Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san, Vol. 2

ガイコツ書店員 本田さん [Gaikotsu Shotenin Honda-san] #2

by Honda .

Whether it's foreigners asking for "JAPANESE EROTIC MANGA," navigating the tricky government definition of "morally harmful material," or helping a customer who's awfully "criminally organized," there's rarely a dull moment for Honda-san. The true stories of a Japanese bookstore employee can be stranger than fiction!

Genres: Manga, Comics, Humor, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comedy, Slice Of Life

146 pages, Paperback

First published December 24, 2016

About the author

本田

Reviews

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is an odd premise, even by manga standards. Honda-san is an actual bookseller--their day job--with a side hustle doing manga about their experiences. Offbeat customers, tricks of the trade, favorite and least favorite aspects of the job, interesting coworkers … just about anything is fair game. Names and appearances are obviously changed to protect folks’ privacy. And, from the bonus content, we see that part of Honda-san's process is showing thumbnails of stories in progress to supervisors at work to make sure they're okay with the depictions of bookstore life and the people involved.

The result is a fascinating manga, rich in observed detail, but with a decidedly wonky sense of humor that keeps everything fresh and fun. And this is one series where I really appreciate the pages of translation notes at the back. So many subtle references that slipped by me on the first read!

I recall from my review of volume 1 mentioning something about being unable to determine the protagonist's gender, and then realizing that I was being silly for even pondering it, that it wasn't necessary to the story. Well, there's a bit of dialog in this volume that does settle the question, and I'm almost disappointed that I even noticed. It's not like a skeleton needs a gender. The whole business seems like a mental habit that I should try to unlearn. We'll see how that goes.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is a quirky, fun manga. Definitely worth checking out. Recommended!

[David J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked at a bookstore for about three years, and let me tell you—we’d get all kinds of customers. Most were normal but you’d get your oddballs as well. I tried not to judge people on their reading choices, though I will say it was sometimes difficult.

In any case, as a former bookseller, I find this manga series to be extremely relatable and pretty damn funny. I don’t really have much to say critically about this. It was an enjoyable and fun read and a ginormous step up from Mishima, which is probably an unfair comparison but I don’t care. I’m very much looking forward to the last two volumes. Might even check out the anime one of these days. I’m certainly ending January in Japan on a high note!

[Mangrii · Rating 3 out of 5]

La segunda entrega de La librera calavera Honda-San tiene menos fuerza que su predecesor y fluye como perro sin cabeza, pero sigue siendo un remanso de paz y diversión para cualquiera que trabaje de cara al público. O, como es mi caso, para cualquier que trabaje en una librería, con situaciones en la que es muy fácil sentirse identificado.

Lo mejor de este tomo se va a los capítulos extra, al menos para mí, donde Honda cuenta como tiene que pasar filtros al tratarse de una obra biográfica. El resto, es otro conjunto de historias locas que bien servirían para varios hilos de #ClienteDelDia en Twitter.

[Nicolas Lontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une BD qui continue à être très drôle, mais beaucoup plus "documentaire" dans ce volume en abordant des thèmes comme le système de distribution des livres, le milieu du livre en général, les relations entre libraires, client·es et distributeurs. On touche à quelques sujets comme la différence entre les mangas BL et gai, les lois sur la distribution de certains livres qui ne peuvent pas être disposés en librairie (et les enjeux éthiques qui sous-tendent cette discussion), etc.

Il y a aussi des réflexions sur la représentation et l'édition du manga et les limites qui sont posées par le milieu de travail dans lequel la mangaka et libraire évolue. Ce retour sur la publication de livre et de sa réception n'est pas sans rappeler un peu les réflexions sur l'expérience de publication et l'impact sur sa vie que Kabi Nagata décrit dans les mangas suivant My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (mais définitivement pas aux mêmes extrêmes, on parle vraiment plus du milieu de travail avec Honda, pas du milieu familial).

L'angoisse de la protagoniste, sans être complètement évaporée, n'est plus un des sujets majeurs du récit contrairement au précédent volume.

[Bogi Takács]

The second volume of this humorous nonfiction manga about the author's life as a bookseller in a Japanese bookstore. I continue to find this series intriguing, it's sad that there are only four volumes.

