Cuvie

Another mangaka whose work I have been familiar with for some time is Cuvie, though in contrast with some of the other mangaka I have looked at I am ambivalent about her works. Still, I think anyone interested in reading undeniably popular works incorporating a great deal of skill, and prolifically undertaken, will be able to find something of interest amongst these works.

Cuvie is apparently female; not so very unusual amongst mangaka, even those producing adult works, and this is perhaps discernable in her works. One thing I note about female mangaka is that they tend to be much more careful in portraying the male member, a welcome respite from some artists who seem to consider this aspect of erotic illustration nothing more than a necessary evil (male mangaka who stick to purely heterosexual themes seem to be the worst offenders in this regard).

The art is of a very, very good standard, and certainly technically accomplished and appealing, but I can’t help but find it plain; it seems to lack something (you make think this crazy seeing the above images, but if you look through all her many works you may see what I mean).

The themes covered are basically limited to straightforward situations (discounting the occasional depictions of light SM and familial relations), in fairly short stories. In this respect, Cuvie’s work is distinctly average, for whilst there are some very good stories in there, most are rather plain and unremarkable. Very little seems to seperate the many compilations on offer. I think this is more of a purely personal opinion, as Cuvie’s popularity and evident skill certainly suggest her as an A-rank mangaka, whatever my tastes may suggest.

If you like these works, then you are in luck, because Cuvie is extremely prolific, and actively turns out compilations at a good rate, making good use of assistants (quite a mark of commercial success). Most of the works are published as straightforward compilations, so they are easy to get in whatever medium; a high proportion has also been scanlated.

Cuvie’s work has also extended into manga for a general audience, in the form of Dorothea, which seems to experiencing some commercial success. There are also a handful of dojinshi on offer.

Cuvie is easy to recommend as a popular and highly skilled artist, though the shortcomings I have mentioned limit the appeal of her works to me personally, so this is more of an impartial recommendation that a declaration of enthusiasm. Making up your own mind should hopefully be rewarding enough.