Vertical Inc. News » felipe smith

Whatever Happens in Tokyo…

Vertical — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:54:01 +0000

As politicos and PTAers decide the fate of Japanese comics past, present and future, Vertical—with the help of international cartooning superstar Felipe Smith—would like to remind readers that no matter what happens in Tokyo, Vertical will always have manga available for Christmas. To prove that point, this week we have an ideal comic to share with readers around the globe.

Mr. Smith’s Peepo Choo is a manic manga mix that should get a rise out of even the most cynical of Scrooges. A comic that was born because it could only have been made in Japan, now comes to its climactic conclusion, as its youthful cast prepares to return to America after witnessing the dreams and disappointments of Japan’s capital. And whether told from the perspective of a rom-com, a yakuza gang-war or even a giant monster rampage, it is evident that exemplary works of fiction can not only be presented in comic form, in this format they flourish.

By following Milton, Gill, and Jody through their final moments in Asia, readers are treated to a sensual world that can only be rendered through comic art. His visuals maybe surreal, violent or titillating often visualizing thoughts and emotions in ways words can only begin to describe. So whether visualizing a sense of hip-hop infused yakuza euphoria, or rendering the moé bliss of an otaku in nerd-heaven Akihabara, readers will get to see a side of Tokyo and manga that few Westerners will ever get to experience.

Tokyo Eyes

Vertical — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:30:07 +0000

If the first volume of Peepo Choo was just plain crazy pop-culture fueled madness, the second is nothing short of completely manic. More people get viciously slaughtered; more hopes get crushed; and even more feces is expelled from the mouths of cute anime characters! Between comically gay celebrities on astronomically bizarre television programs and women who run around half naked, Japan sure is a weird place! And behind all of this is something far more meaningful. Which is exactly why the critics are raving about Felipe Smith’s new series.

While the Manga Curmudgeon praises Peepo Choo for showing passion and heart in its hyper-everything rendition of Tokyo, critic and author Serdar Yegulalp can’t help but laugh at the new hole this series has given 21st century U.S.-Japan relations. With more back story per panel than rival works have in whole books, readers are just beginning to scratch the surface as they unravel the secrets of Peepo Choo. So whether new to the world of J-Pop or looking for a new take on a thug’s life as critic Melinda Beasi has noted about the latest volume, “excellence it is.”

Now, go, hurry and get your copy! Do not pass up this opportunity to experience Felipe Smith’s Tokyo at its finest. We’ll forgive any wrong-doings committed on your way to the bookstore.

A Legend Returns

Vertical — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:37:27 +0000

When Felipe Smith left the U.S., he was already an accomplished comic artist. Having won numerous awards for his work before landing in Tokyo, the man had nothing to prove. But after taking on the extremely competitive and demanding Japanese comic industry, Mr. Smith has proven that he is just beginning to grow as an artist and storyteller.

His Japanese debut Peepo Choo made a big splash when it launched back in 2008, rocking the manga scene with his original designs and his bigger-than-life characters. While his tale of culture clash challenged even veteran comic critics, there was no doubt in their minds that Felipe had mastered the art of manga presentation. Now Peepo Choo stands alongside works from such luminaries as Moyoco Anno, Takehiko Inoue, and Naoki Urasawa, published in Japan’s premiere seinen (men’s) comic anthology Morning.

As Felipe is developing his latest series for Japan’s largest publisher Kodansha, his Peepo Choo is ready to take on American readers. And to celebrate the occasion, Felipe will be joining Vertical at San Diego Comic Con and Otakon as a guest this summer, with book signings at both shows. Felipe will also be going back home to LA between cons for a special event at Hollywood’s Meltdown Comics. So don’t miss out on your chance to meet a comics legend before he once again departs for the Far East.

Book Signing @ Comic Con International (limited to 100 ticketed guests)
July 24, 2010 (Saturday) 2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: San Diego Comic Con – San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA

Peepo Choo Launch Party @ Meltdown Comics
July 26, 2010 (Monday) 7:00pm-
Location: Meltdown Comics – Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

Book Signing @ Otakon
July 31, 2010 (Saturday) TBA
Location: Otakon – Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD