Will touch the heart and capture the imagination.
If you like comics with heart, ones that offer a fun, retro feel, this book was written for you! Throwing off subtle Star Wars vibes, Kenny Loui’s autobiographical manga journey begins where all epic journeys begin, with a sobering self-examination and a worthy goal too noble for most to endeavor. For Kenny, the goal is simple. He wants to release all the plushies from their forced life of captivity, trapped within crane games, an existence nobody should endure. This is his mission, and he has chosen to accept it despite the obstacles in his path. With diligence and intensity, Kenny carries out his purpose within the aging walls of Gerry’s Game Zone. But mastering a vintage claw game in an old arcade is only a hazy outline for this collection of enthusiastic episodes. Freeing the plushies will require unwavering focus, a constant supply of cash, and a serious commitment. If he’s open to it, Kenny will acquire many life lessons along the way, including perseverance, patience, and learning how to let things go. Fortunately, Kenny has some good friends, an atmospheric soundtrack and an internal compass to guide him in the right direction. That is, if his temper doesn’t get in the way of his good intentions.
A preppy villain, an unerringly wise guardian spirit, and a portable cassette player are just some of the quirky treats waiting to be enjoyed in Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga by Kenny Loui. A simple but expressive art style captures the emotions and personalities of the characters and the situations they face as they brave the storms at Gerry’s. One charming example, the look of profound concentration as Kenny squeezes shut one eye to pour all his focus into the task at hand, is the epitome of a picture being worth a thousand words. The joyful plushies are especially adorable and varied, ranging from common animals such as a pig and a bee to exotic creatures that will touch the heart and capture the imagination. But the succinct script, punchy descriptives, and pithy life lessons make Kenny’s account worth every moment. Pert, powerful, and completely analogous to the impact of the story, Kenny’s musings are deceptively poignant, yet light and engaging. Whether you ardently embrace otaku culture or have just learned how to pronounce manga, Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher is unassuming and off-the-wall, and is one of the most entertaining autobiographical accounts you’ll find on bookshelves today!
