Sassy Cats

With those piercing eyes and flicks of the tail, house cats observe domesticity poetically, and with sass

“My first time, it wasn’t just kittens that I birthed, but also me as a mother. So, in raising them, I’m also raising myself…and both are serious business, let me tell you.”

These are the simple musings of a house cat, sprawled on a veranda in the sun, while birds flit and flutter by. These are also the personal reflections of cartoonist Yamada Murasaki.

While Yamada’s books Talk To My Back and Second Hand Love engaged candidly with the trials of marriage, motherhood, and romance, Sassy Cats pads around similar terrain with the poetry of soft, feline paws.

Originally serialized from 1979 to 1980 in the legendary alternative magazine Garo, Sassy Cats is a classic of both feminist manga and Japanese cat literature. This English edition is translated by Ryan Holmberg and includes an essay by the artist’s daughter Yamada Yu about her mom, cats, and growing up with a single-mother cartoonist.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs