If I Could Reach You remains an incredibly emotional and powerful storyI vaguely remember once staying home from school as a child for a somewhat extended period with an illness, and upon my recovery, I was loath to return. However, my father said that the longer I wait, the harder and more awkward it will be to return. It is with that spirit that I drag myself back towards review for the first time in over a month after the ever-grueling modern reality of isolation, paranoia, and working remotely sapped my strength and excess energy for the ninth time. However, if I have to force myself to write a review, groaning and whining all the way, I may as well make it something good, and fortunately, that part was easy to find. Indeed, the end of 2020 and opening of 2021 is stuffed with more Yuri than my lesbian vision board. I chose to go back to the most recent entry in one of my favorite series, If I Could Reach You. Perhaps this shattering and emotionally draining series is not the best medicine to cure the quarantine-blues. Still, it is nice to have a reminder that there are people in the world, or at least in manga, that are as miserable as us.The fourth volume of If I Could Reach You kicks off when Uta’s mother reenters her life after apparently staying overseas for several years. She intends to start her relationship with Uta over. She insists that the high schooler come live with her, throwing the delicate balance she, her brother Reiichi, and sister-in-law Kaoru have. On top of this, Uta is struggling after her confession to Kaoru failed to reach the older girl, who seemingly interpreted it as a statement of familial friendliness.During much of this volume, characters avoid the seemingly inevitable, which builds a sense of foreboding or even dread for what may come. Uta devotes more time to her friends, leading to a narrative focus on Chloe and Miyabi’s relationship and the Konatsu telling her story of a relationship with a young teacher. These side stories are compelling enough, but they at least feel like a joined part of the narrative, rather than a distraction as they occasionally drifted towards in previous volumes. Uta learns and grows from seeing her friends’ struggles and appears affected by them, incorporating their experiences into her journey.Uta’s experiences are mirrored perfectly by Kaoru, who is apparently more suspicious of Uta’s feelings than she let the younger girl believe. Ultimately, this leads to their big confrontation at the start of volume five and, while I will not spoil anything, the results of it are stunning. The author is uniquely able to convey the complex emotions of the characters. Utas feelings after the encounter are ones of guilt, joy, and overwhelming relief. The story is rapidly barreling towards its conclusion as she prepares to leave behind her brother, the woman she loves, and, she hopes, her feelings.If I Could Reach You’s story is as devastating and shocking as ever. The characters are complicated, and their motivations and feelings are not always clear, but not for lack of clues. Upon repeat reading and analysis of the images, their true feelings become more apparent, showing more detail the more time you spend with it. It is brilliantly paced and rewarding to invested readers who spent the time with the last few volumes and stayed invested and critical during the build-up.However, the real reason I adore If I Could Reach You is the artwork. Few of the illustrations appear breathtaking at first, or epic in their achievement, but the more so their subtleties. Every shot’s framing, the arrangement of panels, and the characters’ expressive faces and bodies all serve to prop up the story and communicate it and its intricacies perfectly. Indeed, tMnR is the master of visual storytelling and has enough confidence in their art to relieve dialogue and let the art do the work’s brunt. On more than one occasion, back before the series concluded serialization, I would browse the latest chapters in Comic Yuri Hime and just observe the art, without looking up any of the Japanese, and was consistently impressed.A lot of the time, I feel art, especially dramas, exists only to serve as secondary visuals for the dialogue and stories, a sales banner clamoring for attention and then serving only as talking heads for text which could easily be rewritten in prose or else rearranged into a large group text chat. If I Could Reach You is one of a few works that only really works in visual mediums. Much of this I have said before, but I want just to highlight how astounding and tight tMnR’s focus and artwork is.If I Could Reach You remains an incredibly emotional and powerful story. The tension continues to rise in volumes 4 and 5, as both our heroines press forward and finally reveal the truth and hurt. The series is subtle yet exceptionally direct, pulling no punches in this complex and devastating whirlwind. It is all accompanied by precise and wonderfully crafted artwork that instills a profound relationship and understanding of its subjects unique to other works. It is one of a select few series that holds my attention and investment, and for an excellent reason.Ratings: Story – 8 Characters – 7 Art – 10 LGBTQ – 5 Sexual Content – 3 Final – 8Check out If I Could Reach You volume 4 and 5 digitally and in paperback today: https://amzn.to/3rAHAHiReading official releases supports creators and publishers. YuriMother makes a small commission from sales to help fund future content.Review copies provided by Kodansha Comics
Feb 9, 2021 • Subscribe
More like this
