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Friday Runaround – Manga In A Mood

Published Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:12:45 -0500

Last updated Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:30:39 -0500

MoodWatch: Manga appears to be on a bit of a downer. The Times reports;

Now, plots that historically oozed distorted nationalism and swagger — acted out by virile samurai, robot salarymen, boy superheroes and improbably powerful fairies — have given ground to themes of suicide, depression and criminality. Even the power of kawaii (cuteness) that so dominates popular culture seems to be deserting Japan in its hour of need. Hello Kitty still sells well but the modern audience is after something that combines cuddliness with a degree of nihilism.

Yes, manga it seems is getting all grim'n'gritty, just as US superhero comics are trying to find a new optimism.

Today, manga is telling us that Japan's future is desolate, echoing the common sentiment that all is lost. "Aside from the visual winks that have long been a part of the culture, Japanese people generally prefer indirectness to openness, and couch their protest in embedded images," he said. "Today, as various points of postwar national pride falter, Japan's relative isolationism serves its graphic artists perfectly. Manga artists now repeat images of fallen glory and gutted gods."

Cheer up folks, it might never happen! (^_^)

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CrossedWatch: David Lapham talks about Crossed: Family Values as well as his other upcoming work.

I have a book of my own creation in the works with Avatar. It's a little early yet, but I'm sure something will be announced shortly. Avatar suits me well because…well…they're unhinged. Sparta, U.S.A. just started up at Wildstorm. I'm very excited about that. I've been doing some Deadpool stories for Marvel. That's been fun as well as a new Wolverine Giant Sized I'm doing with David Aja that looks gorgeous.

ShieldWatch: Doctor America by Matt Fraction and Brendan McCarthy from the upcoming Who Doesn't Wield The Shield?