Book Review: Sneeze

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Manhattan Book Review.

Naoki Urasawa

Sneeze is a collection of short stories by award-winning manga artist Naoki Urasawa. The stories range from a mobster take with a moral to a slapstick-styled cat-and-mouse chase. Urasawa combines fun and unique storytelling with outstanding artistry. Sneeze showcases Urasawa’s breadth as a storyteller: a departure from the sci-fi adventure and psychological suspense stories that have defined his work for decades.

The artist devotes much of the book to combining his love of music with his love of manga, at times even reaching back into his childhood for inspiration. As a child of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Urasawa brings his love of music by honoring both Japanese and Western folk musicians, taking the reader on a musical nostalgia trip. Some stories are purely nonsensical, while others highlight the artist’s takes on Kaijiu (giant) monsters and superheroes. The graphic short stories in Sneeze move quickly, without sacrificing plot and character development. Whether man or mouse, Urasawa’s characters convey purpose and human frailty.

Sneeze is a delightful read for any manga fan, especially followers of Urasawa’s previous work. As the artist puts it, as a “short work,” Sneeze “can make even the most beautiful person look momentarily ugly.” The book is a joy because it reflects the storyteller’s joy in sharing the love for the moments that defined his childhood and ultimately shaped his life’s work.

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