Yotsuba Volume 6 Has Come

Once upon a time, I was browsing my local Waldenbooks and came across a new series titled “Yotsuba”. I purchased it simply because it was written by Kiyohiko Azuma, the author of Azumanga Daioh. What I got though, was beyond my wildest imaginings. I was sure it would be good, since I love Azumanga, but Yotsuba became the greatest thing I had ever read. That night, I lie in bed and read the volume three times before going to sleep. When the second volume was arriving, I went to the bookstore every day for a week in advance, just in case it came a little early. I did the same for the volume three. But then something happened while waiting for volume four. The span of “two months” became over a year. The wait was maddening, and unleashed were unguessed horrors that could never be borne by mortal brains. I survived only by the vague hope that volume four would someday come.

It did. Volume four came and Yotsuba and I were joined in glorious reunion. This immeasurable happiness lasted through volume five’s coming. All seemed well again, but monstrosities of the past crept forth. Volume six did not come. My nights were filled with unspeakable phantasms and my sanity slowly slipped away from me. I can remember experiencing strange delusions that Yotsuba was, in fact, my wife. I can remember reading picture books to a green haired girl who was there and yet not really there. I recall even pulling out the chair for her at restaurants and holding her hand –a hand which was not part of this world- while we were out together. This fantasy remained for the span of over a year. I believe it was the only way to deal with the agony of wait. An untold wait for that which may never come to be. ADV manga had ceased to be. In a desperate attempt to soothe my soul, I bought double copies of all five volumes. Aeons had passed with no word on Yotsuba. Daily I muttered ancient curses toward ADV that no sane man could hear and remain in his state.



Finally, something happened. In one of the most important days in my life, Yen Press –the saviors of mankind- announced an acquisition of the Yotsuba license. Yotsuba would return. A few more months, but now my life had hope. I had something to look forward too. I was drawn from the pits of despair and saw the beautiful sunshine for the first time in what felt like a millennia. Last night, I was at Barnes and Noble. I was browsing the isle, and suddenly a blinding light shown forth. On the shelf was sitting Yotsuba volume six. I cannot begin to describe the thoughts and feelings that I was suddenly overcome with. I loudly squealed in delight. The good times were back. I love you, Yotsuba! I love you so much! You are the most beautiful and wonderful girl in the world! I want to be with you forever- never apart again! If I am with you, then together we can live in happiness!

I think my life is going to turn out okay.

Thanks, Yotsuba and Yen Press. I’ll never forget this.

ps: Yotsuba is a foxy woman.