WEEK 3: Cigarette Girl

The Cover and A Sample from Masahiko Matsumoto's book: Cigarette Girl.

Cigarette Girl

For Week 3, We explore the interesting text of Cigarette Girl by Masahiko Matsumoto.
Matsumoto is one of the leading artists of the Japanese alternative comic movement known as "Gekiga". "Gekiga" is the Japanese term that translates to "dramatic pictures" It is known for these comics to include mature themes with a cinematic style that was aimed for adult audiences.

In relation to Cigarette Girl, we go through a series of eleven short stories that tell the tale of locals going through various situations that end up changing the way the individual sees their own world. For Example, in the short story "Naruko Tsurumaki's Love" She returns from the market back to her home to inform her unemployed husband of the job that she found. At this moment, he reveals that he found a dog that he got attached to and named "Peace". Naruko eventually is swayed and enjoys liking the dog, but she expects that her mother may have kicked out Peace for how hyper he is. It's to her surprise when she comes back that not only did she keep the dog but she also gave the pup a box to stay in.

I personally really liked reading Cigarette Girl. If there was one thing that I took particular interest while reading was the fun cartoon-esque style that was consistent in all eleven stories. I have read various mangas and I can say specifically that I have never encountered a style quite like this and I found it refreshing. It really helped me open my eyes to a whole different genre and style that manga as a whole can offer.