“Reviving Light Comedy!” (Jump Comics Volume 68)
This time, we bring you an unusual story, a manga depicting “What if Kochikame was a comedy sketch performed on stage?”
In this work, Ryo-san and his friends are depicted as characters in “popular theater/light theater” that emphasizes entertainment value. Also, because the setting is one in which the viewer is watching a stage play, all the frames in the work are drawn with the same composition and size. Furthermore, the heads of the audience members can be seen at the bottom of each frame… In this way, it is a work that thoroughly simulates the experience of watching a stage play.
Furthermore, scenes such as the set on stage collapsing spectacularly and the audience cheering on the performers are reminiscent of the popular TV show, “It’s 8 o’clock! All Together.”
This variety show, which was broadcast live every Saturday from 8:00 p.m. on TBS from 1969 to 1985, featured a different setting and story every week, and was broadcast in theaters and halls all over the country, with the comedy group “The Drifters” at the center.
It is a product of an era when television was the king of entertainment, with carefully crafted comedy sketches, guest appearances by popular singers and actors that were unheard of at the time, and stage sets that were generously thrown away each week.
Depending on the episode, it may be available to watch on streaming services or on DVD. After you finish reading this book, it might be a good idea to give it a try.
So, from the next page, please enjoy the light comedy version of “Kochikame”!!