About the Yoshihiro Tatsumi Fallen Words Graphic Novel (Mature)

Each of the eight stories in the collection is lifted from the Edo-era Japanese storytelling form rakugo. As Tatsumi notes in the afterword, the world of rakugo, filled with mystery, emotion, revenge, hope, and of course, love, overlaps perfectly with the world of gekiga that he has spent the better part of his life developing. These stories resonate with modern readers thanks to their comedic elements and familiarity with human idiosyncrasies. Tatsumi's love of wordplay shines through, yet he still offers timeless insight into human nature.