Customer Reviews

Megatokyo, Vol. 1

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you have any interest in comics, manga, webcomics, or the creative artistic process, this book is something special.

Yes, it does have the first book-length installment of all the MegaTokyo webmanga episodes.

But what makes this book special is that the artist added, at the bottom of each page, an illustrated nararrative describing the creative process. Why they used the punch lines they did used, why they did not use other punch lines, why the story took the turn it did, why certain things almost did not get included, why things were drawn the way they were, etc. An amazing window into the creative process.

Either the manga alone, or the artist's narrarative alone, would be worth the price of admission. The two together are dynamite.

Since I wrote the book, I thought I'd say it's not bad.

Actually, MegaTokyo's first print volume isn't as into shoujo (comics for girls) as later versions. Instead, we get a funny and charming introduction to Piro and Largo, two hardcore gamers who end up stranded in Japan thanks to their obsession. Engaging and eccentric, our two protagonists lead wild and wacky adventures through the Land of the Rising Sun.

That said, the supporting characters steal the show. Roomies Erika and Kimiko, perky schoolgirl Yuki, polite but peeved Tsubasa and more give Megatokyo a balanced, deep environment that isn't often found in comic art.

Speaking of art, Fred "Piro" Gallagher's pencils are deft and warm, and improve rapidly even within the pages of this volume. Rodney "Largo" Caston's writing is smart and smooth, plotting in sync with Piro for an authentic Japanese feel with American sensibilities.

Good read for the casual reader looking for something different, great for those who really "get it".

Plus, Nanasawa's really cute.

MegaTokyo Vol. 1 Chapter 0 (confusing name to you? I'll explain later) begins the tale of the online webcomic MegaTokyo (http://www.megatokyo.com) as a quiet, shy hardcore Otaku (which translates to Anime Freak, basically) and his loud, bold, and slightly delusional gamer friend aren't allowed into the E3 convention, and decide to fly to Japan. Once there, they accidently max out their credit cards and must find a way back home.

A great, hillarious story geared more towards otakus and gamers, but I have friends who enjoy it who are hardly, or even not at all into anime, manga, or video games, however, I must admit that there are quite a few jokes that you may not get without knowledge in one of these subjects, such as spoofs of animes (ie ereal Experiments Largo, Naze Nani MegaTokyo) and jokes about how the PC game NeverWinter Nights was delayed, etc. The reason it is called Vol. 1 is because it is the first book (and currently the only book, but there is soon to be a Vol. 2 to be published by Dark Horse). The reason it's chapter zero? Well, when the auther (Fred Gallagher) had already written so many comics, he decided to start making chapters, and named what he already had- the tale of how they came to Japan, and them starting out there- Chapter 0. So here it is. There are also extras in this book, such as comments by the real-life counterparts for the characters.

....Sp33k l33t? With this sites popularity, I'm sure plenty of folks do. And for good reason. Megatokyo is the most popular doujinshi (online) comic on the net. Don't get turned away by all the crazed fanboys out there droowling over it like an episode of Trigun, this comic is good from all points of view.

This volume contains the first 'chapter' of the drama that these beautiful (or beautifully flawed) characters go through (not to mention what Fred and Piro go through). I'm a HUGE fan of MT and all that the guys do to make me happy about 3 times outta the week. When I discovered Megatokyo.com I was hooked and read the entire thing in one day.

Basically, the story is about 2 American teens who get stuck in Japan and have to work together (or against each other, or against 3vil d0minions) to try and find they're way home. With all of Largo's video-game obsessions and all of Piro's romantic throughts over the Shoujo at the local anime store, the two can hardly ever earn any money without blowing it on arcades or renting Rent-A-Zilla's ;)

Where this comic will go in the future, none can tell, and I'm sure the creators are too caught up in pleasing us, the fans, with 3 comics weekly, to know themselves. In the long run, though, I'm sure this series will go down as the biggest American based comic on the net....

For those interested already, for if you're reading this I'm sure you are, please visit [the website] and start from the beginning and get yourself hooked like I did.

I did find, however, that I didn't like the comic or characters as much as I do when reading the comic online. But regardless, the characters are unique, and everyone knows someone who acts just like one these characters. The story is great, and my main complete in general is having to wait for more.

I don't want to wait for more.

I've only got to finding out about the series 6 months ago and i'm hooked. Even though you can readit for free on the net at megatokyo.com the book is good because it lets the reader view the graphic novel in a set rather than having to click next and waiting for the page to load up. Get this book!

For those of you not already familiar with the addictive adventures of manga/DatingSim-obsessed Piro and the l337 h4X0r d00d Largo... well, what the hell's wrong with you?! Go check it out .... Basically it is the story of two gaming obsessed would-be ex-pat's who find themselves, through no fault of their own and no little amount of alcohol, stranded in Japan with no where to go and no way to get home. Come experience Japan through two _very_ different points of view. Sit back, enjoy the madness and for god' sake, don't be drinking anything while you read this.

When my brother sent me the link to MT (MegaTokyo) about a year ago, I really wasn't into reading webcomics. Well, I blame him for my time online reading and the money I spend buying great books like this.

Fred began MT just to shut up a friend... well you see where its gone from there. ^_^ I think you will find a character for just about anyone, male, female, shy, outgoing or simply out-of-touch. That's why there is such a great reader following... MT isn't just for guys, girls or gamers. This is a great book written with a flavor of manga. (though not written backwards, so no worries there if you don't want to adjust)

This issue is Pre-Dark Horse publishing, that is why the cover is different and is out of print. DH is publishing Vol 1 again (possible rerelease in March) and Vol 2 is due for release this month.

For further info, read Fred's rants on www.MegaTokyo.com. He keeps us up to date. (probably out of fear) :P

I hope this helps! Maybe I'll see you on the forums. ;)

I first discovered Megatokyo several years ago and have been an avid reader since. When the book came out, I had to have it so that I read it off line.

Megatokyo is about the trials and tribulations of two Americans, Piro and Largo, in Tokyo. To say more would take away from the enjoyment of the comic. Sometimes what happens pushes the bounds of plausibility and other times it just plain ignores reality. Unlike other comics, not every page has a punch line or joke; sometimes it is just an observation of what is going on.

The comic has really grown since the early days, both in content and in graphical style. The early comics look rough in comparison to the later ones. Also the early comics are presented in a square format, while the later ones are more rectangular. This would normally cause a blank space on the bottom of the page, but this has been filled with a running commentary from the artist/author Piro.

If you like anime/video games/computer humor or want to immerse yourself in a deep storyline this is one book that you can't go wrong with.

You could not buy it, you could just go to the website. Or you could buy this and have a copy - take it anywhere, fits snuggly in my blazer pocket - doesn't need a dial up or braodband connection, its all in order - you get handy information at the bottom of the pages and a beautiful re-drawn scetch at the back... Now which option sounds nicer to you?

Megatokyo was the first manga i ever read - i'll follow it to the end and so i loved this book. The artwork is as always, beautiful the humour is plentiful and yet the drama and beginning of a plot is enough to satisfy anyone who's ever glanced at one of Freds drawings.

A must for the devoted fan, a worthy buy for the newbie to the genre - all in all it's worth the money (worth the wait and postage if you're abroad) and worth your attention.

BUY IT!