Surprisingly, here we learn about both censorship and self-censorship :( as there is a discussion of how the government suppresses "morally harmful material", and also separately of how the previous book caused too much consternation in Honda-san's workplace.

I thought that this volume had a bit too exaggerated humor and it was a bit tiresome at times, but as I read on, there was a bonus chapter that explained why. So yes, there is a reason for the tone.

I am planning on reading the remaining volumes too!
___
Source of the book: Lawrence Public Library

Find me elsewhere: My Patreon | My Bluesky account

[Schausette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toujours aussi drôle et instructif ! J’ai appris plein de choses sur la chaîne du livre en me marrant à voix haute. Vraiment un chouette titre que je recommande 🥰

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lame and unnecessarily hard to follow short stories about working in a Japanese bookstore. The gimmick of having all these very ordinary people wear strange masks (to protect their real identities) adds nothing.

[Milliebot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another set of whacky stories from a Japanese bookstore. I definitely think there are some cultural things that I don't connect with, being an American. But I like learning how things work in a store in another country. Honda is funny and I love seeing the different characters she meets!

[ᗩᑎᗪᖇᗴᗯ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read

Still kinda dry, but thse stories from Honda-san’s day-job in a manga store are entertaining and the art is unique. On to Volume 3...

[Paul Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the previous volume of Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san, we ventured into the romanticised land of working in a bookstore with Honda-san. This volume they actually address that – another character calls Honda-san out on brushing over the bad parts of working in customer service! So strap in, we are in for a less idealised look into Honda-san’s world. Much like the first volume, this one explores some interesting customer interactions, shows exchanges between folks in the industry, and takes a peek at the famous work outings in Japan – like company drinking events!

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san still plays to its strengths of appealing to most manga fans who have worked some kind of customer service. It’s all the things you love to hate about being in customer service, mixed with topics of a genre you enjoy. As someone who has left typical box store retail, I can now look back fondly on these awful times and laugh about it.

In this volume… they tackle the true evil: the customer phone calls. Never have I cringed and simultaneously related so hard to something in a manga. They cover it all – from the uncomfortable to the irate. Honda-san’s reaction to being freed from a particular call says it all. Unless you’re a master of phone calls and gain your power from stressful interactions, you have probably felt this exact same way at some point.

The industry side cast gets a lot of attention this volume. If you do not know much about the book selling industry (or like to hear about it anyway), then this is a great volume for you. Between Honda-san’s experiences in the bookstore and the folks complaining at the industry drinking party, you learn a lot about how ordering books works. In the first volume we learned more about the receiving and stocking end, but this one takes you up the chain for a deeper look.

I enjoy Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san so much that the hardest part of these reviews is finding something to pick at. This volume feels like the cast of other booksellers at Honda-san’s store take a backseat to the sea of new characters that were introduced and focused on. I would love to learn more about the characters, but the ‘screen time’ is shared among them so you only get a little bit at a time before it’s someone else’s turn. This feels particularly noticeable when a large focus of the story is one time interactions with customers. Two coworkers are introduced for the first time in this volume and get what feels like a good deal of focus, but we do still see familiar faces featured throughout. It is this juggle between recurring and new staff, recurring and new industry people, and new customers that sometimes leaves it feeling like a bit much.

Expressive and exaggerated punctuation paired with translator Amanda Haley’s choices for handling slang, accents, and fumbling over words really ties together this fun and high energy reading experience. This volume is so full of life. You can feel and hear each of these characters jumping off the page as they shout to the heavens about their needs for more inventory, or whatever problem may be plaguing the store that day… and boy is there a lot of bolded text.

If you have read the first volume, then you will continue to love what the second volume delivers. The formula is roughly the same, indulging in some more informative but still humorous scenarios in the industry. If you like bookstores, reading, and/or laughing at silly customer service situations, then support Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san and pick up this volume. The bonus comics at the end are a delight and reveal a lot about Honda-san and their process.

[Rocío X · Rating 3 out of 5]

Siento que en este tomo se muestran un poco más algunas realidad crudas para los libreros. Siguen habiendo muchísimas escenas súper graciosas y es ligero de leer.

También habían muchas cosas que me parecieron bastante técnicas y que “solo” la gente que trabaje en librerías/cara al público podrían sentirse identificados…? Lo bueno es que lo explicaba de manera que se pudiera entender.

