Because my last post was so freakin’ negative and critical, (sorry Bakuman but, you deserved it!) I thought I’d write up a more positive post about a little manga I’m thoroughly enjoying right now! It’s so easy to get into this pattern of hating upon shows, you neglect to give the creations that are truly worthy any attention, and that’s not something I want to happen. So, without any further ado, here’s my next, more positive rant!
Yotsuba&, the manga is a wonderful creation- nothing else makes me titter quite as much as Yotsuba& does. I’m not one for kids, I don’t plan to have any myself, I’d much rather buy a cat, or a goldfish but, little Yotsuba, for which the manga is named, really warms the cockles of my heart!
Artist named
Yotsuba& consists of short little stories that revolve around Yotsuba as she goes about her daily life, discovering the world around her. Yotsuba& is the second creation of mangaka Kiyohiko Azuma, the original creator of Azumanga Daioh, and it really shows! It has the same simplistic art-style and humour where characters don’t need to rant and rave; yelling REALLY LOUDLY to make something seem funny- a quaint expression, exaggerated action of even a funny face here and there is enough to have you in hysterics.
Now, the reason I love Yotsuba, the character, is that she reminds me how things used to be when I was a kid. Small, everyday events are made to seem practically wondrous through Yotsuba’s lack of understanding and overactive imagination. At some point during your life, the world seems to lose all of its mystery and wonder, so to see that again through this little girl’s eyes is truly lovely.
Yotsuba’s energy is only amplified by those around her- instead of chastising her for her curiosity or complete and utter ignorance, her father and neighbours often go along with her antics, making her misadventures seem all that more ridiculous and rip-roarious!
For whatever reason, Azuma does not wish for Yotsuba& to get an anime adaptation. I heard this was because he was unsatisfied with Azumanga’s adaptation but, I was unable to verify this myself. I, personally, am not altogether sure that this is a terrible thing- I have a hard time imagining a show capturing Yotsuba’s energy without resorting to being excessively loud- a less than charming technique used by many comedies. Fancy animation quirks and music may also take away from the manga’s sublime simplicity so, for now, the manga is more than enough to entertain me!
Watashi Wa Bucho!! 
I don’t read manga cause I forget to look at the pictures then get totally confused as to what’s going on or who even said what was said. >.> I liked the anime of Azumanga Daioh. That may just be me though.
That may just be you!? Who doesn’t like Azumanga!?
Me. I don’t really like it. Ha ha! What’re you gonna do about it?
:’O!! You don’t like Azumanga!? Are you even human!?
I would read it but, comedy is wasted on me :p
So what, you never laugh, ever? I tend to find it’s the simplest of things that makes me laugh, that’s why I enjoy Yotsuba& so much, it doesn’t need to rely on crazy characters or situations to make something funny, does that not appeal to you?
I’ve been reading this for a while, and it saddens me greatly that it doesn’t come out more. It’s definitely the best comedy series I know of.
I’m rationing myself to one volume a month in order to make it last as long as possible…
Out of interest, what are some of your other favourite comedies?
Right now, i don’t have all that many. I think my other favourites are Nichijou and Squid Girl, but neither of them are as good as this.
Yotsuba ❤ I'm still sad they only released four volumes here in Sweden. That manga boom here sure tricked many publishers…
Are you saying it has stopped coming out? What do you mean?
It’s nice to see so much love for Yotsuba!
Only four!? That’s just unlucky! We’ve got about nine in England…
Not stopped coming out, it’s just, the rate at which they’re released is painfully slow…
@Yerocha
Have you seen the anime adaptation of Nichijou? Would you say it was worth watching?