Cowa!: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by 209.160.19.163 (talk) (HG) (3.4.10)
→‎Plot: Trimming
 
(14 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Japanese manga series by Akira Toriyama}}
{{Redirect|Paifu|the character from [[The Third]]|Paifu (The Third)}}
{{Redirect|Paifu|the character from [[The Third]]|Paifu (The Third)}}
⚫
{{Use American English|date=June 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
⚫
{{Use American English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name = Cowa!
|name = Cowa!
| image = cowa cover.jpg
|image = cowa cover.jpg
| caption = Cover art for the ''tankōbon'' release of ''Cowa!'' by Shueisha.
|caption = Cover of the ''tankōbon'' volume
| ja_kanji = こわ!
|ja_kanji =
| ja_romaji = Kowa!
|ja_romaji =
| genre = [[Adventure fiction|Adventure]],<ref name="ANN"/> [[comedy]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.viz.com/cowa |title=The Official Website for COWA! |publisher=Viz Media |access-date=October 28, 2017}}</ref> [[Supernatural fiction|supernatural]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aoki |first1=Deb |title=COWA! Manga Review |url=http://manga.about.com/od/vizmedia/gr/COWA.htm |website=[[About.com]] |access-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512154232/http://manga.about.com/od/vizmedia/gr/COWA.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2012}}</ref><!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
|genre = {{ubl|[[Adventure fiction|Adventure]]<ref name="ANN"/>|[[Comedy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/cowa|title=The Official Website for COWA!|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=October 28, 2017}}</ref>|[[Supernatural fiction|Supernatural]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Aoki|first=Deb|title=COWA! Manga Review|url=http://manga.about.com/od/vizmedia/gr/COWA.htm|website=[[About.com]]|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512154232/http://manga.about.com/od/vizmedia/gr/COWA.htm|archive-date=May 12, 2012}}</ref>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
|type = manga
| author = [[Akira Toriyama]]
|author = [[Akira Toriyama]]
| publisher = [[Shueisha]]
|publisher = [[Shueisha]]
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
|publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
| NA = [[Viz Media]]
|NA = [[Viz Media]]
}}
}}
| demographic = ''[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]''
|demographic = ''[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]''
| imprint = [[Jump Comics]]
|imprint = [[Jump Comics]]
| magazine = [[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]
|magazine = [[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]
| first = 1997
|first = 1997
| last = 1998
|last = 1998
| volumes = 1
|volumes = 1
| volume_list =
|volume_list = #Chapter list
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
⚫
'''''Cowa!''''' (stylized as '''''COWA!''''') is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Akira Toriyama]]. It was serialized in [[Shueisha]]'s ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' from 1997 to 1998, with the fourteen chapters collected into a single ''[[tankōbon]]'' volume. The story follows the child monsters Paifu, José and Arpon, and the human Maruyama, as they travel to get medicine to save their town from a deadly flu. [[Viz Media]] released the single volume in North America in July 2008. ''Cowa!'' was generally well-received by critics, and was nominated for the 2009 [[Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids]].

⚫
{{nihongo|'''''Cowa!'''''|こわ!|Kowa!}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Akira Toriyama]]. It was serialized in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' in 1997 and 1998, with the fourteen chapters collected into a single ''[[tankōbon]]'' volume by [[Shueisha]]. The story follows the child monsters Paifu, José and Arpon, and the human Maruyama, as they travel to get medicine to save their town from a deadly flu. It was Toriyama's first major project following the conclusion of ''[[Dragon Ball]]''. [[Viz Media]] released the single volume in North America on July 1, 2008.


