2019 was a challenging year for many, in and
out of the anime community, which is still reeling from the horrific attack at
Kyoto Animation’s first studio in July that killed 36 people. However, I want
to take this moment, as we start a new decade, to reflect on some of the
greatest achievements in Yuri.
2019 marked the genre’s 100th anniversary, 100
years since Nobuko Yoshiya released her landmark lesbian novel Yaneura no
Nishojo that shaped and created Yuri as we know it. It was possible Yuri’s best
years ever, as more incredible titles were released and localized, we
experienced fantastic events and moments, and more. This article is part of my
continuing celebration of all things Yuri!
Note that many of the works mentioned came out
before 2019, but they either were first released in English during 2019 or hit
particular high points during this year. Now then, here is the best of Yuri in
2019!
15:
SukeraSparo
This
Japanese Yuri visual novel developer is starting to reach new heights as they
set their sights on releasing new and innovate Yuri titles. The English release
of The Expression Amrilato, an educational Yuri visual novel that teaches the
player Esperanto, was one of the most unique and creative works I have the
pleasure of playing this year. But, they outdid themselves this year, releasing
a sequel, Itsuka no Memorajxo, creating one of the most beautiful Yuri games in Folklore of Kudan, and founding a sister brand, SukeraSomero, “to fill
the world with YURI!”
The Expression Amrilato is available in English for PC on Steam and Mangagamer
14: Mage & Demon Queen
This outrageous and vivacious webcomic hits its
stride in Season 2. After setting a solid foundation, this masterpiece by Kuru
“Color-LES” is finally able to explore some more interesting plot lines such as
its characters’ pasts, conflicts between the demons and humans, and figuring
out who’s gonna be the bottom (it’s Malori, it was always going to be Malori).
It is chock full of modern humor and moments I can only describe as hilariously
kinky, while rarely feeling gross of sleazy. I can only wait to see what is
next for these star-crossed lovers.
Mage & Demon Queen: is available to read in English on Webtoon
13: Yuri Anthologies
In
2018, Yen Press gave us the first hint of some Yuri anthologies starting to
squeak into the West with Éclair, but 2019 threw the floodgates open! New works are
coming out in both Japan and the West, featuring multiple artists coming
together to create works featuring workplace romance, isekai, first-time
stories, and even MARRIAGE!! Additionally, creators released volumes collecting
their various short stories, like Rouge Nagashiro’s Eve and Eve, and
some series saw multiple artists contribute to an already established world
such as in the Bloom
Into You Anthologies.
12: SHWD
Sono’s
science fiction Yuri doujinshi series, published in English by Lilyka, is
everything I did not know I wanted in a Yuri series. It showcases
pulse-pounding action as the women of the “Special Hazardous Waste Disposal”
fight to take down the horrific Dynamis. It has musclebound beasts of women
that exude strength, power, and femininity at all times. And it has a
compelling story about overcoming personal conflicts and learning to rely on
others.
I’m gonna be honest I love the idea of Eri, Kouta and Lock Rock’s kid being friends in the future (yes I know Lock Rock’s child is like 5 years younger than the other two but I’m shortening it to 2 because My City Now)
