We Love You So – Where The Wild Things Are – Spike Jonze

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you just abandoned everything? What would happen if you ran away from home without warning? Veteran manga artist Hideo Azuma’s illustrated memoir Disappearance Diary answers that question in fascinating detail. Several times in his life, Azuma unexpectedly ditched his career and family without so much as a plan. Disappearance Diary outlines the rugged realities and comical encounters that emerged out of his uncertain, venturesome lifestyle, from shameful dumpster dives to the strange characters Azuma encounters as a manual laborer, and the moral uncertainty of stealing food from neighboring hobo encampments.

You might remember Nina Matsumoto from a single perfect image she created in 2007 called Simpsonzu (above). The illustration was simple: a portrait of the entire Simpsons cast rendered in manga style. The internet rejoiced, Matsumoto was named a new talent, and she landed penciler positions for both The Simpsons and Futurama comic book series.

Matsumoto went on to publish a full-length English manga about the world of yokai (Japanese spirits) in 2008, to loads of acclaim. Del Rey published the book, Yokaiden, and it’s one to add to your list if you’re into the enchanting/adventurous theatrics of manga. At the very least, it’s awfully charming!