How to NOT write a side-story.

I Am A Hero In Osaka

Reviewed 26 April 2022

This is a spin-off of the ever popular 'I Am A Hero.' Unlike it's parent however, this seeks to serve as a short one and done volume. No mysteries to unravel, no complex plots and subplots. Just a simple tale. What it does borrow, however is the ever expendable archetype of the main character.

I Am A Hero In Osaka follows two principal actors, Ta-chan and his girlfriend Kozue. When the zombie virus breaks out, the two are separate. Kozue is stuck at the airport, and Ta-chan is in the city. Concerned for her safety, he moves towards her. All while the two deal with various situations arising from the outbreak.

THE GOOD

What really helps this particular comic is that it's short. Like, really short. That is it's literal saving grace. In my opinion, it's not short enough but the reason it why this works or why this is of great benefit is because it makes it easier to sell that it is a one-shot. So if you're wondering why the it's a little light on story content, why the art is not that good or why the zombies seem nonexistent then you've got your answer.

Another thing it does well is splash pages. Spreads, if you will. With little to no words/dialogue, these beautiful presentations really allow the artist to play around and present some rather unique shots that help add to the overall atmosphere. If you'd allow me to use the first photo i've linked (the one with with the zombies' outstretched arms) as an example of what I mean, it really amps up the excitement and , in the moment, shows the reader the various forces adding tour heroes fear.

THE BAD

An F tier soap opera plot. Just to clarify, the overarching plot here is "a couple separated by distance, caught in the immediate fallout of the zombie virus, must find a way to reunite." Trying to condense this into 7 chapters was a mistake. I know i said it's length saves it from more severe critique but it really needs to be said that this is not a plot that can be done that quickly. And it especially isn't done well here. Following that, the various subplots and events are a complete and utter laughingstock. There is not a single defence I can imagine for it.

For starters, the zombies play a secondary role to what is the most pathetic love story of all time. A completely tired character dynamic that manages to get worse the longer it goes on. Adding to that, we somehow get flashbacks about how the two got together. Why? I have absolutely no idea. These flashbacks don't offer up anything we didn't already know. And don't get me started on the random baby that's thrown in. Or the rapist beautician. Like I said, this is somehow worse than even the worst soap opera. This makes Riverdale look like the pinnacle of modern storytelling.

THE UGLY

The art is a little better than the story but ultimately inconsistent. Apart from some really nice spreads in the opening chapter, it seems content in taking a backseat to the story. A horrendous choice by writer & artist. There's also a distinct lack of colour, although, that is to be expected. At this point though, when you're hoping that " at least the art offers up something" it's disappointing to see that it really doesn't do much of anything.

So there you have it, the worlds most uninteresting and unneeded side story. The plot is boring, the art is bland and day is ruined.