It’s Iimi! Chasing Iimi

When Iimi presses forward with life, others take an interest in spending more time with her. Will they be respectful? Or will they wind up… Chasing Iimi

Content Warning:
While I approach the topic according to the Catholic views of right and wrong, part of the story does deal with the issues of same-sex attraction and teenage lust.

Pre-Comic Notes:

Riley Jo and Zaid are reacting to Iimi by making themselves the stars in their favorite anime. For those who don’t know these series (after all, they are close to 30 years old), here are some brief synopses:

Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997) is a surreal anime about a teenage girl who vows to become a prince after experiencing childhood trauma. At Ohtori Academy, Utena duels other students to protect Anthy, the mysterious “Rose Bride,” who is treated as a passive prize in a ritualized power game. The series explores themes of emotional projection, gender roles, and rescue. It vaguely hints at gay themes (vaguely being the only way to fit within the restrictions of the Japanese standards and practices of the time). It is a series that would appeal to Riley Jo.

Rurouni Kenshin (1996-1998) follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin who wanders Meiji-era Japan seeking redemption as a peaceful swordsman. Though skilled in lethal combat, Kenshin refuses to kill (his katana is reverse-bladed), believing in atonement and the power of walking beside others rather than dominating them. The series explores themes of legacy, moral restraint, and the tension between protection and autonomy. I understand that nowadays, people often associate the phrase “de gozaru” (“to be”) with the anime One Piece. However, this is the source from which Zaid borrows the phrase. 

Post-Comic Notes:

The comic was initially intended to be called “Dojo Rats,” reflecting how Iimi, Krysta, and Gali are always hanging out there. However, once the outline expanded to include Zaid and Riley Jo, the likelihood of someone perceiving “rats” as a slur aimed at the two sophomores required a name change. I’ll probably recycle that title later.

AI Disclaimer

I discontinued using AI for covers and background scenery after Issue 277. I still use it to create logos, doodles, and symbols simply because there are no non-AI logo creator programs (suggestions are welcome). Some previously used images have been kept for consistency (iconic buildings and “historic photographs”) with the intent of replacing them when possible. Any other appearance of AI means the stock art seller I purchased from misrepresented their product.