Failed Princesses: A Masterclass in Vulnerability and the Yuri Genre
In the expansive world of Girls’ Love (Yuri) manga, few titles manage to balance the delicate line between high school social politics and profound emotional growth as effectively as *Failed Princesses* (known in Japan as *Dekisokonai no Himegimi-tachi*). Written and illustrated by the talented Ajiichi, this series is far more than a simple "opposites attract" romance. It is a poignant exploration of the masks we wear to survive the crushing expectations of youth and the transformative power of being truly seen by another person.
The Plot: A Collision of Two Worlds
The story centers on Nanaki Fujishiro, a girl who occupies the highest echelon of the high school social hierarchy. Beautiful, fashionable, and popular, Nanaki seems to have it all—until her world shatters when her boyfriend dumps her for being "too much work" and "boring." Desperate to reclaim her sense of worth and prove that she is still the "queen" of her domain, Nanaki finds herself in an unlikely encounter with Kanade Kurokawa.
Kanade is Nanaki’s polar opposite: a social outcast, plain, introverted, and obsessed with "weird" hobbies like horror movies. In a moment of impulsive frustration and a twisted desire for a "project" to distract herself, Nanaki decides she will give Kanade a makeover. She vows to turn this "failed" girl into a princess worthy of the school’s spotlight. However, what begins as a superficial vanity project quickly evolves into something much deeper. As Nanaki spends time in Kanade’s quiet, unpretentious world, she realizes that the "princess" mask she has been wearing is suffocating her, while Kanade discovers that her invisibility was a shield she no longer wants to hide behind.
Demographics and Context
*Failed Princesses* was serialized in Ichijinsha’s *Comic Yuri Hime*, the premier magazine for the Yuri genre. While Yuri is the primary classification, the series leans heavily into the Josei and Seinen sensibilities regarding character depth and psychological realism. Unlike some "moe-centric" series, *Failed Princesses* treats its protagonists with a level of maturity that resonates with older readers who remember the sharp edges of high school social dynamics. It avoids the "Shonen" tropes of over-the-top fanservice, opting instead for a grounded, character-driven narrative that prioritizes emotional intimacy over melodrama.
Main Themes: The Mask and the Mirror
The central theme of the manga is the concept of the "Failed Princess." In the eyes of Japanese high school society—and perhaps society at large—both girls are failures. Nanaki is a failure because she couldn't maintain the perfect image of the "ideal girlfriend," and Kanade is a failure because she refuses to participate in the beauty standards required to be "feminine." The manga masterfully deconstructs these labels, suggesting that "failing" at these rigid roles is actually the first step toward finding one's authentic self.
Another major theme is Social Hierarchy and Performance. Ajiichi spends a significant amount of time showing the labor that goes into Nanaki’s popularity—the constant grooming, the policing of her own personality, and the fear of being judged. Through her relationship with Kanade, the manga explores the idea of the "Mirror." Kanade becomes a mirror for Nanaki, reflecting not the polished idol the school sees, but the lonely, insecure girl underneath. Conversely, Nanaki acts as a catalyst for Kanade, pushing her to step out of her comfort zone and realize that she is worthy of space and attention.
Why It Stands Out
What makes *Failed Princesses* a must-read for any "otaku erudito" is its refusal to take the easy way out. The "makeover" trope is often criticized for suggesting that a girl needs to be pretty to be happy. However, Ajiichi subverts this: while Kanade does change her appearance, the narrative emphasizes that the true transformation is internal. The makeup and clothes are merely tools for self-expression, not a requirement for value.
The chemistry between the leads is slow-burning and earned. Their romance isn't built on a whim but on a foundation of mutual vulnerability. For fans of titles like *Bloom Into You* or *Adachi and Shimamura*, *Failed Princesses* offers a similarly sophisticated look at female relationships, making it a cornerstone of modern Yuri literature. It is a beautiful, sometimes painful, but ultimately uplifting journey about two girls who decide that if they are "failed princesses," they might as well build a kingdom of their own.
📖 Leer online en Donmanga:
➡️ Failed Princesses – Leer Manga
