Azumangaと!

We all know that I'm a big Azumanga fan. It's been 10 years since its first manga came out (already?!), and this year is a good year for Azumanga fans!



First off, the 2nd volume of the new panels in Shounen Jump Sunday is finally out, and it comes with this wonderful poster! Ah, my bedroom wall is almost complete. Now where's that Aria poster?



Next is a rather strange decision by Kiyohiko Azuma. He actually redrew the entire first volume of Azumanga Daioh with almost no changes to the story. His reason being that he wants to match the manga closer to the art direction of his current work, Yotsubato. Hence, fans fondly call this new version Azumangato!

I LOVE the cover. Minimalistic, simple... ah who am I kidding, it's Osaka! Seriously though, I like the simplicity, feels like a modern 4-koma manga... with Osaka!



Take out the cover and you see her ^_^ face. Makes for good paper animation.



And behind is the beloved father of Chiyo-chan. Yooooooooo *raises rubber-like arms*

Courtesy of yesterday's post in Sankaku Complex, I compiled and put the comparisons between the two in a simple arrangement below.



Osaka looks a little too pretty 10 years ago lol. Still prefer her to have that blank wide-eyed stare. And 2009's Sakaki, mmm mmm :}

Contrary to popular opinion online, I really love the new art direction, even moreso than the old. A little biased coz I prefer stuff that are minimalistic. Not only that, I think such approach suits well with slice-of-life 4-koma comedy. Especially the type with not-so-ordinary humour.

Regardless, old or new, I still love Azumanga Daioh to bits :3

But which do you prefer? The old or the new? Place your answer in the poll on the right!

A!

Today I bought my first Monthly Shounen Sunday. I really love Cross Game right now, and no slice-of-life connoisseur should pass up on Adachi Mitsuru's new work, Q and A. After all he is said to be a genius at pure storytelling.

But there's a MUCH BIGGER reason why I'm buying this thick book for 500 yen.



New Azumanga Daioh 4-panel manga is out! 7 years after his final panel in Dengeki Daioh, Azuma Kiyohiko pleased Azumanga fans (that's me!) with plans to release 3 new chapters, this edition bearing the first one.



Needless to say, I'm a big fan. It is simply the best slice-of-life comedy out there for me. There was also a poster of this illustration outside the shop. I want it NAO! On my room wall!

But ahhh, it's so great to see the characters back. Especially Osaka of coz :) And the manga starts with Osaka leaving the house for school. I'd say that's a lovely start!



Here, Tomo thinks the Osaka-ben "teten" is cute, so they keep repeating the phrase... to Yomi's annoyance, as usual.



Terebi is the new Ohayou.

Raku-Job Event

The job situation in Japan is dire, especially due to the recent plunge in the US economy. To answer this urgent call, an NGO has set up Raku-Job, an event where many passionate but jobless Tokyo-ites could look for jobs in the anime, manga and game industry.

Among the employers involved were Gonzo, Production IG, Toho Animation, Koudansha and Hobby Japan. Dunno which game companies were there, I'm guessing it's those anime-game companies that make dating sims and visual novels.

Just like the line for the PS3 and Wii, many potential employees lined up all the way to the outside of the building. Itulah passion Japan.



To give a great first impression, everyone wore a snappy business suit/dress. Of course there were exceptions.



At least he won't be hot under the sun. But it's kinda the edge of winter there, so...

You can go to their website @ http://raku-job.jp/blog/. I like the way they represented the game, anime and manga industry as 3 characters.

Maybe one day I'll be part of the line? :3