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Reviewed by Lisa Anderson When most think of a school comedy, visions of stereotypical students, frequent fan service shots, and at least one romantic triangle usually spring to mind. Azumanga Daioh, or Azumanga for short, manages to sidestep many such problems, instead offering a comical romp through a school standing on the edge of insanity. Focusing on an all-girl group of five students and two teachers, Azumanga follows the cast through their four years in high school, covering one year per volume. Instead of following any major plot, the manga reads more like a newspaper comic with most strips done in a stand-alone style. Even the layout is more Western, with most strips reading in a 4-panel design, the occasional larger panel reminiscent of a weekend strip. Despite the small cast, each character in Azumanga is an interesting blend of pros and cons, bringing a fresh personality into the greater mix. One such character is Chiyo-chan, a child prodigy that balances academic intelligence with a social ineptness fitting for her age. Another is Sakaki, the strong and silent athlete with a weak heart for anything cute. Azumanga seems almost to thrive on opposites, riding the resulting humor while avoiding repetition. Unlike many high school settings, Azumanga also takes time to focus on two of the teachers, Minamo (who is nicknamed Nyamo) and Yukari. The two have an interesting love/hate relationship that usually only forms between lifelong friends. Like their friendship, their teaching styles also form an amusing balance of opposites. Yukari is anything but a good student role model, her classroom personality ranging from loud and chaotic to selfish and irresponsible. Minamo is the more level-headed of the pair, though her control slips a bit if someone mentions her old relationships. While most of the volume takes place in the classroom, many strips step into the personal lives of the entire cast. From Minamo and Yukari driving, to Sakaki and her cats, the series gives a delightful peek into each character without the confines of a classroom. It also takes time to spotlight the various connections between each girl, from friendships to rivalries. The art of Azumanga is fairly simple, due more to spatial concerns than lack of artistic quality. Like a Sunday comic strip, scenes focus more on the characters than the surrounding area, letting the dialogue tie everything together. It’s a rather refreshing change, letting the reader pay more attention to the characters and what they have to say, instead of focusing on complicated action shots or widespread landscapes. As a whole, Azumanga is a comical spin through a chaotic high school group. There are no grand adventures or dashing romances, just short strips on everyday occurrences. Dialogue holds the spotlight over the surrounding world, giving the reader ample opportunity to find someone they relate to. The humor varies enough that anyone 13 and up should enjoy it. If you’re looking for something light, fresh, and with the classic touch of a Sunday News strip, give Azumanga a whirl. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
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