Comments on: Del Rey Chibis: Mushishi 6, Samurai 7, Toto 3, Shiki Tsukai 4, Le Chevalier d’Eon 6

By: Manga Moveable Feast: Mushishi — About the Book » Manga Worth Reading

Manga Moveable Feast: Mushishi — About the Book » Manga Worth Reading — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:05:28 +0000

[...] previously reviewed volume 4 and volume 6 of Mushishi. David Welsh has done a wonderful series write-up; look for a companion piece this [...]

By: Hsifeng

Hsifeng — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:36:44 +0000

Ed Sizemore Says:

“Hsifeng, Sorry. I’m not fully awake. That last sentence should be address to you not Johanna.”

…and I should have cited you, not Johanna, when I quoted you. So we’re even! :)

By: Ed Sizemore

Ed Sizemore — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:59:26 +0000

Hsifeng, Sorry. I’m not fully awake. That last sentence should be address to you not Johanna.

By: Ed Sizemore

Ed Sizemore — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:50:01 +0000

Lynn, that’s an interesting observation. It makes me think of Buddhism or Taoism, where one is taught to release the ego, so that you can accept the true nature of the world. Ginko’s wanderings then become his personal journey for enlightenment. His study and acceptace of mushi is his way of learning to accept the world as it. The mushi are his spiritual teachers.

Johanna, I’m glad you agree. I love your summary.

By: Hsifeng

Hsifeng — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:07:03 +0000

Johanna Says:

“…It’s because these stories connect so personally and uniquely with each reader that Mushishi is a series people don’t talk about a lot. It’s hard to explain to someone else the appeal of these stories without feeling like you’re revealing your own hidden self in the process…”

Lemme try: Mushishi is mellow and suspenseful. It’s an adult comic in the best way – the main character is an adult facing the plot conflicts as he earns his living and follows his calling, instead of yet another kid in a school uniform in “adult situations.” The different characters Ginko meets and the problems they have are pretty diverse so even though the stories all involve Ginko and the mushi the series doesn’t get old. I recommend it for anyone looking for more seinen or josei manga, and especially for people who liked Urasawa Naoki’s Monster…

You’re right, it is hard to write a full review of this without oversharing.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:24:08 +0000

I think it was the actor that voices Ginko in the anime that said the most unusual thing about Mushishi is that
Ginko appears to gave no ego.

His character is just as willing to follow as lead, as long as things look interesting. And he’s both frequently wrong and willing to say so.

Urushibara’s writing is so subtle and nuanced, too. I love it; though I realize that’s probably why we only get one volume a year translated.