Customer Reviews

A Drunken Dream and Other Stories

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let me start off by saying that if you haven't picked up a Hagio Moto manga yet, this one is a GREAT one to start.

Unfortunately, Moto Hagio has not had much exposure to America - which is really surprising because she is one of the most thought-provoking mangakas that I know.

However, Hagio is one of the most well known authors of all time in Japan because she, and a few other brilliant artists, revolutionized the shoujo (girl's comics) genre. If that doesn't say anything, I don't know what does.

So enough about how famous the author is - how is "A Drunken Dream?"

I picked up the book knowing that it was a compilation of short stories (usually, short stories aren't my taste).

Some of short stories in this book are truly wonderful and I can go back just to reread them.

I would be lying if I said that I LOVED each and every one of them but I CAN say that they each gave me a lasting, if not a great, impression.

Hagio's themes are deep, tragic, and sometimes very dark; it plays our mind and makes us think.

Besides the actual content of the book, I'd like to add that this is one beautiful hardcover book to add to anyone's collection. Fantagraphics really went all out for this one and I can say that the quality is impeccable.

The translation is very smooth and doesn't take away from the story either.

There is even bonus content included; an interview with THE Hagio Moto herself!

So if you care more for the plot of the stories and the quality of the book rather than the art style (personally, I think it's very beautiful and detailed), I would truly recommend purchasing a copy.

This might well be the most important manga published to date. Not only does it have some magnificent work by a master of the craft, it's got some pretty candid insights into the mind of that master. And how often can you say you want to HUG a member of the "Magnificent 49ers?" (The nickname for the women who were largely responsible for the creation of shoujo, josei and Boys' Love genres.)

I'll be buying a second copy - for my local library. :-)

I was first introduced to Moto Hagio's works last year, at the age of 15, by picking up the

entire out-of-print Viz Comics run of They Were Eleven in my local comic shop. Within the

first few pages, I was ensnared by the manga master's artistic prowess, as well as her storytelling

ability. After that chance run-in with the artist, I longed for more of her work, which was a

wish sadly unfulfilled. But leave it to Fantagraphics, publishers of the fantastic Complete Peanuts

series, among others, to pick up a collection of Miss Hagio's phenomenal short manga and compile

them into what could very well be in the top 5 manga released this year.

I suppose it's obvious by now, but I loved this collection of simultaniously heart-wrenching and

heartwarming tales. The titular story is very interesting, but in my opinion, the rest of the

stories this collection is comprised are really what makes this book shine. Choice cuts include

the beautifully simplistic tale of a mother's loss in "The Willow Tree", a confusing yet distressing

story of the consequences of being "different" in "Girl on Porch With Puppy", and a story that

plays out like "Honey and Clover" written by Edgar Allen Poe in "Marie, Ten Years Later."

Every story in this collection is wonderful, though, and each of them will stick with you for

days, if not weeks, after reading them. As a writer, I felt inspired to hit my word processor

after seeing the beautiful potential such seemingly simple stories can have.

But, this being a manga, it wouldn't be the same without the absolutely gorgeous art within

the two covers of this hardback (which are both stunning as well.) Hagio's art is like a more

teary-eyed version of Osamu Tezuka's simplistic, cartoon-y designs, and that lends itself to

the stories more splendidly than one could imagine. There are no overly-complicated lines to

examine while reading the story, nor do there need to be; Hagio is one of the greatest living

comic artists, and even the smallest objects on the page (a cup, for example) ooze flawed perfection

and damaged beauty. This is a great example of how an manga-ka's art can match the tone of the

plot PERFECTLY.

There are no boundaries to who will enjoy this book. Art lovers, otaku, comic aficionado... all

will love this collection. Add in an in-depth interview with Moto Hagio herself, and this book

becomes a steal at a mere 25 dollars. This book will be one that forever stands out among

your collection, whether that collection be of manga or of novels or of art books. Hagio, like

Tezuka, breaks down the barriers between novels and comics, giving us something we can all love

and cherish.

And isn't that what art is all about?

Stories: A+

Art:A+

Overall: A+

I'm glad that Moto's manga has english edition. I love her manga since I was 13! The quality of this book is great too! Hard cover and good quality paper...it's a great collection!

although I prefer her long works such as the heart of thomas or a cruel god reigns each short story here is great in it's own way,that and it comes with a very long interview with hagio moto wich is as interesting to read as any of the stories.you leran a lot about her,not just her work experiemce,but how she feels,what's begind each of her works.

that and the quality of the edition is quit beutiful,big,hardcover with gold ink,and hight quality paper inside,definitely a good choice for people who look for quality.

I was already familiar with Moto Hagio's manga, so when I learned about this book being published I ordered it right away. If you are interested in shoujo or josei manga or in the subjects they approach, -love, loss, death, transformation, forgiveness, sexual identity, etc- this would be a wonderful way to approach one of its most beloved authors. Gorgeous book, lovingly put together, just about the right treatment for the work inside. Recommended!

Hagio illuminates the human condition as well as anybody. I'd put her work up there -- not just with Tezuka -- but with Kurosawa and Ozu. These stories are complex and heartfelt. You want to immerse yourself in them and read them slowly. I have to admit, I knew little of her before, so the in depth interview at the beginning really enhances the book. Speaking of which, it is beautifully made -- hard cover with thick, heavy-weight pages. Hope this is only the beginning of her works being translated.

this book is exactly what you can expect from manga after watching any of Hayao Miyazaki's movies (Kikis Delivery Service, Tonari no Totoro). sad stories, melancholy, dreams.

there are millions of manga books translated and most of them are crap.

i am disappointed with manga books currently printed and i dont buy manga... BUT this is something special.

we need more books like this one, buy this book to show the publishers we are ready to buy good books like this one.

the book is very nicely printed, heavy paper, beautiful gilded hardcover.

we want more!!!

THANX, Fantagraphics.