Few things have inspired me to write reviews lately. Megatokyo, the web comic and paperback collection, compelled me to write. The story and art are by Fred Gallagher and co-creator Rodney Caston make an interesting duo.
Basically the story revolves around Piro and Largo. Piro who is a basic fanboy otaku. Otaku is someone who is obsessed with anime and anime-related subjects to the point of learning the language and mixing reality with fantasy (as in Piro's case). In the U.S., this word is more often taken as a compliment. In Japan, though, it is more often used as a derogative term. Largo, on the other hand, is obsessed with shoot 'em up RPG games (Quake, Halo, etc.), Bioware games, beer (definitely beer), and something called l33t (does anyone know what this is? Can you explain it to me?). On a whim, Piro flies off to Japan with Largo. When they finally sate their game hunger in the gaming stores and figure it's time to come home, they discover that their credit cards are maxed out. Now they have no money and no place to stay in the wilds of Tokyo. Luckily, Piro, being the Otaku that he is, can speak and read Japanese. What little money they are able to beg (or blackmail) from their friends is quickly spent on more distractions. After landing a job, a series of misunderstandings occur between Piro and the local girls while Largo is busy slaying the hordes of undead that are overwhelming the city (mixing fantasy and reality here?). Anyway, these are a couple of characters that will feel familiar to most people — we all seem to know someone who takes their passions a little too far.
The story also involves some delightful and inventive supporting characters: Seraphim — Piro's good side conscience (who kicks ass). Dom and Ed — friends to the rescue from the States, playing on the Japanese stereotype that all Americans carry guns and are not afraid to use them. Nanasawa-san — an aspiring seiyu (voice actor/actress) who develops a crush on Piro. Yuki-chan — a high school student who also seemingly has a crush on Piro. Though Piro and Largo are the main figures, the supporting characters are developed at a good rate so they aren't faceless stick figures in the background.
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