==Plot==
==Plot==
Paifu and José decide to go to the house of a human rumored to be a murderer.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 2, page 18</ref> Paifu notices what appears to be an orange [[Orb (paranormal)|spirit]] out in the sea and mistakes it for their friend. They arrive at the light source only to find that it was a torch on a raft belonging to the world-renowned [[Sumo|sumo wrestler]] Maruyama, whom they feared. In spite of becoming acquainted, Maruyama teases Paifu and picks up two sticks producing a cross gesture to scare him off believing he, like some vampires in stories, fear a cross. On the contrary, this action forces Paifu to transform into a rampaging were-koala.<ref name="2-26"/> His rage is halted by José, who shape-shifts into a round object to revert him back to normal.<ref name="2-28"/> José tells Maruyama that Paifu can not look at a cross figure for more than three seconds before transforming.<ref name="2-28"/> When asked by Maruyama about Paifu's father, Paifu replies that he was shot to death in a human city when he shape-shifted into a were-koala.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 2, page 29</ref> After getting to know a little about Maruyama's past, it turns out that he is not as frightening as rumored to be.

[[File:Jose and Paifu.jpg|thumb|left|José (background left) and Paifu as they advance to steal a watermelon from a field.]]
[[File:Jose and Paifu.jpg|thumb|left|José (background left) and Paifu as they advance to steal a watermelon from a field.]]
Paifu, a mischievous monster boy, lives in harmony with his friend José and rival Arpon. This tranquil village life is interrupted by the spread of a {{nihongo|Monster Flu|お化け風邪|Obake Kaze}}, which kills monsters within a month. The doctor reveals that the cure can be created by a witch that resides at the top of Horned-Owl Mountain. Due to the adult monsters being sick, Paifu, José and Arpon volunteer to make the trip with the help of Maruyama, a human who lives near the town and is widely feared due to rumors that he killed a man. Paifu tricks him by telling him that the town will pay him a million yen in exchange for his accompaniment. During the trip, the children encounter several thugs, whom Maruyama easily defeats, and they soon learn that this is a former [[Rikishi|sumo wrestler]].
Back in the village, Paifu and José begin to notice a strain of [[influenza]] that is spreading in the village affecting only the monsters. On their way to school, they are surprised by Arpon, a monster who considers Paifu to be his eternal enemy. The three exchange a few words<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 3, page 35</ref> which led to Arpon challenging Paifu to a sparring match of [[Chinese martial arts|kung fu]].<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 3, page 38</ref>

Paifu's mother later tells him that school has been canceled for a while due to the serious flu.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 4, pages 47–48</ref> He celebrates by going to José's home and runs into the village doctor. The doctor realizes that the flu strain is the {{nihongo|Monster Flu|お化け風邪|Obake Kaze}}, a disease that affects only monsters and kills the victim in a month's time.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 4, page 50</ref> When the two arrive at the Rodriguez residence to see José's ill father, the doctor's suspicions are confirmed to everyone there and reveals that the cure to the Monster Flu can be created by a witch that resides at the top of Horned-Owl Mountain.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 4, page 52</ref> The doctor also tells of a forest that one must cross and that a terrible monster dwells along the forest path which leads to the mountain. Due to the adult monsters being sick, Paifu and José volunteer to make the trip and are accompanied by the former sumo wrestler Maruyama, who in actuality, was deceived by Paifu who claimed that the villagers would pay him 1,000,000 yen for his troubles.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 4, page 57</ref> As the trio are about to leave, Arpon joins the team, exclaiming that he wants to be a hero for the villagers.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 4, page 58</ref>

With plenty of rest and recuperation, the team pass through a city and arrive around a forest area located by Horned-Owl Mountain. As they near it, Arpon suddenly falls ill by the Monster Flu.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 7, pages 98–99</ref> They come to a nearby family for aid; in the midst of their troubles, Paifu and Maruyama save them from being attacked by a gang. In exchange, the family cares for the sick Arpon while Paifu, José and Maruyama take off for the forest. Before they leave, they are told by the family of the forest monster's supposed weakness, whistling.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 9, page 120</ref>


