Comments on: Series Review: Cat-Eyed Boy, Vols. 1-2

By: Chris Mautner

Chris Mautner — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:08 +0000

I actually enjoyed the messiness in Cat Eyed Boy. It gave the book a nightmarish quality that I think a more straightforward, keenly focused work wouldn’t have had.

By: Katherine Dacey

Katherine Dacey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:27:08 +0000

Thanks for the expert opinion, Ed! I'm still on the fence about Umezu: sometimes I think his work is funny, original, and spooky in a wonderful way, while other times I think his work is just plain messy and awful. I preferred the Scary Book anthologies over Cat-Eyed Boy, as I found the overall storytelling a little more coherent. I will give Viz its due for the presentation of Cat-Eyed Boy, and hope that their competitors do the same for other titles of historic interest.

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:24:48 +0000

Glad to see someone else likes the Neko Kozou. Honestly, I’d give my money to the little monster over Hyakkimaru and his thief sidekick any day (even in the 60’s).
Best thing about this manga is how Umezzu takes existing legends and makes them his own. And along the way he creates new myths that are now part of urban horror history. Few mangaka can say that, especially through a shounen title.

By: Katherine Dacey

Katherine Dacey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:07:34 +0000

I totally agree–the afterword helped me come to terms with the story I found most ridiculous. (That would be “The Meatball Monster.”) Thanks for the feedback!

By: David Welsh

David Welsh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:59:10 +0000

Wonderful review as always, Kate. I’m glad I’m not the only one who adores “The Tsunami Summoners.” While I liked the book overall, I think my second-favorite thing in it was the afterword, especially the whole laughter-fear construct.