Descending Stories GN (2017 Kodansha) Manga comic books 2017

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Volume 1 - 1st Printing. Story, art, and cover by Haruko Kumota. A hapless young man is released from prison with nothing to his name, but he knows exactly what he wants: to train in the art of rakugo comedic storytelling. After seeing an unforgettable performance from one of Japans greatest masters, Yakumo Yurakutei VIII, during his time in jail, he will settle for nothing less than to become apprentice to the best. Yakumo, notorious for taking no students, is persuaded to take him on, and nicknames him Yotaro—the fool. Yotaro has no formal training or elegance, but something about his charisma reminds Yakumo of someone from his past! Softcover, 6-in. x 8-in., 160 pages, B&W. Cover price $12.99.

Volume 2 - 1st Printing. Story, art, and cover by Haruko Kumota. After proving himself on stage, Yotaro has been fully accepted as Yakumos apprentice and a member of his household. But taking in this brash young man forces Yakumo to confront his own past, and the promises left unfulfilled to his late best friend and rival, Sukeroku. Yakumo decides to share a tale that begins not when he was a dignified artist, but an orphan named Bon. Bons history is also the history of fellow orphan Shin, a changing Japan in the face of war, and a woman named Miyokichi, who would hold the future in her elusive hands! Softcover, 6-in. x 8-in., 160 pages, B&W. Cover price $12.99.

Volume 3 - 1st Printing. Story, art, and cover by Haruko Kumota. The last great rakugo storyteller of the Showa Era, Yakumo Yurakutei, continues to tell his apprentice, Yotaro, of the promise he made to his late best friend and rival, Sukeroku. As both men work towards their debut as shinuchi, they are left to confront what drives them forward – for Sukeroku, its to create a path for the future of rakugo, and for Kikuhiko, its to discover a rakugo thats uniquely his own. Can he and Sukeroku continue to walk the same path, or will their journey through the world of rakugo together be severed?! Softcover, 6-in. x 8-in., 160 pages, B&W. Cover price $12.99.

Volume 4 - 1st Printing. Story, art, and cover by Haruko Kumota. After Sukerokus expulsion, Kikuhikos path to stardom seems clear, but the idea of inheriting the Yakumo name is a cold comfort. Sukeroku, disgraced, makes the heartbreaking decision to put his art aside and take responsibility for his new relationship with Miyokichi. As years pass and distance grows, Kikuhiko decides its up to him to bring his friend back to the theater. His determination takes him to the country, where Sukeroku now lives with his spirited young daughter. Kikuhiko is ready to stay as long as he needs to convince Sukeroku, but old wounds may come back to haunt them both! Softcover, 6-in. x 8-in., 160 pages, B&W. Cover price $12.99.