Sensha Yoshida, the renowned gag manga artist best known for ‘Utsurun Desu,’ is set to launch a new manga series, ‘Oya GoGoGo (Parents GoGoGo),’ on April 4, 2025. The series will appear in the next issue of Shogakukan’s Big Comic Original magazine, marking a fresh chapter in Yoshida’s illustrious career.
‘Oya GoGoGo’: A Glimpse into Family Life
The new manga, ‘Oya GoGoGo,’ promises a heartwarming and humorous depiction of the daily life of the Yoshida family. The story will revolve around their now high-school daughter and the arrival of a car at their home, blending everyday scenarios with Yoshida’s signature comedic style. The title itself is a clever play on words, combining the Japanese term ‘oyako’ (parents and children) with a nod to the original title of ‘Speed Racer,’ Mahha GoGoGo (Mach GoGoGo), adding an extra layer of lightheartedness to the series.
Sensha Yoshida: Master of Absurd Gag Manga
Sensha Yoshida, born on August 11, 1963, is a celebrated Japanese mangaka known for his pioneering work in the “absurd gag manga“ genre. His most famous work, ‘Utsurun Desu,’ a four-panel “nonsensical” gag comedy manga, ran in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits magazine from 1989 to 1994.
‘Utsurun Desu’: A Cultural Phenomenon
‘Utsurun Desu’ became a cultural phenomenon, captivating readers with its off-the-wall characters and jokes that defied logic. The manga’s success led to various adaptations, including:
- An anime series streamed to mobile phones in Japan in 2009, later released on DVD.
- A live-action program in 2009.
The manga achieved over 3 million copies in circulation and won the prestigious 37th Bungeishunjū Manga Award in 1991, solidifying Yoshida’s place as a leading figure in the manga industry.
Yoshida’s Influence on Gag Manga
Yoshida’s ‘Utsurun Desu’ is considered a foundational work in the “irrational” or “unreasonable” gag comic genre. This style of manga relies on humor that cannot be explained by logic or traditional comedic structures, appealing to a younger audience with its unpredictable and often bizarre scenarios. Yoshida, along with Aihara Koji, is credited with popularizing this style in the late 1980s, influencing many subsequent gag manga artists.
‘Big Comic Original’: A Springboard for New Talent
Shogakukan’s Big Comic Original magazine is known for showcasing new series by both established and emerging manga artists. In the spring of 2025, the magazine is launching four major new series as part of its “Spring’s Four Major New Series” campaign. These include:
- ‘Oshimin: Battle Against Cancer’ by Kimio Yanagisawa.
- ‘Oya GoGoGo’ by Sensha Yoshida.
- ‘Kujishi no Sentaku’ written by Takashi Tajima and illustrated by Yasumi Hoshino.
- ‘Kurekku no Fune’ by Takashi Murakami.
In addition to these series, the magazine will also feature one-shot stories by renowned artists such as Rumiko Takahashi, Yasuo Ohtagaki, and Shuzo Oshimi, further solidifying its reputation as a platform for innovative and engaging manga.
Yoshida’s Enduring Legacy
Sensha Yoshida’s new manga series, ‘Oya GoGoGo,’ is highly anticipated by fans and industry observers alike. His unique brand of humor and his significant contributions to the gag manga genre have earned him a dedicated following and a lasting legacy. With ‘Oya GoGoGo,’ Yoshida promises to deliver another dose of laughter and heartwarming storytelling, further cementing his status as a master of the craft.
Expert Opinion
Masashi Ueda, the creator of ‘Kobo-chan,’ has revitalized the four-panel manga format by focusing on visual humor and keen observation. Similarly, Sensha Yoshida has pushed the boundaries of the gag manga genre with his absurd and unconventional style. Yoshida’s influence is evident in the shift away from traditional storytelling in favor of humor that relies on unexpected twists and relatable observations.