Pd: hechicero me ha caído muy bien jsjs

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it, but I just don't know enough about Japanese bookstores or manga genres to love it.

[Marina Vidal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusta mucho en este tomo el tema de al ser una obra biográfica, como tiene que pasar filtros y tal. Curioso. Y súper divertido el hecho de que no cuenta lo "malo" xD.

[Mads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I like the series better as an animation. Chapter featuring Your Name was relatable

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am learning so much about the bookstore/bookselling industry! I also love seeing all the different types of customers and their bookstore needs.

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and highly relatable! Amusing, fascinating, and entertaining.

[slaygela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was funny as always but I think I liked the previous volume a little bit more

[Hannah Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing and light-hearted. Anyone who doesn’t like or understand this series hasn’t worked retail or customer service.

[Alma Lectora · Rating 3 out of 5]

un segundo tomo que sigue en la línea del primer tomo contando anécdotas de la vida laboral de la librera pero con menos dosis de humor por temas legales con sus jefes... Una pena porque se vuelven un poco aburridos los capítulos del trato con las editoriales.

Más sobre mi opinión en la reseña del blog
https://almalectora.wordpress.com/202...

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honda-san's numerous travails in the world of book retail continue. Less contiguous than the previous volume but retaining a good deal of its awkward humor, SKULL-FACE BOOKSELLER HONDA-SAN #2 again reimagines the world of brick-and-mortar comics sales with plenty of face masks, chatty foreigners, and peculiar locals. Honda-san is doing the best she can, after all.

The current volume features far fewer of Honda-san's encounters that might otherwise be categorized as narrow escapes from retail disaster or clashes with authority. Such is the consequence of self-censorship following a break-out hit. But the book does include a few gems, many of which concern customers with weird proclivities or co-workers whom, just like Honda-san, are trying way too hard.

SKULL-FACE BOOKSELLER HONDA-SAN #2 discusses the book distribution supply chain/network at great length. It's an interesting insider's perspective but it's not, altogether, particularly riveting and will only interest book otaku. The same can be said for sales events and bookstore networking drinking parties . . . interesting insider stuff, but not exactly entertaining en totem.

The art is cleaner and roomier in this volume, which is a bonus. The inking and line art are more precise and the increased emphasis on physical expression makes for a more pleasant reading experience. It's still odd, reading a comic with no facial cues, but this book somehow makes it work. Character appearances are sporadic and customer types are random, but in lieu of narrative consistency, the book's visual presentation has diversified and improved.

[Armin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a hysterically chaotic, quirky, and genuinely fun semi-biographical manga series packed with anecdotes, industry insights, and tons of references, I definitely recommend Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san by the former bookseller Honda themself.

I first discovered this story through the 11-episode anime of the same name, and I was immediately hooked. When I found out my local bookstore carried the physical volumes, I purchased all of them on the spot. I can’t say I know what it’s like to be a bookseller, but as someone who’s worked in customer service and deals with all kinds of customers every day, this series really resonates with me. The stories are hilarious, the pacing is energetic, and I absolutely love the dynamic between Honda-san and the rest of the bookstore staff. I also ended up learning a lot about how the manga industry in Japan works—the system, the publishers, the retailers, and everything in between.
Rating for Vol. 1–3: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

As for volume 4, it felt a bit underwhelming compared to the first three volumes—mostly because the story was originally supposed to end with volume 3. Even so, I still enjoyed it; it remains a fun, lighthearted read and continues the same charm that makes the series so entertaining.
Rating for Vol. 4: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

That said, this series might not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to slice-of-life or lighthearted manga. It’s very talky, very behind-the-scenes, and very “industry.” But if that’s something you’re into—or at least curious about—Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is an enjoyable and memorable read so far.

[Halina Hetman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Мені подобається, як багато професійних деталей авторка додає в свої замальовки, і я би порівняла цю серію з Щоденником книгаря, проте без принизливих історій про огидних колег та без ниття про поганих клієнтів. Час від часу я забуваю, що Хонда-сан - жінка (мабуть, тому що я з самого початку припустила, що це хлопець). В цьому томі розкривається причина того, чому Хонда-сан не пише нічого про неприємних покупців й негативний досвід загалом: кожну главу цієї манґи апрувить начальство бідної манґаки. Вона навіть отримала наганяй за те, що написала смішну історію про занадто інтенсивний тренінг з обслуговування клієнтів у минулому томі - мовляв, це могло зіпсувати репутацію магазину. Звісно, японська культура дуже відрізняється від нашої за шкалою допустимості відвертості й сприйняттям гумору, однак, якщо й в наступних томах будуть описані лише позитивні або нейтральні досвіди в роботі, це стане просто нецікаво читати.

