Hi, Hiiragi Utena again, back for another volume. I’m a normal, magical-girl-loving middle school girl—or at least I was, but now I’m stuck fighting my beloved magical girls as a villain! I know I can’t keep doing all these terrible things to them, but…I’m starting to have fun.
As more baddies join the fray, Utena decides they need punishing too! The family friendly magical girl adventure continues in volume two of Gushing Over Magical Girls!
Korisu's so autism-coded it's insane!! Girl goes nonverbal and fixates on dolls and like, yeah I get it. I get it. Plus, "Neroalice" is an interesting nickname choice, I kinda wonder what it's supposed to reference. (My best guess is Alice In Wonderland and Nero, the Roman emperor).
Also, obviously she's controversial but I think a lolita fashion themed villain is an inspired move. Even more so when in a series that's all about sexuality there's a clearly conscious choice to NEVER even show a sliver of skin. I'd say it's sensible to not sexualize the autistic lolita style character. Well done! I can keep reading this!! I hope I don't regret it :3
(Just to be sure: I'm talking about lolita fashion, the victorian-inspired fashion scene. Not the p3do book written by the shady yet very eloquent russian guy, not the weird anime girl type... I'm talking about a style of clothes.)
On another note... she's not the best influence, but Kiwi's supportive presence really has a positive effect on Utena. She seems more confident, more comfortable doing what she does... maybe a little too comfortable... ...
The last chapter of this volume was sooo good... I just really like how Baiser had NEVER considered the possibility that Azure could enjoy what she did to her. Which is kind of endearing, I think. It shows a certain lingering innocence on Baiser... and an utter lack of empathy. Poor Azure, she gave in just to be shamed for enjoying something that's been forced on her over and over. Really, how fucked up is that? I actually felt a little angry reading it, honestly. Baiser has been essentially abusing Azure for the past weeks and very openly getting off to it, but the second Azure enjoys it THAT'S when she's disgusted. That's the disgusting thing, you see. Not Baiser's abuse. Not Baiser's sadism. No, the despicable thing is that her purest, sweet, innocent Azure enjoyed it.
"There's subverting expectations and then there's being a whore. And that's a whole other story."
...this obviously says some stuff about Baiser's internalized shame. I also appreciate the reminder that, as funny or charismatic as she may be, Baiser is NOT a good person. She's a petulant brat with an inferiority complex, internalized sadistic kinks and a need to step over other people to feel good about herself.
Once again I am going to say that this is not a series for younger readers regardless of it containing magical girls though I am sure if you see the cover you have probably guessed that on your own. With public embarrassment, mind control, bondage, and the introduction of an even younger villain (thankfully she does not join the near hentai antics) some may enjoy and some may be disgusted by what happens in this book but this series certainly continues to be interesting as Utena continues to understand her own feelings a little at a time.
Definitely a much better volume I feel than the last. The art was really good throughout. The story continues to be insane lol. We also have a new bad girl joining the group and she definitely has the power to do some twisted stuff. The final fight between Azure and Baiser was excellent. There is a lot that can be said for Azure's succumbing to Baiser and her subsequent response in the negative. It was a pretty powerful moment.