By Robert Greenwood
It’s Tokyo Charlie Brown
If, by now, fans of Alternative Mindz didn’t know, I am a huge fan of all things Japanese. I’ve been to Japan twice and my wife reads, writes and speaks Japanese.
I’m also a huge fan of The Peanuts so having the two together is like Reese’s.
I’ve sung the praises of the new Boom series and how it lives up to Charles Schultz and embodies the spirit and energy of his work.
So, how does this new adventure fit? First off the writer, Vicki Scott, placed segments of actual old strips into the story to meld the world as one, making this book seem like it “fit like a glove” as one of Charles M. Shultz’s own.
This story has a familiar theme. Charlie Brown once again fails at everything he does, letting his team down again as their coach and pitcher. This leads to all forms of torture by his peers through name calling. Despite all of this, he receives a letter in the mail to have his team play in Japan.
The reasoning gets lost as to why they are chosen but who cares? Get these kids to Tokyo!
They sprinkle bits of actual Tokyo into the story from images of Tokyo Tower to the “go to” tour bus of all of Tokyo, the Hato bus and more. Yet, they missed a real opportunity at showing the gang like fishes out of water by not taking them to Akihabara (Akiba) with the maid cafes or all the fun electronics, something they would look completely confused by. Also having Snoopy interact in a pachinko parlor is a personal wish.
It would have been something unique to have the game played in the Tokyo Dome. When Lucy makes fun of Chuck’s head, I thought we would get a game inside the Tokyo Giants’ turf.
Other than my Otaku grip, this is a perfect continuation of all the past “It’s ——- Charlie Brown” books and should be read by all who love The Peanuts and who love Japan. It’s over 100 pages and a super fast fun read for all ages.