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Girl Friends [ガールフレンズ] #1
Girl Friends [ガールフレンズ], Volume 1
At first glance, Mari Kumakura is a rather plain, ordinary looking girl who's grades are at the top of her class. She has very few friends, is normally rather shy, and eats lunch by herself. One day, she is approached by the super cute, super popular Akko Oohashi, who claims she wants to be friends. Mari is at first very suspicious of her true intentions, but eventually comes to realize she's not a bad person. After a hair cut and some fashion tips, Akko quickly transforms Mari into one of the cutest girls in the school. In no time, Mari and Akko are best friends, but unbeknownst to Akko, Mari starts to develop feelings that are more than just "friends."
146 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2007
67 people are currently reading
1851 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 15, 2018
Lovely beginning of a romance story.
Girl Friends is manga about Mari, shy high school student, and outgoing Akko, her classmate. They go to all-girl school. Akko befriends Mari, they become friends and later best friends. For the most part, vol. 1 is about Mari and Akko getting to know each other, the romantic scene happens in the very end. However, it’s obvious how Mari feels about Akko, she blushes around Akko, she thinks about Akko a lot etc.
The illustrations are rather simplistic, panels consists of mostly faces without much of a background but it works here.
Going into the story, I hoped to read a sweet f/f romance story and I’m happy to say it’s definitely what I wanted.
Milk Morinaga takes time to establish their friendship before any romance. Also I appreciated the way these teen protagonists are portrayed, they are not sexualized, there are no inappropriate angles or fishy panels.
The two words to describe the manga: sweet & endearing.
Girl Friends is manga about Mari, shy high school student, and outgoing Akko, her classmate. They go to all-girl school. Akko befriends Mari, they become friends and later best friends. For the most part, vol. 1 is about Mari and Akko getting to know each other, the romantic scene happens in the very end. However, it’s obvious how Mari feels about Akko, she blushes around Akko, she thinks about Akko a lot etc.
The illustrations are rather simplistic, panels consists of mostly faces without much of a background but it works here.
Going into the story, I hoped to read a sweet f/f romance story and I’m happy to say it’s definitely what I wanted.
Milk Morinaga takes time to establish their friendship before any romance. Also I appreciated the way these teen protagonists are portrayed, they are not sexualized, there are no inappropriate angles or fishy panels.
The two words to describe the manga: sweet & endearing.
May 20, 2024
Lo siento pero para mí no todo vale…
Besar a otra persona que no es más que una amistad mientras duerme… lo siento pero no. Hay cosas que no podemos romantizar, así sean dos niñas de no más de 16 años.
Besar a otra persona que no es más que una amistad mientras duerme… lo siento pero no. Hay cosas que no podemos romantizar, así sean dos niñas de no más de 16 años.
March 2, 2012
This is very sweet, and the art is pretty. The slow unfolding of the friendship, reaching towards romance, between Akko and Mari is very well done and touching, and I really want to keep reading and watching their unfolding relationship. The only thing holding it back from five stars is that the focus on Mari learning how to be "feminine" - hair styling, nail polish, cuticles, clothes - gets a bit much at times!
July 8, 2023
4.5/5**
May 26, 2019
Reseña de toda la serie: Una historia muy dulce que cuenta la relación de 2 chicas de forma realista. El argumento es agradable y está bien trabajado porque el sentimiento se desarrolla con el tiempo y de forma coherente, nada de amores a primara vista; además de casar muy bien las personalidades dispares de las chicas, logrando que se complementen en lugar de quedar forzadas como pareja. Además, se tratan temas como miedos e inseguridades de la adolescencia, pero sin caer en clichés ni drama barato e innecesario por ser una relación lésbica. Y hay amistad y confianza entre chicas bien representada. Muy recomendable para quien le gusten las historias de romance cotidiano.
March 25, 2020
2.5?
Tengo sentimientos encontrados en cuanto a este manga: me encanta que la protagonista por fin se haya sentido incluida en el grupo, y haya encontrado a una "amiga" con la que se siente tan a gusto, pero muchas veces no queda claro si se comporta de esa forma porque quiere o simplemente para encajar, y en lugar de ser más ella misma, parece que desaparece cuando está con el resto. Vamos, que mientras que podría ser el camino hacia una relación romántica muy cuqui, no ha acabado de convencerme.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados en cuanto a este manga: me encanta que la protagonista por fin se haya sentido incluida en el grupo, y haya encontrado a una "amiga" con la que se siente tan a gusto, pero muchas veces no queda claro si se comporta de esa forma porque quiere o simplemente para encajar, y en lugar de ser más ella misma, parece que desaparece cuando está con el resto. Vamos, que mientras que podría ser el camino hacia una relación romántica muy cuqui, no ha acabado de convencerme.
