Story and art by John “Derf” Beckderf Published by Abrams Comic Arts (2012) Length: 1 Volume “My Friend Dahmer” provided some disturbing insight into the mind of future serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, and the poisonous roots with which his conception was laced. While sympathy for Dahmer may end after his first act of atrocity, to see such depressive events unfold leaves the reader reflecting on … Continue reading My Friend Dahmer Review
Dream Fossil (Yume no Kaseki) Story and art by Satoshi Kon Original Publisher: Kodansha (2011) Length: 1 Volume (15 stories) Whenever I describe Satoshi Kon’s works, I use the term cinematic, which is the closest word to articulate how my mind works when I experience his pieces. However, I don’t think these stories would work as animated pieces, yet an indescribable fluidity means my mind … Continue reading Dream Fossil: A look at life
Story and art by Kazuichi Hanawa Originally serialised in AX (1999) Length: 1 Volume (12 chapters) In early December 1994, manga artist Kazuichi Hanawa was arrested by Hokkaido police for violating the law on firearms, having been caught in the woods trying out his modified guns collection. To the surprise of his lawyers, who believed he would receive leniency, Hanawa was sentenced to three years … Continue reading Doing Time Review
Story and art by Rumiko Takahashi Original Publisher: Shogakukan (1988) Length: 38 Volumes (407 Chapters) Ranma ½ possesses many of the structures I dislike in the comedy genre of manga. It has a completely detached episodic form of storytelling, a frustrating relationship between protagonists and a general lack of story progression. Yet, I cannot help but love this manga. The characters and universe Rumiko Takahashi … Continue reading Ranma 1/2: Manga’s Classics
Story and art by Naoshi Arakawa Original Publisher: Kodansha (2011) Length: 11 Volumes (44 Chapters) Your Lie in April is an excellent, excellent manga. It’s a simple manga, one that may be unfavourably categorised for the interests it explores (music) and the sub-genres it relies on (high school life). It also possesses clichè, shonen-esque lessons for the reader, teaching us to work hard, love our … Continue reading Your Lie in April Review
Story by Hitori Nakano, Art by Hidenori Hara Originally published in Shogukukan (2005) Length: 3 Volumes (27 Chapters) In early 2004, an anonymous Japanese user posted on 2channel, an online forum, recounting the extraordinary events of his day. Posting in a thread for single men to talk about their issues, he explained how he had been sitting next to a pretty young lady on a … Continue reading Train Man Review
Utsubora Story and art by Asumiko Nakamura Original Publisher: Ottha Shuppan (2008) Length: Originally 2 Volumes (Combined into one for western release) Utsubora was a disappointment for me. It’s not the ideal way to set up a review, but it’s honestly how I would some up my experience with this piece. I was expecting a thought out, intelligently written manga exploring the dark imaginings of … Continue reading Utsubora Review
The Journey of Shuna Story and art by Hayao Miyazaki Published by Akita Shoten (1982) Length: 1 Volume (6 Chapters) The Journey of Shuna was a fun little dive into the creative beginnings of Hayao Miyazaki, the face of Japanese animation. His trademark watercolour artistry and eye for detail has led to the creation of a vibrant world, pulsating with life. Unfortunately, when paired with … Continue reading The Journey of Shuna | A Miyazaki Masterclass
A Castrophe Report (Shuumatsu no tenki) Story by Kenji Sakumoto, art by Keiichi Tsuha Published by Kodansha (2015) Length: 3 Volumes (25 chapters) Why oh why does it have to be like this? After the first few chapters of this manga, I was already visualising the fairly positive review I would be writing for it. It seemed to know when to use classic elements of … Continue reading A Catastrophe Report Review
The Gashlycrumb Tinies is a tale (or tales) of utter absurdity. Presented as a warning of the ever present “adult threat”, it intends to emphasise the seemingly ludicrous paranoia of parents about the gruesome ends their children may meet. However, its style and macabre method of storytelling has inspired many reproductions over the decades, with some recent additions touching on very pressing contemporary issues. Written … Continue reading The Gashlycrumb Tinies | To Learn from the Past
