Title: Good-Bye
Author: Yoshihiro Tatsumi
First published January 1, 1972
208 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781897299371 (ISBN10: 1897299370)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
“Get ready to be captivated and disturbed by the stunning work of Yoshihiro Tatsumi. Good-Bye is a collection of short stories that explores the complexities of twentieth-century Japan through the eyes of its characters.
Tatsumi’s artistry draws you in with tales of depravity, disorientation, and devastation caused by World War II. From a prostitute who loses all hope to a man who discovers a horrible misconception about Hiroshima, these stories will leave you breathless.
Tatsumi also introduces some bizarre characters, including a philanthropic foot fetishist, a rash-ridden retiree, and a lonely public onanist, who find themselves navigating the dark nuances of isolated despair and fleeting pleasure. Good-Bye is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, as Tatsumi’s previous works have been selected for several annual “top 10″ lists by Amazon and Time.com.”
About the Author
Yoshihiro Tatsumi was a pioneering manga artist from Osaka, Japan. He is widely recognized as the creator of the alternative comics style known as gekiga, a term he is said to have coined in 1957.
Tatsumi’s work has been translated into several languages and has gained worldwide popularity.
In recognition of his contribution to the manga industry, Canadian publisher Drawn and Quarterly has undertaken a project to publish an annual anthology of Tatsumi’s works. Each volume will focus on the highlights of one year of his career, starting with 1969.
These volumes are edited by American cartoonist Adrian Tomine. Tatsumi received numerous awards for his work, including the Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 1972 and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2009 for his autobiography, A Drifting Life.
Tatsumi’s work has also been recognized internationally. In 2010, he won multiple Eisner awards for Best Reality-Based Work and Best U.S. Edition of International Material-Asia.
In 2012, he received the regards sur le monde award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. In 2011, a full-length animated feature film about Tatsumi’s life and short stories, directed by Eric Khoo, was released.
Editoral Review
In 1972, Japanese manga legend Yoshihiro Tatsumi published a collection of short stories that would become a seminal work in the genre of gekiga, or serious adult-oriented comics. Good-Bye features five tales of post-war Japan, examining the effects of modernization on the country and its inhabitants with an unflinching eye.
Through Tatsumi’s raw, expressionistic art and stark writing, we see a Japan haunted by the ghosts of the past and grappling with an uncertain future. The first story, “Hell” follows a group of soldiers returning home from the war, only to find their families and communities changed beyond recognition.
“Love’s Bride” is a bittersweet portrait of a young woman reconciling her dreams with harsh reality. “Just a Man” delves into the world of organized crime and the compromises that come with financial success, while “A Man on the Train” presents a surreal, existential journey through the mind of a commuter.
The final story, “Good-Bye,” closes the collection with a haunting meditation on the loss of innocence and the inevitability of death. Tatsumi’s art is spare, using thick black lines and stylized facial expressions to convey emotion and drama.
His characters are often flawed and sympathetic, struggling to find meaning in a rapidly changing world. While the stories are set in the past, their themes of alienation, isolation, and disillusionment are timeless.
Good-Bye has been heralded as a masterpiece of graphic storytelling, and its influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary cartoonists. It offers a window into a fascinating period of Japanese history and culture, as well as universal truths about the human condition.
While some readers may find the stories bleak or depressing, they are ultimately rewarding in their honesty and insight. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the reader to fully absorb the nuances of each tale.
There are moments of humor and tenderness to balance the darker tones. Overall, Good-Bye is a must-read for fans of literary comics, as well as those interested in exploring the complex themes of post-war Japan.
Tatsumi’s talent for storytelling and visual storytelling is undeniable, and his contributions to the medium of manga cannot be overstated. Good-Bye earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to its masterful artistry and thought-provoking narratives.