In the last village before reaching the mountain, Maruyama stops to buy food. At that moment, Paifu witnesses an assault on an old man and stops the assailant. As they are about to reach Mount Owl, Arpon suddenly falls ill. Their search for someone to take care of him leads them to the family of the man who was assaulted, who gladly agree to take care of Arpon. When the group reaches the forest around the mountain, they encounter Baroaba, whom they manage to defeat when Paifu learns to whistle, the monster's weakness. When Baroaba realizes that they are going to see the witch, he helps them reach her house. Before entering they are greeted by the witch's servant, an [[Oni (folklore)|oni]] named Leonardo, who grants them entry only after they answer a riddle. The group retrieves the medicine and begins their descent down the mountain, during which Maruyama accidentally slips and falls; Paifu narrowly saves his life by learning to fly.
Upon entering the forest, Maruyama has José whistle since he is apparently the only one who can, while Paifu practices his whistling since José will eventually get exhausted.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 9, page 122</ref> José, instead of getting fatigued from whistling, suddenly falls ill to the Monster Flu as well.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 9, page 123</ref> Their fear of the monster finding them becomes a reality and they are attacked by the forest monster Baroaba. Maruyama holds his own against the behemoth and tells Paifu to start learning how to whistle immediately before they are killed. Although several attempts had been unsuccessful, Paifu finally prospered in whistling and Baroaba is literally downsized by the sound,<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 10, page 142</ref> proving the weakness true, and is pounded by Maruyama. Before Maruyama finishes him off, he discovers that Baroaba only attacks to protect the forest's rare wildlife; Baroaba apologizes for the misunderstanding and decides to help them get to their destination, the witch's house.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 11, page 157</ref>


On the way back, Maruyama is disappointed to learn that Paifu lied about the monetary reward, but decides that Paifu's rescue was sufficient compensation. The group's return is heralded with a party, but Maruyama leaves, claiming not to enjoy such activities. Paifu takes the opportunity to explain to everyone what has happened, and together they manage to fix an old ghost ship to present to Maruyama, fulfilling his wish to obtain one with the promised money.
With help from Baroaba, who stays to care for the ill José, Paifu and Maruyama finally reach the summit of the mountain.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 11, pages 154–155</ref> They then encounter the witch's servant, an [[Oni (folklore)|oni]] named Leonardo. After solving a riddle, they are allowed to meet the witch and fortunately retrieved the influenza medicine. On the way down the mountain, Maruyama accidentally slips and falls off. Paifu makes a daring rescue by learning flight at the last minute<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 13, page 177</ref> and saves Maruyama and himself from immediate death.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 13, pages 178–179</ref> On the way back, Maruyama talks of how he is going to buy a boat with the money he makes forcing Paifu to reveal that he had lied to him about the payment of 1,000,000 yen. Maruyama admits that he is disappointed, but not infuriated as Paifu saved his life.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 14, page 190</ref> The four are praised as they returned to the village. One month later, Paifu, José and everyone else from the village meet Maruyama out at sea with a ghost boat that all fixed up together.<ref>''Cowa!'' chapter 14, pages 197–198</ref>


==Characters==
==Characters==
Line 63: Line 57:


==Production==
==Production==
''Cowa!'' has its origins in {{nihongo|''BUBUL of Demon Village''|魔人村のBUBUL|Majin-Mura no Buburu}}, a one-shot Toriyama drew for the revived "''Jump'' Readers' Cup" competition in 1997. Toriyama, who had done only a few one-shots since finishing ''Dragon Ball'' in 1995, won handily; it was his first win since ''Pola & Roid'' took the top spot in 1981. Shortly after Toriyama's win, a new series by him was announced to run in ''Jump''. He re-tooled the character designs and setting of his one-shot to suit this new series, as detailed in the issue before its start.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}
''Cowa!'' has its origins in {{nihongo|''Bubul of Demon Village''|魔人村のBUBUL|Majin-Mura no Buburu}}, a [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] [[Akira Toriyama]] drew for the revived Jump Readers' Cup competition in 1997.<ref name="bubul">{{Cite web |url=https://dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_772.html |script-title=ja:感じるＤＢイズム～鳥山明作品紹介～第9回は『魔人村のBUBUL』！ |work=Dragon Ball Official Site |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |language=ja |date=January 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106010654/https://dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_772.html |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Toriyama, who had done only a few one-shots since finishing ''[[Dragon Ball (manga)|Dragon Ball]]'' in 1995, won handily; it was his first win since ''[[Pola & Roid]]'' took the top spot in 1981. After winning, Toriyama said he was thinking of creating a "more developed" form of ''Bubul of Demon Village''.<ref name="bubul"/> He re-tooled the character designs and setting of the one-shot to suit a new series, as detailed in the issue before ''Cowa!''{{'}}s start.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}


Despite previously claiming to be done with weekly serials, Toriyama decided to draw ''Cowa!'' when he learned his editor would be [[Kazuhiko Torishima]] and that he could do things his own way. Unlike both ''Dr. Slump'' and ''Dragon Ball'', where he never skipped an issue, he drew ''Cowa'' in a three-weeks-on, one-week-off pattern, which afforded him time to rest and work more slowly. He also stated he wanted to draw everything himself, forgoing the customary use of an assistant, even though he had pain in his arm. The story came about from wanting to take a storybook type approach and have the main character be an "unlovable grumpy guy."<ref>{{cite book |last=Toriyama |first=Akira |title=Cowa! |year=2008 |orig-year=1998 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |isbn=1-42151-805-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/cowa00akir_1/page/201 201] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/cowa00akir_1/page/201 }}</ref>
Despite previously claiming to be done with weekly serials, Toriyama decided to draw ''Cowa!'' when he learned his editor would be [[Kazuhiko Torishima]] and that he could do things his own way.<ref name="book">{{cite book|last=Toriyama|first=Akira|title=Cowa!|year=2008|orig-year=1998|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|isbn=978-1-42151-805-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/cowa00akir_1/page/201 201]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/cowa00akir_1/page/201 }}</ref> Unlike both ''[[Dr. Slump]]'' and ''Dragon Ball'', where he never skipped an issue, he drew ''Cowa'' in a three-weeks-on, one-week-off pattern, which afforded him time to rest and work more slowly. Toriyama stated he wanted to draw everything himself, forgoing the customary use of an assistant, even though he had pain in his arm.<ref name="book"/> The story came about from wanting to take a storybook type approach and have the main character be an "unlovable grumpy guy."<ref name="book"/>


==Release==
==Release==
Written and illustrated by [[Akira Toriyama]], ''Cowa!'' was serialized in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' magazine from issue #48 of 1997 to #15 of 1998. The fourteen chapters were collected into one ''[[tankōbon]]'' volume that was released on May 1, 1998 by [[Shueisha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-872557-3|title=COWA!|language=ja|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref>
Written and illustrated by [[Akira Toriyama]], ''Cowa!'' was serialized in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' magazine from issue #48 of 1997 to #15 of 1998. The fourteen chapters were collected into one ''[[tankōbon]]'' volume that was released on May 1, 1998 by [[Shueisha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-872557-3|title=COWA!|language=ja|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref>


[[Viz Media]] licensed ''Cowa!'' for English release in North America on July 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/cowa-volume-1/7094 |title=COWA!|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref> Their graphic novel edition retained the first chapter in color.<ref name="ANN">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/cowa/gn-1|title=Cowa! GN - Review|last=Kimlinger|first=Carl|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2008-08-17|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref> It has also been released in other countries, such as in France by [[Glénat (publisher)|Glenat]], Spain by [[Planeta DeAgostini]], South Korea by [[Daewon C.I.]] and Malaysia [[Comics House]].
[[Viz Media]] licensed ''Cowa!'' for English release in North America on July 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/cowa-volume-1/7094|title=COWA!|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref> Their graphic novel edition retained the first chapter in color.<ref name="ANN">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/cowa/gn-1|title=Cowa! GN - Review|last=Kimlinger|first=Carl|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2008-08-17|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref> It has also been released in other countries, such as in France by [[Glénat (publisher)|Glenat]], Spain by [[Planeta DeAgostini]], South Korea by [[Daewon C.I.]] and Malaysia [[Comics House]].


