What I liked:- Telescope- Make-Up- Who Are You?- Bedridden ( )

Very interesting. For a graphic novel from the late 1960's in Japan, this hits on some very dark and taboo topics. These stories (about 8 pages long each) are seen from the common man's point of view (and I do "man"). If this was printed today, I think there would Religious groups and Neo-Cons would be going nuts! Just for that reason, I did like it's darkness and not having cheerful endings at the end for each story! ( )

Stories of alienated, powerless men, from the working class, epitomized by one character who is continually asked "Who are you?". The female character don't fare much better - controlling, demanding, cruel. Common themes in Japanese literature in the 20th century. ( )

Yoshihiro Tatsumi is one of the early alternative manga practitioners. His comics use the clearly Tezuka-influenced styles of mid 1960s Japanese manga, but with a much darker twist. The stories are short and the explanations are scant. Rather, these vignettes are enigmatic little morsels that leave a distinct feeling of urban hopelessness and isolation.

A theme running throughout the stories is a strange sort of misogyny. The men are generally downtrodden and hopeless, further put down by loudmouthed, angry women. In one story a man impregnates a rat by masturbating into the shower drain. When the pregnant rat appears in the apartment, the man’s girlfriend is indignant and leaves him to his beastly mistress. Throughout the exchange the man says not a word. This is typical of the stories.

Also typical is some kind of ambivalent infatuation with abortion. Sewer workers find carcasses, unwanted pregnancies abound, and all of this is dealt with in an unsettling way. It’s hard to say exactly where Tatsumi comes down on these issues, but if ambiguity is a sign of genius, then Tatsumi’s work is clearly something to spend some time with.

Push Man is a good antidote to the typical manga fare, and a great example of what comics can be when relieved of their kiddy constraints. ( )

Tatsumi's graphic vignettes feel like a Japanese version of Sin City. Each short story draws you into its brief, gritty, moment without being judgemental; they just give snapshots. ( )