#blooming sequence

Finished reading Blooming Sequence.

I started reading non-japanese GL comics recently and I had the pleasure of stumbling upon this gem.

I absolutely loved it! I liked it so much that it motivated me to write a new post about it here, which I usually reserve only for stuff that I want more people to look into and also for myself to remember all the really good comics I read.

I loved the two leads in this, especially Sewoo is a literal angel. Watching her get over her self-esteem issues made me remember how I had to deal with that when I was in my early 20s and I could relate to her a lot regarding her relationship with her family.

The growth and maturing that Hayoung went through was also very interesting and captivating to watch. Her getting over her trauma and abandonment issues was one of the most interesting plot points in my opinion.

The art was pretty good, it was very obvious how the skill of the artist grew over time.

I am brainstorming content I could make for this blog, but, unfortunately, most of my creativity is in the form of the written word. I can't like draw or anything. So, I was thinking one idea for content could be live blogging about the yuri content I read, whether its books, manga, manhwa, etc. My question is: is this something people would be interested in? Would you still be interested if it is a yuri that finished publication five years ago with no updates since?

By live blogging, I mean specifically posting my responses to, analysis of, and thoughts on whatever yuri material I am reading as I am reading it. These responses will probably have an emphasis on analysis, particularly when it comes to story structure and the actual craft aspects of the writing. I would also be sharing my favorite panels from each chapter, or passages if it is prose.

I have a Masters of Art in English with a concentration in literature, and have studied creative writing extensively, so I think I may have some interesting things to say, but I am just wondering if anyone would be interested in that content.

I also plan on doing reviews and stuff, but those are probably weeks away as I am currently wrapped up in other writing projects, but I don't want this blog to collect dust.

so, let me know if that is something you'd be interested in, i guess? I mean, I don't really have an audience yet, so I don't exactly expect a ton of response.

Ohhh hello anon!

Hm, let's think

Among my favorites are:

Bloom into You (Anime / Manga)

Blooming Sequence (Manhwa)

The Maitino storyline from Acacias 38 (Telenovela)

Since these two are most likely going to become canon from the looks of it, allow me to also add RWBY (Animated web series)

Whatever the heck Nibutani and Dekomori had going on from Chuunibyou (Anime / Light Novel)

And these two already pierced through my heart from The Executioner and Her Way of Life (Anime / Manga / Light Novel)

EDIT:

Oh god how did I forget about Cophine from Orphan Black?! (TV show)

The Yuri Genre has come a long way. From gimmicks such as the protagonist being a male and transforming into a girl, subsequently having a stupid romance, to the classic incest trope (though that's still a thing), and, of course, steamy-filled smut with the little plot (though if done right, smut is good ;) ).

Anyways, this list is my favorite Yuri Manga and Manhwa, in no particular order!

Hello Melancholic! - Yayoi Ohsawa

I'm so happy this finally got serialized and published through Seven seas. I originally read this manga on a sketchy site, but now everyone has the opportunity to read this beauty. The way this story depicts the main characters' slow romance is so sweet and tender. God, I love it.

Minato is a tall and awkward high school girl. She doesn't like to stand out, but she has a great talent for the Trombone. She is scouted by the charismatic upperclassman, Hibiki, to join their hodge-podge of a music club. Minato struggles to join a band again after her past, but the ever-persistent Hibiki is not taking no for an answer.

Hana & Hina After School - Milk Morinaga

This manga is another slow burn. You'll realize quickly that it's my weakness. I like what I like, what can I say? I enjoyed the series approach to introducing our leading ladies. They start out as strangers with nothing in common. Even their first impressions of each other aren't so great. But as each page turns, It doesn't take long to understand why they make a great couple.

Their school doesn't allow part-time work, but Hina and Hana secretly work at a cute shop. Hanna is a petite girl who loves fashion and Hina is tall and intense; with a love for cute things. They initially don't get along and misunderstand each other. But as they open up they learn they really enjoy their time together.

That Time I Was Blackmailed By the Class’s Green Tea Bitch -

Xian Jun

This is a Manhwa, and aside from the weird name title, it's an adorable read. I looked up the meaning of "Green Tea Bitch", and it's a stereotype. It refers to a woman that appears to be innocent but is actually calculating and deceiving.

The only thing deceiving here is the title. Rest assured, these characters are a goofy and loving pairing. The series is still ongoing, and I'm dying to know the ending!

The story is about Lin Luxi, a closeted gay, who yearns for romance. She spends most of her days studying and keeping to herself. But a misunderstanding forms an odd friendship with the misunderstood Tong Tong. The two become friends but quickly grow feelings for each other.

Bloom Into You - Nakatani Nio

Out of all the series on this list, this is my favorite. It's confident in its themes and the story it wants to tell. It doesn't stray from the plot, yet expands on each character's motivations and growth.

Media often disillusion young girls about romance, and because of that, it's difficult to understand what love is. I think it's an important topic for young girls.

Yuu has never fallen in love. She loves how romance is depicted in shojo manga and imagines that her first love will feel like that. But when an old classmate confesses to her, she feels nothing. On the other hand, class president Nanami falls in love with Yuu at first sight. Yuu wants to fall in love, so she tries to understand her.

Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon - Shio Usui

I've talked about this manga before, so I won't say much. I'll summarize by saying I appreciate that this is a romance between two adults. Don't get me wrong, I take what I get when it comes to Yuri, but sometimes, I'd like to read about characters close to my age.

Hinako's and Asahi's slow realization of their feelings toward each other is natural and sweet.

Monologue Woven For You - Syu Yasaka

This Manga series is also still ongoing. It stands out with the fully colored pages, alone. However, the story is also intriguing with lovable characters. It's early in the plot but I'm already invested and curious about the little mysteries scattered around.

Haruka abandoned her dream of theatre, but she is brought back when she meets Nao in college. Nao is a passionate theatre major determined to perform on stage. Supporting her new friend, she can see how talented Nao is and reminds Haruka that she still loves theater. Will she return to being an actress?

The Summer You Were There - Yuama

Another ongoing series, sadly. But the great thing about this list is most of these are either already completed or serilized with plans to publish. I enjoy this manga in particular because I relate to Shizuku. She struggles with the image of her past self, shaping her as a timid and shameful person, filled with guilt. It's a heavy and complicated series of emotions I believe the author depicts well.

Shizuku likes to keep to herself. She spends her time writing her novel, which she intends never to show. But her bubbly classmate, Kaori, changes everything when she discovers Shizukus's manuscript and suggests they date as material for her next book!

VOLUMES

Blooming Sequence - Lee Eul

Another Manhwa, another gem. I love this series because it depicts a new relationship, so well. The awkwardness, learning about your partner's habits and understanding the importance of communication and honesty. Relationships can be fun, especially in the beginning, but sooner or later things get serious. You'll eventually open up, be vulnerable, and tackle problems together. I just think this series tells a "first serious" relationship in a genuine way.

Sewoo is a junior in college. She is the president of the film club. Hayoung is a freshman who has just joined the club. The two quickly become friends and feel comfortable with each other. But Sewoo finds herself falling in love for the first time.

Girlfriends - Milk Morinaga

This is a classic, in my opinion. It's not perfect, definitely a bit dated, but I still enjoy this series. It's a simple tale of friends to lovers that I think most will enjoy.

Mariko is an honest and studious high school student. Ako is a popular and fashionable classmate who wants to become friends with Mari. They become friends through make-up, and fashion, transforming Mari from plain to chic. Their time spent together brings deeper feelings toward each other, and they fear it may destroy their friendship.

What is worst that I know I'm still going to do it again.