Interviews with Monster Girls
A real favorite anime of mine, I finally decided to read the manga and was not disappointed.
I relate to Tetsuo on a deep level and enjoy his special interest in a "game meets game" sorta way. The way he approaches the monster girls with genuine academic intent and sometimes loses himself in analysis is very similar to my own experiences studying sexology. In addition, he's such a great mentor to the students and such a kind person that I found myself feeling comfortable when he was on screen. I fully understand why the demis take to him so strongly, he has a pleasant presence.
The monster girls are also a delightful element to engage with. Their monster traits and problems feel very grounded and realistic, no one is facing the end of the world but the problems can feel like the end of their world, if that makes sense. More are added to the roster as the story progresses and you really get this feeling of close knit community among the Demis.
For example, due Tetsuo's success in helping the demis and their success getting along with the other students, a demi from Okinawa gets sent to join the group. It feels real, like "hey there's this grass roots support group and we see you're having trouble with your demi nature. Go spend some time with people who can help."
She's a favorite character of mine. Her ability to read the people around her through the color of their eyes and aura provides interesting potential that I was delighted to see the story take advantage of. (Even expanding her power later thanks to some interdimensional mingling.) It's a neat character that I may just take inspiration from in my future writings.
Also, take note of the last panel. Notice how comfortable Tetsuo makes Higa feel. His genuine interest in her nature and history allows her to reach out for help without worry, his personality makes approaching him so easy it's GAH. FUDNSJEHEJE. FJKGFKJKGUFUH.
I also kinda got the feeling that Hikari is gay. It's stated that there's a romantic/sexual component to her wanting to feed on humans rather than blood bags. She chews on and has fed from her sister yes, but that's presented as a special thing between them that, while not romantic, is not something that can be replicated with another person.
Hikari repeatedly shows preference towards biting women over men when asked and she was even affected by her teachers succubus powers despite it being stated that the powers only work if you are attracted to women in the first place. This was explained as succubus powers having a special interaction with vampires, but I'm inclined to see a gay interpretation too. I think Hikari has some things to work through and I'm sad I didn't get to see it in the manga. Honestly, Hikari could easily the protagonist of a spin off where she confronts her vampiric nature more and comes to terms with her sexuality.
Anyway, 10/10. Not a Yuri but a fun time and one of my favorites. I didn't even get to the quantum-interdemsional shenanigans or the way this manga does a good job at presenting disability, albeit with a monsterific twist.
