VOOZ Character System and Tapastic (Independent Comic Platform)
(W) & (A): Littlekidsin
When I was a kid, I remember watching small episodes of the internationally known show, “Pucca”. It was a series of 8 to 9-minute episodes that revolved around a little girl named Pucca. She is a feisty, kickass, agile girl who will stop at nothing to get a kiss from Garu, the silent ninja! There’s just one problem, Garu hates her to the point he’s running away from her kisses! Plus, Tobe is trying to best Garu’s ninja skills. Altogether, you get a series of slapstick comedy revolving around these characters! Before going ahead with this review, I suggest you watch an episode to understand the entire story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STNjlNBtCPM
“Pucca: What’s Mine Is Yours” takes places place in the future and things haven’t changed for our main characters. Pucca is still chasing Garu and Garu still keeps running away from her. Tobe still hasn’t given up on Garu and he will do anything to beat him. One day, one of Tobe’s ninjas disguises themselves as Garu and gives Pucca a gift; however, this gift makes fall in love with Tobe instead. Garu should be happy, yet he feels confusion and a broken heart towards the new couple! It’s up to Garu and his friends to try and break the love potion while facing Pucca’s obsessive wrath!
First off, I have to tip my hat to Littlekidsin for pulling off this fan comic. They pulled off the characters’ personalities perfectly. Ching is still her faithful self along with her loyal, but defensive chicken sidekick. Abyo is still ripping his shirt off in public and Tobe’s pursuit to beat Garu at all costs. Even though none of the characters’ core personalities have changed, the creator propels the necessary changes that fans are curious about. However, this comic will not satisfy everyone’s version of a happy ending. By the end of this story, you will either like it or dislike it.
The art style is superb and I love that the creator took the time to bring it back to their style instead of the series’ art style. The creator’s style helps set the maturity of the characters and the story brings on. I also like when the creator colors certain pages to show emphasis on pivotal moments. It’s not my favorite thing to see as it’s kind of cliché. However, it’s a peaceful reminder of the dramatic moments in this story. The art style also has a slight anime influence which can entice some readers who are anime fans.
Finally, the balance between comedy and maturity. Unlike other comics, this one has purposefully evolved to fit the current audience. While the snarky comedy style still exists, the story has more dramatic elements that fill in necessary angst. It’s important to remember that this is a FANCOMIC. Even though I’ve said this several times, people will say that this comic isn’t as good as the main series. I believe that this comic does justice to what the series represented for all of us.
Overall, this comic is like seeing someone going through puberty. Even though the changes are uncomfortable and the results might be ugly, it’s necessary as the closure of our childhoods. The art and the characters’ developments help mature the comic. However, Littlekidsin maintains the core elements of the series itself beautifully. To read the comic, click here for the entire series.