The Bottom Line
Everyone thinks that dinosaurs became extinct because of a giant meteor or some other natural disaster. But what if it was because of something simpler? What if the dinosaurs died out because they were just too stupid to live?
That might not be the intended message of Dinosaur Hour, but after seeing Triceratops, T-Rexes and Peteranodons making some dumb (but funny) mistakes, that’s one of many things you’ll learn in this clever, kooky and surprisingly smart comic for kids. By using dinosaur facts as the premise for some oddball humor, Shioya gives readers a fun and memorable mix of learning and laughs.
Pros
- A fun mix of science fact and silliness that provides laughs and learning at the same time
- Each dino’s physical characteristics provide the basis for absurd but memorable scenarios
- Shioya draws the dinosaurs simply but accurately, which should please purists
- Lots of good-natured, relatable humor that kids and adults can enjoy
- Interesting , entertaining and accessible for even manga newbies
Cons
- With nary a ninja, robot or magical girl, this isn't most folks' idea of 'typical' manga
- Humor is a little goofy, with the punchline usually involving a dino being eaten
Description
- Original Title: Kyoryu no Jikan (Japan)
- Author & Artist: Hitoshi Shioya
- Publishers:
- VIZ Kids / VIZ Media (US)
- Poplar Publishing Co. Ltd. (Japan)
- ISBN: 978-1421526485
- Cover Price: $7.99 US / $9.50 CANADA
- Age Rating:
E – Everyone / A – All Ages
for reasons for rating
More about content ratings. - Manga Genres:
- Shonen (Boys') Manga
- Kodomo (Children's) Manga
- Animals / Pets
- Comedy
- Educational
- US Publication Date: April 2009
Japan Publication Date: May 2006 - Book Description: 200 pages, black and white illustrations
- More Manga by Hitoshi Shioya:
Guide Review - Dinosaur Hour Volume 1
“Educational manga” is usually the equivalent of comics tofu – something that’s good for you, but can be bland and boring. Thankfully, Dinosaur Hour roars past this preconception by mixing science facts with kid-friendly funnies that will even give grown-ups the giggles.
Dinosaur Hour isn’t a single story, but instead offers 23 short vignettes, each focusing on a single species or several types of dinosaurs. With simple but accurate depictions, Shioya introduces readers to each reptile by providing its name, its eating habits, its size and distinguishing characteristics. He then uses these facts as the basis for some absurdly comical (and relatable) scenarios.
For example, in “Using Your Noggin,” three (literally) bone-headed Pachycephalosauruses butt heads when they argue over an acorn, then get amnesia from the concussion. They chat like new acquaintances, re-discover said acorn, argue, butt heads, and forget each other all over again. It’s a simple but silly joke that leaves readers with one indelible fact: these dome-headed dinos had very hard heads.
In “The Early Dinosaur,” two Protoceratops mock a "Tyrantosauraus" who represents what we used to think Tyrannosaurus Rex looked like. “Talk about lame!” they laugh upon seeing this not-quite T-Rex. “You’re standing the wrong way! Your tail shouldn’t be touching the ground!” Shioya illustrates that our knowledge of dinosaurs is a constantly-evolving science in a funny and memorable way.
Dinosaur Hour isn’t your “typical” manga but this works in its favor, as it requires little knowledge of Japanese culture to enjoy its humor. Any young reader who loves dinosaurs, even those who have never picked up manga before, will be able to laugh at (and learn from) these stories. It’s a fun mix of science and silliness that might get a few dino enthusiasts to evolve into manga fans too.
