The Josei Alphabet: H

“H” is for…

Hatenko Yuugi, written and illustrated by Minari (Maria Holic) Endou, serialized in Ichijinsha’s Comic Zero-Sum, currently at 12 volumes. This one’s a quest tale about a young girl out to see the world and the guy trying to avenge his father’s death. Oh, and they both use magic. Update: This has actually been partially published in English by Tokyopop as Dazzle.

Helter Skelter, written and illustrated by Kyoko Okazaki, originally serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young, one volume, published in French by Casterman. A gruesome and award-winning tale of obsessive beauty gone horribly wrong. Someone should publish this in English.

Heptagon, written and illustrated by Chiaki Hijiri, originally serialized in Shueisha’s Chorus, one volume. Usually, when a fictional adult gets the chance to relive their youth, that fictional adult is a guy. In this story, a twenty-something woman spends some time in her fourteen-year-old life.

Hi no Matoi, written and illustrated by Miku Inui, originally serialized in Ichijinsha’s Zero-Sum Ward, three volumes. This is about the son of a samurai who learns to be a firefighter.

Honey and Honey, written and illustrated by Sachiko Takeuchi, originally published by Media Factory, two volumes. Erica (Okazu) Friedman says this book “educates the nonke (straight/heterosexual) audience, explaining what lesbian life is about; the good, the bad, the annoying, the funny, with a cheerful attitude of ‘you’re a woman – you’ll understand what I mean.’” Erica also reviews its sequel, Honey and Honey Deluxe.

Licensed josei:

  • Happy Mania, written and illustrated by Moyocco (Hataraki Man, Sugar Sugar Rune) Anno, originally serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young, published in English by Tokyopop, 11 volumes.
  • Haunted House, written and illustrated by Mitsuzaki (The Embalmer) Mihara, originally published by Shodensha, published in English by Tokyopop, one volume.
  • Honey and Clover, written and illustrated by Chica (March Comes in Like a Lion) Umino, variously serialized in Shueisha’s Chorus and Young You, published in English by Viz, 10 volumes.

What starts with “H” in your josei alphabet?

Reader recommendations and reminders:

  • Haigakura, written and illustrated by Shinobu Takayama, currently serialized in Ichijinsha’s Zero-Sum Ward, three volumes to date,
  • Hapi Mari, written and illustrated by Maki Enjouji, currently serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Comic, six volumes to date, published in French by Kaze, due for release in German by Tokyopop.
  • Harutsuge Komachi, written and illustrated by Miyuki Yamagachi, originally serialized in Hakusensha’s Melody, four volumes.
  • Heart no Ousama, written and illustrated by Aki Yoshino, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Comic, one volume.
  • Hito Yuri Touge, written and illustrated by Miyuki Yamagachi, originally serialized in Hakusensha’s Melody, one volume.
  • Hotaru no Hikari, written and illustrated by Satoru Hiura, originally serialized in Kodansha’s Kiss, 15 volumes, published in French by Kana.