“Enter: a group of cool guys who seem like they've got that unapproachable swag. But look closer and you'll find a bunch of dorks who've gotten the act down pat. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy watching these clumsy dudes try to look cool all day, every day.” (Yen Press)
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Confidence is key in “Play It Cool, Guys” a light comedy title about a group of clumsy guys who bring the charm by stumbling through their mistakes with panache. The first volume acts to introduce the four seemingly perfect men, who begin to cross paths due to an ever growing desire to appear calm and collected through every mishap. From different ages and background, the four look to each other for inspiration and methods to make sure, above all else, to always appear ‘cool'.
At a relaxed pace, the first volume gives a lighthearted comedic tone and a chill vibe. Consequently, the series celebrates life's little mistakes and turns them into constant positives through determination and demeanor. Certainly no one is perfect, and the crew is often stuck in their own head, determining how to make any social faux pas turn in their favor. Ultimately, the release reminds us not to sweat life's minor inconveniences, summoning such motivational lines as “You got this” and “fake it till you make it”. Cheesy? Certainly, but the work is ideal escapism with an upbeat and affirming narrative.
Kokoone Nata's aesthetic appears driven by modern fashion and pop perfectionism, going as far to having the opening art feature the men posing for, what could be, an album cover. Clean, sharp and technically well executed the vibe might be too sound for some as grittiness can make an aesthetic memorable. Ultimately, the title's color highlights fashion and pop culture over narrative. Regardless, it is undeniably, the art of Nata captures a sense of perfection that many fans will fall heads-over-heels for.
Released by Yen Press, the book is presented in full color on glossy pages looking impeccably sharp. Made all the more ‘cool' by alternating page color's with a side view offers a nice rainbow of pastels that further pushes the sleek and stylish design. While these choices make the volume appear to be shorter, the quality of the paper is finer than typical manga print and the first volume is a surprising 140 pages. As it is uncommon to get full color releases, “Play It Cool Guys” is gifted with a crisp presentation that makes physical purchase ideal.
Easygoing and upbeat with plenty of moments of light heartfelt humor, “Play It Cool, Guys” is a welcome escape within these hectic times. A idyllic casual series that will brighten the shelf and the mood of the reader.
