Bless Volume 1: I Have No Talent
Bless by Yukino Sonoyama is a manga that I've waited to get an English release for nearly two years at this point. Even through challenges like a magazine change, it's found its way into the English market and will immediately capture readers with it's incredible art, impeccable style, and wonderfully strong characters. Its first volume passes in the blink of an eye, and will certainly leave readers wanting so much more- I at the least know that I'm desperate for the next volume to release, and I express that in the full review at Animehouse.
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Cinderella Closet Volume 1: Setting The Stage
I love series that challenge gender norms and conventional approaches to sexuality. I love series that have a wide range of style and clothing for the character. And I love cute and fun series. Cinderella Closet checks all those boxes with a modern and fun story that doesn't hide behind stereotypes or cliches in much of any facet.
So, what's it about? Haruka's a freshly 20-year old university student living in Tokyo, who exists in the shadows of the dreams she had for her future. She doesn't have a boyfriend, she's not "trendy", and she's not incredibly popular. Then comes along a golden opportunity to go out with her work crush. But, I mean, have you seen what she looks like? The situation's real dire, so by chance Haruka runs into Hikaru, and the stars align for a fairy godmother to take the stage and turn Haruka into Cinderella.
Cinderella Closet revolves around the dynamic of stylish and chic Hikaru coaxing (though more like wrenching) Haruka out from within her shell. There's not a huge amount of details in regards to the fashion, but they more than provide various details and the reasoning behind dressing Haruka as they do.
More than that though, it's a commentary on the power of fashion and beauty that exists. I think it works really well given Hikaru and Haruka as opposites. The first being the man that dresses as a beautiful woman, and the woman that has a hard time being perceived as one normally. Each have ways in which they remain alienated from self-acceptance and confidence, but through fashion as a medium they're able to find the ability to stand tall and be proud of themselves, and confidently declare that they're beautiful.
And I think that's really all there is to say with any profound statement. It's reclaiming the beauty standards placed on women as a form of empowerment and confidence, and is making a damn cute pass at it as well. Haruka is helplessly funny without any intention of being so, and Hikaru plays a great straight man to her act. The two get on like a house on fire, and while it might seem a little odd based on the time that elapses between interactions and the like, I really enjoy the various moments that they show.
What I think sells it for me is how Haruka views Hikaru, and how Hikaru treats Haruka. It has nothing to do with gender or sexuality, and instead is a bond formed through their shared passions and interests, and is expressed as such. Hikaru sees how much of a great person Haruka is, and tries to protect her while giving her that push in the back she needs. And Haruka just does what anyone should do for Hikaru, treats them like a normal person. It doesn't matter that they're a man, it doesn't matter that they enjoy dressing as a woman, and anything else in-between is about as insignificant as Hikaru wants it to be.
It's really great, and represents this very unique two-way street where each person approaches it differently. They each adore each other because they embody what the other desires. Haruka sees Hikaru as the pinnacle of fashion and beauty, and aspires to reach their levels of confidence and pride that they carry themselves with. Meanwhile Hikaru sees Haruka as a version of themselves. A version that is wary about being themselves, but at the end of the day is able to spread their wings and fly. Despite neither being perfect or what they believe the other person wants them to be, they both see a light in the other that they can't find in themselves.
Okay, enough of the big talk, let's get some fun stuff in here! I loved the jokes and (attempt at) modern humor in the manga. I think the translator struggled a little with some pieces, but nonetheless we get straight up memes in this first volume (have to use a picture of the physical manga as fan and official TL differ on this dialogue).
Also, absolutely credit to this random guy, he knows where it's at.
And just to finish it off, some housekeeping. Given that it's adults in the story here, it's enjoyably spicy about it. Not that anything happens, but they're comfortable in sharing what's typically considered more "adult" information. In that sense, I think the tertiary interactions of Hikaru, and Haruka's boyfriend/crush Kurotaki are really nice. There's a good air of hostility and some decent common ground found through Hikaru's defense of Haruka.
Cinderella Closet certainly takes a bit of time getting moving, but I can appreciate that it works to establish solid footing before running away with it. You don't get reveals right away, confrontation doesn't turn into conflict immediately, and feelings are made crystal clear at the drop of the hat. In opposition though, fashion is apparent throughout, and is used both as a tool and a weapon in countless ways. Putting it together, it gives you something that has a solid thread to follow, but isn't afraid of reaching out from it to explore other pieces.
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