Working from a cartoon

originally posted by Cory Cartwright:
Drops of the Gods #1
If anyone is actually interested in the comic, I had a friend track down a fan translation of the first issue. It is a manga hub, so I would advise against opening it at work.
Click to expand...
That is fabulous, thanks so much. Had never seen the actual item.
 
The actual comic itself (I have the first few issues) is one of the better made mangas i have ever seen, with a weird foil print slip cover. The comic itself has a typical manga storyline, but from interviews I've seen of the creators they are quite serious about the wine aspect of the comic, and they typically interview while going through several thousands of dollars of burgundy. As my friend said "How can Japan take such mundane people as lawyers and sommeliers and turn them into speed-line chosen ones with magic powers?"

(With apologies to any sommeliers here.)

As a note, if you read French the comic has been properly translated and is available in comic form.
 
originally posted by Cory Cartwright:
The actual comic itself (I have the first few issues) is one of the better made mangas i have ever seen, with a weird foil print slip cover. The comic itself has a typical manga storyline, but from interviews I've seen of the creators they are quite serious about the wine aspect of the comic, and they typically interview while going through several thousands of dollars of burgundy. As my friend said "How can Japan take such mundane people as lawyers and sommeliers and turn them into speed-line chosen ones with magic powers?"

(With apologies to any sommeliers here.)

As a note, if you read French the comic has been properly translated and is available in comic form.
Click to expand...

That's hilarious. Superhuman decantering skills!

"Decantering from such a height! I-- incredible! It's almost superhuman!"

"His decantering is delicate and courageous... what's more, it's magnificent and jaw-dropping!"

Clearly, he is The One.
 
The full set of books (in Japanese) are available at the Japanese bookstore across the street from Bryant Park. The same store also has a full set of a similar comic book featuring a female heroine.

Just from what I gather, it seems to me that specialized knowledge in a field is highly valued in Japanese society, and that thus the role of sommelier might appeal. But you know, the story concerns itself more with a young man learning about wine, not someone (like the boy's father in the story) who already knows quite a bit. Learning about wine has fairly broad appeal, I think.
 
originally posted by Levi Dalton:
The full set of books (in Japanese) are available at the Japanese bookstore across the street from Bryant Park. The same store also has a full set of a similar comic book featuring a female heroine.

Just from what I gather, it seems to me that specialized knowledge in a field is highly valued in Japanese society, and that thus the role of sommelier might appeal. But you know, the story concerns itself more with a young man learning about wine, not someone (like the boy's father in the story) who already knows quite a bit. Learning about wine has fairly broad appeal, I think.
Click to expand...
Oh, c'mon, we all worship sommeliers.
 
originally posted by Levi Dalton:
But you know, the story concerns itself more with a young man learning about wine, not someone (like the boy's father in the story) who already knows quite a bit. Learning about wine has fairly broad appeal, I think.
Click to expand...

exactly. it's success is due to the use of a fairly typical manga style dramatic storyline format to de-mystify wine for the average reader. the effect over here has been something like what "a river runs through it" had on fly fishing in the US years ago. i've seen more and more shelf talkers using excerpts from the manga...the implications of which are interesting (can you imagine a robert parker/manga character smackdown?)

thanks for the link Cory, this is the best translation i've seen so far. i haven't read much, but i gather wine-wise, it's more of a primer into pedigree wines rather than under the radar wines for the wine otaku.
 
Woe is us if the ever pick up some of the more esoteric wines enjoyed here. As I understand it the manga is even more influential in the Korean market.
 
originally posted by Joel Stewart:
it's success is due to the use of a fairly typical manga style dramatic storyline format to de-mystify wine for the average reader.
Click to expand...
Yes, where would newbies be without a quick hit from the Cros Parantoux pipe?

Seriously, isn't all the Mouton/Jayer/Opus hype a bit much as an introductory story for newbies? Seriously, 2/3 of those are way overdone, and 1/3 is pretty fully priced in the aftermarket.

What price the Thierry Puzelat hagiography?
 
originally posted by Levi Dalton:
originally posted by SFJoe:

You don't worship Levi? Everyone else does.
Click to expand...

Have I given offense without realizing?

If so, I apologize.
Click to expand...
Everyone is so arch around here lately.

Our admiration is sincere.

Really.

Not that we can't pull your leg from time to time, particularly on special occasions.
 
originally posted by SFJoe:
Seriously, isn't all the Mouton/Jayer/Opus hype a bit much as an introductory story for newbies?
Click to expand...

brand name-hype and mystique thing is to be expected for the medium. this is essentially a paperback version of soap opera television, so the dramatizations based on brand are what draw a certain amount of people in. i think the embedded explanations about looking at, smelling and tasting are also big draws for readers who don't know where to start with wine....but it all boils down to entertainment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top