Story by Mariko Tamaki, Art by Jillian Tamaki Originally published by First Second (2014) Length: 1 Volume I don’t really like “reviewing” pieces like this, because sometimes I worry that I will miss important aspects of it based on my own personal dispositions. It feels almost facetious discussing topics I can only sympathise with, but I’ll try my best to discuss what I myself may … Continue reading This One Summer Review
Dust 8 Story and Art by Osamu Tezuka Originally Published by Kodansha (1972) Length: 1 Volume (8 chapters) For the first time in a long time, I’ve found a Osamu Tezuka piece that I genuinely enjoyed reading, as opposed to viewing it as a “historical artefact”. Despite its erratic start and questionable depictions of gender, Dust 8 proved that when the “God of Manga” can … Continue reading Dust 8 Review
Onibi: Diary for a Yokai Ghost Hunter Story and art by Atelier Sento (Cècile Brun and Oliver Pichard) Published in English by Tuttle (2018) Onibi is a graphic novel that aspires to capture the authentic aspects of Japan. Despite following two young companions on their ghost-hunting holiday, the real protagonist of this graphic novel is Japan. If only she had been given more compelling characterisation, … Continue reading Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter Review
Story by Joe KellyArt by Ken NiimuraPublisher: Image Comics (2008)Length: 1 Volume (6 Chapters) I find it very rare to switch so frequently between liking and disliking a piece. When art, context and morality are taken into consideration, most things strike me as somewhat positive experiences. Yet, Ken Niimura and Joe Kelly’s surreal, allegorical comic was a mixed bag, one which I evaluated and re-evaluated … Continue reading I Kill Giants Review
Bug Boy Story and Art by Hideshi Hino Originally published in Soubisha (1975) Length: 1 Volume “One part Kafka, one part Spidey” Everyone loves a good allegory. Finding an entertaining piece that is layered with substance adds extra value in experiencing it. Not only can we immerse ourselves in a story, but we can then spend hours excavating what is left unsaid. These personal findings … Continue reading Bug Boy | Classics of Horror
Kiriko Story and art by Shingo Honda Original Publisher Bessatsu Manga Goraku (2014) Length: 1 Volume (5 Chapters) My manga-themed horror binge has led to me two conclusions. The first is that the medium can be used to create many terrifying experiences with the right use of balance. The second is that many horror sub-genres underutilise aspects of storytelling, which lessens the fear they are … Continue reading Kiriko Review
Pink Story and Art by Kyoko Okazaki Original Publisher: Magazine House (1989) Length: 1 Volume (16 Chapters) “All work is prostitution. So is Capitalism.” To be concise, Pink was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had this year. It wasn’t just a profound, or even entertaining experience; it was enlightening. Through its lighthearted depiction of melancholic events, a likeable and insightful story was produced … Continue reading Pink | What You Should be Reading
Lost World Story and art by Osamu Tezuka Original Publisher: Fuji Shbou (1948) Length: 2 Volumes (19 Chapters) Osamu Tezuka is without a doubt the most influential creator in the medium of manga. Not only did he lay the groundwork for what the medium could do, he spent the remainder of his career challenging every boundary his early works created. Tezuka’s “Lost World” is a … Continue reading Lost World | From Humble Beginnings
Aiki Story and art by Isutoshi Originally published in Shonen Gahosha (2005) Length: 14 Volumes (98 chapters) I’m not a big fan of the term “guilty pleasure”. I think that if you’ve had a positive experience with a piece, even if it possesses weaker qualities or lacks social praise, there should be no reason for you to stop enjoying. It was only after reflecting on … Continue reading Aiki | Guilty Pleasure Manga
Zashiki Onna Story and art by Minetaro Mochizuki Originally Publisher: Kodansha (1993) Length: 1 Volume (11 chapters) Usually, I try to avoid comparing manga with each other when basing an opinion on them. I don’t like the idea of constructing my thoughts on a standalone piece by differentiating it with similar ones. But in this instance, it was incredibly hard to enjoy Zashiki Onna, as … Continue reading Zashiki Onna Review
