Yotsuba&! (2004)

[よつばと!]

Volume 3

Author/Artist: Kiyohiko Azuma
Publisher: Dengeki Comics

Synopsis:
Yotsuba comes up with a present for Asagi in exchange for the souvenirs from Okinawa and meets her friend Torako for the first time.

Story/Characters:
In this volume we introduce Torako, Jumbo's dad and Mr. Ayase. I particularly like Tora because she's so awkward around Yotsuba and yet Yotsuba has a habit of sticking to her like glue. The chapter where Yotsuba goes around town giving out flowers is particularly sweet.

Art:
Again, quality is consistently high. It's kinda weird seeing the juxtaposition of photorealistic animals at the zoo and the more stylized character design. Near the very end of the last chapter is a two-page color spread of fireworks going off which is rather striking. Also, for typography nerds, the end credits are laid out in a pinwheel pattern like a firework, which is a neat way to tie it in with the last chapter.

Conclusion:
What can I say? There's more goodness to be had here. If the series has captured your heart—and I have a hard time imagining it not having done so—, you'll want this in your collection along with the rest of the series.

Rating:
Own It