I'm a fan of graphic novels, including the many variations/innovations in illustrated narratives (Hugo Cabret, Smile, Wonderstruck, etc), but I've never warmed up to Manga. This, though, is 850 pages of the incredible story of iconic Manga producer Yoshiro Tatsumi. The importance of Manga in world/youth literature is beyond question, and his role in that intensely competitive world is undeniable.This could be combined with Allan Say's Drawing From Memory and Ed Young's illustrated memoir The House Baba Built. Not often do I read an 800+ page book in a few days, but this fascinating autobiography of one of Japan's leading manga author/artists riveted me. Tatsumi tells the story of his early adolescence and career as a comic artist in post-war Japan, chronicling the rise and evolution of manga from short, gag-filled comics, to the longer, more psychologically interesting stories he helped develop. A Drifting Life is a sprawling work that covers a lot - key political and cultural moments in post-war Japan until the 1960s; the artist's early struggles and successes; his rivalries and experiences with collaborators - and all of it is told in a clearly drawn and accessible style. ing manga author/artists riveted me. Tatsumi tells the story of his early adolescence and career as a comic artist in post-war Japan, chronicling the rise and evolution of manga from short, gag-filled comics, to the longer, more psychologically interesting stories he helped develop. A Drifting Life is a sprawling work that covers a lot - key political and cultural moments in post-war Japan until the 1960s; the artist's early struggles and successes; his rivalries and experiences with collaborators - and all of it is told in a clearly drawn and accessible style.
What do You think about Una Vita Tra I Margini (2012)?
The content of this memoir would never have been as interesting (to me) if it had just been written.
—Terez
Good graphic novel/biography. If I had known more about the artist I may have been more into it.
—bingodate
the narrative drags on for quite a long time. but the artwork is gorgeous.
—Vicky