March 29, 2020
Este manga no está mal para ser el comienzo de una historia. Creo que algunas conversaciones podrían estar mucho mejor, pero engancha bastante y el final te deja con ganas de más.
Estoy deseando leer el siguiente para ver qué ocurre con Mari y sus sentimientos.
Estoy deseando leer el siguiente para ver qué ocurre con Mari y sus sentimientos.
April 15, 2021
this was so adorable i really loved it, their friendship developing into romance it’s so cute
January 30, 2015
When I saw this in the Carlsen preview I squealed loudly, and proceeded to draw little hearts all over it. Because this is one of the sweetest, loveliest manga I've read, and because it's one of the best lesbian love stories I've read. Honestly, there are so many moments where I could say, "Yes, yes, this is what it feels like!". The author manages to capture the journey from becoming friends to becoming girlfriends so well, and as an added bonus this is *so cute*. And really funny. And did I mention sweet? <3
December 22, 2020
Really cute! I expected a bit more of the story and characters ... nonetheless I'll keep reading.
October 17, 2024
relacja mari i akko wydaje się bardzo naturalna i to chyba najbadzziej mi sie podobało, jest spokojna, za dużo się nie dzieje i nie będę raczej o niej często myśleć, ale na pewno będę kontynuować!
manga jednak ma swoje problemy, podejście przyjaciółek mari do wyglądu i wagi jest okropne i strasznie szkodliwe, ale nie wiem jak wyglada to w kontekście ich kultury, także jeżeli ktoś jest w stanie mi wyjaśnić czy to był celowy zabieg autorki czy nieświadomie wprowadzona szkodliwa treść to będę wdzięczna, thanks💗
manga jednak ma swoje problemy, podejście przyjaciółek mari do wyglądu i wagi jest okropne i strasznie szkodliwe, ale nie wiem jak wyglada to w kontekście ich kultury, także jeżeli ktoś jest w stanie mi wyjaśnić czy to był celowy zabieg autorki czy nieświadomie wprowadzona szkodliwa treść to będę wdzięczna, thanks💗
December 4, 2019
3.75 stars |
January 28, 2025
It's still one of the best yuri manga out there.
March 23, 2022
Sweet teen story
I enjoy the pace of this story and getting to be inside Mari's head. Watching her become her own person and discover friendship (and hints of more) is endearing.
I enjoy the pace of this story and getting to be inside Mari's head. Watching her become her own person and discover friendship (and hints of more) is endearing.
May 25, 2021
the only manga that has ever mattered
December 18, 2011
senbei recommends クローバー (IDコミックス), "First of all, as evidenced by the lack of any furigana and any content that could or would be misconstrued as adult, I think this book is being mis-marketed as josei when it should be shoujo. If for no better reason than because there's no nudity and damnit, it's annoying that i can read everything but the kanji.
Now that that is out of the way, I liked this volume. Unlike other mangaka I can think of , Morinaga Milk has a keen sense of characterization. Mariko ungoes a transformation throughout the story, and this volume in particular highlights that quite nicely. Sadly... Akko's character is barely sketched out in this book (it's until when the audience gets a chapter or two from her perspective that we start to rationalize who she is).
In addition, the art is quite nice and would have been fabulous if they had printed in B4 size and left the colored pages colorized. As it is, they desaturated them, and if I thought that was annoying when seen in Tokyopop or Viz, it's doubly so as seen in a real tankoubon. But still, there are some panels that are attractive enough to be passable.
The story is... probably its biggest drawback. In addition to the almost outlandish use of product advertising (I know for a fact there are a plethora of Real Simple-wannabe mags in Japan where they'd be more appropriate), and the truly sad way in which Mari is incapable of thinking for herself, the pacing is also quite trying. It seems that for every step forward the protagonist makes toward independence and emotional maturity, there are between 2 and 4 steps back in self-esteem. Also, as it's introduced in this book, the audience is incapable of understanding what Akko sees in Mari, besides being a My-Size Barbie. I do like Sugi and Tamami and I think they bring a much needed comic relief to the story, but of course they don't get their own stories."
