Q-Ko-Chan 1: The Earth Invader Girl
By: Jordan Richardson |
Sunday July 30, 2006 |
 
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Genremanga AuthorUeda Hajime PublisherDelrey Manga External Links |
For those unfamiliar with Manga, the Q-Ko Chan book is fantastic because it explains the terms of Manga is such detailed yet simplistic terms in the opener of the book. Entitled "Honorifics Explained", a foreword to the book explains the usage of Japanese "polite" terms in the Manga and explains the reason they were left intact and not translated into traditional English. This little touch creates anticipation for a unique experience that the book does, indeed, deliver.
The tale takes place in the near future on planet Earth in a time when war is an accepted fact of everyday life. Kirio is the coolest kid in school, the brilliant leader of the school's oddball group. Far away from Kirio's world is a giant robot fighting a fleet of gunships. The exciting and comical story begins when the robot makes a sudden emergency landing in Kirio's front yard and, you guessed it, rings the doorbell!
This latest occurrence, of course, is going to test Kirio's highly practiced cool. He was, after all, already working overtime and keeping up his distant yet brilliant vibe within a world gone crazy with war and violence. To make matters even more interesting, Kirio's robot visitor has the face of an endearing girl!
From that point on, the story leads us into Kirio's world as the robot and he form an unlikely yet endearing friendship. Drawn with a cool and delicate simplicity, Ueda Hajime brings a remarkably fun world to life that is simply brimming with potential from the first page. It is a fascinating and fun setup for an adventurous story designed for those thirteen years of age and over.
One of the most striking pieces about this Manga is the variety contained within the simple tale, from the artwork to the language used. The Earth Invader Girl is a true work of art from the first page, expertly pencilled and drawn to perfection with great lines and styling on each character and background scene. Do not confuse simplicity for lack of quality here, as each frame says something about the story and the characters working and living within it.
For Manga beginners and veterans alike, The Earth Invader Girl is a perfect work to sink your teeth into and experience, page by page.
