Reviews

Aggretsuko: Metal to the Max, Volume 1 by Daniel Barnes

zanderstruck's review

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3.0

This is definitely a cute comic book, mostly for fans of the series, but it also works if one doesn't know it yet. For me, it just didn't give me anything new and exciting. It was okay overall, had some cute moments, but couldn't really wow me.
Still, love the show and it's always great to see the characters again.

marcys_books9's review

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3.0

I’m a huge fan of the anime show, so I definitely wanted to give this a read. I can’t seem to get enough of Retsuko and her daily monotony, so this was the perfect remedy.

Told in four short stories, we are entertained with more office antics and shenanigans, while Retsuko deals with the work life balance that seems to be pushing her over the edge. While this is a light and quick read, this does miss the subtle depth that the show was masterful at pulling off. The show is so relatable it makes you uncomfortable, and it often feels like you’re staring at a mirror image of yourself. This graphic novel misses the nuance of that, which was a big element to what made Aggretsuko so popular to me.

I did find the virus story a bit odd. I mean, the timing couldn’t be better, but maybe it would’ve been funnier if Covid hadn’t killed thousands of people and changed our lives for who knows how long. I get it if the illness was originally meant to be the regular office flu, but all I see is Covid.

The art style isn’t the same. I’m not sure I love it.

This is a fun graphic novel to enjoy for a quick spark of entertainment, but it misses what made the show special. It’s great for a first timer who has yet to experience the anime, and for anyone who relates to the daily grind of office life.

sophiper's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

eyelit's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

wanderingwordsmith's review against another edition

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4.0

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

I haven't yet watched the anime of Aggretsuko, but I've heard a ton about it and have wanted to check it out. When I saw there was going to be a comics series featuring her and her fellow characters, I had to pick it up. The art style perfectly matched what I have seen of the characters and anime and Retsuko was a great character to follow. Her bouts of using karaoke to blow off steam was hilarious and relatable at the same time. If you're a fan of the anime or if you just want to get acquainted with the characters and feel it out, check out this one!

themaddiehatter's review against another edition

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5.0

I was so excited when I saw "Aggretsuko: Metal to the Max" in the "Read Now" section of Netgalley. I am a fan of the Netflix original show that follows Retsuko, the red panda, an overworked company employee by day, and metal karaoke singer by night. Her adventures and endearing personality always get a chuckle out of me, and make a hectic day at work seem less so.

This graphic novel follows Retusko on three different adventures: trying to stay healthy at work while everyone else is falling ill, a day out shopping with her social media obsessed co-worker, and touring a consultant sent to raise the morale of the employees in the office. Just as in the show, her struggles are very relatable, and she always breaks down into metal karaoke singing to help her overcome them. The illustrations are very cute, and almost all the characters from the show make an appearance, which was great to see.

This is a great read for fans of the Netflix series. It takes about 15 min to read (about the same length of one episode) and is sure to put a smile on all of Retusko's fans' faces. Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read a copy in exchange for an honest review.

sincerelydebi's review against another edition

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5.0

What? Retsuko is always a great idea! One of my favorite anime’s on television. Reading this brought me so much joy it’s insane! Give us another season

sweetheart_seer's review against another edition

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5.0

*I was sent an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Yes raaaaaaggggggeeeee!!!!!

This is the first time Aggretsuko has been in comic form, but it absolutely captures the style and essence of the Netflix anime! The characters all stayed themselves and we got to have more of a story with a certain doe eyed character we don't get to see very much of in the series (Tsunoda).

There are three main stories featured and then a bonus one page comic panel series at the end. There are also alternate covers featured to round out the ending as well.

I especially enjoyed the last story in which Karen from the West office comes and that Aggretsuko got to find a kindred spirit!

The idea of karaoke rooms being different in Japan versus the US is even addressed to which I smirked because hey embarrassing yourself in front of other people is the actual draw and appeal for karaoke here in the US.

Definitely check this one out if you are a fan of the show. It would lend well to uf you aren't, but you will understand the character dynamics and hear the character voices in your head as you read if you are familiar with the show already.

viksquires's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

5.0

As a metal head, Aggretsuko has been a clear binge watch favourite since it came out on Netflix. This volume of comics amazed me with how much it managed to replicate the feel of the show. It’s a must read for all fans!

redmoon's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

3.0

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