Reviews

Just So Happens by Fumio Obata

Only show reviews with written explanations

lokenstein's review

adventurous mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

I really enjoyed the artwork of this beautiful graphic novel. The story is about a young woman named Yumiko who was born in Japan but moved to London. After Yumiko's father dies, she returns back to Japan where she faces internal conflict about going back home to her roots. The book delves into how identity is partly tied to physical (and mental) places. The story is very simple, yet left me reflecting on what "home" really is. As someone who is about to move countries (at least for a period of time), it was interesting to consider. I will agree with the other reviews though, the artwork is gorgeous and the story is not really on the same level as the illustrations; however, I don't really have a problem with that!

zerobot's review

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emotional inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

haf666ia's review

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emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

the_one_and_only_maddie's review

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4.0

This was actually really cute. Coming off of Past Lives, I liked this.

thebeeselbows's review

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hopeful reflective sad

4.0

rebeccazh's review

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I don't know how to rate this. The art is beautiful but the story is... less of a story and more of just musings. The Noh image/metaphor about being a performer in one's life where one's actions and behavior are strictly and carefully controlled was quite interesting, but it didn't really seem to go anywhere. The comic ends with Yumiko telling herself that some things never change and she must believe that. The denial/lie there reminded me a little of Kazuo Ishiguro. Beautiful art though!!! It was a treat for my eyes.

buffyb's review

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5.0

This was beautiful. It was also very relatable as an ex-pat who lives in London. It wonderfully illustrates the conflict of belonging to two different places.