With only three voting days left for the 2008 Eisner Awards, it's a good a time as any to plug Fumi Yoshinaga, who is nominated in the highly competitive Best Writer / Artist category. As the sole shojo / yaoi manga creator nominated in this year's Eisners, and the only manga entry in this superhero-centric category of nominees, Yoshinaga is a bit of a long shot to win. But it's great to see the Eisners recognize this veteran manga-ka, especially for Flower of Life, a witty slice of life comedy that's also a twisted love letter to manga fandom in Japan.
Yoshinaga is best known for her yaoi, or boys love manga stories, like Antique Bakery and The Moon and Sandals, but despite first impressions of its covers, Flower of Life isn't about guys in love with guys. Instead, this series is a high school comedy about friendship, family, food and making manga.
Initially, Flower of Life focuses on Harutaro Hanazono, an outgoing teen who missed a year of school due to a life-threatening disease, and his friendship with Shota, his chubby but sweet classmate. But as the series progresses, Flower of Life becomes an ensemble comedy that doubles as satiricial soapbox where this veteran creator vents about the world of manga fandom with some hilarious and insightful observations.
Yoshinaga's knack for witty dialogue, unconventional plot twists and her intermingling of comedy/drama are all in full effect here. And, as in her previous fan-favorite series, Antique Bakery (which was nominated for the Eisner Awards in 2007), Yoshinaga shares her love for food and cooking, with some mouth-watering scenes of bento box lunches and homemade baked goods.
Check out my reviews of Flower of Life Volume 1 and Flower of Life Volume 2, and see if it convinces you to take a chance on this Eisner-worthy comedy series. Plus, check out a preview gallery of manga nominees for the 2008 Eisner Awards, which will be handed out at San Diego Comic-Con in July.
Image credit: © Fumi Yoshinaga / SHINSHOKAN Inc.
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