After years-upon-years of swearing at the TV while playing video games, I have found myself seeking a more relaxing habit to practice in my free time. On a whim, I started to check out manga/graphic novels as a way to fill the relaxation void. I think my whim was just what I needed. All of the reading has been just the change of pace I've been desiring.


The following is a review of completed book or books read. The reviews are intentionally kept brief for obvious spoiler reasons. I will be using the letters "PF", meaning "Purchase Factor", followed by a "+" or "-" to represent whether to category(Art, Story, ETC.) should factor positively or negatively in your purchasing decision. The "Adaption" category covers how well the conversion to English was handled. Reviews end with a firm "Yes" or "No" recommendation.


NOTICE: These reviews are probably better-suited for newer manga fans that are looking for recommendations.




Story: Volume 1 covers the introduction of main character, Kyon to Haruhi, a school girl who has an amazing ability that she is in the dark about. An alien, a time-traveler & an Esper are brought together as a result of this power. While some conversations get convoluted if you don't pay enough attention, the story is still an absolute plus thanks to the lovable characters and funny mishaps the series is known for.
PF: +

Artwork: Characters are easily recognizable and the backgrounds detailed without being too busy. Jumps from a serious art-style to a comical chibi styling add to the personality. I did however notice about 2 or so empty panels.
PF: +

Adaption: All Japanese text and sound effects are translated, leaving no guesswork as to what's going on. Solid dialog writing.
PF: +

Closing Comments: The charm & likability of the series is out in full force, although, I found Haruhi to be a little more abrasive than she was in the anime. There are noticeable differences in the way some events happened in the anime.

Recommended: Yes




Story: Trigun's protagonist, Vash The Stampede, returns to his gun slinging ways after a visit from Wolfwood and the kidnapping of a friend by a gang. Story takes place two years after the events of the second original Trigun graphic novel. Should please fans of the original manga or those who are up on their Trigun lore.
PF: +

Artwork: A decent art-style is brought down by some occasionally busy, hard-to-follow action scenes. Several blank/missing panels.
PF: -

Adaption: The dialog text is reasonably well done, however, the sound effects are not translated, which adds to the confusion resulting from the busy artwork.
PF: -

Closing Comments: It has been a good 5 years since I've seen the entire show of Trigun and my memory of it's details has faded a bit in the time off. Trigun is on my top 5 favorite anime list, but this book isn't the right place to start/return to the series and my recommendation reflects that fact.

Recommended: No


That will do it for the first volume of Getting Graphic. Please post any suggestions on changes to the format that you may have.


Next Time: School Rumble Vol.1 & The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Vol.2