Tokyo These Days vol 3 h/c back

Taiyo Matsomoto's 3-volume TOKYO THESE DAYS is now COMPLETE! Aren't the covers GORGEOUS!

A deeply affecting triumph, TOKYO THESE DAYS is every bit as fresh, individualistic, relevant and moving as the manga which, herein, ex-editor Shiozawa is quietly determined to draw once more out of the former (leftfield) creative superstars of the medium who have all bar one been driven from the Japanese comics industry, burnt out by its relentless schedule, and disillusioned by its lowest common denominator demand for bland mass appeal 'product'.

Familiar, much...?

Shiozawa also diligently pursues bookstores, hoping to secure advance sales, but the retailers are as disinterested in curating quality comics as the corporate publishers.

This final volume unexpectedly accelerates to a wholly unanticipated meterological rush and flush of fresh creative connection as the final, patiently pursued piece of Shiozawa's manga jigsaw pops into place.

I may come back and take you on a visual tour of the cityscapes inside - do ask me to show you in the shop - for Matsumoto is evidently in love with each individual urban crossroads or wind-lashed winter walkway which he lavishes so much time on.

For interior art from TOKYO THESE DAYS, please see vol 1