Is Yuri overrated? Probably a bit. I used to enjoy Yuri, but my thoughts have shifted over time. This might be due to overexposure and the genre’s newfound popularity in recent years. I believe Old-school Yuri was quite different from what I get to see now. Back then, the focus was often on subtle, emotional storytelling and genuine character development. Works like
Maria-sama ga Miteru handled relationships with depth, exploring themes of unspoken love, societal pressure, and personal growth.
In contrast, modern Yuri often caters more to fan service than strong narratives. While this isn’t necessarily bad, I feel like many recent works prioritize aesthetics and appeal over telling meaningful stories. I feel like this trend has led to characters falling into repetitive tropes, which is another reason for my loss of interest. It’s not that I dislike tropes, they can be comforting and familiar, but lately, they feel more like a lazy excuse to slap on a personality rather than developing characters thoughtfully. You often see the same archetypes: the shy girl, the cool senpai, or the clumsy protagonist. This formulaic approach doesn't really connect me with the characters.
I like Yuri, I still read some but do I like it as I used to? No. Well, this is my thoughts in the end.