Where's my manga: radio edition

I would like someone to write a shonen manga about a boy with a burning passion for being a radio DJ and an unfortunate problem with burning chronic indigestion and acid reflux.  If you've ever worked in radio (or listened to it), you know how mortifying it is to not only have to pause (leaving dead air) but actually flub up by not covering or turning off the microphone quickly enough to smother the belch clawing its way up your throat.

(There is something wrong with me because I laugh so hard I cry every time I think about this.  Even at work, where I'm sure the cube-dweller next to me thinks I have lost my mind.)

So, would you read that gag manga if somebody wrote it?  (Couldn't resist.  Sorry.)

Yes, again with Darker Than Black

Well.  Wow.  The sudden ultraviolence means this title is definitely not for everyone.  The series in general keeps you off balance, and the early inclusion of several scenes of hideous and unexpected gore was definitely a successful part of that strategy, but, ewwwww. 

The problem is that unlike other shows, there isn't necessarily warning that things are about to get unbelievably gross, and sometimes, you can't look away because, you know, important plot is happening.


Other ways they keep you off balance:

• killing people who seem important
• inexplicably letting others live
• the most excellent two-episode story arc
• the way the inhabitants of this world don't have everything figured out

That last one is my favorite.  Ten years ago the world changed for these people.  Things they thought were givens (laws of science, common sense, etc.) got tossed out the window.  Or over the wall.  These people are trying to figure their world out on a fairly basic level, and there are a lot of guesses and lies running around.  Even stuff everybody who knows knows is wrong.  It's subtle and breathtaking.  Bravo! 


Because of all this, it feels much more immediate, engaging, and compelling, and you as the viewer must participate because they are not going to spell things out for you, and when they do, the truth may or may not be involved.  Monologues and info dumps can be "full of fail."  Pay attention, or else you miss all the great nuances, contradictions, and bunny trails that make this show a jaw-droppingly great ride.


Up through volume 4 where I am going to stop because I wish to own this series and meticulously pick apart each and every episode to analyze how the story-telling and world-building are so awesome.  I wouldn't want to know the ending and let that influence my obsessive re/watching.

I wonder if I should wait to read this tantalizing novel until after I'm done with the series . . .  Anyone heard anything about it?

I love being a nerd.

Are there any shows you stopped watching partway in so you could start over obsessively?

Crayon Shin-chan: sarcastic, cynical, naughty fun

I suspect that Crayon Shin-chan is partly responsible for the low birth rate in Japan.

The original show (correct me if I'm wrong, S/T) is somewhat notorious in Japan for causing parental concern that children watching it will imitate Shin-chan (as if they don't already act like that) or that the show gives them naughty ideas (as if they don't already have them).  At least in the US, no one should be worrying about CSC negatively influencing children because there is NO WAY children should be watching this version.

Does this show count as a guilty pleasure?  It's full of offensive, inappropriate, wrong, and objectionable content that makes me laugh (a la The Boondocks) as much for what's exaggerated as for what's not.  It's like Baby Blues on drugs. 

You can tell the staff and cast had a hoot putting the US version of CSC together (especially if you can still find that bonus content they posted on Adult Swim's website).  The re-write isn't 100% awesome (your mileage will vary based on where your lines are), but what comedy material actually hits the target all the time?  It's funny enough, especially if you've worked or lived with small children, and that's what counts.  (As an added bonus, after watching this show, if you ever watch Oofuri, you may laugh at the first pairing of Shin-chan's parents I'd heard since.)

I think my favorite episode is the one where Hima (the baby) wants more juice.  This episode is almost completely free of crassness and features an impressive performance by an adult woman pretending to be a baby really well.  There is also some great baby logic.

If you want a more faithful translation/adaptation, please check out the graphic novels, which are also hilarious.

Consider Crayon Shin-chan as an addition to whatever birth control you use, or just enjoy it for the amusing, offensive, low-brow comedy entertainment it is.

If you've seen Shin-chan, do you have any favorite episodes?