Now that that is out of the way, I liked this volume. Unlike other mangaka I can think of , Morinaga Milk has a keen sense of characterization. Mariko ungoes a transformation throughout the story, and this volume in particular highlights that quite nicely. Sadly... Akko's character is barely sketched out in this book (it's until when the audience gets a chapter or two from her perspective that we start to rationalize who she is).
In addition, the art is quite nice and would have been fabulous if they had printed in B4 size and left the colored pages colorized. As it is, they desaturated them, and if I thought that was annoying when seen in Tokyopop or Viz, it's doubly so as seen in a real tankoubon. But still, there are some panels that are attractive enough to be passable.
The story is... probably its biggest drawback. In addition to the almost outlandish use of product advertising (I know for a fact there are a plethora of Real Simple-wannabe mags in Japan where they'd be more appropriate), and the truly sad way in which Mari is incapable of thinking for herself, the pacing is also quite trying. It seems that for every step forward the protagonist makes toward independence and emotional maturity, there are between 2 and 4 steps back in self-esteem. Also, as it's introduced in this book, the audience is incapable of understanding what Akko sees in Mari, besides being a My-Size Barbie. I do like Sugi and Tamami and I think they bring a much needed comic relief to the story, but of course they don't get their own stories."
August 11, 2021
Seeing as how many people will check the reviews of the first volume to check whether they want to read a series or not, I'll post my full review here:
Girl Friends was one of the very first yuri manga I ever read (after a year or so of reading VERY questionable yaoi manga) and to this day I can proudly say that it is my very favorite manga series. I love the characters a whole lot and adore the progression of Mari and Akko's relationship over the course of the five books. Book 3 is, in my eyes, the weakest book of the three, but it provides a central point of conflict that was probably necessary so that the two lovebirds can finally be honest to each other. The ending is a very very happy and optimistic one! There are a lot of cliché scenes of "but I'm a girl!/but we're both girls!/wait, women can date each other??/but friends do XYZ all the time and it doesn't matter!", but this seems to be a prerequisite of most yuri manga. Not to be overlooked: the cast of side characters is adorable and hilarious, with most every girl being their very own person and a great source of comic relief when necessary, which isn't always a given.
Girl Friends was one of the very first yuri manga I ever read (after a year or so of reading VERY questionable yaoi manga) and to this day I can proudly say that it is my very favorite manga series. I love the characters a whole lot and adore the progression of Mari and Akko's relationship over the course of the five books. Book 3 is, in my eyes, the weakest book of the three, but it provides a central point of conflict that was probably necessary so that the two lovebirds can finally be honest to each other. The ending is a very very happy and optimistic one! There are a lot of cliché scenes of "but I'm a girl!/but we're both girls!/wait, women can date each other??/but friends do XYZ all the time and it doesn't matter!", but this seems to be a prerequisite of most yuri manga. Not to be overlooked: the cast of side characters is adorable and hilarious, with most every girl being their very own person and a great source of comic relief when necessary, which isn't always a given.
June 30, 2021
Girlfriend è un manga Yuri edito in Italia da Magic Press Edizioni.
Una storia romantica, entusiasmante e delicata che sboccia tra due amiche 💜
Mari è una ragazza modello, estremamente tranquilla, riservata e dagli ottimi voti scolastici.
Ha però pochi amici e questo attira le attenzioni dell’esuberante e socievole Akko che tenta di tutto per riuscire a diventare sua amica.
Si assiste alla nascita, all’evoluzione e al rafforzamento sempre maggiore di un rapporto che riesce a fornire molteplici spunti di riflessione.
Una lettura semplice che regala diversi momenti divertenti ed anche alcuni piuttosto drammatici.
Se volete leggere l'intera recensione dell'opera andate qui
https://www.otakusjournal.it/manga-yu...
Una storia romantica, entusiasmante e delicata che sboccia tra due amiche 💜
Mari è una ragazza modello, estremamente tranquilla, riservata e dagli ottimi voti scolastici.
Ha però pochi amici e questo attira le attenzioni dell’esuberante e socievole Akko che tenta di tutto per riuscire a diventare sua amica.
Si assiste alla nascita, all’evoluzione e al rafforzamento sempre maggiore di un rapporto che riesce a fornire molteplici spunti di riflessione.
