I really liked this series. Maybe even loved. In fact, when I read the last chapter, ch. 36, my heart felt somewhat heavy. So far, I've only read rather comedic yuri manga, like Sasameki Koto or Candy Boy. This is the first yuri manga that I've read that is almost completely serious with very little humor. I like how the relationship in this manga has a tad bit of mystery, not knowing what the characters are thinking at times, and how it is pretty realistic apart from a few of the overdone scenarios. Some questions were also left unanswered by the end, but I was still satisfied. The characters are likeable, Setsuko being my favorite. Their actions and thoughts are realistic. (REALISM IS IMPORTANT IN 'SLICE OF LIFE' MANGA.) Their personalities are enjoyable, and the character develpoment is excellent. The story and plot overall is quite unique and good. This series explores common confusions of lesbians and the issues they can face in society.

Another thing I liked about this manga is the art. The lines are smooth and clean, and the illustrations are simple. The style is appropriate for a 'slice of life' manga.

I'll definately remember this series.

... Last updated on April 11th, 2011, 5:42pm

I'm not big on these sorts of stories and I'm not quite sure why I picked it up - guess I was expecting the characters to be fascinating trainwrecks of people from some things I've heard about it. They're not really.

It's not something that I liked from the beginning, but it's growing on me. I like the protagonist, even if I don't really care about the other characters or the romance much. She's interesting because she's somewhat narcissistic, and a weak person - but those attributes aren't taken to extremes - she's still an effective person even with her flaws. It makes her believable.

But ... yeah - forced drama and stuff. Lots of it. I enjoy reading about her but I don't really care for the angst and other stuff.

Whether or not you like this series depends on your tastes, I happened to enjoy reading it, but I'm sure (as can be seen from the other comments) that there are plenty of people who won't enjoy it. The manga revolves a lot around the growth of the protagonist as she matures and tries to deal with her own insecurities while also trying to figure out what it is that she wants out of life (since her dreams of being an idol are now dead). I would say that this manga's a bit different from other yuri mangas (at least the ones i've read so far) in that it delves more deeply into the main character's orientation and the issues that result from her confusion, uncertainty, and curiosity in that regard. It's a serious manga, there's very little humor, if any. I found myself confused at times because it wasn't clear what's motivating characters to act the way they do until things get explained later down the line. But then again, people rarely fully understand their own actions, and that's just another thing that I think makes this manga a bit unique, as the reader is left wondering what the characters are thinking at times. Personally, it annoyed me a bit while I was reading it, but looking back now, I actually appreciate that aspect of the manga not only because it's unique but also because it's more of a reflection of real life, where you're left guessing what other people are thinking (though the manga doesn't leave you completely in the dark). Oh yeah, just a note, currently, CH34 is the most recent release (a little bit of a spoiler ahead). From what's happened so far, this manga is also unique in that everybody doesn't just accept the lesbian couple, an issue that would most certainly arise in real life, although I'm disappointed by the fact that, as of yet, the parents aren't aware of it (I've only read a couple of manga where the parental issue is actually dealt with in some way, shape or form, and even then, i've never read one where it's fully dealt with), although there's still that possibility since the manga's still ongoing.

Perhaps my only true criticism is that it's a bit too drama-oriented, in that it tries too hard to create issues, and at times it comes across as forced. Yes, Yukino and Setsuko are a bit insecure in their relationship, but I don't think that means that they're going to fight or get jealous anytime one of them spends time with someone else. Or how (slight spoiler, I suppose) people with feelings for Yukino just suddenly start popping up out of the ground.

... Last updated on January 30th, 2011, 10:30pm

some very harsh criticism on this board, and in my opinion it doesn't do the series justice.

It is what it is, a DRAMA yuri oriented manga. It focuses alot on the characters personal growth and problems they faces as young adults, and to be honest I don't see how is this series is cliche, since apparently the manga targeting at young adults and their sex lives are just so ramparts these days right? /sarcasm

It is worth reading, even just for the characters developments. Check it yourself

... Last updated on August 25th, 2010, 3:11am

Started out pretty decent, has a 'down' period of a couple of chapters that almost made me stop reading this. Chapter 30 (current) gave me some hope for a decent continuation.
Not as good as 'Sasameki Koto' although this manga has a more 'serious' note.

Also, I just can't seem to like the (indecisive and very weak) main character. Her actions are too exaggerated and annoying. This makes it hard for me to empathise with her (which is pretty important in a serious manga).

What this manga lacks is something unique, something original. The only originality so far is in it lacking humour.
Still a good read though and the author has obviously put some effort into this.

p.s. I live in a country where people are very straightforward with each-other, so my failure to associate and said annoyance are probably due to culture difference.

It's cliched, and not to mention the main character's very feminist attitude is quite annoying. I understand this is a yuri manga, but christ does the author have to inject her with lines like "Wow, men don't even look at my face, and only check me out." Reality check, female do that too.

It's enjoyable but the main character really annoys me at times.

It's a usual type of romance, where the protagonist has many emotional weaknesses, and a more confident woman takes an interest in her and shows her how to overcome them. But it's not trivial; the characters and narrative are more complex than I've seen before in this type of romance.

I don't know how far into the romance the story will take us, and at v1c6 the story is still being carried by the protagonist's growth. Still, it's really well-done. If you can make it past chapter one, which is a little bit slow and builds the story upon a few cliches, you should definitely be able to see for yourself..

...but it's still a bit early to tell. I'm always wary about all things yuri found in seinen mags. It seems more a rule than an exception that that particular combo must lead to completely lame pandering to slobbering hordes of boys who just want girl on girl action. (Not that there's anything inherently wrong with that kind of action, as long as it's not merely a substitute for actual story and believable characters ;)

This may be a bit unfair on Octave, though, things are looking up so far. But, again, it's too early to really say.