[The Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

More tales from the bookstore, one in particular about the process of ordering books from a wholesaler. Seeing that most bookstores get their stock from a wholesaler as opposed to straight from the publisher, it made me wonder if American bookstores do the same thing. Because I've been working with my local Barnes & Noble to try and purchase these two particular volumes of manga that have been out of stock because Covid related issues.

Also, in the argument of bookstores vs. Amazon... I 100% prefer bookstores. Maybe it's something primal that still recognizes books as former trees and being surrounded by them is calming.

This series has 4 volumes.

[Cristina Padilla]

En esta divertida serie vamos a conocer los entresijos de las librerías en Japón de la mano de la librera calavera.

Cada tomo tiene varios capítulos en los que se ven diferentes situaciones bastante cómicas sobre cómo se vive el día a día de una librera.

La librera calavera tiene la particularidad, además, de que es su experiencia personal por lo tanto hay bastantes personajes que no tienen rostro y están representados por diferentes caretas u objetos, solo los clientes son mostrados tal cual.

Me han gustado mucho todos, aunque el último es bastante de relleno, como menciona la propia autora, ya que ella contaba con terminar en el tercer tomo.

Si os gustan las historias sobre libros y librerías y queréis echaros unas buenas risas, este es vuestro manga.

[Rereader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as volume 1, but it was fun to read. The chapter about the customer complaining about her child finding a raunchy manga hit way too close to home; as someone who works in a library, I've had my fair share of parents complaining about "inappropriate content" that their children stumble upon, and let me tell you, IT FUCKING SUCKS. And Honda accurately depicts the discomfort that comes with these encounters. Aside from that, the customer interactions were fun and I loved the chapter discussing the pros and cons of being a bookstore fan #relate.

While I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one, it was still a fun read.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working in a public library, a LOT of Honda-san's experiences in the book store resonate with me. This series is heartfelt, funny, and interesting, and gives a great appreciation for book store workers everywhere.

I keep wondering when the anecdotes will run out, or the kind hearted charm of the series will wear off, but Honda manages to keep it going strong in this volume!

Particular shout out for the chapter explaining the balance of potential controversial subjects and where/how to shelve them. Felt that to my core, as it is a perpetual debate in libraries too.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

After receiving Vol 1 from my dear friend and enjoying it, I definitely wanted to continue on. I can definitely see why people were not a fan of this after this volume, however, I still think its pretty cool because of the education it presents on what happens as an employee at a bookstore. Nevertheless, it was a lot more heavy in this volume than previous and because of that, it brought my enjoyment down just a little bit. This is because I wanted more plot/comedy. Because of these points, I have to give this manga a 4 out of 5 stars

[Comfycademia]

Même veine que le première tome mais avec quelques piques pour les distributeurs et ses supérieurs qui ne la laisse pas s’oublier ce qu’elle veut. Beaucoup de passion mais aussi de galère. Impossibilité de fournir les clients.. il y a quelque chose du dealer dans cet espoir de satisfaire les clients c’est telle et loin de nos libraires en France. Mon dieu que j’aimerais avoir accès à de tel lieux !

[Ángel G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este tomo me ha parecido más flojo y me ha costado más seguirlo. La propia autora dice que es que ella es un poco caótica.

Lo más interesante de este tomo es la confesión de que sus superiores directos revisan sus guiones antes de que lo publiquen por la reacción de la gente a una historia concreta del primer tomo.

Como siempre, muy interesante para conocer más de la industria, sobre todo la japonesa.

[William Brownridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great antics in a bookstore, including the always uncomfortable moment when shoppers come looking for some erotic manga.

One chapter is also about various members from the publishers and wholesalers getting together for drinks with Honda-san, which leads to some familiar complaining about supply and demand for books, a problem anybody in a bookstore will be used to hearing.