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Robotswithpersonality
Tokyo These Days, Vol. 1 | Taiyo Matsumoto
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Pickpick

I liked it. I feel like it's hard to say more because it's a linear narrative spread across three volumes, but I'm glad I have the next out from the library already.
The idea of addressing the difficulty of being an artist or editor of a manga in the medium of manga manages to be fresh, even though examples of the parallel idea of novels about people in the literary/publishing world are certainly plentiful.
1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? Similar to Cats of the Louvre, the art feels more thoughtful, more care obviously put into each panel than other manga I've picked up (though I acknowledge that's a limited sample size).
The reality that a profession could either feed an uneven temperament, inflate an ego, and/or exhaust you, burn you out enough that you don't feel you have anything left to contribute to the art form, that there are those this recently-quit editor Shiozawa
14h
Robotswithpersonality 3/? knows from the industry who do not want to be associated with it anymore, it may even harm their mental health to engage, to the extent that they are happy to take menial(?) jobs that appear to be less fulfilling, and yet the protagonist wants to put together one more manga, won't let go of his manga collection. Again, being haunted or obsessed by a chosen career is fairly well-traveled ground, but somehow Matsumoto makes it work. 14h
Robotswithpersonality 4/? I love that Shiozawa has discussions with his bird; that the tone seems to shift from ominous to mournful to hopeful.
Glad to see that of all the artist prospects, formerly or currently working in manga, the one to take Shiozawa up on his invitation for collaboration is the cashier, mother and wife who seems to be reclaiming something by taking on this last project, reawakening the creative impulse, rather than those who have made the choice
(edited) 14h
Robotswithpersonality 5/5 to step away for their health.
On a separate note:
There are a few coloured pages but they're muted in tone, and they have less detail that the work in black/white/gray-scale. Got to be the first time I didn't wish there was more colour in a story told with images.
On to the next!
⚠️Animal death
14h
7 likes4 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
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Mehso-so

I'm torn on the walking club story. It's certainly refreshing to see 'weight management' discussed in a more reasonable time frame than most programs promote, alongside championing something gentler, walking, as the exercise form.
But it also seems to be a story referencing compulsive/overeating, and the ED is the punchline. So you have someone who is ashamed of their body, the standard 'these are the ways you'll die if you don't lose the weight'

Robotswithpersonality 2/? diseases/conditions cited, and of course it's implied they gained weight because they don't move enough and eat too much. It just brushed too close to too many fatphobic tropes.
While mentioning handy household tips has always been part of the series, certain chapters are feeling more obviously prescriptive about health and wellness...a good thing assuming the advice is sound...though it's not necessarily what I want out of a funny manga.
21h
Robotswithpersonality 3/? Seeing poor little Tatsu in flashback was adorable, but I really don't have any interest in the Boss's grandchild who likes to slip into hyper realistic facial expressions and hold forth on food like a gourmand or life like she's in her 40s, then slide back into regular kid speech.
21h
Robotswithpersonality 4/? Highlights:
The anti-smoking smug-off blown away by Masa's declaration. A weird one in tone because it seemed to be encouraging people to quit smoking and also happy to suggest how annoying it is when people boast about it.
The entire Christmas incident was exactly as ridiculous as I wanted. Masa as a svelte reindeer, Miku too sick for these shenanigans Tatsu doing that most as usual.
21h
Robotswithpersonality 5/5 The spilt lip incident convinced me that Oono could write a compelling horror-suspense manga, if he wanted,because that was anxiety inducing and on the edge of body horror for those of use who are squeamish.
The earth depicted as a fellow electric bike rider was adorable in a chill way.
All moments associated with the missing cat were fantastically over the top and I loved it.
(edited) 21h
8 likes4 comments
blurb
AroundTheBookWorld
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review
shanaqui
Pickpick

The part with just Jinwoo ascending the Demon's Castle sped by and is mostly him beating stuff up, but the second half of the book gets back to the Jeju Island plot. It feels weird that Jinwoo isn't involved in that, and a LOT of new characters are introduced which is a bit dizzying... I'm definitely starting to think I want to read the light novel.

Enjoyable, but the pacing felt a bit odd. Are the volumes being split weirdly or something?

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TheBookDream
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review
JulietteReadsALot
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Pickpick

Just as good as the first one!
Very cute manga brushing the theme of homosexuality in Japan: stereotypes, acceptance, prejudices, etc.

25 likes1 stack add
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BookmarkTavern
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Found the Jane Austen Centre while in Bath! It was a delight!

AnnCrystal 🆒📚💝. 6d
76 likes1 comment
review
Clare-Dragonfly
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Pickpick

The art in this is very “standard manga style,” which I‘m not a big fan of, but it was done well—the characters are all very well distinguished. (I particularly enjoyed how evil Lucy Steele looked and how stupid her sister Anne looked.) This is quite a faithful adaptation, surprisingly comprehensive, though I missed Margaret‘s funny lines and there‘s some over-the-top romantic bits at the end. Good way for a manga fan to get into classic lit!

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TheBookDream
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Pickpick

Solid story, good art. #queer #manga #bl

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Bookworm54
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Did I spend allllll day in town waiting on my car being serviced? Yes I did. And I also have to go back as my maintenance contract won‘t pay for something that needs replacing. BUT all is not lost!

I am behind the times but today I discovered there is a fruits basket sequel and the shop I was in had all 4 🎉