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Reviewed by Lisa Anderson It isn’t often a manga can be summed up in only a few words. In the case of Yotsuba&! though, the phrase ‘Enjoy Everything’ fits perfectly. With a first volume over 200 pages long, it would be easy to expect a complicated plot and dramatic characters. Yotsuba&! wanders in the opposite direction, throwing itself into a series of mini-adventures that would do any inner child proud. The series focuses on Yotsuba; a short, green-haired, energetic bundle of curiosity and joy. Arriving with her father and friend Jumbo in tow, Yotsuba quickly makes friends with three sisters living next door. From there she managed to turn almost any mundane event into an adventure, usually dragging a friend along for the ride. From cicada hunting to discovering the doorbell, Yotsuba has an innocence almost unheard of outside a few rare cases. At times it could be hard to imagine someone that naïve in the ways of the world, but after the first few pages that didn’t matter. It’s exactly that wide-eyed charm that first caught my attention. From the creator of Azumanga Daioh, I expected Yotsuba&! to have the same level of zany antics and crazy characters. While I wasn’t disappointed, Yotsuba&! did add a few pleasant surprises. Most notable had to be Yotsuba herself. A cross between Chiyo and Osaka, Yotsuba manages to be both clueless and insightful, aside from being cute and energetic to no end. She also has an honesty rarely seen outside very young children. Where most will be taught to go through life realistically and tactfully, Yotsuba is given free reign to be herself. Yotsuba&! is clearly meant to be enjoyed. From clean artwork that catches to the eye, to the youthful energy and enjoyment of daily events, even a page in the manga itself holds the words ‘Enjoy Everything’. Like flipping through an old photo album, this can easily remind people of childhood summers filled with ice cream and bug catching. In the end, the strength of Yotsuba&! is tied to a fresh and simple outlook on life. Each story is short and sweet, many done on things almost anyone could relate to. If you’re looking for the same relaxing enjoyment that a cool treat on a summer day can bring, Yotsuba&! is a good choice. The characters are easy to relate to, and the daily adventures of Yotsuba would do any child proud. Maybe there isn’t a lot of free time in today’s busy world, but everyone could learn a thing or two from Yotsuba. Sometimes you just have to stop and stand in the rain. Don’t be afraid to let a moment of fun wash over you, or to take a second to ‘Enjoy Everything’. |
11 January 2006 9 January 2006
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