One of the ways artists in Japan build up their professional chops is through doujinshi. Because these self-published or small press books must be completed to deadline and have print runs and sales that can be measured, the comic markets at which they are sold make a very useful proving ground for amateur creators – and a healthy space for self-expression for professionals whose creations must conform to editorial guidance, house style and magazine popularity.
It makes a lot of sense, then that Galette magazine encourages submission of Yuri doujinshi artists for both the quarterly magazine and it’s own doujinshi publication Galette Meets. Galette Meets, Issue 2 (ガレットMeets) is, like Issue 1, all one-shot stories that the editors think are “Just a tad sexy and a little more sweet.”
In my opinion, Issue 2 is much stronger on both art and story than Issue 1. My personal favorite is by Miura Kozumi, a story about a work romance in which the cool, cosmpolitan and apparently worldly sempai who likes women has….no experience with women and is a complete uke in bed, in “Takamine-sempai and Nonchan.” Workplace romance is a popular theme, and so is casual acquaintance, which feels comfortable for this short.
Ratings:
Overall – 8
I like the idea of a Galette having a small proving ground, so to speak, providing other artists a venue for a publication credit.
Galette Meets, Issue 2 is no longer available in print outside Japan, but you can still get it digitally on JP Kindle, US Kindle (in Japanese) and Bookwalker (also in Japanese.)
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