YMC #3:The Nana and Hitomi series

Genre: Yuri. romance, school life, drama.

Number of volumes: 1, 9 chapters.

Originally part of the one shot collection series, “Kisses, Sighs and Cherry Blossom Pink” by Milk Morinaga (Author of the critically acclaimed yuri manga, Girl Friends), originated one couple who had more than one story dedicated to them, they actually had 4: “Even if We’re Not Friends,” “If I Kiss Her Ring Finger,” “Chocolate Kiss Kiss,” and “Wishing on the Moon”. They’re MM’s personal favorite couple and since the public agreed, they got their own mini-series with 5 additional chapters.

This is the story of two girls who were friends in junior high but end up going to different high schools. Of course they end up together by the end of the 1st chapter but that’s only the beginning.

Now aside from being shorter than Girl Friends, NanaxHitomi (No official title was given as far as I know) also has a different take on the relationship, or rather a reversal. See, where GF focused mainly on building up Mari and Akko’s relationship, Nana and Hitomi’s centers around maintaining balance in it: Doing whatever it takes to stay together, overcoming all obstacles, including studies, friends, parents, trust, relationship status among each other, communication, just to name a few. It’s not as deep and intense as in Octave but it’s definitely taken seriously, as it should be. It gives the reader a “not so rough and tough” view on what lesbians go through after becoming a legitimate romantic couple and not just sex friends.

As for what’s the main difference, personality-wise, between Nana and Hitomi? Nana is soft spoken but more gutsy in the romance dept, while Hitomi is the athletic girl who wants to be the responsible one in the couple. What do I mean? Read the manga to find out. Like I mentioned in the page’s intro, I’m not very good at reviewing manga for some reason. It should be easy for me but I seem to have difficulty in some parts, especially character descriptions.

In conclusion: There’s really no reason for yuri fans to skip this awesome mini-series. It’s from Milk Morinaga after all and just as good (Maybe better? It’s debatable) as Girl Friends. Also, check out the other short stories in the “Kisses, Sighs and Cherry Blossom Pink” set for more yuri goodness.

P.S.: Yes I know Nana and Hitomi look 99% similar to Mari and Akko but that’s because MM likes drawing relationships between long and short haired girls (not butch cuts though).