“B” is for…
Body and Soul, written and illustrated by Erica Sakurazawa with Takumi Terakado, originally serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young, two volumes. This is described as half wellness guide, half romance, which sounds very intriguing. It’s been published in French by Asuka.
Barbara Ikai, written and illustrated by Moto Hagio, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s flowers, four volumes. I’ve already covered this series as Otherworld Barbara in a license request, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I may be able to list it under licensed josei when I reach the letter “O.” There’s nothing wrong with optimism, is there?
BeruBara Kids, written and illustrated by Riyoko Ikeda, currently running in Asahi Shimbun, a daily newspaper. How popular is Ikeda’s The Rose of Versailles? So popular that it can spawn a successful, spin-off gag manga, decades after its original publication.
Bara no Tame ni, written and illustrated by Akemi Yoshimura, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Comic, 16 volumes. Don’t you hate it when your elderly grandmother dies, then you find out that, in spite of what you’ve been told, your mother is alive, is a famous movie actress, and has given birth to hot stepsiblings? Such is the plight of dumpy Yuri, but I suspect her new life has its bright spots.
Bathroom Guuwa, written and illustrated by Mari (Suppli, Sweat and Honey) Okazaki, originally serialized in Shueisha’s Bouquet, one volume. This seems to be a collection of slightly surreal short stories from a wonderfully sophisticated creator. It’s been published in French by Akata.
Magazines:
- Be Love, published by Kodansha.
- Beth, published by Kodansha, defunct.
- Bouquet, published by Shueisha.
- Bouquet Excellence, published by Shueisha.
- Bourgeon, published by Creator’s Partner.
Licensed josei:
- The Bachelor, written by Debbie Macomber, illustrated by Misao Hoshiai, originally serialized in Ohzora Shuppan’s Harlequin, published in English by Dark Horse and Harlequin.
- Beautiful People, written and illustrated by Mitzukazu Mihara, originally serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young, published in English by Tokyopop.
- Between the Sheets, written and illustrated by Erica Sakurazawa, originally published by Shodensha, published in English by Tokyopop.
- Blind Date, written by Emma Darcy, illustrated by Mihoko Hirose, originally serialized in Ohzora Shuppan’s Harlequin, published in English by Dark Horse and Harlequin.
- Blue, written and illustrated by Kiriko Nanana, originally serialized in Magazine House’s Comic Are!, reprinted in Shodensha’s Feel Young, published in English by Fanfare/Ponent Mon.
- Bunny Drop, written and illustrated by Yumi Unita, originally serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young, currently being released in English by Yen Press.
- Butterflies, Flowers, written and illustrated by Yuki Yoshihara, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Comic, currently being released in English by Viz.
What starts with “B” in your josei alphabet?