===Chapter list===
===Chapter list===
{{Graphic novel list/header
{{Graphic novel list/header
| Language = Japanese
|Language = Japanese
}}
}}
{{Graphic novel list
{{Graphic novel list
| VolumeNumber = 01
|VolumeNumber = 01
| OriginalRelDate = May 1, 1998
|OriginalRelDate = May 1, 1998
| OriginalISBN = 4-08-872557-3
|OriginalISBN = 4-08-872557-3
| LicensedRelDate = July 1, 2008
|LicensedRelDate = July 1, 2008
| LicensedISBN = 1-42151-805-8
|LicensedISBN = 1-42151-805-8
| ChapterList =
|ChapterList =
* Chapter 01 : {{nihongo|"Paifu Goes on an Errand"|パイフーのおつかい|Paifū no Otsukai}}
* Chapter 01 : {{nihongo|"Paifu Goes on an Errand"|パイフーのおつかい|Paifū no Otsukai}}
* Chapter 02 : {{nihongo|"The Unhaunted House"|オバケのきもだめし|Obake no Kimodameshi}}
* Chapter 02 : {{nihongo|"The Unhaunted House"|オバケのきもだめし|Obake no Kimodameshi}}
Line 90: Line 84:
* Chapter 06 : {{nihongo|"Mako "The Murderer" Maruyama"|やっぱりこわい丸山真虎|Yappari Kowai Maruyama Mako}}
* Chapter 06 : {{nihongo|"Mako "The Murderer" Maruyama"|やっぱりこわい丸山真虎|Yappari Kowai Maruyama Mako}}
* Chapter 07 : {{nihongo|"The Road Goes On"|旅は順調|Tabi wa Junchō}}
* Chapter 07 : {{nihongo|"The Road Goes On"|旅は順調|Tabi wa Junchō}}
| ChapterListCol2 =
|ChapterListCol2 =
* Chapter 08 : {{nihongo|"The Volcano Awakens"|活火山うごく|Katsukazan}}
* Chapter 08 : {{nihongo|"The Volcano Awakens"|活火山うごく|Katsukazan}}
* Chapter 09 : {{nihongo|"The Scary Monster in the Woods"|恐怖の森のモンスター|Kyofū no Mori no Monsutā}}
* Chapter 09 : {{nihongo|"The Scary Monster in the Woods"|恐怖の森のモンスター|Kyofū no Mori no Monsutā}}
Line 98: Line 92:
* Chapter 13 : {{nihongo|"Go, Go, Paifu!"|がんばれパイフー|Ganbare Paifū}}
* Chapter 13 : {{nihongo|"Go, Go, Paifu!"|がんばれパイフー|Ganbare Paifū}}
* Chapter 14 : {{nihongo|"Makoleen's Boat"|マコリンの船|Makorin no Fune}}
* Chapter 14 : {{nihongo|"Makoleen's Boat"|マコリンの船|Makorin no Fune}}
| LicensedTitle =
|LicensedTitle =
| OriginalTitle =
|OriginalTitle =
| TranslitTitle =
|TranslitTitle =
| Summary =
|Summary =
}}
}}
{{Graphic novel list/footer}}
{{Graphic novel list/footer}}


