Walkin Butterfly

Infobox animanga/Header
name = Walkin Butterfly


caption =
ja_name =
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genre = DramaInfobox animanga/Manga
author = Chihiro Tamaki
publisher = flagicon|Japan Ohzora Shuppan
publisher_en = flagicon|USA Aurora
publisher_other = flagicon|Italy JPOP Edizioni
demographic = Josei
first = 2004
last =
volumes = 4

"Walkin Butterfly" is a josei manga by Chihiro Tamaki. In Japan, it was published by Ohzora Shuppan. Aurora Publishing began releasing this manga in English in 2007.

Plot

Walkin Butterfly deals with the insecurities and awkwardness any adolescent reaching adulthood experiences in real life. In her case in particular, Michiko's height deviates from the average Japanese woman along with her occupation as a part time pizza delivery person, which is usually considered a guy's job. In this context, it is no wonder that she feels insecure about herself as a woman and her place in society at large.

However, during one of her deliveries at a fashion show, it is her very height that leads her to be mistaken as a model and pushed onto the over-exposed catwalk! Could this be her niche in society? A place where her deviant qualities can gain proper recognition in the society that once scored her? Regardless, her inner insecurities and negative self image do not go past the fashion designer of the fashion show, Mihara, as he tells her she can never be a model because she refuses to see herself.

What follows is the journey Michiko takes to break out of her confining cocoon and metamorphosize into a beautiful butterfly worthy to walk the catwalk!

Perhaps to help enhance the world of art that this manga series takes place in, the art is quite sketchy at times and very simple and clean at others. It sort of reminds one of reading a sketchbook of images that ultimately tells a very lovely tale of self discovery.

Characters

* Michiko Torayasu:A young woman who is very insecure about her outward appearance due to her immense height (180cm). However, a brief encounter with the fashion industry leaves Michiko yearning for a place on the long legged catwalk and a way to find herself as a woman.

* Kou Mihara:The fashion designer whose show Michiko stumbles into when she is mistaken as one of his models. However, unlike the others, Mihara was able to see the ugly insecurities lurking within her and tells her that she can never become a model as she is.

* Kenichirou Nishikino:A former upper class man of Michiko's she admired and also her first love. Manly and kind, he is everything she dreams of in a boyfriend, but unfortunately he only thinks of her as a little sister.

* Ryou Tago:Michiko's agent. Once a top model, but now a strange, temperamental and alcoholic president of what appears to be a failing modeling agency. A prime example of those "old bats that just won't die."

* Isao Samejima:Director/Producer. A somewhat mysterious character that shows interest in Michiko. He was also the one that introduces her to Ryou Tago.

Volumes

There are four volumes total in this series. [ [http://www.aurora-publishing.com/manga_series.aspx?msid=2 Aurora Publishing > Manga Series > Walkin' Butterfly ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.aurora-publishing.com/manga_volume.aspx?mvid=1 "Walkin Butterfly"] Official site at Aurora Publishing
* [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=8482 "Walkin Butterfly"] (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
* [http://comicsworthreading.com/2008/01/14/walkin-butterfly-book-1/ "Walkin' Butterfly Book 1"] Article regarding Walkin Butterfly volume 1 from "Comics Worth Reading"