“Ballistic buzzing guided camera drones, terrorizing fur and feathers. Drip drop drop top inside your futuristic RV Zen boombox, and then you float away. There's nothing like a trip into the great unknown with avant-garde manga artist Yokoyama Yuichi. Originally published in Japanese in 2009, “Outdoors” is another rip-roaring eye feast and ear bomb by the cult author of New Engineering, “Travel, and Iceland.” (Breakdown Press)
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It is difficult to relate the visual approach of Yuichi to any other work, as it offers up an eclectic mix of styles presented in mostly dialogue free panels (sound presented in text is often utilized). Undeniably, the work has some grounding concepts comic aficionados will be familiar with, particularly an emphasis on conveying frenetic movement to create narrative. However, any recognizable elements blur together under the mangaka's approach, which can perhaps be best described as a whirlwind of familiar themes thrown at the reader, mutating the comic into something otherworldly. Overall, a large part of the book's success rests in Yokoyama Yuichi's experimental approach which has potential to dazzle longtime comic/manga fans.
The narrative structure is equally, if not more, difficult to relate too within its dialogue-free approach. As a result, the narrative structure has to be interpreted through the movement and facial features of its subjects. Taking this unconventional approach, understandably, makes the narrative a rather difficult to follow. Furthermore, the art carries unique sci-fi elements throughout, making it slightly arduous to make sense of the obscure gadgetry and alien facial features. In the end, the success of visuals will rest entirely on the reader and opinions will vary drastically, making it difficult to praise or condemn from a critical standpoint (Beyond just stating “I liked it”).
The edition by Breakdown Press includes an interview with Yokoyama Yuichi, which offers an insightful look at the mangaka's process. Most notably, the revelation that Yuichi abstains from modernstechnology which many would deem necessary within the industry (Computer, Television, Smartphone). This revelation offers clarification in the reader's experience, which is a visual style that reflects a personalized artistic expression free of industry preconceptions. The interview, although short, offers additional tidbits which explore the elusive figure behind avant-garde manga, adding some much needed depth to the release.
In spite of the interview giving more narrative and context to the reader, Yuichi's minimalistic approach does limit the likelihood readers will come back for multiple visits. Additionally, the three stories within are brief and can be finished within several minutes. This is not inherently a bad thing, as the offering of a unique experience remains the biggest draw, but for readers who enjoy a title they can come back too, “Outdoors” is definitely not that. Ultimately, this release exists as niche title that will find favor with collectors of art and exploring alternative styles.
“Outdoors” feels like being thrown into another world, one that moves at a loud and fast pace. It is a unique experience and unlike anything else many will ever come across. However, the ride may be too short for some to want to pay the admission. It is possible to have an opinion somewhere in the middle, with my own response to the work being mixed. I found the frenetic movement and experimental approach to be a deeply engaging experience, leaving on a more simple opinion that what I had experienced was ‘bad-a**' and ‘cool'. Sadly, this also came with disappointment in the duration with a realization it could be a fleeting experience every couple of years.
Regardless of the reader's stance in the unorthodox approach, it is undeniable that Yokoyama Yuichi offers a unique experience to comic and manga fans alike, marking it a worthy edition to any avid collector of graphic novels.
