It is the charm and earnestness of Milk Morinaga’...
投稿日:2012/04/19
It is the charm and earnestness of Milk Morinaga’s art and storytelling that carry the day, particularly in the case of the central romance between Nana Kobayashi and Hitomi Fujimori. The book has always been a compilation of the stories that Morinaga published through the previously mentioned magazines, but here she establishes a feeling (and a fan base), through this couple, that would go on to greater recognition through her later ”Girl Friends” series. Thus, one could easily call Nana and Hitomi the blueprint characters for what is now the more widely recognized style of the author.
The stories here feature high school girls, yes, but they should mean something to anyone who remembers going through the ache of first love during those particular years. Most of the chapters have a wistful, open-ended feeling to them, but there are also confessions and physical affection shown. And in the case of Nana and Hitomi, the potential of something long-lasting and great is presented (a fact that is explored in the next - and final - volume of the series). There is no doubt about the seriousness with which the two approach their relationship.
This is a very worthy purchase for both old and new fans of the artist, and a great addition to the yuri enthusiast’s shelf. The real treat here is finally having a printed copy of ”Chocolate Kiss Kiss” and ”Wishing on the Moon”, two chapters of the main story that weren’t published in the earlier, Yuri Hime imprint of the book, as they were run by the magazine later that year. I can’t be the only relieved and delighted fan.
Also, while they’re still available, the art card featuring Hitomi and a message from Morinaga-sensei is a nice bonus - quite unexpected on my end. :)