Dr. Slump, Volume 1

"Dr. Slump" is the kind of comic that is hugely popular in Japan, but not really well-known in the US. Probably because it doesn't fit people's image of what a "manga" is supposed to be. Its more like a newspaper-strip comic, full of short vignettes loaded with sharp jokes and puns. The humor is typically Japanese, full of body functions and naked girls. Its kind of funny that Viz gives this a "Teen" rating, because "Dr. Slump" is targeted at the Elementary school level in Japan, which really shows the different level of body-comfort between the two societies. Even with the Teen rating, Viz has edited the series, removing most of the sexual references, nudity and alcohol humor. This first volume sets up the series, with genius inventor Norimaki Senbei showing his skills by creating the perfect humanoid robot, Arale. But she isn't as perfect as he wanted. First off, she has bad vision and has to wear glasses. Second off, she has super strength, which isn't usually standard issue for little girls. With the basic premise set up, they are off like a shot. A good example of the types of humor you will find is in the first story, when Arale takes a shower at school and notices that the other girls have something she doesn't. She instantly demands one from Senbei, who admits he didn't give her one because he has never seen one before, and didn't know what they look like. Off Senbei goes on a quest to see a naked woman for the first time, so he can perfect his robot girl. The series is really devastatingly funny. Its too bad that Viz felt the need to edit the series, but I guess that's just the nature of the business. Pick up the first volume and you are going to find yourself hooked.

Befor he created "Dragonball Z", Akira Toriyama did something much different. "Dr. Slump" is a silly comedy where you won't find big strong bruts ponding each other, insted you get a little girl ponding big strong bruts... and loving every minute! Mad inventor Senbei Norimaki (the "Dr. Slump" of the title) builds a robot girl to show the world how great he is, yet he masquerades her as a real girl. His "Perfect Humanoid Robot" has a few flaws, however. Having been literally born yesterday, the little robot (named Arale) does not understand the world, and the world just can't understand her! She has very weird ways of having fun (loves to poke poop on the grond!) She is also super strong, and does not know her own strength. The good doctor has his work cut out for him if he whants to keep her from blowing her cover! Also the perverted senbei falls in love with Arale's new teacher, Midori Yamabuki. Can he win her heart? Being the first book in the series, the art is a little different from later volumes (Arale looks older than she will later). Other than that this is a fun book with Looney Tunes like humer.

Dr. Slump is centers around the adventures of Arale Norimaki, an extremely intelligent robot girl with superstrength created by idiotic inventor Dr. Senbei Norimaki, who continually pumps out strange inventions such as the Time Slipper(a time travelling device), Ponpoko Ray Gun (that transforms objects into whatever), Reality Machine (put a picture in the machine, and the machine makes it real!) that fuels Arale's tendency to get in trouble. Dr. Slump is basically a funny book with slapstick, sexual, and cartoon humor. The book is NEVER serious, but take my word for it; you'll love this book! There's 37 novels to collect, however.

Dr. Slump is a timeless classic, and it is Akira Toriyama's original big hit. Fans of the comedy found in his original Dragonball series (pre-"Z") will absolutely love the slapstick presented in Dr. Slump (in fact, hardcore DB fans might even recall a little cameo by Senbee and Arale!). If you enjoy a good laugh, don't hesistate to check this out.