==Reception==
==Reception==
[[About.com]]'s Deb Aoki listed ''Cowa!'' as the "Best New All Ages Manga" of 2008, calling it "clever and charming enough to entertain adults as well as younger readers."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/2008BestNewManga.htm|title=2008 Best New Manga|last=Aoki|first=Deb|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=2009-08-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DtJu9fgL?url=http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/2008BestNewManga.htm|archive-date=2013-01-23}}</ref> [[Anime News Network]]'s Carl Kimlinger disagreed, claiming the plot is not complex enough to appeal to adults. He also wished Viz would have kept the other few chapters that were originally colored as such instead of just the first, as those particular ones were hard to follow in black and white. However, he wrote that "Makoleen's character elevates what might have been a simple children's adventure to a gentle fable about acceptance and understanding." and praised the humor.<ref name="ANN"/> A.E. Sparrow of [[IGN]] gave the series an 8.6 out of 10 and referred to it as a "self-contained mini-epic." On the humor he said "the jokes come at you unapologetically and you're either going to catch them or write them off."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/24/cowa-review|title=Cowa! Review|last=Sparrow|first=A.E.|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2008-06-24|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref> Viz Media's English release of ''Cowa!'' was nominated in the "Best Publication for Kids" category at the 2009 [[Eisner Award]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-07/manga-nominated-for-2009-eisner-awards|title=Manga Nominated for 2009 Eisner Awards|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2009-04-07|access-date=2012-11-17}}</ref>
[[About.com]]'s Deb Aoki listed ''Cowa!'' as the "Best New All Ages Manga" of 2008, calling it "clever and charming enough to entertain adults as well as younger readers."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/2008BestNewManga.htm|title=2008 Best New Manga|last=Aoki|first=Deb|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=2009-08-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225235831/http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/2008BestNewManga.htm|archive-date=2012-12-25}}</ref> [[Anime News Network]]'s Carl Kimlinger disagreed, claiming the plot is not complex enough to appeal to adults. He also wished Viz would have kept the other few chapters that were originally colored as such instead of just the first, as those particular ones were hard to follow in black and white. However, he wrote that "Makoleen's character elevates what might have been a simple children's adventure to a gentle fable about acceptance and understanding." and praised the humor.<ref name="ANN"/> A.E. Sparrow of [[IGN]] gave the series an 8.6 out of 10 and referred to it as a "self-contained mini-epic." On the humor he said "the jokes come at you unapologetically and you're either going to catch them or write them off."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/24/cowa-review|title=Cowa! Review|last=Sparrow|first=A.E.|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2008-06-24|access-date=2014-03-21}}</ref> Viz Media's English release of ''Cowa!'' was nominated for the [[Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-07/manga-nominated-for-2009-eisner-awards|title=Manga Nominated for 2009 Eisner Awards|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2009-04-07|access-date=2012-11-17}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 112: Line 106:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{ann|manga|975}}
* {{ann|manga|975|noparen=true}}


{{Akira Toriyama}}
{{Akira Toriyama}}

Latest revision as of 05:41, 22 February 2024

"Paifu" redirects here. For the character from The Third, see Paifu (The Third).

Cowa!
Cover of the tankōbon volume
Genre
Manga
Written byAkira Toriyama
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
DemographicShōnen
Original run1997 – 1998
Volumes1 (List of volumes)

Cowa! (stylized as COWA!) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1997 to 1998, with the fourteen chapters collected into a single tankōbon volume. The story follows the child monsters Paifu, José and Arpon, and the human Maruyama, as they travel to get medicine to save their town from a deadly flu. Viz Media released the single volume in North America in July 2008. Cowa! was generally well-received by critics, and was nominated for the 2009 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.

Plot[edit]

José (background left) and Paifu as they advance to steal a watermelon from a field.

Paifu, a mischievous monster boy, lives in harmony with his friend José and rival Arpon. This tranquil village life is interrupted by the spread of a Monster Flu (お化け風邪, Obake Kaze), which kills monsters within a month. The doctor reveals that the cure can be created by a witch that resides at the top of Horned-Owl Mountain. Due to the adult monsters being sick, Paifu, José and Arpon volunteer to make the trip with the help of Maruyama, a human who lives near the town and is widely feared due to rumors that he killed a man. Paifu tricks him by telling him that the town will pay him a million yen in exchange for his accompaniment. During the trip, the children encounter several thugs, whom Maruyama easily defeats, and they soon learn that this is a former sumo wrestler.

