In the idyllic days of post-bubble Japan, before the streets of Nagoya were overrun by hairy barbarians from the west, a tiny English publication was just getting its legs. The publication that would later become the nationally distributed juggernaut known as Japanzine, then called The Alien, was an oasis of humor for expats who called Nagoya home. Other English language publications which have followed in The Alien’s footsteps have done so more gingerly, and without nearly the brazen disregard that their forefathers showed. The Alien was much edgier, grittier and bolder than anything that came afterward, and it was the humor section where the magazine shined. The biting humor was risky, and even at times potentially offensive, and I have a feeling that the editors liked it that way. I don’t intend to exaggerate when I say that it was the magazine’s humor which captured the attention of expats all over the country, and allowed the magazine to achieve such success.
For those who have read the exploits of Charisma Man, this humor should be quite familiar. The bulk of the material stems from that same creative collaboration which brought Charisma Man to life – Neil Garscadden and Wayne Wilson. Some pairs just seem to click, and the strong rapport of these two becomes evident after just a few pages. Wilson’s whispy pen smoothly captures whatever twisted scenery pops out of Garscadden’s mind with impressive craftsmanship. The artwork in this largely illustrated book satisfies both goals of good cartooning: it explains complex situations in a clear and accessible way, and it advances the story in ways the text alone could not.
The writing is sardonic, witty and oh so self-aware, which is why I think it works. The observations made in this book could only be made by a seasoned expat, for it portrays not just a picture of modern Japan, but the surreal world that foreigners live in from day to day in this country. While some of the gags are sure to be recognized even by greenhorns, others show an acute attention to the comical minutiae that often goes unnoticed.
Alien Humor is a compilation by Neil Garscadden, the former humor editor of The Alien. His book compiles a very nice sampling of some of the best moments from that trailblazing publication. The book is also a timepiece, as there are several gags that may require a few visits to wikipedia to catch the reference. I cannot presume to guess what it must feel like to look over all this old material and see the legacy that lays in its wake, but it’s a compilation I would be proud to have my name on.
Alien Humor is on sale at Maruzen Bookstore in Sakae for ￥1400, as well as Garscadden’s previous book Charisma Man which is available for ￥1000. Both come recommended, and you are supporting a fellow expat!
The Very Best of Niel Garscadden’s
Alien Humor
Neil Garscadden, 2011
Treasure Productions
ISBN: 978-0-9807933-1-4
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