The world of manga has seen a surge in diverse and independent voices in recent years. Among them, Galette, a Japanese yuri manga magazine, has carved a unique space for itself. Now, with the release of its first English edition, Galette Manga Magazine Volume 1, a new door has opened for global yuri fandom. This isn’t just another manga magazine; it’s a testament to the passion and creativity of independent artists and a significant step for the international yuri community.
A History of Independence and Passion
Galette’s story began in 2017, when several prominent yuri manga artists came together to create an independent, crowdfunded magazine. This was a direct response to the closure of two other quarterly yuri manga magazines, Pure Yuri Anthology Hirari and Tsubomi, which had left some artists without a platform to serialize their works. These artists, many of whom had previously worked with other publishers, sought to create a space where they could tell their stories without editorial constraints.
The magazine’s very existence reflects the growing strength of the yuri community. Yuri artists were networking and forming a community through various events. They established GaletteWORKS which has been publishing the magazine quarterly to coincide with Comitia doujin events in the Kanto region. In 2024, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to bring an English version of the magazine to international audiences. This campaign was a resounding success, raising over US$45,000 and allowing the dream of an English edition to become a reality.
What’s Inside: A Diverse Collection of Yuri Stories
The Special English Edition 01 is an adapted version of the original Japanese magazine and includes original color pages and manga from seven yuri manga artists. This initial English volume features work from well-known yuri creators such as Milk Morinaga, known for “My Cute Little Kitten,” and Mera Hakamada. The magazine also showcases artists like Izumi Kitta, a voice actress, and Moto Momono, who debuted as a writer with the manga “Liberty,” which was featured on the cover of the first Japanese issue. Additional artists featured include Haru Yatosaki, Nekohariko 22, Ringo Hamano, and Miyuki Yorita. This volume also includes localized cover art by pen, who has been the cover artist since the first issue.
The stories within Galette vary in tone and setting. While some touch on familiar high school dramas, others explore more mature themes and adult relationships. One of the strengths of Galette is its ability to present a variety of experiences without feeling too experimental. The content is uplifted by a mix of school and adult life scenarios. It’s worth noting that, because this is an independent magazine, the artists have the freedom to tell the stories they want to tell. They do not need to conform to editorial pressures, allowing readers to experience yuri as the creators envision it.
Key Artists and Their Contributions
- Milk Morinaga: A prominent name in yuri manga, whose works are known for their cute and heartwarming themes.
- Mera Hakamada: Another well-known artist contributing to the magazine, adding to the variety of storytelling and art styles.
- Izumi Kitta & Moto Momono: The duo who debuted the series “Liberty” which was featured on the cover of the first Japanese issue, this shows the high caliber of talent involved with Galette.
- Haru Yatosaki, Nekohariko 22, Ringo Hamano, Miyuki Yorita: These artists are part of the diverse lineup, offering a broad spectrum of artistic styles and story telling approaches.
The Special Booklet, included as a reward for backers of the Kickstarter, resembles an adapted version of Galette MEETS, a periodic doujinshi-style publication by GaletteWORKS that features shorter, more adult stories. Both the magazine and the booklet are B5-sized, a standard size for Japanese magazines and doujinshi.
A Stylish and Mature Approach
Galette distinguishes itself through its aesthetic. This magazine feels stylish and mature, aligning with its creators being adult women who are making content for an adult, queer audience. The English edition is not a direct translation of the original Japanese version, but is an adapted version tailored to the English speaking audience. The localization of the magazine has been carefully handled, with translation by ZorritoIV and lettering by Red. This team has a strong understanding of both the English language and otaku culture, making for an authentic reading experience. In addition, Red Strings Translation also provided translation, demonstrating an awareness of otaku humor.
The magazine’s design and layout mirror the sophisticated approach to content. Additional color pages from past issues are also included, enhancing the visual appeal. The inclusion of a small A5-sized copy of the first Japanese issue of Galette magazine with some backer rewards also serves as a reminder of the magazine’s roots and journey.
A Stepping Stone for the Yuri Genre
Galette Manga Magazine Volume 1 is more than just a collection of stories; it’s a step forward for the yuri genre. As the first-ever yuri manga magazine to be translated into English, Galette opens a new path for the global yuri community. The magazine offers a diverse range of art styles and stories which should appeal to a broad audience of readers. The fact that the magazine is independent also means that it is offering content which you might not see in more mainstream publications.
The success of Galette’s Kickstarter campaign also highlights the growing demand for diverse and independent voices in the manga industry. This publication is not only a testament to the perseverance of the yuri genre but is also an example of the power of community support. For those seeking unique and heartfelt stories about women loving women, Galette provides a valuable addition to the genre.
Future Prospects
The success of the first English edition has paved the way for future releases. The Kickstarter for the second English volume of Galette magazine has already launched, showing the team’s commitment to making more content available for English speaking audiences. Galette’s staff have also stated that they plan to publish Japanese and English editions simultaneously once the project for all seven overseas editions is complete.
While some readers might miss seeing some of their favorite Galette artists in this first volume, the variety of content and the passion behind it is undeniable. The magazine’s unique mix of both well-known artists as well as up and coming creators makes it a very exciting addition to the yuri manga scene.
Galette Manga Magazine Volume 1 isn’t just a magazine; it is a celebration of yuri manga, created by artists who are passionate about the genre. This publication offers a fresh perspective and a collection of stories that are both heartfelt and unique. It stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of independent voices, and the global appeal of yuri manga. With each page, Galette invites readers to join them on an exciting journey into the heart of yuri manga.
