Have you read author Loui’s Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher? If you have, then you are definitely not going to want to miss out on Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga). This branch-off manga gives readers a glimpse into author Loui’s childhood with some fun revelationary stories about his dad. Prepare to be humorously shocked at what you will find within.
Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) catches the eye of readers with a green cover that is decorated with various geometric images. Front and center on the cover is author Loui’s dad himself. His dad is wearing a tan jacket over a green shirt, and blue jeans. In his left hand is a large long sword giving him the impression of being prepared for a fight. Based on his expression, he appears ready to go to war. LOL!
In front of him are young Kenny Loui dressed in a blue shirt and black pants alongside his cousin, Romi, dressed in a red shirt and khaki pants. Both children look geared up for a fun time with super-soaker water guns in their hands respectively. There is even a little circle with Kenny when he’s older giving readers a clue that we get a bonus story with this installment.
As Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) opens up readers are once again treated to a fun copyright page. Seriously, if you’re not reading these in author Loui’s books you are missing out. He always takes steps to make these typically “boring” introductions to a book more fun and entertaining.
After the copyright page is a real picture of author Loui and his dad sitting on a tank when he (author Loui) was just a baby. It’s such an endearing photo and a nice nodding tribute to his dad at the same time.
Moving forward into Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) the story picks up where Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga Vol 2 left off. Readers will notice that Kenny is still dressed for his date. He’s waiting for the bus to head home, and as he waits our favorite little plush pig, Irene, makes a surprise appearance.
While Kenny takes a moment to commiserate about yet another failed date, (honestly, we don’t blame him LOL), he decides to reflect on a few fond memories of his dad. If you took a minute to read the table of contents you’ll see that author Loui has quite the exciting line-up planned out for readers. So you can expect quite a bit of humor, quirkiness, and drama to play out on the pages to follow.
The first story that author Loui treats readers to is “Dad vs Cat.” This short story is absolutely hilarious. Ken Loui goes to “war” with a stray cat over an apple tree and the apples he believes the cat is eating…er… ”stealing” from him. What proceeds to unfold is absolute hilarity in the highest form. The way that author Loui depicts his memories of the fallout is gold.
When author Loui’s father comes in and takes his super soaker water-gun, and author Loui asks his mother where his dad is going with it…you will be howling with laughter. It’s such an unexpected response that it takes the humor to another level. Of course, the twist towards the end…is a complete shocker that makes this story even funnier.
Each story contained in Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) is unique and humorous. Author Loui treats readers to fun and various stories that center around Ken Loui’s disgust of snails, his bizarre actions that inconvenience people, and his humorous interactions with an old neighbor.
Throughout Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) author Loui also reveals to readers where he developed or inherited some of his own quirks and “odd” behaviors. It all makes sense and shows that the “apple doesn’t always fall far from the tree.”
While most of the stories in Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) focus heavily on author Loui’s dad, the ones where his mother also makes an appearance take the humor to another level. Two perfect examples are the stories where Ken Loui has run-ins with the police. Multiple. Times. Granted, author Loui’s mother doesn’t make an appearance until the end in the first one, but she does help her husband get back on track…and stop being in denial about his behavior.
The second story that involved the police is so unexpectedly funny readers aren’t going to know what to do with themselves. The back and forth is so funny that a part of you will question if this is made up or not. Seeing as this is an autobiographical manga, it’s easy to guess it’s predominantly true. So be prepared to throw your head back and let rip a good laugh.
What is so endearing throughout Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) is how author Loui always ties back to no matter what, how much the family loves each other. Regardless of their oddities, hilarious lies, or strange behavior, they are showcased as being affectionate and loving towards each other. It’s truly heartwarming and will be yet another reason why readers will smile.
After all the battles are finished – from Dad vs (Mom’s lies about) Santa Claus, to Dad vs the Bathroom Ghost, before Dad vs. The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) closes we get one final battle. This one is the afore-promised story about author Loui himself vs Couples. Fellow readers, this final “battle” is absolutely wild, hilarious, and unexpected on so many levels. It’s shocking but still funny. But after reading all about author Loui’s dad…we get some of his behavior.
Packed with beautifully drawn images Dad vs The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) is a fun addition to the overall series. It’s entertaining from beginning to end and absolutely will keep readers engaged throughout. Author Loui sharing his memories and family with readers makes this manga series a gem to be enjoyed and shared.
Readers who have enjoyed previous installments in the Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga series will not want to miss out on Dad vs The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga). At the beginning and near the end, the story will reconnect back to the main manga, but this installment can be read as a standalone. To be fair, you’ll enjoy it more if you read them all.
If you are someone who enjoys manga this book and series are must-reads. The art depicted throughout by artist Yamawe continues to be absolutely gorgeous and true to form. Dad vs The World (Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga) is a triumph, and we look forward to more of author Loui’s stories in the future.
Pros:
- Beautiful artwork
- Fun stories
- Packed with humor
- Engaging
- Page-turner
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 
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