Fujiko F. Fujio presents "Doraemon: Gadget Cat from the Future" (Vol. 01) [Shogakukan Engilsh Comics]

A first look at the robotic cat from the future that sparked a culture and generation in Japan!

Everyone needs a companion. If they don't, they'll go crazy. Given the anger and self-hatred many people have today as they're not willing to admit, confess nor seek help for it, there's always Doraemon. Ah yes, the robotic cat has been a hit in Japan for decades and still going strong. While this is marketed towards kids and young teenagers, learners of the Japanese language, like us, find this Doraemon manga to be a treat. Why is that you ask? This very editon is in English with Japanese subtitles making this a perfect edition for those learning the language! As soon as we saw this, it became a great chance to venture into the character that has reigned Japan for so many years so let's take a look!

A young kid by the name of Nobita is in school and struggles to get by. Out of the ordinary, a blue cat-like robot springs from his desk drawer introducing himself; The boy with him introduces himself as Nobita's great-great-grandson Sewashi—both from the future. Doraemon gave Nobita a bit of a scare telling him exactly what will happen to him, which triggered the kid until it actually happened. Not wanting their guidances, and seeing the cat's prediction come true, Nobita realizes that his Fate can be changed with the right decisions and taking the best course(s) for action(s). Nobita finally agreed to bond with the cat, as well as Sewashi, and the trio then took off with a Take Copter wrapping up the first chapter in this book.

Chapters on the rest of the book reads as if they were episodes for TV; Each one being a separate story from each other. However, for those new to the series, like we are, reading the first chapter is a must to know Nobita and Doraemon in how they met. The following chapters introduces us to more of the cast members such as Nobita's parents, grandmother, and his classmates Shizuka, Suneo, Jaiko and Gian.

The rest of the book very much paints situations that are relatable per Nobita. Had it not been for Doraemon's guidance, Nobita would have fallen out of line! Nobita learns lessons such as never taking things and people for granted, eating a good meal before studying, why parents care about you, how there are no shortcuts in Life, having courage...we can go on. Even adults like us can learn from this as there are moments in Life where it's okay to go back to basics. Along the way, despite these Life lessons that readers will take away from, there are some funny dialogue and moments going on as well as knowing the basic standard of living in Japan. You'll learn that residents sit on the floor instead of on the couch, to which they refer to as the "western-style room."" Readers will also learn the suffix -san and -chan which are said as a sign of respect to the person you're talking or referring to.

Now, yes, this is just a manga, but we were impressed by how calm and collected Nobita's parents were when the kid wanted to kick out Doraemon and Sewashi with a broom. Many parents would yell and tell their kids to stop and shut up, while Nobita's parents looked more understanding; His mom calmed him down then both parents stepped out of his room making positive remarks about their child after Nobita got a hold of himself. Seems rather true that kindness and respect is held to the highest in Japan.

Some of the things Nobita says are relatable such as this:

"I, I... I'm sick and tired of life." — Nobita-san (Chapter 01 - All the Way from the Future, pg. 19)

If only you knew how today's world looks, Nobita-san...

One of our favorite chapters in this volume is Chapter 12 titled "Moonlight and Chirps."" It is this chapter that you learn to appreciate Mother Nature herself as Nobita and Doraemon search for and catch crickets. Of all the anime we've watched so far, which embarassingly enough isn't much at the moment, we realized how much love these characters have for Nature; We respect that. Now, yes, it's a bit hypocritical to say we love Nature but own a hardcopy of this manga, though debatably, rechargeable batteries for digital readers and tablets aren't all environment friendly (this has likely changed by now). Nevertheless, these are trees put to good use and will forever be preserved by us and many others who own hardcopies of this series.

There were a couple of English misspellings here and there but not too much to sway away from the stories. The drawings which are black and white are top notch; It looks like those weekly comics you find in newspapers. They are fun to look at given how animated the characters are in the story.

You may have guessed that because this is manga, it's printed and structured differently from the "regular" book you're used to. "Regular" books are opened from right to left, but mangas are opened from left to right. If you're new to this, it'll take time getting used to but it shouldn't be a big deal. The comics themselves are read from right to left, top to bottom on each page. You'll get the flow going once you read the dialogue and how it pairs with each other the moment you get lost, or are in the middle of reading another "regular" book.

Not sure what more to say as there aren't much critiques about it. The stories themselves are funny, lightens the mood and brings about simple, hidden messages behind what Nobita himself has come to learn. As we stated earlier, everyone needs a companion to help guide them in Life especially if it's a robotic cat. Judging from all the meltdown videos and posts from people online, a simple cure for all that stress and self-hatred is a robotic cat. Lighten up: Life is better with Doraemon.

Arigatou gozaimasu Shogakukan Comics, VIZ Communications, Fujiko F. Fujio and to all publication companies! This is a great series and volume, as we became instant fans overnight (it took us this long). We purchased more of this series and will be reading and reviewing them! It's so much fun, very easy read, humorous and just overall entertaining. Last point: Because illiteracy is a big problem here in the US, easy-to-read books like these ought to get kids excited about reading especially as it features a cute, lovable character. We're sure Doraemon will help rescue these poor kids who are struggling to read.

Strongly recommended!

Kris Caballero

Founder of KCU Network and KCU Plus, Kris has been writing since he managed a personal blog made back in late 2005. Officially back to doing computer programming (software development) and video production, Kris enjoys reading books on Mathematics, Quantum Computing, Philosophy, playing old video/DOS games, digital video archiving, and listening to sports, public radio and classical music.

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