what they are very familiar with; the ups and downs in love, and the uncertainty that follows.
It also highlights happiness in love. Each story has a happy ending, so all couples can live a happy life. I wouldn’t think this is a spoiler, because the intention of this series is not to show misfortune. Maybe uneasy, but there is no reason to pile up in despair.
This is a very cute series and very romantic. Each woman in each couple takes up a different space for a simple date (whether it’s long distance or otherwise) on the relationship schedule. Here are some stories that can be split in the description of age and messaging. But even if it is better represented to them, the news still sounds.
Each story is also accompanied by a short article that highlights their true source of inspiration. They are not 1:1, none of them will, but some actual events inspired the feeling explored in each story. You can learn something about the real woman behind the fixture. Other comic creators have also made appearances in these papers, which is cool.
If you are a romantic person who just wants to experience some light drama that is not high risk rather than related, and you know it won’t end in a disaster, then I highly recommend that you do so. This is a lovely series that will make you happy at the end! – Derrick Crow
What is the opportunity
Writer/Artist: Chantsky
platform: Webtoon
Boy, I like my Yuri What is the opportunitya girl likes the Webtoon series published on canvas, but is still in progress as of 2020. ChanstuThe series centers on a pink-haired woman named Tricia, who falls in love with a woman named Elise at first sight. The capture is that Tricia looks almost like the woman she dreams about repeatedly. What does this mean?
I’ve been reading this series since 2020. The art style is so cute that it reminds you of how Shojo comics are drawn. However, each character from Tricia, her brother, friend, and even Elise has unique hair, eye colors and costumes that fit their personality. Over the years, art has also become more refined. The panel is larger and the character art is more detailed, but it can still be recognized as Chantsky’s style, with each character having a very expressive range.
One thing that surprised me from the beginning was how many characters there were at the beginning of the story. Usually, the focus will be on the main role and support actors will be introduced gradually. But from the beginning, we introduce many of Tricia’s friends in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. This makes Tricia’s life even before she slowly builds her connection with Elise, as their lives overlap.
I can talk about this series forever. But if all of this sounds fun and is worth mentioning from your beloved Yuri series, you can read all 118+ episodes for free on Webtoon Canvas. If you feel generous, I might even recommend you support Chantsky on Patreon as she works hard during the second season of the series. Happy Valentine’s Day, spread love! – Justin Guerrero
My Love Story with Yamada-Kun on LV999
Writer/Artist: Mashiro
translate: Nate Derr
letter: Kai Kyou & and World Design
Designer: Bone Leopard
edit: Rebecca Taylor
Production Editor: Loren Novik
Platform/Publisher: Mangamo (digital) and Inklore (physical)
I’m not a gamer, nor am I looking for series about games. But when I watch the anime adaptation My Love Story with Yamada-Kun on LV999I was surprised at how much I liked it. The series is a college student named Akane Kinoshita who was abandoned by his boyfriend for the girl he met online at an MMORPG called Forest of Savior. She tied Yamada to a fake boyfriend, making her former jealous, but the incident backfired. Despite her plan failing, she eventually became familiar with her famous relative, Yamada. Although Akane had played FOS before, this was her first time playing games as she made new friends and became closer to Yamada.
This is a lovely romcom. The dual setting between the real world and the game world adds another level to the emotional connection between Akane and Yamada. Akane’s life has been spinning around her ex-boyfriend for so long that she doesn’t have much independent personality after the breakup. It is satisfying to see her grow into herself. I also really like how Akane looks in college, which is not common in Shoujo. The age gap between Akane and Yamada (third year of high school) presents a series of related challenges to the story, such as trying to form an alliance schedule to meet achievement.
Although the game is not very prominent, FOS was originally a game for casual gamers, so why Yamada plays the game when he wants to play but is not serious. This makes the story focus on side characters like Tsubaki, who is obsessed with Yamada and Eita’s sister Runa.
It also has clichés, but one of my favorite romantic attitudes is: bubble, outspoken and exciting characters with an introvert, quiet and “contemplative” person. These two were initially the butt heads, especially the tendency of Sanda to speak out, who almost cruelly refused to admit to him. But Arkan’s effervescent character and sincere sincerity helped him out of his shell. – Hillary Liang
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