In today’s rapidly changing comic industry, there are two universal truths. The first is that Dog Man is the defining comic of our time. The second is that more people than ever are reading manga and webtoons (also known as vertically scrolling comics). So, we at Comics Beat have decided to take on a new venture: the strange adventure of the Beat. Every other week, three authors will recommend some of their favorite books and series from Japan, Korea, and other countries. This week, we’ll be introducing a modern Shonen Jump classic, a treat for MMO fans, and, of course, the world’s quietest, most serene apocalypse.
Akane tale
Writer: Yuki Suenaga
Artist: Takamasa Mogami
Translated by Stephen Paul
Lettering: Sunil Aharon
Publisher: VIZ
Akane Banashi is a charming manga based on the traditional Japanese storytelling art of rakugo. Rakugo translates to “fallen words” and is a form of verbal entertainment in which a single performer tells a story playing the roles of all the characters. While the art form may not be well known outside of Japan, this manga presents rakugo in a fascinating and accessible way, making it a must-read for manga lovers looking for something unique and very Japanese.
The story follows Arakawa Shinta, a passionate storyteller who aims to attain the prestigious title of Shin’uchi, the highest rank for a storyteller. His daughter, Osaki Akane, idolizes him and secretly imitates his performances. However, due to a mysterious decision by storyteller Arakawa Kazukatsu, Shinta fails the exam and is banished from the rakugo world. Akane vows to avenge her father’s death by mastering rakugo and proving that his art is worthy of the title of Shin’uchi.
Rather than flashy battles or supernatural elements, Akane Banashi focuses on personal growth and the emotional conflicts that arise when mastering a skill. It emphasizes the importance of dedication and perseverance, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to pursue a passion. Dialogue packed into long speech bubbles also encourages the reader’s dedication. Meanwhile, the illustrations are clean and expressive, and the characters are designed so that their personalities are easily distinguishable. Exaggerated expressions add humor to the story to balance the serious moments. While the plot can be slow at times, especially for readers unfamiliar with rakugo, the engaging acting and heartfelt storytelling bring the series to life.
Akane Banashi features a lively teen protagonist, striking illustrations, and a well-constructed story. It is notable for its focus on the traditional art of rakugo, which may be difficult for readers unfamiliar with the concept of rakugo. Still, I think the series would be a worthy addition to any manga collection. I especially recommend it to avid manga readers who are fans of Japanese culture. (Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in rakugo and looking for more material, check out the anime series Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju and the live-action Netflix drama Tiger & Dragon.) — Ilgin Said Soysal
Survive a game as a Barbarian
Writer: Jung Yoon-kang
Artist: Midnight Studio
Screenplay: Team the JICK
Platform: Webtoon
It happened again. I spent all my Daily Pass coins on another Webtoon Original. This hasn’t happened since Unholy Blood. What could be the culprit? None other than Surviving the Game as a Barbarian, one of the few adult originals on the platform.
The story centers on Hans Li, a longtime player of the role-playing game Dungeons and Stone (an obvious reference to the game). After completing what he thought was the game’s final chapter nine years later, Hans realizes that it was only a tutorial section. Hans awakens as a barbarian named Bjorn Yandell, ten years after his recollection of the events of the game. Hans must survive, level up, find better equipment, and solve the mystery of why he’s in the game. But if anyone finds out he’s a human inhabiting the body of a game character, he’ll be killed.
As an avid fan of MMOs like The Elder Scrolls Online and classic fantasy stories, Surviving the Game as a Barbarian hits the spotlight right on my favorites. I was drawn to the familiar classes and fantasy races. The lore of Dungeon and Stone is also very interesting. The Barbarians remind me of the Nords from The Elder Scrolls, but they are more silly and have a history of conflict with the Elves. Guilds help and hinder each other, enemies drop special loot, and the world is filled with hidden feats and hidden dungeons that only the most seasoned veterans know about. The hidden dungeons in particular carry high risks along with rewards, providing some of the story’s most tense chapters. The reader never knows whether the party members who join Hansu on his adventure will survive these encounters.
Hans/Bjorn is a fun protagonist to follow. He uses his intelligence to help others, but at the same time downplays it for his own safety. Other characters include Erwen, an elven archer who breaks down the barrier of elven-barbarian hostility; Einar, a female barbarian who learns from Hans that intelligence is just as valuable as one’s strength; Arua Raven, a skilled royal sorcerer; and finally, Hiklod, a veteran dwarven adventurer who has been exploring the labyrinth for three years. Each character has a role to play in the world’s party system. Their abilities constantly change the dynamics of encounters in the dungeon.
At first glance, it looks like a simple RPG-style webtoon, but it’s packed with enough lore, action, suspense, and fun characters to satisfy any fan of role-playing games and MMOs. I’m 50 chapters in and I just can’t put it down. I want more! And would you like to do an Elder Scrolls webtoon someday? Anyone? Anyone! — Justin Guerrero
Yokohama Shopping Trip
Writer/Artist: Hitoshi Ashinano
Translated by Daniel Komen
Screenplay: Dawn Davis
Lettering: Ludwig Sacramento
Proofreader: Brett Hallahan
Editor: Linda Lombardi
Publisher: Seven Seas
A woman is driving through the countryside on her way to the Yokohama market. She stops at a gas station where an old man recognizes her as the owner of a local coffee shop. Realizing she has a long way to go, he offers her free gas. “Let’s go for a coffee. I’ll buy you one,” he says. “We’ll both pay for the gas.” This heartwarming exchange seems real, except for the fact that the female Alpha is a robot, and her country of Japan has long ago been submerged by climate change. “I never imagined the twilight era would come so gently, so comfortably,” Alpha says.
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (translated, of course, as Yokohama Shopping Trip) is a “healing” manga intended to soothe and relax. Each chapter depicts the quiet daily life of Alpha and her friends. One day they might be sitting on their porch, playing musical instruments to entertain the neighbors; another day they might be spending time with local children. Touches of magical realism, such as a mysterious nude woman who lives in the bay, spice up the dreamlike flow of events.
Why would you read this series when not much actually happens? First off, the art is amazing. Ashinano’s characters are cute and charming, and the lush environments exude a natural energy. It’s been said that you don’t even need to read the dialogue to understand how great Yokohama Kaidashi Kiko is; Ashinano’s gorgeous dialogue is enough to take you where you need to be.
There is another aspect of this series that, for me, sets it apart from others of its kind: the use of time in the story. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou takes place at the end of everything. The roads are worn down, the city is flooded, and the water level rises every year. Alpha is an immortal robot, but the neighbors are steadily aging. I would never say that Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is a cruel story; above all, it is a gentle and comforting story. But the moment when Alpha and his friends realize that their beautiful world is finite, full of certain precious things that will never come back is always a shock.
Until recently, I was convinced that a series as unique and lengthy as Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou would never be published in English. So naturally, the daredevils at Seven Seas have published the entire series in a deluxe omnibus edition. If this review piqued your interest, I urge you to buy the first volume and see for yourself. As long as you can tune into this manga’s unique wavelength, it’s a manga masterpiece. — Adam Wescott
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