MANGA REVIEW | "Rainbows After Storms" - Volume Three
I’ll admit: Rainbows After Storms is a cute yuri. Sure, there are other manga that have handled LGBTQ stories better, but for what it’s worth, Luka Kobachi’s story is harmless fluff. However, with its third volume, Rainbows After Storms attempts to evolve the relationship between Nanoha and Chidori, with two long narratives that actually do some good for the series. And it all starts with a biggie: the first date.
Despite them already being a couple, Nanoha and Chidori have never actually had a romantic outing yet. That all changes when Nanoha gets two tickets to the aquarium, which makes for a perfect first date. Things seem to be going well, and a moment of hand-holding seems to be imminent. However, a major buzzkill arrives: Nanoha’s little sister Kaede, who also happens to be on a date herself.
It’s a hiccup that is a lot funnier than it is frustrating. Poor Nanoha had this whole romantic thing planned, and she doesn’t hide her angst at all. Yes, they all still have fun at the aquarium, but what should’ve been a date instead turns into a family outing. Thankfully, Nanoha’s patience is rewarded, as Chidori holds hands with her when night falls, and there’s no one there to ruin the moment.
The other big story in Rainbows After Storms is the sleepover. Although two other friends join in, this is Chidori’s first time coming over to Nanoha’s. And she’s sort of a nervous wreck, as she fumbles with her introduction to her girlfriend’s mom. Fortunately, even though the two other friends are on the money over her mentality, they see it as silly fun.
Nothing big per se happens in the sleepover. It’s merely a moment where four friends can come together and get closer to one another. We’ve seen this storyline countless times in all forms of media, but there’s a hint of something different that makes this stand out: the closeness of Nanoha and Chidori. Although they can’t be completely lovey-dovey when the two other friends are there, they find a way to solidify their closeness that’s both heartfelt and warm.
There are other short stories in Rainbows After Storms, although they’re not as strong as the two main narratives. Chidori sharing an indirect kiss with Nanoha’s straw is pretty cute, and a handmade birthday gift goes to great lengths to show just how much Nanoha cares for Chidori. A celebratory day at a karaoke bar brings some fun vibes, as well as a sweet moment where Chidori gives Nanoha the thing her own mother didn’t give her: a proper congrats on passing. However, a tiny flashback to a previous summer shows that Chidori has some scars from a previous fling, and said person just so happens to have just landed back in her vicinity.
Maybe I was too harsh on Rainbows After Storms. It’s not the most exciting and plot-driven yuri out there, but it’s a break from the meanness of the current world and its treatment of LGBTQ people. And now with what could be a big plot-turning point heading in Nanoha and Chidori’s direction, a big test for their love could very well begin. Volume Three of Rainbows After Storms may be just a slight improvement from its last volume, but it’s certainly setting the stage for the conflict that this series has needed.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
