Comic Review: Aggretsuko: Meet Her Friends #1

 

 

Overview:

Retsuko is out for a night of karaoke with Gori and Washimi after a rigorous yoga class. The girls get to talking about their mysterious yoga instructor. Each of the women presents their own theory on the instructor’s background.

Washimi believes that he used to practise evil yoga, before vowing an oath to good. Gori illustrates a Superman-esque tale involving him being the last of his alien species. While Retsuko thinks he lost his voice in exchange for his beautiful body in a deal with a witch.

Though, we will never know the truth, as the yoga instructor is still limited to saying one word, protein.

 

Our Take:

Aggretsuko comic books have officially returned with a new three-part miniseries. The self-titled series based on the popular Netflix series wrapped up earlier this year. While Aggretsuko: Meet Her Friends offers a new chance to explore the world, it promises to add focus to other characters in Retsuko’s life.

Issue #1 is written by Cat Farris who has credits on Rick and Morty and Emily the Strange comic books. Though each issue of the new series will be written by a different author.

The issue features Retsuko and her friends enjoying a night out and some good conversation. Even if that conversation is spreading rumours about their yoga instructor. The book does not give any true insight into why the instructor is so obsessed with protein and can only say the one word. However, it does offer some wild theories.

Unfortunately, all of the stories that the women concoct are repeated themes from other tales. There was not much originality that went into the ideas. Conceptually the issue is designed for crazy and elaborate tales that could involve any supernatural forces to make it more believable. And there was plenty of room in the book to pack in something much less cliché. Though by the end, it is just a few uninspired retellings of Superman and The Little Mermaid.

Though, on the other hand, the book is quite endearing. It shows Retsuko and her friends on an off night giving it the feel of exploring deeper into their lives and getting to know them. And what better way to let your hair down than some good old karaoke. 

Which is also the only time in this book where Retsuko really let go of some of that anger.

The artwork is on point as usual. Oni Press has a talent for landing the right artist for the right jobs. And the simplicity of Aggretsuko doesn’t present them much of a challenge. Though you can tell that they have fun with these cute creatures.

This comic book is as straightforward as they come. If you are a fan of Aggretsuko and want as much content as you can gobble down, then this is a fun addition to the collection. But if you are looking for an original story that can add some excitement to your day, this is not what you are looking for. Simple, and cute, is all anybody is going to get or need from this comic.