Maa-chan no Nikkichou

If you're coming here for a big story then forget it. This is simply a collection of one of Tezuka's first hits, a collection of comic strips published in newspapers. For what it is it's good. Tezuka was 17 when he drew these if I recall correctly, but he was credited at the time as around 22. It's amazing that he had an opportunity to get his work out there like this at such a young age. The jokes in the strips... Well they're really good in the case of comic strips in newspapers, I'd definitely read these over Garfield any day.

I read this title quite a while ago on an old manga kick, so forgive my retrospective view detailed below.

Story, 5: The chapters in the translation I read were 4-koma panels that detailed the life of a preschooler engaging in various activities. The stories were not unlike something you would see in a newspaper's comic section. Due to the short nature, there wasn't much developed or enthralling.

Art, 5: For the time period, it was fine and very similar to Western comics. I wasn't blown away with anything in particular.

Characters, 5: The extremely short stories didn't really help any characters feel particularly distinct in any way, but they were relatively charming from a comedic aspect.

Enjoyment, 3: It was a quick read but I was entirely bored.

Overall, 5: For fans of Tezuka's work, this may be a nice look into the past. There is a certain charm to its simplicity, but I unfortunately would not call myself a fan by any means.