Una lettura semplice che regala diversi momenti divertenti ed anche alcuni piuttosto drammatici.
Se volete leggere l'intera recensione dell'opera andate qui
https://www.otakusjournal.it/manga-yu...
April 7, 2023
Fue un manga bastante entretenido, no tiene una historia muy compleja y menos siendo el volumen uno, pero es bastante bueno.Le pongo 3 estrellas y si pudiera le pondría 3.5 porque como dije es muy bueno, habla de la vida adolescente femenina de una manera muy real y dulce, además de que vamos viendo cómo la protagonista se va descubriendo poco a poco de una manera que se puede parecer al autodescubrimiento de muchas personas reales pero no me termina de gustar tanto como para darle 4 estrellas al menos no por ahora,ya que se me hizo bastante pesado.
February 1, 2023
I mean, it’s gay so it’s great. I like that at the end, there is more background about Akko as well as Mary. Since this is the first tomo I read, I wouldn’t say it’s unique, coming of age or deep. But it feels realistic and I believe that portrays a life that a lot of people nowadays are living. I hope the story gets more fruity, and if you are starting to read manga, I really recommend it as a beginning. =)
May 1, 2015
Was an incredible good manga! all of it was good the design, the story, the relationships! I love every page of it. I felt indentify with the character's feelings. It's hard not to, we have been in love for the first time and I kind of had felt the same.
Was kind and lovely. Very recommended to everyone! <3
Was kind and lovely. Very recommended to everyone! <3
April 14, 2013
Easy reading, yuri, about high school girls with their first love encounter.. Mari and Akko surely cute and I wish there r more story about them as couple, and not too much about the struggle to confess each other feeling... So, just read vol.4-5
October 7, 2016
In Italia ci ha messo quasi un decennio ad arrivare, ma mi sa che non eravamo pronti a un F/F. Manga carino, che si legge piacevolmente. Nel primo volume si parla di amicizie femminile all'interno della scuola, poi penso che la storia evolverà.
December 13, 2013
Cute. Friendly. Not exactly what I was looking for but I might keep reading it anyway.
December 31, 2013
I thought I didn't like drama-less, sweet romances. I thought they would be boring. I was wrong.
April 16, 2018
C'était vraiment pur et mignon.
February 14, 2024
please for the love of god stop making sapphics assault each other omg what kind of representation is this. and dieting together? sigh.
February 23, 2023
Esse mangá tem uma narrativa mais reservada e EXTREMAMENTE FOFA.
O desenvolvimento da amizade das meninas para um romance é tão puro, sem aquela sexualização insuportável das personagens que já estamos fartos de ver, aqui mostra lentamente pequenos detalhes que as levam para uma possível paixão entre elas.
Conhecemos então Mariko, uma garota que tem como hobby a leitura. Ela é tranquila, mais introvertida. Tem boas notas e é muito esforçada.
Já a Akko, sua colega de classe é totalmente o oposto, ela é muito extrovertida e tagarela, está sempre na moda e se socializa muito facilmente.
A princípio as duas não tem absolutamente nada de semelhante, mas a relação entre elas vai se estreitando cada vez que se aproximam uma da outra, uma amizade que surge mais sentimentos que o esperado começa.
Esse é sempre o tipo de GL que eu adoro, assim como Bloom Into you. A delicadeza que a relação das duas vai sendo construída me apaixona junto haha ❤️
O desenvolvimento da amizade das meninas para um romance é tão puro, sem aquela sexualização insuportável das personagens que já estamos fartos de ver, aqui mostra lentamente pequenos detalhes que as levam para uma possível paixão entre elas.
Conhecemos então Mariko, uma garota que tem como hobby a leitura. Ela é tranquila, mais introvertida. Tem boas notas e é muito esforçada.
Já a Akko, sua colega de classe é totalmente o oposto, ela é muito extrovertida e tagarela, está sempre na moda e se socializa muito facilmente.
A princípio as duas não tem absolutamente nada de semelhante, mas a relação entre elas vai se estreitando cada vez que se aproximam uma da outra, uma amizade que surge mais sentimentos que o esperado começa.
Esse é sempre o tipo de GL que eu adoro, assim como Bloom Into you. A delicadeza que a relação das duas vai sendo construída me apaixona junto haha ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews