Indigo Blue

...there is definitely something missing from this story; that being, any meaningful dialogue between Rutsu and her two lovers. As far as I could see, the only person with whom she ever carried out thought-provoking and compelling conversations was her married male friend.

In the end, the fact that she chose the female editor over the male one seemed to depend solely on the fact that she felt 'violated' during intercourse with the man (though she still claims to have enjoyed it), but 'safer' when she was with the woman. Perhaps the reason I find this kind of thing unpleasant is because I'm asexual? That may well be so, but while I'm not silly enough to expect expressions of undying love or anything of the sort, I do require at least one other reason for a couple's being together besides "She turns me on more than he does...though he isn't bad either."

It has been scientifically proven that relationships based solely on sexual desire will last no longer than a couple of years -- so perhaps Yamaji Ebine is actually trying to imply such a thing? If that was her intention, Indigo Blue succeeds quite marvelously. If not, then...things didn't turn out quite as well as they were meant to. I couldn't say for certain.

[ I always used to disagree with people who claimed that BL / GL are tasteless and too dependent on the characters' sexual desires to drive the story. But recently, I'm beginning to think that they may well be right. Perhaps I should seriously consider reading heterosexual romance manga once more... ]

Apart from those negative points, however, the manga is fairly well-written. The characters feel very realistic; and except for the love-at-first-sight trope, the course of events is quite believable given the ages, social status and personalities of the characters. Some interesting issues regarding gender and sexuality were discussed, and the development of the relationship (though fast) was not too jarring.

The art is simple, sketchy, and not in the least beautiful; but that is understandable since Indigo Blue is aimed towards adult women and not shoujo fans.

All in all, if you are a fan of realistic yuri, I'd recommend Love My Life over this one.

... Last updated 13 years ago

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This is josei

by clostridium
15 years ago

Rating: 9.0 / 10.0

That's right. This is a yuri but this is also a josei work so it would be wise not to expect something that it can't give you.

This manga requires a certain level of maturity not because this deals with homosexuality but because most of the emotions and situations (and how they are told) can be a little hard for others to understand and truly appreciate.

Beauty isn't measured by the amount of details one can fit in a page. I, for one, think that the art fit perfectly. The art itself contributed to the storytelling.

Also, to the reviewer who stated that the title has nothing to do with the manga: Read.

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REAL good stuff

by Bloodfall
15 years ago

Rating: 10.0 / 10.0

As the author stated, this is not a history about "answers" but about the "questions".

The way the relationships and the characters were presented deserves a 11/10.
I Don't think I can point a manga that done it better than this one.

The artwork were 8/10, it's a simple drawing but i didn't felt annoyed by that, 'cause, you know, the writting is also art.

10/10 'cause i cant give it 11

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A Perfect Ten

by kreatur
15 years ago

Rating: 10.0 / 10.0

I usually don't do comments, but seeing as the only one here is from a guy who gave it a 6.5 i have to take stand.

The story is mature, touching, real, makes you identify with the characters without realizing it. It's not shoujo play, it's real life. I'm 26 and somehow understand why younger people don't like it, it takes to have had a mature relationship to be able to enjoy this manga.

The art is simple and to the point, timid lines, simple faces, perfect for the story we have here.

I actually like this so much that i started translating it into my language (romanian).

... Last updated 15 years ago

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Great story... no artwork ^_^

by Master_M2K
18 years ago

Rating: 6.5 / 10.0

The title of this manga has nothing to do with it; this is just a Yuri oneshot manga with a well-written story. Although it’s a oneshot the story and romantic relationship managed to develop well at a decently, realistic pace. However the major thing that let it down wasn’t the lack of story but the lack of any artwork.

It is a good story to waste an hour of your time but it’s nothing too special. ^_^

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