Reviews

Just So Happens by Fumio Obata

hazelbynature's review

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

lilyylmc's review

emotional informative reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

wickedtears's review

emotional relaxing sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

leilaalice's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jfontaine's review

5.0

I loved this book. I finished it all at once because I couldn't put it down. The artwork is stunning and the story is powerful.

aoosterwyk's review

4.0

This graphic novel focuses on crossing boundaries between cultures, genders, generations and all the expectations and baggage that go with those choices.

riotsquirrrl's review

5.0

As someone whose father recently died, this book really resonated with me. The story feels a bit choppy but honestly that's the way it happens: bits of concrete memories interlaced with subtle feelings difficult to convey to other people, interspersed with ritual that gives form to the terrible. I do like the conceit of the Noh actor as a metaphorical stand-in for Yumiko's identity. The death of a parent changes people even though it doesn't feel like it should change them so much. The artwork is made up of beautiful and evocative watercolors and the analog medium really grounds the work in a way that wouldn't be possible with digital art.

meghan111's review

3.0

3.5. Gorgeous use of watercolors illustrating a thoughtful story about the sudden death of a parent. The main character returns to Japan after living in London for a decade, and attempts to process the passing of her father. It's remote, emotionally, and it kept me from connecting to the story - I felt the characters never came alive.

aitanarts's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

luckyniko's review

5.0

The art style is so beautiful.

A touching story about polarizing cultures and the inbetween.