Comic Party, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Sekihiko Inui (Author)

Book Description

Series: Comic Party | Publication Date: June 8, 2004

Manga fans and creators alike will enjoy this story by Sekihiko Inui that reads like a comedic, behind-the-scenes look at the real world of an aspiring manga artist. The plot centers on Kazuki Sendo, who has a passion and talent for painting and drawing that propels him into the world of Doujinshi (underground comics). Soon, Kazuki's everyday life is absorbed by drawing manga and attending a multitude of comic conventions. Sure, his new career as a struggling artist has begun, but at what cost to his friends and family?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Storyline will appeal to all aspiring manga artists. Highly anticipated new release from Japan. Based on a video game that became a fan favorite anime series. The definitive version of the hugely popular Comic Party franchise! Anime available now! Color pages inserted!

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop; First Edition edition (June 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591828546
• ISBN-13: 978-1591828549
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,759,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Journey to the Top, August 15, 2004

By 

Rand Brittain "Rand" (Melbourne, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comic Party, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

This manga is presumably the basis for the Comic Party anime by To Heart Studios (there is also another manga series, but this is the one that follows more or less the TV plot), but there are several major differences. Notably, Kazuki Sendo and the other major characters are in college rather than high school, and Kazuki's character is rather more punkish and dark than the TV version of himself, which was more or less like every other 'good-hearted loser' in anime. This is a good thing. The jokes are often more adult than those in the TV series, and occasionally more pointless, such as Mizuki's use of a nail-studded bat as a weapon. Overall, this different flavor promotes the idea of a rebellious and independent art style, which suits Comic Party, which is, after all, about the underground and independent comics market.

Kazuki is a very talented artist who, unfortunately, was not accepted into art school. He blames this on lack of effort on his part and seems to be lacking focus. Into the picture comes his insane and energetic friend Taishi Kuhonbutsu, who drags Kazuki (along with disapproving girlfriend Mizuki) to the Comic Party- a convention of independent fan comics ('doujinshi') makers. While Mizuki insists that 'anime and manga are for kids', Kazuki is impressed by the degree of love and determination that the convention attendees show for their work. At the prompting of Taishi, Kazuki begins work on his own doujinshi and is brought into the fabulous and colorful world of fancomicry!

Sekihiko Inui's art is better than appropriate for this slightly rougher incarnation of the story. The character designs are all unique (except perhaps Kazuki himself, but even he is more distinctive than he is on TV), especially Taishi (who sports a constant three-piece suit and a set of canines that Dracula could envy) and Mizuki (who mananges for the first time in history to carry off a side ponytail.)

The world of doujinshi is mostly represented through the works of the artists involved. The most important characters in this edition are the feuding artists Eimi Ooba and Yuu Inagawa. Kazuki separates these two on several occasions and eventually partners with Yuu on a collaboratory work, leading to jealous spying on Mizuki's part. All the while, Taishi watches from the sidelines, pushing Kazuki on to ever greater heights and enjoying himself immensely.

Comic Party is an excellent addition to any manga library that does a great deal to show why manga artists and fans feel the way they do about their art.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Garbage, December 13, 2010

By 

Chiyamaka - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comic Party, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

I bought this manga a while back and I hated it. It is rated Teen but should be rated older teen or M. It has foul language, risque outfits and some discrimination (referring to the scene where in the background it refers to a Cuban in a vulgar manner).
The story is not developed and poorly written. The art is okay, but not unique.

Dont even waste your money on this, it is complete and utter GARBAGE.

6 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Time, April 8, 2005

By 

GD "kaiousei" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comic Party, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

In short, this was the single worst manga I have ever read, and I have read a lot of them. The story isn't original, the humor is forced, and the artwork has yet to be desired.

Okay, let me start at the beginning. Kazuki got rejected to the fine arts academy, and of course he was upset. But then he got pulled into the world of doujinshi, underground comics. After attending just one convention (just one!!), he suddenly decides to be a manga artists, just like that. He doesn't even take the time to think things through about his future or anything, and he pretty much spirals himself downhill into a life of stress, unhappiness, and constant grief from those around him. Now, I'm not saying the career of a manga artist is a bad one, but I am saying that Kazuki did not even think of entering another college or continuing his education. He just stopped. That was fault number one, and I found it to be an insult towards aspiring artsits.

The humor was forced. There's no better way to explain it. Sure, the artwork was okay, but I felt as though there was too much chibification and exaggerating expressions. Let's face it--Even though this is manga, no one would ever make faces like the ones in "Comic Party", and no one would even think about expressing that type of emotion. This led to the feeling of forced and confusing humor. I giggled maybe twice throughout the whole book. As for the characters' personalities in general, they were MAJOR stereotypes in the manga world, going back to the unoriginal story.

All and all, I was not impressed at all. I usually expect stories about creators and doujinshi to be entertaining and enjoyable, but this was just disappointing. Don't waste your time or money on this pathetic attempt at a manga. You're better off buying an actual doujinshi rather than reading this waste of paper.