World Famous Comics: YOTSUBA&! Volume 1 (Yotsubato (Graphic Novels))
YOTSUBA&! Volume 1 (Yotsubato (Graphic Novels))
By: Azuma Kiyohiko Publisher: ADV Manga Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: ADV Manga Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 232 Publication Date: June 06, 2005
Product Description: From the nutty mind of Kyohiko Azuma, creator of the hit manga Azumanga Daioh comes the story of the new kid in town - little Yotsuba, a green-haired and wide-eyed girl who doesn't have a clue... about anything! With no knowledge of the world around her, and an unnatural fear of air conditioners, Yotsuba has her new neighbors' heads spinning. Join the hilarious exploits of an out-of-this-world schoolgirl as her befuddled friends attempt to uncover the secrets behind this strange child in Yotsubato!
Dad's always in his boxers! He hates wearing pants! Outside of reading Koike Kazuo and Kojima Goseki's massive twenty-eight volume Lone Wolf and Cub, I have rarely read a volume of manga over the past half decade. However, the one short series that I did read, Azumanga Daioh, by the artist, Azuma Kiyohiko, inspired me enough to pick up the first volume of his currently running series Yotsuba&, and I must say that it has been a long time since a comic, or any book for that matter, has made me laugh out loud repeatedly and made me reread it immediately after completing it.
Yotsuba& stars Yotsuba, a five-year-old girl whose father Mr. Koiwai describes not only as being "strange" but as someone that "can find happiness in anything," which she does numerous times within the book. Milk, air conditioners, ramen, etc. everything is a thing of wonder to young Yotsuba, so, therefore, it should be no surprise that her move to a new city with her dad causes her much joy, albeit much confusion. There along with her father and their gigantic friend Jumbo, they mete the Ayase sisters, Asagi, the pretty one, Fuka, the "unpretty" one, and Ena, the youngest but most serious of the three girls. With eyes open to everything, Yotsuba finds adventure and fascinating things everywhere.
Yotsuba& is refreshing. At least in the first volume, there is no drama, no doomed love affairs, or a blue-haired man hell bent to destroy the world. Instead, the reader is given a view of the world of a young child. A world that still holds wonders hiding under every leaf. I definitely look forward the reading the other volumes of this series to see how Azuma fleshes out the characters and to see the wonders which Yotsuba discovers day to day.
A darling read This is the first book of a wonderful series. Yostuba&! is a wonderful 'slice of life' story revolving around the titular character. The special thing about Yostusba's perspective is she may be a 5 years old, but she's also a touch weird for a 5 year old. I would definitely recommend reading this and it's other volumes when you are in a bad mood; her innocent charms will lift your funk immediately.
Instant Classic Yotsuba written by Azuma Kiyohiko (author of Azumanga) is one of the best mangas you will read. It is mainly focused on Yotsuba and everyday life, but of course if that were the case it wouldn't be interesting. The real reason why life is so much fun in the manga is because of characters such as Yotsuba, her father, the next door neighbors (Asagi, Fuka, Ena), Jumbo and others* (there are side characters but later on they became part of the main story) There are life lessons and there are fun stories that are realistic and that is one of the main reasons why I think readers can relate and connect with the story/character. This volume and in fact the entire series can be enjoyed by everyone and is recommended for anime, manga and even those who have not read any mangas at all! Please do not overlook this manga as it simply one of the best out there. Once you are done with the first volume, you must simply own all of them (which I do currently up to volume 5)
Funny Little Girl, Great Book I picked up the first book after reading how great the reviews were about it and I was impressed. Yotsuba&! is definitely not the kind of book I normally buy, but I am really glad I did. I found myself laughing out loud a number of times because of the situations Yotsuba finds herself in and the mishaps she causes. I'm looking forward to buying numbers two and three tomorrow. If you like reading manga that makes you laugh, this book is a good choice.
Green Haired Glory I picked up the first book from a book store. I started reading it and could not stop. I soon hope to pick up volumes 4&5. Youtsuba it a little green haired girl who is very energetic. The first book starts with her and her dad moving into a new town. Then many fun things happen. (I will name a few but not alot or it will be spoiled) Three of my favorite events were: (1 Yotsuba got hit with a swing in the park. (2 One of Yotsuba's neibors met Jumbo(Yotsuba's dad's friend) for the first time. He is abnormally tall, and scary. (3 When Yotsuba thought her neibor was a stranger and got scared of her. If you like comedy this is the series for you! I hope my reveiew helps!
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