Tomorrow, the manga where going to school is somehow an adventure will be in stores. Chances are if you’ve been watching the anime version of Tadataka Kawasaki’s Chio’s School Road, you’re probably looking forward to checking out the manga. But let’s learn a few things about Yen Press’ release of the manga, straight from the editor working on it, Tania Biswas:
TheOASG: In one sentence, how would you describe what Tadataka Kawasaki’s Chio’s School Road is all about?
Tania Biswas: Murphy’s Law is never too far behind Chio Miyamo on her road to school…but Chio is a law unto herself, and she’ll make it on time or die trying!
In editing the series so far, what’s been the biggest challenge as you’ve worked on it?
We’re big on mimicking the fonts of the original Japanese books, but this series really goes all-out in this respect. Typically, character narration or thoughts use a simple typeface at a relatively consistent size, but here, even Chio’s inner monologues use styles you might normally only see in dialogue. This makes it more complicated to work on than your average manga, but I think it really compliments the wackiness and in-your-face-ness of the title.
Has the anime that’s airing now played any role in your work, or because of scheduling not really?
Editing-wise, not at all. In general, I like reading the source material before checking out an adaptation, and this goes double for adaptations of things I’m editing. I actually just watched the first episode of the anime this week! But in terms of the publishing schedule, yes. We definitely made an effort to time our release to fall within the anime run.
Who’s been the character that’s stuck out to you the most in this manga and why?
Chio is best girl! Her absurd approach to just about anything really makes the series. She takes “thinking outside the box” to a whole new level (see Chapter 5: Thank You, George)…and trying to figure out how she’s going to get out of the next big pinch is such a blast.
Finally, what should readers expect when they check out Chio’s School Road?
Be prepared to laugh out loud! If you’ve watched the anime, you might already be familiar with the gags, but I think the manga is still more than worth your time. Kawasaki-sensei’s art has this frenetic energy and dynamic style that’s really amazing; I love the different perspectives, all the crosshatching and speedlines, and you can’t beat the expressions. Plus, if you’re a gamer, it’s fun trying to pick out all the game references.
Bonus: What’s been your favorite Chio’s School Road moment/chapter so far?
The scene with the toothbrushing dude was pretty priceless, but I totally adore Chapter 3: Bloody Butterfly Effect—it encapsulates everything that makes the series so great!