YOTSUA&! IS ONE OF THE BEST MANGA OUT THERE

Usually when I say I love some work I at least try to have a big weighty speech about themes, formal elements, or what have you on hand to “defend” my appreciation, but I do not have that here. While I am attempting – and failing – to put into some smarter better words what makes this manga so special, on some level it comes down to the boring reality that it mkes me smile like an idiot. While this could be easily put down to the fact that Yotsuba herself is drawn as just about the most adorable thing in existence, I am not wholly without my pretentions here.

As a character Yostuba brings out the best in the people around her; be that whimsy, spontaneity, or embracing chances to make the mundane enjoyable – however childish it apperas to others. What sells this as believable to the point where you buy random strangers joining in is the pure transparency of Yotsuba, she hides nothing and expects nothing to be hidden in return. Whether that be her dad’s true feelings on a film “shit”, a ’nuanced’ theological argument, or her disdain for the VILLIANOUS Yanda. Without this honestly and singlemindedness you wouldn’t believe her interactions with strangers spawning from her being taken as anything more than acting out, which would result in her illusions being shattered.

Chapter 8 is a particular highlight that I won’t spoil, but suffice to say you completely buy not only that these particular adults would play along, but anyone else that stumbled into the situation would do the same.

I’ll go into more detail on the formal techniques that allow for Yostuba&! to be so effect in a later, better, and written in more than one sitting to fulfill a promise to my broomfies. I hope this teaser piqued your interest in the manga, it’s a lovely breezy read, and want every broomfie to read it instead of bullying me for how bad of a post this was in terms of well everything. I know the flow is all wrong, shuddup.