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Prism is a yuri manga written and illustrated by Shou Higashiyama. My score is based on the first five chapters of an unknown total at the time of this writing.

Prism has been a special experience. As much as I love yuri, I find that a truly enjoyable yuri story is rare; it doesn’t help that noteworthy works in the genre usually fall into one of two extremes of a) pornography or b) stories about close – but not explicitly romantic – relationships between girls. Prism is an exception that not only lies comfortably in the middle, very near my ideal, but is executed beautifully. It ... is inspirational.

The story itself, when extracted from the work as a whole, is nothing to write home about. What makes Prism special is a certain lifelikeness found in every panel that arises from the art and dialogue. It is ironic, considering the type of manga the artist specializes in, but it can be seen in his other works, too. He knows how to sell his characters. They are never archetypal; there is never doubt that they have real emotion and motivation. It is precisely this aspect of his works which makes Prism stand out among yuri stories with similar premises.

The art quality is something that most people will notice right away. It is another characteristic of Shou Higashiyama’s works that is well beyond usual expectations and a personal source of inspiration for me. It is the final and possibly most important step in bringing the characters to life.

Technical excellence notwithstanding, I acknowledge that Prism is not necessarily a manga for everyone. Many of the reasons it hits so close to home for me are personal, and of course, not everyone can get into yuri. For fans of the genre, though, it is a must-read.