PLAZA

Yokoyama, a painter and manga artist from Japan, offers his interpretation of Brazilian Carnaval in this translated graphic work.

The black-and-white art shows figures watched by bystanders as they set up for a parade, followed by a procession of individuals playing musical instruments, kicking and tossing soccer and rugby balls, and engaging in other activities. Large text—both Japanese katakana and kanji as well as English, some of it onomatopoeic—is superimposed on much of the background art. The people, largely faceless, wear futuristic, avant-garde costumes that rob them of individual distinction. Although no distinguishable action unfolds, the overall impression appears rather violent, with art that is full of sharp angles. The author, who says in the included author interview that he has never visited Brazil, describes how he drew upon Carnaval for inspiration, referring to the “outrageous costumes” and referencing large floats from other traditional community celebrations, such as in Japan. The audience for this work is unclear: It is questionable whether readers will recognize Carnaval in its pages, but fans of the artist and this style of illustration may find it intriguing.

A confusing read.