Genshiken

Reviewed by Chris Hori
March 19, 2007

Artist: Kio Shimoku Author: Kio Shimoku Publisher: Del Rey Manga (US)/ Kodansha (Japan) Genre: Comedy, Slice-of-life No. of Volumes: 9 Website (Japan): Click Here Review Rating: 8 out of 10

The manga follows the story of ‘The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture’ or "Genshiken" for short, a college club in Japan, on their daily adventures as Anime fans or “Otaku”.  Rather than following a single main character, the manga follows the group as a whole.  However, the majority of the story does seem to incorporate two characters in particular: Kanji Sasahara, who can be considered the most “normal” of the group, and Saki Kasukabe, who is the only non-otaku character in the group.

The story takes a light hearted look at otaku culture (anime fan culture), often exaggerating scenes for comedic purpose.  However, Genshiken must be credited for the thorough and often very realistic outlook of the characters as well as their interactions and activities.  The series covers various events such as: comic markets, cosplay events, model building, midnight release sales, and many others.  The story also follows the various group members in their every day lives from shopping at Akihabara, to getting together to play games and talk about the latest issue of their favorite manga.

When Sasahara is involved, the story focuses on the various activities of an average otaku.  As a note, at the beginning of the series, Sasahara has only begun to accept that he is an otaku and is unsure of himself.  As the series progresses, he learns more about the culture he wants to be a part of and accepts himself for what he is, gaining confidence as he does so.  When Kasukabe is the focus, the story changes to how a person who is not an otaku interacts with the other members of the group.  Initially only a member because her boyfriend is an otaku, she slowly begins to understand the various members of the group, and the culture that they are seemingly obsessed with.  She grows to accept that while she will never be like them, it doesn’t prevent them from being friends.  Much of the comedy also comes from Kasukabe’s attempts at trying various otaku activities, such as cosplay.

The remainders of the characters are all memorable as each represents a different facet of otaku culture, some taking multiple interests including cosplay, artist, gamer, and even eccentric-anime-fan.  While they are most notable for their interests, each character is a real person rather than just a character to represent an activity.  Because of this, the group dynamic is very entertaining, and gives the slice-of-life elements of the story a very believable feel.

The art style is clean, and visually appealing.  While it is nothing extraordinary, it is amusing to note that the artist does seem to take extra effort when characters dress in cosplay or on items that the characters would have a particular interest in.

This story is enjoyable to everyone as a slice-of-life series.  Each story makes clear that even if someone had never participated in the activities that take place in the manga, they would understand what is going on.  In addition, the presence of Saki Kasukabe gives non-otaku readers a character they can relate to.  Otaku readers will enjoy the story for the sheer number of references, and for the adventures and activities that they all enjoy themselves.  The characters are very believable (if at times over the top for comedic purpose) and give a very good and positive look to the culture they are a part of.