If I Could Reach You Volume 6 (Manga Review)
Review of "If I Could Reach You" manga volume 6 by tMnR
Thoughts on If I Could Reach You Volume 5
Uta and Kaoru finally have a heart-to-heart in the fifth volume of tMnR’s If I Could Reach You. Sharing the spotlight for this volume is also Chloe and…
If I Could Reach You, Guest Review by Luce
Welcome once again to Guest Review Wednesday! We have a whole bunch of guest for the next few weeks, so let’s this part started! Today we once again…
Thoughts on If I Could Reach You Volume 6
Kaoru reflects on her past in the sixth volume of tMnR’s If I Could Reach You manga, thinking back to how she and Reiichi got together. This volume…
Thoughts on If I Could Reach You Volume 7
They’ve been apart for a while, but a single message soon sends Uta back to Kaoru’s side in the seventh and final volume of tMnR’s If I Could Reach…
S3E03 - Ex-Enthusiasts: MotoKare Mania, If I Could Reach You
In this episode of Screentone Club Elliot and Andy get embroiled in a pair of romances gone awry, pining for an ex in "Ex-Enthusiasts" (Bad Idea) and pining…
Final Volume of Shattering LGBTQ Drama Series ‘If I Could Reach You’ Out in Japan Next Week
The seventh and final volume of tMnR’s Yuri drama manga If I Could Reach You (Tatoe Todokanu Ito da to Shite mo) will be released in Japan on…
I Cannot Reach You Vol 1 Review
Ready for some will-they-or-won’t-they hijinks between a pair of childhood best friends? How about some misunderstood confessions and willful ignorance of the other parties’ intentions? Then look n…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 467: I Cannot Reach You
In this long postponed episode, Xan explains why he was away for a month and then reviews a unique manga about two people in love who are unable…
I Cannot Reach You – Manga mid impression
BL can be hit or miss for me. There are a lot of popular tropes of the genre that I am not a fan of. So far I…
I Cannot Reach You (1)
Author & Artist MikaReleased March 2021 by Yen PressTranslation: Jan Mitsuko CashEditor(s): unlistedGenre: Romance, Drama
If You Could Change One Thing: Erased Anime Review
Welcome to Mikoto Elementary school in the year 1988 where our story takes place. The story begins with present day hero Satoru Fujinuma. But wait, isn’t this taking…
If You Could See Love, Volume 1, Guest Review by Day
Hello and welcome to another Guest Review Wednesday on Okazu. I’m extremely pleased to welcome back one of our long-time reviewers, Day! Please give Day your kind attention…
I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again! Vol 1 Review (manga)
Based on the light novels of the same name by Reina Soratani, the manga adaptation of I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again!, by Haru Harukawa, feels right…
I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again! Vol 1 Review (manga)
Reblogged on WordPress.com
LGBTQ Manga Review — Alter Ego
An Unexpected and Enjoyable Turn of the Lesbian Best Friend TropeAs some of my supporters over on Patreon will know, I recently put out a deep dive into the character…
I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again!, Vol. 4
By Reina Soratani and Haru Harukawa. Released in Japan as “Kondo wa Zettai ni Jama Shimasen!” by Gentosha Comics. Released in North America by Airship. Translated by Molly…
If You Could See Love, Volumes 1-3, Guest Review by Luce
Welcome to a very special Guest Review today! Luce has returned and is shouldering a three-piece review for us! Given how hard writing even this intro is, I…
Since I Could Die Tomorrow Manga Volume 1 Review
Two women confront the onset of menopause and what reaching that particular age means, socially and emotionally.
What LGBTQ+ anime or manga gives you joy?
What title gets you through hard times? What feels like a hopeful, nuanced real-world story? What’s your go-to escapist story?
Chainsaw Man Manga Vol. 4 Review
Chensō Man, チェンソーマン Genre: Action, Comedy Horror, Dark Fantasy Written By: Tatsuki Fujimoto Publisher: Shueisha/Viz Media Magazine: Weekly Shonen Jump Volumes: 11 Summary Hey everyone, it’s been a…
If I could change One Little Thing about this Anime . . .
Recently, while watching the latest episodes of the fresh Winter Season of anime, I noticed that I just kept thinking, “This anime is really good, But, if I…
If Only I Could Hibernate (Баавгай болохсон, Zoljargal Purevdash, 2023)
A teenage boy finds himself torn between his dreams and responsibility towards his family in Zoljargal Purevdash’s gentle coming of age drama.
Chainsaw Man Manga Vol. 5 Review
チェンソーマン, Chensō Man Genre: Action, Comedy, Dark Horror, Fantasy Written By: Tatsuki Fujimoto Publisher: Shueisha/Viz Media Magazine: Weekly Shonen Jump Volumes: 13 SUmmary It’s Maaaaaaanga Mondaaaaaay. If you’re watching (or…
Chainsaw Man Vol. 5 Manga Review
チェンソーマン, Chensō Man Genre: Action, Comedy, Dark Horror, Fantasy Written By: Tatsuki Fujimoto Publisher: Shueisha/Viz Media Magazine: Weekly Shonen Jump Volumes: 13 SUmmary It’s Maaaaaaanga Mondaaaaaay. If you’re watching (or…
Cocoon Entwined vol. 5 review (manga)
Review of Cocoon Entwined volume 5 (vol. 5) by Yuriko Hara published by Yen Press
I Could Never Be a Succubus!, Vol. 2
By Nora Kohigashi and Wasabi. Released in Japan as “Watashi wa Succubus Ja Arimasen” by Hero Bunko. Released in North America by J-Novel Club. Translated by Roy Nukia.…
I Could Never Be a Succubus!, Vol. 1
By Nora Kohigashi and Wasabi. Released in Japan as “Watashi wa Succubus Ja Arimasen” by Hero Bunko. Released in North America by J-Novel Club. Translated by Roy Nukia.…
（≧∇≦）If you need a laugh, I got you.