In the last village before reaching the mountain, Maruyama stops to buy food. At that moment, Paifu witnesses an assault on an old man and stops the assailant. As they are about to reach Mount Owl, Arpon suddenly falls ill. Their search for someone to take care of him leads them to the family of the man who was assaulted, who gladly agree to take care of Arpon. When the group reaches the forest around the mountain, they encounter Baroaba, whom they manage to defeat when Paifu learns to whistle, the monster's weakness. When Baroaba realizes that they are going to see the witch, he helps them reach her house. Before entering they are greeted by the witch's servant, an oni named Leonardo, who grants them entry only after they answer a riddle. The group retrieves the medicine and begins their descent down the mountain, during which Maruyama accidentally slips and falls; Paifu narrowly saves his life by learning to fly.

On the way back, Maruyama is disappointed to learn that Paifu lied about the monetary reward, but decides that Paifu's rescue was sufficient compensation. The group's return is heralded with a party, but Maruyama leaves, claiming not to enjoy such activities. Paifu takes the opportunity to explain to everyone what has happened, and together they manage to fix an old ghost ship to present to Maruyama, fulfilling his wish to obtain one with the promised money.

Characters[edit]

Paifu and José meeting Maruyama.
Paifu (パイフー)
Paifu is a half-vampire half-werekoala.[4] When he observes any cross-like figure for more than three seconds, Paifu shapeshifts into a crazed and powerful were-koala[4] and can only change back to his normal state after looking at a round object.[5] Despite being part vampire, he can not fly because he skipped flying practice.
José Rodriguez (ホセ・ロドリゲス, Hose Rodorigesu)
José is a ghost that can fly, turn invisible and change shape.
Mako Maruyama (丸山真虎, Maruyama Mako)
Maruyama is an overweight human feared by even the monsters in town. He was a sumo wrestler with the ringname "The Volcano" (活火山, Katsukazan, lit. "Active Volcano") until killing an opponent during a match. Paifu gives him the nickname "Makoleen" (マコリン, Makorin).
Arpon (アーポン, Āpon)
Arpon is a monster boy the constantly challenges Paifu to fights and loses.
Doctor (お化けの医者, Obake no Isha)
The old and forgetful doctor of Batwing Ridge.
Baroaba (バロアバ)
The monster that lives in the forest at the foot of Horned-Owl Mountain. He is large with a rubber-like body, unless he hears whistling, in which case he shrinks and loses the rubber-like property.
Leonardo (レオナルド, Reonarudo)
The assistant of the Witch on top of Horned-Owl Mountain. He either fights or gives a riddle to anyone trying to enter the Witch's house.
Witch (魔女, Majo)
Witch living on top Horned-Owl Mountain and maker of the medicine that heals Monster Flu.

Production[edit]

Cowa! has its origins in Bubul of Demon Village (魔人村のBUBUL, Majin-Mura no Buburu), a one-shot Akira Toriyama drew for the revived Jump Readers' Cup competition in 1997.[6] Toriyama, who had done only a few one-shots since finishing Dragon Ball in 1995, won handily; it was his first win since Pola & Roid took the top spot in 1981. After winning, Toriyama said he was thinking of creating a "more developed" form of Bubul of Demon Village.[6] He re-tooled the character designs and setting of the one-shot to suit a new series, as detailed in the issue before Cowa!'s start.[citation needed]

Despite previously claiming to be done with weekly serials, Toriyama decided to draw Cowa! when he learned his editor would be Kazuhiko Torishima and that he could do things his own way.[7] Unlike both Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball, where he never skipped an issue, he drew Cowa in a three-weeks-on, one-week-off pattern, which afforded him time to rest and work more slowly. Toriyama stated he wanted to draw everything himself, forgoing the customary use of an assistant, even though he had pain in his arm.[7] The story came about from wanting to take a storybook type approach and have the main character be an "unlovable grumpy guy."[7]

Release[edit]

Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, Cowa! was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from issue #48 of 1997 to #15 of 1998. The fourteen chapters were collected into one tankōbon volume that was released on May 1, 1998 by Shueisha.[8]

Viz Media licensed Cowa! for English release in North America on July 1, 2008.[9] Their graphic novel edition retained the first chapter in color.[1] It has also been released in other countries, such as in France by Glenat, Spain by Planeta DeAgostini, South Korea by Daewon C.I. and Malaysia Comics House.

