MICHELLE: It's time for another installment of Let's Get Visual, the monthly column in which MJ and I attempt to better understand the visual aspects of manga! This month we're looking at scenes that have impacted us emotionally. Personally, I had always assumed that a sympathetic reaction to an emotional scene was due purely to my empathy for the characters and whatever they … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Visual: The Verklempt-Makers
Features
Off the Shelf: Ayako
MJ and I have deviated from our typical Off the Shelf routine to bring you a column devoted entirely to Osamu Tezuka's Ayako. We both agree that the work is problematic in some respects but is nevertheless masterful. You can find that column here. Review copy provided by the publisher. … [Read more...] about Off the Shelf: Ayako
One Thousand and One Nights at The Hooded Utilitarian
When Noah Berlatsky of The Hooded Utilitarian invited MJ and me to contribute one of our conversation-style posts to his site, I knew immediately which series we should talk about. "One Thousand and One Nights!" I cried. It's one of MJ's favorites, for one thing, and something I'd been meaning to read for ages, for another. Additionally, I thought it might be nice to focus on … [Read more...] about One Thousand and One Nights at The Hooded Utilitarian
Let’s Get Visual: Tricks of the Trade
MICHELLE: It's time for another installment of Let's Get Visual, a monthly feature in which Manga Bookshelf's MJ and I work to expand our artistic horizons! This month's column is inspired by a recent TOKYOPOP release, How to Draw Shojo Manga. Instead of simply offering tips on drawing faces, poses, or cute little animals, this book surprised and impressed me by its wealth … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Visual: Tricks of the Trade
Let’s Get Visual: Duds
MICHELLE: After a few months of this column, I feel like I'm better able to think critically about the artistic aspect of manga. I expected to be able to better appreciate good art when I see it, but hadn't anticipated that I'd also more readily notice flaws. This month, MJ (of Manga Bookshelf) and I turn our attention to problematic pages or, as I like to call them, "duds." … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Visual: Duds