The Skinny: A Gay slice-of-life cooking manga that has more romaine than romance.
Shiro and Kenji are a Gay couple in their 40s living together in Tokyo. Closeted lawyer Shiro fends off the questions about his girlfriend, while boisterous barber Kenji is much more relaxed and free-spirited. But every day Shiro cooks an amazing meal for his partner at the end of the day. Equal parts slice-of-life and cooking manga, What Did You Eat Yesterday? has very little plot to speak of, just the day to day lives of the protagonists and their emotions. Shiro is a fussy and vain, but he demonstrates the depths of his emotions in his cooking for Kenji, who can be jealous. I wish the book were a bit more, well, it has all the spice level of a cup of milk, to be frank. But for as little physical affection as the characters show, the book is a look into the daily lives of people who usually don’t get a spotlight in either manga or western comics. Yoshinaga’s art style is easy to read and balances a fashion plate-like style for the characters with gorgeous, detailed renderings for the food. It also includes clear recipes that, while being originally intended for the Japanese market, are easy to follow and recreate in the kitchen of a Western reader. The comic follows Shiro from the grocery store to plating and serving the dish for Kenji, often involving the math and planning stages, interwoven into the story. Do I wish that Shiro’s parents were more open and accepting of their son, yes. But did you see that amazing drawing of fried tofu? What Did You Eat Yesterday? also received its own live-action television series, consisting of two seasons and a movie. It also has its own accompanying fan-fiction series, which includes all of the adult content the comic doesn’t cover. I am glad that the translation includes the frank discussion of everyday life of these characters and their relationships, something that we haven’t always gotten, particularly for queer characters in larger franchises. Stares in ‘They’re Cousins’ This is a serious manga for adults, but if you are looking for spice, you’re going to find more on the plate than in the sheets. What Did You Eat Yesterday? is available in print and digital editions from the usual online retailers, or in print from your local bookstore or comics shop. You may be able to find it or ask for it at your local library!
In this episode, Michelo Chariot returns, but it’s too late for him to become Domon’s nemesis. Plus, Wong blows smoke, Chibodee is chased off the road in his flying car, and Allenby rushes the mic. Plus, Team Neo-Russia can’t be blown up by someone else’s bomb, and Gundam Heaven’s Sword can transform, but still looks like it’s wearing a silly hat.
Tonight, Sai Saici’s outfit is extremely Nineties, the series makes a brief nod to the original Gundam, and we ask the question, ‘Who’s piloting that clock Gundam?’ Plus, was this whole plot a scam by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, and you’ll never find anyone more serious about revenge than us.
Tonight, Argo is an adult man, the Shuffle Alliance finally finds common ground in wanting to kick Domon’s ass, and the Guyana Highlands is the real victim. Plus, Domon and Rain make a promise, and that window doesn’t belong there!
This week, Schwartz Bruder is the Green Ranger of this series, Rain is still the G.O.A.T. with her compact, and Domon is a terrible older brother figure. Plus, Argo’s laser chains are stylish and functional, and Master Asia and Kyoji save the animation budget.
In tonight’s episode, the Nostalgia Pilots meet and say goodbye to our favorite new characters, Shiro struggles with the realities of war while shooting a Zaku in the junk, and Genias goes full Elvis on the TV. Plus, Yuri Kilarney belongs in a different anime, and Sanders is a classy drinker.
This Week: Wing Zero turns Zech’s head, Heero James Bonds his way to Treize’s basement, and Treize is murdersexual.
Plus, Epyon is a fancy purse, Lady Une was the only one who knew how the coffeemaker works, and the Nostalgia Pilots consider the question, is Dorothy the coolest girl in Gundam?
In tonight’s episode: Everyboyd hates Tubarov, Heero is very focused on murder, and the Treize Faction may have gotten sweet new uniforms, but they’re just as bad at this as the rest of Oz! Plus, The Nostalgia Pilots fall down a shonen anime rabbit hole, and Jason reveals the secret to piloting a giant robot.
Welcome to Nostalgia Pilots!
Jurd is off this week so we’re taking a break and talking about some of our other favorite anime we’ve been watching going in to Fall 2018.
Hugh J. O'Donnell 