Book Review: Drops of God

I don't read too many graphic novels, but based on a friend's recommendation, I picked up Drops of God, Volume 01 , the first in Tadashi Agi's series about the son of a famous wine critic that must beat an up and coming wine critic at his own game in order to inherit his father's estate and priceless wine collection.

It was an entertaining read, and an interesting take on making the subject of wine tasting accessible to the average reader. That said, I don't think I'll continue with the series. The story is pretty typical despite the unique scenario. The protagonist has never tasted wine, but was raised by his father to smell pencils and leather and taste berries, etc, all in a very "wax on/wax off" karate-kid way that's been done before. Also, the level to which wine and wine tasting are fetishized goes beyond the already excessive way wine buffs in Ameria do so, and takes it to otaku-like levels. Women swooning over a man's skill at pouring and decanting a wine, etc.

If you are a fan of Japanese manga, and want to learn some more about wine or are already a wine buff, then check it out.

Drops of God, Volume '01: Les Gouttes de Dieu