Shortcomings
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Summaries
Add a SummaryJaded tri-genarian Ben Tanaka has a decent life but manages to find enough to complain about. Managing a local theater also seems to distance him from his girlfriend Miko's interest in independent film, looking down on her Asian Film Festival with enough self loathing for both of them. His friend Alice Kim is a womanizing woman and manages to aid him in some semblance of a social life. Add to this one cross country internship for Miko, a new, cute flirty punker employee at the theater, and a waffling bisexual white girl making his acquaintance and Ben has his hands full. It seems Ben knows what he doesn't want, but does he really want what he thinks he does?
Notices
Add a NoticeCoarse Language: There are some aggressive racial and sexual discussions.
Sexual Content: References to and a couple of sexual acts.
Quotes
Add a Quote"You know, there's still a part of me that thinks when I land in Oakland, everything will just be...back to normal." -Ben to Alice
"I love this place. I don't think ther's a healthy item on the menu." -Sasha to Ben
"Oh, that's one of my works-in-progress. I wake up every morning, go pee, and then take a picture. I've been doing it since January." -Autumn to Ben
"Still, I'm sure my family would rather see me with a Japanese boy than a Korean girl." -Alice to Ben
“God, you drive me crazy sometimes. It's almost like you're ashamed to be Asian." -Miko to Ben”
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Add a CommentAs realistic as any prose fiction. A sad story that raises more questions than it answers and requires reflection to appreciate.
LOVED this! Clever observation of modern life and relationships. I only wish the story kept going...
Simply written and neatly drawn, this volume displays Adrian Tomine's obvious experience and skill with the comic medium. There are no superheros or villains here, all the drama comes from real modern day people. You may not like all of the characters, but you certainly know one or two. Fans of California's East Bay will appreciate direct references to Mills College, University Theater and Interstate 880 (p 34). There are also some veiled nods to College Avenue's Crepevine and Pegasus Books (p 13 & 17), Mama's Royale Cafe on Broadway (p 44), The Smokehouse on Telegraph (p 57) Juan's Place on Carleton (p 59),and a really subtle appearance of the legendary but now defunct Cody's at Telegraph and Haste (p 60).
A very funny book. Adrian Tomine cleverly illustrates the difficulty of finding one's place in the world, while posing interesting questions about relationships, race, and gender.