Well, well, it looks like What a Wonderful World is exactly the kind of manga many regular Kotonoha readers have been waiting for. So here we are, working hard to bring you the next chapter. In “Wandervogel,” we learn more about Hotta, the ex-punk-now-office-worker introduced in the first story, and his struggle to cope with his new way of life.

Inio Asano—who’s a member in a band himself—seems to belong to the group of people who believe that artistic expression (in this case music) is one of the most important “weapons” against the dehumanizing effect of modern society on the individual. While that line of thought is hardly revolutionary or even novel, the way Asano describes his characters is unpretentious and engaging. It makes you care about them and their problems, which seem real and tangible. Therein lies much of the power of Asano’s writing.

Incidentally, there’s a striking similarity between the character Hotta and Asano himself. At least if you go on their looks.

Coincidence? Or is Hotta one of Asano’s alter egos?

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