The Yuri Genre has come a long way. From gimmicks such as the protagonist being a male and transforming into a girl, subsequently having a stupid romance, to the classic incest trope (though that's still a thing), and, of course, steamy-filled smut with the little plot (though if done right, smut is good ;) ).
Anyways, this list is my favorite Yuri Manga and Manhwa, in no particular order!
Hello Melancholic! - Yayoi Ohsawa
I'm so happy this finally got serialized and published through Seven seas. I originally read this manga on a sketchy site, but now everyone has the opportunity to read this beauty. The way this story depicts the main characters' slow romance is so sweet and tender. God, I love it.
Minato is a tall and awkward high school girl. She doesn't like to stand out, but she has a great talent for the Trombone. She is scouted by the charismatic upperclassman, Hibiki, to join their hodge-podge of a music club. Minato struggles to join a band again after her past, but the ever-persistent Hibiki is not taking no for an answer.
Hana & Hina After School - Milk Morinaga
This manga is another slow burn. You'll realize quickly that it's my weakness. I like what I like, what can I say? I enjoyed the series approach to introducing our leading ladies. They start out as strangers with nothing in common. Even their first impressions of each other aren't so great. But as each page turns, It doesn't take long to understand why they make a great couple.
Their school doesn't allow part-time work, but Hina and Hana secretly work at a cute shop. Hanna is a petite girl who loves fashion and Hina is tall and intense; with a love for cute things. They initially don't get along and misunderstand each other. But as they open up they learn they really enjoy their time together.
That Time I Was Blackmailed By the Class’s Green Tea Bitch -
This is a Manhwa, and aside from the weird name title, it's an adorable read. I looked up the meaning of "Green Tea Bitch", and it's a stereotype. It refers to a woman that appears to be innocent but is actually calculating and deceiving.
The only thing deceiving here is the title. Rest assured, these characters are a goofy and loving pairing. The series is still ongoing, and I'm dying to know the ending!
The story is about Lin Luxi, a closeted gay, who yearns for romance. She spends most of her days studying and keeping to herself. But a misunderstanding forms an odd friendship with the misunderstood Tong Tong. The two become friends but quickly grow feelings for each other.
Bloom Into You - Nakatani Nio
Out of all the series on this list, this is my favorite. It's confident in its themes and the story it wants to tell. It doesn't stray from the plot, yet expands on each character's motivations and growth.
Media often disillusion young girls about romance, and because of that, it's difficult to understand what love is. I think it's an important topic for young girls.
Yuu has never fallen in love. She loves how romance is depicted in shojo manga and imagines that her first love will feel like that. But when an old classmate confesses to her, she feels nothing. On the other hand, class president Nanami falls in love with Yuu at first sight. Yuu wants to fall in love, so she tries to understand her.
Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon - Shio Usui
I've talked about this manga before, so I won't say much. I'll summarize by saying I appreciate that this is a romance between two adults. Don't get me wrong, I take what I get when it comes to Yuri, but sometimes, I'd like to read about characters close to my age.
Hinako's and Asahi's slow realization of their feelings toward each other is natural and sweet.
Monologue Woven For You - Syu Yasaka
This Manga series is also still ongoing. It stands out with the fully colored pages, alone. However, the story is also intriguing with lovable characters. It's early in the plot but I'm already invested and curious about the little mysteries scattered around.
Haruka abandoned her dream of theatre, but she is brought back when she meets Nao in college. Nao is a passionate theatre major determined to perform on stage. Supporting her new friend, she can see how talented Nao is and reminds Haruka that she still loves theater. Will she return to being an actress?
The Summer You Were There - Yuama
Another ongoing series, sadly. But the great thing about this list is most of these are either already completed or serilized with plans to publish. I enjoy this manga in particular because I relate to Shizuku. She struggles with the image of her past self, shaping her as a timid and shameful person, filled with guilt. It's a heavy and complicated series of emotions I believe the author depicts well.
Shizuku likes to keep to herself. She spends her time writing her novel, which she intends never to show. But her bubbly classmate, Kaori, changes everything when she discovers Shizukus's manuscript and suggests they date as material for her next book!
Blooming Sequence - Lee Eul
Another Manhwa, another gem. I love this series because it depicts a new relationship, so well. The awkwardness, learning about your partner's habits and understanding the importance of communication and honesty. Relationships can be fun, especially in the beginning, but sooner or later things get serious. You'll eventually open up, be vulnerable, and tackle problems together. I just think this series tells a "first serious" relationship in a genuine way.
Sewoo is a junior in college. She is the president of the film club. Hayoung is a freshman who has just joined the club. The two quickly become friends and feel comfortable with each other. But Sewoo finds herself falling in love for the first time.
Girlfriends - Milk Morinaga
This is a classic, in my opinion. It's not perfect, definitely a bit dated, but I still enjoy this series. It's a simple tale of friends to lovers that I think most will enjoy.
Mariko is an honest and studious high school student. Ako is a popular and fashionable classmate who wants to become friends with Mari. They become friends through make-up, and fashion, transforming Mari from plain to chic. Their time spent together brings deeper feelings toward each other, and they fear it may destroy their friendship.
There is much more Manga that I wanted to include, but then this post would be too long. I hope you enjoyed this read, I meant to post this yesterday. So, sorry about that. Take care, and let me know if you know of these mangas or some of your own favorites.
