I adore the stylized 1920s-esque art deco art! There are lots of silhouettes, solid shapes and simple lines, but it ends up being quite swirly, sophisticated, and expressive. So far, I've read the first three volumes put out by Del-Rey and they've done a serious attempt to convey some of the sharp satire that Kumeta-sensei's wicked wit delivers. I especially enjoyed the Japanese literary references explaining each chapter title. It was a challenging title to translate; I'm impressed. I was inspired to go off and researched quite a few of the references separately. It certainly isn't comprehensive, and it's from one man's perspective, but as far as introductions, it's a lot more approachable than a history tome of heavy, serious documentation.

As for the story, it isn't like anything I've read before. It isn't plot driven; it isn't character development driven. So does it appeal to my emotions? My sense of intrigue? Strangely, it is a very compelling read, and the characters, although mostly one-dimensional, all seem to thrive and glow as they make their humorous commentary on social issues.

So, if you love stylized art, Oscar-Wildean humour, and if you are interested in learning a little bit about Japanese social and literary history, pick it up!

... Last updated on June 9th, 2010, 8:53am

I disagree with the user below, akari_mizunashi, because the Del Rey translation is excellent and it would be too tedious and frustrating for the translator to translate all those meaningless signs. The translator does her best by translating the most meaningful ones, but mentions at the back of the book that most signs are just your average street signs or that the references are too obscure.

I appreciate that the author decided to include so many references, but I am not gonna start criticizing the translator for not including even the most obscure ones I'm not gonna understand anyways (and I certainly do not need the street signs translated, ugh!). At least she keeps the important ones.

After all this, I really do appreciate my Del Rey editions on my shelf because each and every one is a job well done. Picky fans can just bite the dust. The Del Rey print editions are superb.

I've been in love with Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Itoshiki-sensei since the scanlations first came out. The terrible hidden side of Japanese culture and mindset had left me feeling frustrated (in despair, one might say), especially how it was depicted in manga. SZS completely indulged my frustration by parodying absolutely everything in the entire country, from xenophobia to pedophilia to the suicide culture to even the panty fetishes. It's dark and inside-jokey and fantastic.

So when I saw the first two volumes for sale at my local giant chain bookstore, I was really excited. I bought them immediately and was almost as immediately disappointed. Del Rey decided not to translate the all-important background-text jokes to, as they say, "respect the artist's integrity." Then they decided to randomly choose a few of these jokes to explain in the end notes, namely the ones that had to do with Ichigo 100% and Death Note (I'm guessing they publish those). It was really a waste of money, knowing that the official translation is lazier than the scanlators that do it for free.

So if you have any taste for well-done satire and dark humor, please, read the scanlations. Buy a copy of the original Japanese if you feel like spending money. Don't buy the Del Rey translation.

somone really needs to pick this up. its very funny and is one of my favorite mangas even though i usally only reade action mangas. this deffenetly gets a 10/10 im my book .

So so funny!
Really nice characters, and he art is likeable.
I'm not really into shounen, but this is really good!
Sensei's suicide attepmts are so funny to watch XD (ee, that's came out wierd..)

The art work is very refreshing and simple. Very solid drawings that are beautifully made. The world is solid clear cut black and white because of the drawings and everything becomes seen as clear cut black and white. Each character is solidly themselves without and mixture of character.

this manga/anime is so good! so good that i laughed till i peed in my pants.
i have peedin my pant. *so embarcing thing to say front of public!, THATS IT!, I AM GONNA KILL MYSELF!*

I love the anime, and just can't WAIT to read the manga For whoever hasn't seen the anime yet, it's hilarious. XD Though I'm sure the manga is funnier

well it's pretty funny manga- but it winds up seeming kinda preachy in places- this is one of the few instances where I actually prefer the anime (they anime has an awsome style and is really funny)

very different from other mangas that ive read... at first i thought it would be a dark once since it had themes of suicide, rape and death but it mostly gives a satricial different view on these topics in a way that the manga doesn't seem dark..it also helps that the girl has a extremely postitive view on life and that he doesn't :3...plus itoshiki reminds me of kyoya of ouran or watanuki of xxxHolic because of the artwork ..fuura reminds me of haruhi of ouran or of saya from blood + ^^;