Series: Crayon Shin-chan
Publisher: CMX
Release Date: February 2008
Author/Illustrator: Yoshito Usui

This review marks the very first manga review for CEN.TAKU.ME, but I could have chosen a better series as Crayon Shin-chan is something that not everyone wants to read. I’m near the end of the first volume, and the second volume is just around the corner, so now is a good time to let everyone know on how good Crayon Shin-chan could be worth reading if you’re up for the antics of a five year-old and his chain of toilet humor jokes.

The story of Crayon Shin-chan follows the life of a five year old, named Shinnosuke Nohara and his unfortunate parents. The first chapter kicks off the “story” as Shin is told to go to the store for his mother, Mitzi, to pick up ingredients for dinner. The whole chapter (which lasts for 3-4 pages) is filled with Shin talking back at his mother, resulting in hilarious punishments, such as Shin getting a lump or three in the head in the next frame, which you will see very often. After several delays and with Shin coming back home from the store to get the phone number of the house, the chapter ends with Mitzi going to the store on her own. The next few chapters (which are in color) shows similar situations, such as Shin ruining dinner as he drops the food on the floor as his favorite children’s show is on the television. Every single chapter will keep you coming back for more. Many manga I have read seem to run out after 5-6 chapters (i.e.: Dr. Slump), but one volume of Crayon Shin-chan lasts a little longer due to the way the chapters are laid out. The artwork is a bit crude, but it fits well with the environment.

Another thing I like about the Shin-chan manga is that it appeals to 4-koma manga fans, such as myself–even though it’s not four panels. Shin-chan is nowhere near the level that Lucky Star and Azumanga Daioh falls under, but rather “The Simpsons of Japan.” The series has been under a lot of pressure due to its content, such as the endless potty humor and sexual innuendos, but in the end, it remains Japan’s highest rated family (That’s right, “family”) series. When the Shin-chan anime premiered on Adult Swim, it was an instant hit, despite some changes. The changes made had something to do with cultural references, such as the mention of famous American actors in place of their Japanese equivalent. Some of the characters name have been changes, such as Shin’s friends, Georgie, who is actually “Kazama”, and Maso is actually known as “Masao”. Not to mention the extra jokes that makes the series exactly like South Park, slapping Shin-chan with a TV-MA rating (It is on Adult Swim, after all). However, all of the original jokes are on the DVDs, via the Japanese language track for those purists. Normally, such changes would make me upset as well, but I actually find them very appropriate.

All in all, Crayon Shin-chan is highly recommended if you don’t mind the cultural changes and the whole Shin-chan environment. If you don’t like toilet humor, then stay away. If you’re not sure, check out an episode of Shin-chan, which current airs at 1:30 AM EDT on Cartoon Network, or head out to your local video store to grab Season One of the Shin-chan anime, which comes out this Tuesday. You’ve been warned!

Ratings

Cover Design: 3/5

Character Designs: 3/5

Story/Plot: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5