Chapter list[edit]

No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
01 May 1, 19984-08-872557-3July 1, 20081-42151-805-8
  • Chapter 01 : "Paifu Goes on an Errand" (パイフーのおつかい, Paifū no Otsukai)
  • Chapter 02 : "The Unhaunted House" (オバケのきもだめし, Obake no Kimodameshi)
  • Chapter 03 : "Paifu and Arpon" (パイフーとアーポン, Paifū to Āpon)
  • Chapter 04 : "Monster Flu" (オバケ風邪, Obake Kaze)
  • Chapter 05 : "Off to Horned-Owl Mountain" (みみずく山に出発, Mimizuku Yama ni Shuppatsu)
  • Chapter 06 : "Mako "The Murderer" Maruyama" (やっぱりこわい丸山真虎, Yappari Kowai Maruyama Mako)
  • Chapter 07 : "The Road Goes On" (旅は順調, Tabi wa Junchō)
  • Chapter 08 : "The Volcano Awakens" (活火山うごく, Katsukazan)
  • Chapter 09 : "The Scary Monster in the Woods" (恐怖の森のモンスター, Kyofū no Mori no Monsutā)
  • Chapter 10 : "Makoleen, the Strongest Man in the World, Struggles" (世界最強の男マコリン苦戦, Sekai Saikyō no Otoko Makorin Kusen)
  • Chapter 11 : "At the Witch's House" (魔女の家到着, Majo no ie Tōchaku)
  • Chapter 12 : "The Medicine Is Ours!" (特効薬いただき!, Tokkōyaku Itadaki!)
  • Chapter 13 : "Go, Go, Paifu!" (がんばれパイフー, Ganbare Paifū)
  • Chapter 14 : "Makoleen's Boat" (マコリンの船, Makorin no Fune)

Reception[edit]

About.com's Deb Aoki listed Cowa! as the "Best New All Ages Manga" of 2008, calling it "clever and charming enough to entertain adults as well as younger readers."[10] Anime News Network's Carl Kimlinger disagreed, claiming the plot is not complex enough to appeal to adults. He also wished Viz would have kept the other few chapters that were originally colored as such instead of just the first, as those particular ones were hard to follow in black and white. However, he wrote that "Makoleen's character elevates what might have been a simple children's adventure to a gentle fable about acceptance and understanding." and praised the humor.[1] A.E. Sparrow of IGN gave the series an 8.6 out of 10 and referred to it as a "self-contained mini-epic." On the humor he said "the jokes come at you unapologetically and you're either going to catch them or write them off."[11] Viz Media's English release of Cowa! was nominated for the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids in 2009.[12]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Kimlinger, Carl (August 17, 2008). "Cowa! GN - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  2. ^ "The Official Website for COWA!". Viz Media. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
  3. ^ Aoki, Deb. "COWA! Manga Review". About.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Cowa! chapter 2, page 26
  5. ^ Cowa! chapter 2, page 28
  6. ^ a b 感じるＤＢイズム～鳥山明作品紹介～第9回は『魔人村のBUBUL』！. Dragon Ball Official Site (in Japanese). Shueisha. January 6, 2022. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  7. ^ a b c Toriyama, Akira (2008) [1998]. Cowa!. Viz Media. p. 201. ISBN 978-1-42151-805-3.
  8. ^ "COWA!" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  9. ^ "COWA!". Viz Media. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  10. ^ Aoki, Deb. "2008 Best New Manga". About.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2009.
  11. ^ Sparrow, A.E. (June 24, 2008). "Cowa! Review". IGN. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  12. ^ "Manga Nominated for 2009 Eisner Awards". Anime News Network. April 7, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2012.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cowa!&oldid=1209500103"