Tell me sweet little lies or tell me the truth. Nothing but the truth... from a certain point of view.
If you've read Kenny's autobiographical manga and webtoon series, Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher, you've gained some insight into his quirky adult life and UFO-catching adventures. But have you ever wondered what your favorite UFO catcher was like as a kid? Wonder no more as you flashback to Kenny's childhood and meet the person who shaped many of his unique perspectives on life... his mom!
Why are shrimp so terrifying? How are babies really made? What is the secret to superhuman flight? Discover the answers to these questions and more in UFO Catcher Ken Presents: There is No Shrimp... And Other Lies My Mother Told Me, a compilation of "alternative facts" a loving mother told her naïve and gullible son.
Readers with a fondness for childhood memories will appreciate Loui’s winsome thoughts about his mom back in the day, when photographs were black and white because, according to her, “the world was black and white [but] eventually, it evolved into color!” Loui’s recollections manage to be spirited and fun, while still exuding a deep respect for his mother, who he characterizes as “overprotective” but always selfless, as when she donates his Nintendo to a local homeless shelter. The memories are random-from his mother’s tendency to lie about shrimp in home cooked meals to her imaginative explanation for how babies are made—but the camaraderie between the two is obvious, and Loui continues the playfulness with stories of teasing his mother on her visit to South Korea.
A bonus story spotlighting South Korean culture adds variety, particularly when Loui’s guardian spirit, Somi (a carryover from his previous manga), walks readers through an illuminating guide to South Korean couples’ holidays. The story delves into deeper themes as well: Loui talks to his mother about his single status in a culture that places a significance on being a couple and reflects on his past mistakes, and Yamawe’s vivid graphics elevate the text while adding subtlety. Backmatter includes personal photographs of Loui and his mom.
Takeaway: An enjoyable manga combination of humor, nostalgia, and life lessons.
Comparable Titles: Fujita’s Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, Gido Amagakure’s Sweetness and Lightning series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B
"... an entertaining and warm recollection of the author’s mother and her words of wisdom brought to life with manga style illustrations that capture a well nurtured childhood surrounded by pop culture."
"... chock full of wisdom, wit, and the protective nature only a loving parent can offer."
"Kenny's lighthearted adventures are infectious and will leave you grinning from ear to ear even after you’ve finished the book."
"I found myself on several occasions laughing out loud ... his stories leap off the page and into your mind."
"This captivating book is a delightful collection of humorous anecdotes and heartwarming stories that will resonate with every reader. ... From elusive shrimp to other memorable fibs, this book will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings."
"... a graphic text attuned to the heart, and one that comic lovers will find to be a sumptuous delight."
"... continues in the same joyful spirit of the previous installment, where Kenny Loui finds a way to incorporate some grounded moral lessons into fun-filled adventure stories that you can't help but love."
"... definitely put a smile on my face. ... sentimental, funny, and enjoyable to read."
"... a super fun, cute and nerdy graphic novel."
The Mom’s Choice Awards® has named There is No Shrimp... And Other Lies My Mother Told me as among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. The MCA evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal, and cost.
The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) has named Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga and There is No Shrimp… And Other Lies My Mother Told Me as among the best in family-friendly media, products and services.
Professor Kenny Loui, associate professor of criminal justice at Loras College, will debut two graphic novels this summer. “There is No Shrimp ... And Other Lies My Mother Told Me” and “Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher” have both received Mom’s Choice Awards ahead of their summer 2023 release.
