In today’s ever-changing comics industry, there are two universal truths. The first one is dog man is an iconic comic of our time. The second is that more people are reading comics and online comics (also known as vertical comics) than ever before. Therefore, we at Comics Beat chose to embark on a new adventure: Bit’s Bizarre Adventure. Every other week, three authors recommend some of their favorite books and series from Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. This week we have a treat for MMO fans with a modern Shonen Jump classic and, of course, the world’s quietest, gentlest apocalypse.
Qianhuali
writer: Suenaga Yuki
artist: Mauai Takamasa
translate: Stephen Paul
Engraving: Snir Aharon
Publisher: Visualization area
Qianhuali is a captivating manga featuring the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling. Rakugo means “fallen words” and is a form of verbal entertainment. A single performer tells a story by playing all the characters. While this art form may not be widely known outside of Japan, this manga introduces it in an engaging and approachable way, making it a must-read for fans of manga looking for something unique and very Japanese.
The story follows Arata Arakawa, a passionate rakugo performer who strives to earn the prestigious title of “the highest level of rakugo.” His daughter Akane Osaki admires him very much and secretly imitates his daily life. But then, a mysterious decision made by rakugo master Kazuho Arakawa causes Arata to fail the exam and be expelled from the world of rakugo. Akane vows to avenge her father’s death by mastering rakugo to prove that his art is worthy of the title “Shin Fight”.
Not flashy combat or supernatural elements, Qianhuali Focuses on personal growth and the emotional struggles that come with mastering a craft. It emphasizes the importance of dedication and persistence, interpreting what it means to pursue your passion in a new way. Long bubbles filled with dialogue also attract reader devotion. At the same time, the illustrations are clean and expressive, and the personalities of the character designs are easy to distinguish. Exaggerated expressions add humor to the narrative to balance the serious moments. While the plot can be slow at times, especially for readers unfamiliar with stand-up, engaging performances and heartfelt storytelling keep the series alive.
Qianhuali Featuring energetic teen protagonists, eye-catching illustrations, and a well-structured narrative. While the focus on the traditional art of rakugo sets it apart, it may present a challenge to some readers unfamiliar with the concept. Nonetheless, I believe this series will make a valuable addition to any comic collection. I especially recommend it to manga lovers who love Japanese culture. [Editor’s Note: For the rakugo curious in search of further material, check out the anime series Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu and the Netflix live-action show Tiger and Dragon.] — Ilkin Side Soybeans
Survive the game as a barbarian
writer: Zheng Runkang
artist: midnight studio
Adapted by: jike team
platform: webcomic
It happened again: I spent all my daily passes on another original web comic. It’s never happened to me since evil blood. What could be the culprit? nothing else but Survive the game as a barbarianone of the few mature original works on the platform.
The story centers on Hansu Lee, a long-time player of the role-playing game Dungeons & Stone (an obvious reference there). After completing what was thought to be the final chapter of the game nine years later, he discovered that it was only the tutorial portion. Unknowingly, Hansu wakes up as a barbarian named Bjorn Yandel, ten years after the events of the game he remembers. Now he must survive, level up, find better gear, and solve the mystery of how he got into the game. But if anyone found out he was a human living in the body of a game character, they would kill him.
As a die-hard MMO fan The Elder Scrolls Onlineand classic fantasy stories, Survive the game as a barbarian Just right up my alley. I was drawn to the familiar classes and fantasy species before me. The story of Dungeons and Stone is also quite interesting. Barbarians remind me of Nords elder scrollsalbeit much sillier and with a history of conflict with elves. Guilds help or hinder each other, enemies drop special loot, and the world hides feats and hidden dungeons known only to seasoned veterans. Hidden dungeons in particular offer high stakes and rewards, and provide some of the most intense chapters in the story. Readers never know whether the party members who join Han Show’s adventures will survive these encounters.
Hansu/Bjorn is a delightful protagonist. He uses his intelligence to help others while downplaying it for his own safety. Other characters include Elwynn, an elven archer who breaks down the hostile barrier between elves and barbarians; Ainar, a female barbarian who learns from Hansu that intelligence As valuable as her powers are; Arua Raven, a skilled mage from the royal court; and finally Siculod, an experienced dwarven adventurer who spent three years exploring the Labyrinth . Each has its own role to play in the world’s party system. Their abilities constantly change the dynamics of dungeon encounters.
At first glance, this is a simple RPG-style webcomic, but filled with enough story, action, suspense, and interesting characters to satisfy any fan of RPGs and MMOs. It’s fifty episodes and I can’t stop reading. I want more! Also, how about elder scrolls Web comics one day? Anyone? Anyone? — Justin Guerrero
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou
Writer/Artist: Ashino Jin
translate: Daniel Coleman
adapt: Dwayne Davis
Engraving: ludwig sacramento
Proofreading: Brett Hallahan
edit: Linda Lombardi
Publisher: seven seas
A woman drives through the countryside to the Yokohama market. She stopped at a gas station to fill up her tank. The old man there recognized her as the owner of the local coffee shop. He realizes she still has a long way to go, and he offers her free gas. “I’ll come over for a cup of coffee – please,” he said. “Then we can accept natural gas.” You can imagine this heartwarming conversation happening in real life. Aside from this trivial detail, the woman, Alpha, is a robot; her Japan has long been overwhelmed by climate change. “I never thought,” said Alpha, “that the age of twilight would come so tenderly, so comfortably.”
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (which, of course, means “Yokohama Shopping Trip”) is a “yashikei” manga designed to heal or soothe your mood. Each chapter depicts the quiet daily life of Alpha and her friends. One day she might sit on her porch and entertain her neighbors with an instrument. One day she might spend time with local children. Magical and realistic colors, like a mysterious naked woman living in the bay, add color to the dreamlike events.
Why read this series when not much is going on? First of all, the art is great. Ashino’s characters are endearing and charming, and the lush environments exude natural energy. Some say you don’t even need to watch the dialogue to appreciate it Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. Ashino’s luxury lines alone can take you wherever you need to go.
To me, there is another dimension to this series that separates it from other series of this nature. This is the narrative use of time. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Happens at the end of everything. Roads are in tatters, cities are flooded, and water levels are rising year by year. While Alpha is an immortal robot, her neighbors are getting older. I would never say that Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou It’s a cruel story. Best of all, it’s gentle and comfortable. However, it always hits like a ton of bricks when Alpha and her friends admit that their beautiful world is finite and filled with certain precious things that will never come back.
Not so long ago, I was convinced that a series so unique and long-lasting Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou English language permission will never be obtained. So of course Daredevil of the Seven Seas published the entire book in a deluxe omnibus edition. If this review caught your attention, I highly recommend buying the first volume to see for yourself. As long as you can match its specific wavelength, it’s a masterpiece of comics. — Adam Westcott
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