Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Wabisabi

 

Donald Duck Visits Japan is a charming and unexpectedly engaging comic.


I assume the purpose behind it is to teach kids about the customs and culture of Japan, but aside from its educational value it is a cute and cozy story.  The Three Caballeros work for a furniture company but are on the Boss's shit list, as they crashed his car during some off-panel hijinks.  Their punishment is to be sent to work in a hotel in Japan for a year, to learn about customer service and research Japanese hospitality techniques.  What this has to do with furniture making is unclear.


The boys learn all about sushi, yokai, and omotenashi, while slowly gaining self-confidence and pride in their work.


Meru Okano's character designs deviate significantly from the characters' classic look, but it suits the manga style while still reading as "Toon".  Supporting characters look like they just stopped over from Animal Crossing.  Donald Duck Visits Japan is a quick and breezy read, kawaii as fuck but might actually teach you something.  Recommended.



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