Again, the purpose of this post is just to put smiles on faces! You can see the first three meme-tastic posts here: （≧∇≦）If you need a laugh, I…
LGBTQ Manga Review — I’m in Love with the Villainess Vol. 1 (Manga)A New Look on a Compelling...
LGBTQ Manga Review — I’m in Love with the Villainess Vol. 1 (Manga)A New Look on a Compelling and Innovative SeriesA manga adaptation of one of the best…
I Want To Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die Vol. 1 Review
First loves can be tumultuous, intense and often short-lived. But for students Yuri and Aono even death won’t get in the way of being together. Just two weeks…
Citrus + Volume 4 (Citrus Plus vol. 4, Manga review)
Review of Citrus + Plus volume 4 by Saburouta
Tokyo Aliens Manga Vol. 3-4 Review
This marked a turning point for Tokyo Aliens; things are starting to pick up. Everything feels greatly expanded: the cast, the mystery, the scenes, the emotional texture, and…
Manga Review – I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die
I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die 青野くんに触りたいから死にたい (Aono-kun ni Sawaritai kara Shinitai) SHIINA Umi Seinen – Romance, horror, supernatural, tragedy 2 Volumes of 8…
Manga Review: Oshi no Ko, Vol. 5
The wait is over! On February 20th, volume five of Oshi no Ko—the first to feature material new to anime-only viewers—hits shelves. This new release moves the series…
5 Anime And Manga Worth Your Time If You Love Death Note
5 Anime and Manga Similar To Death Note No doubt, Death Note is the only anime that introduced me to the anime world. And I’m sure, it is the…
I Can’t Believe I Slept With You! (Manga Review)
Have you ever had to sleep with your landlord because you were desperately behind on your rent? Somehow Miyako Miyahara was able to take that ethically questionable situation…
Review: Could You Don’t Leave Me (2023)
Could You Don’t Leave Me 可不可以不要离开我 China, 2023, colour, 2.35:1, 91 mins. Directors: Wang Ziming 王子鸣, Xiao Fei 萧飞. Rating: 2/10. Four tales of 30-something couples are chaotically…
I could tell you about all the good anime I'm watching this season, or I could tell you about IDOLY PRIDE instead
Tropes might need to substitute for personalities with a cast this size.
Anime Recommendation #4: If you like Kuroko's Basketball you might like...
A blog about Anime, which includes; Reviews, Lists and more.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Vol. 3 and Vol. 4 Manga Review
My review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Vol. 3 and Vol. 4 is now up over on Anime News Network.
What LGBTQ+ manga would you like to see get an anime?
Series or film? Choice of studio or staff? Is there a title that would work better as a live drama
To Sir, Without Love: I Am Divorcing You – Manga Chs 1-5 Review
Mangaka: Iroto Tsumugi, Kori Hisakawa, Airumu Publisher: Kadokawa Genre: Regency, Romance, Drama Tropes: Arranged Marriage, enemies-to-lovers, Virgin love Spice: 3/5 **** Looking through Bookwalker…
LGBTQ Manga: Our Dreams at Dusk Shimanami Tasogare, Volume 4 (English)
I have been waiting for this day for more than a year and I’m so very excited that at last I will have people with whom I can…
Manga Review – Can I Kiss You Every Day?
Can I Kiss You Every Day? 毎日キスしていいですか? (Mainichi Kiss shite Ii Desu ka?) HATSUHARU Shoujo – Comedy, romance 4 Volumes (complete) Kodansha Comics Summary: As children, Kurumi and…
4 Supernatural BL to Read if You Liked Mignon
If you're a fan of Boy's Love and supernatural stories, these four Boy's Love manga are the perfect stories for you.
If I had to rebuy my manga collection
There’s been a trend with all sorts of content creators along the lines of, ‘if you lost all of *insert collection type here* what would you re-buy?’ being…
Are you cheating if you rewrite the Anime or Manga ending?
Anime and manga sometimes get a free pass; it’s cheating when it rewrites an ending.
Emanon Vol. 4 - Emanon Wander Part Three (Manga review)
Review of manga Emanon Vol. 4 Emanon Wander Part Three by Shinji Kajio and Kenji Tsuruta