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.