Title: Navigating the Messy Realities of Adult Love: A Deep Dive into "Assorted Entanglements"
In the vast landscape of the Yuri genre, stories often gravitate toward the innocent, fluttering hearts of high school girls discovering love for the first time. However, for the seasoned manga reader seeking a more grounded, mature, and "lived-in" perspective on romance, Mikanuji’s "Assorted Entanglements" (known in Japan as *Mure na Koto ni wa Wake ga aru*) stands as a refreshing and sophisticated masterpiece. Serialized in the prestigious *Comic Yuri Hime*, this series strips away the rose-tinted glasses of youth to explore the complex, often chaotic world of adult relationships.
The Plot: A Catalyst of Heartbreak and Gin
The story follows Iori, a 28-year-old office worker who finds herself at a sudden crossroads. After years of dedication, her boyfriend dumps her, citing that she is "too heavy"—a common Japanese euphemism for being emotionally overbearing or too serious about the future. Devastated and feeling the ticking clock of societal expectations, Iori retreats to a local bar to drown her sorrows in alcohol.
It is here that she encounters Minami, a charismatic and slightly younger woman who exudes a sense of freedom that Iori lacks. What begins as a drunken venting session quickly escalates into a physical encounter. Unlike the slow-burn tropes typical of the genre, *Assorted Entanglements* dives headfirst into the aftermath of a one-night stand. Iori, traditionally minded and seeking stability, is suddenly thrust into a "friends-with-benefits" dynamic with Minami. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, the narrative expands to include a diverse cast of characters, each dealing with their own "entanglements," ranging from unrequited office crushes to the complexities of polyamory and queer identity in a rigid corporate world.
Demographics and Tone: The Josei Edge
While many categorize any female-female romance simply as "Yuri," *Assorted Entanglements* firmly occupies the Josei demographic. It is written for adult women, and this is reflected in its pacing and subject matter. Unlike *Shonen* or *Shojo* romances that focus on the "confession" as the climax, this manga treats the beginning of the relationship as merely the starting line.
The tone is a delicate balance of "slice-of-life" realism and sharp, witty drama. Mikanuji excels at capturing the mundane yet intimate moments of adulthood—the exhaustion after a long shift, the anxiety of a read-receipt on a text, and the comfort of a shared meal. It doesn’t shy away from the sexual aspects of a relationship, treating them with a frankness that is both erotic and emotionally significant, rather than purely gratuitous.
Core Themes: The Weight of Expectations
The central theme of the manga is reflected in its title. "Entanglements" refers not just to the romantic ties between the characters, but to the baggage they carry.
1. The "Heavy" Woman vs. The "Free" Spirit: The series deconstructs the stigma of being "emotionally heavy." It asks whether wanting commitment is a flaw or simply a different way of loving. Iori’s journey is one of self-acceptance—learning that she doesn't need to shrink herself to be lovable.
2. Modern Queer Identity: The manga explores the nuances of being a queer adult in Japan. It touches upon the "closet" in the workplace and the different ways women navigate their attraction to other women, whether they identify as lesbian, bisexual, or are simply "person-sexual."
3. The Complexity of Choice: Unlike younger protagonists who are often victims of circumstance, Iori and Minami are defined by their choices. The story emphasizes that adult love is a series of active decisions, often made in the "gray areas" of morality and emotion.
Why You Should Read It
For any "Otaku erudito," *Assorted Entanglements* is a must-read because it respects the intelligence of its audience. Mikanuji’s art style is clean and expressive, using subtle facial shifts to convey volumes of unspoken tension. It avoids the "melodrama for the sake of melodrama" trap, instead opting for character-driven conflicts that feel earned and relatable.
If you are tired of the "will-they-won't-they" cycles of school-age manga and want a story that feels like a conversation over a late-night cocktail, this is the series for you. It is a sophisticated exploration of how we hurt each other, how we heal, and how we eventually find where we belong in the messy web of human connection.
📖 Leer online en Donmanga:
➡️ Assorted Entanglements – Leer Manga
