Rarely do I feature doujins because of their apparent inaccessibility. However, a WebComi doujin shouldn’t be so bad. For my first WebComi doujin feature, I present… Hetaria!.

My friend Anne, gave a link in her journal on what she said to be was CountryxCountry slash. At first I thought how that’d be funny, so I gave it a check only to realize that it was more than just your usual CountryXCountry slash, but rather a WW Axis Power Country slash, even with appearances of Allied powers. Hidekaz Himaruya… YOU ARE A GENIUS!!! m(_ _)m

Hetaria characters

Himaruya-san created a Web Comic called “Hetaria”. Hetaria features an anthropomorphication of the different Axis countries as they fight in the first World War (and later the second World War). Or that’s what it’s trying to present, but the insanity revolves in the little exchanges that happen between the countries during the war. The story generally revolves around Italy who was, as illustrated, a good for nothing country. Hence the pun on Italia by giving the name “Hetaria ((Hetare means useless.)) ”

It's the tomatoes! (( you can read the translation of the comic below)) …. I know. Having been a History major, I know first hand that poking fun at historical events has its own dangers. Change of perspective. Change of details. And the danger of transmitting wrong information to the next generation (Hello, Showa Kids!) But when it says it’s just comedy, it should be taken lightly. It’s not like it’s propaganda or something.

Hetaria is closer to a parody of nations than it is a historical outtake on WWI and II and some bits before and after that. Having studied these guys, it’s funny how well Himaruya captures the country’s attitudes during the World Wars. Example, Italy is helpless without Germany’s help. He is often whiny, clumsy, and often apologetic of his actions. Germany is deeply annoyed at Italy’s whimsical attitude but since they’re allies, he has no other choice but to help. Japan is very straightfaced and often curt and direct. He even goes to the extent of saying “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand you.” as a line to capture Japan’s then inability to freely communicate their thoughts.

The representations are hilarious, and maybe even BL friendly, if you take the crack further. The stories somewhat follow history (esp. how Germany saves Italy’s ass all the time). And for me, as long as the historical connections go well with the crack, it works fine by me.

The art for Hetaria is cute and wispy. The mangas can be a little rough and sketchy and well… I find some of the kanjis hard to read, but it’s a funny read nonetheless. If you love to take a crack at history, Hetaria’s one funny comic you should start reading.

Hetaria. I love you. You have set my heart ablaze with your insane Axis power crack and insanity. *bows*

If you’d like to read more Hetaria, you can just click on the image below. :3 (( DISCLAIMER: I would like to pose no claim to the art featured in this website. This is Hidekaz Himaruya’s work and I don’t own it.))
hetabana

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Translation for the comic above.
[ Why is this guy so useless? ]
Italia: I ate a really stinky pizza in this place. It was made by some Englishman ((Thank you Mieko for the translation!))

[It was the Imperial blood that drew us in but, it wasn’t originally this bad, right?]
Italia: Hey check that out, Germany. What’s going on there.

Board: Why the world don’t need Italy
Professor: Tomatoes have been a key ingredient in their motivation for global conquest.
Professor: The continuous consumption have rendered them useless as a consequence.

Italia: Oh, the old guy’s saying some stupid things.
[ I see…]