Death by cold
Creative Staff:
Story/Art: Afro
Translation: Amber Tamosaitis
Lettering: DK
What They Say:
Ever since the beginning of winter break, the Outdoor Exploration Club has been saving up to buy the camping equipment of their dreams. Now it’s time to splurge before their next trip—to Lake Yamanaka! But while Inuko, Aki, and Ena have some camping experience under their belts, could they be underestimating Mother Nature a little too much? It may be difficult to have a laid-back camp when it’s freeeeezing…!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
This volume shows the dangers of camping in winter… Up until now, the manga has made it seem like it’s a very pleasant experience where you won’t get too cold because the fire, tents, and sleeping bags will keep you warm. And it has, because the temperature hasn’t dropped too far below freezing, if at all.
But now, they’re in the mountains at Lake Yamanaka, at about 1,000 feet above sea level. It’ll get even colder than normal up there, and it does. By 4:30 in the afternoon, it gets down to -2°F, and Aoi, Ena, and Chiaki are panicking. Chiaki runs to the convenience store to get some high altitude hand warmers, which will last longer, and the other two go to buy firewood to stay warm.
But the main office is closed!! No firewood for everyone.
It’s here that the manga really shows what makes it so endearing. There are fellow campers in the area that have a huge tent with just two people and a wood burning stove that’s keeping the whole thing toasty warm. They invite the girls in, and they have a hot pot party. When the teacher comes by to check to make sure they didn’t freeze to death, they bring out the sake.
This, and the entire sequence where Nadeshiko is just so excited to buy a lantern, are reasons to love Laid Back Camp. It’s the laid back aspect of Laid Back Camp that makes it so fun to just sit back and enjoy a volume. It truly is healing, until someone dies of hypothermia.
In Summary:
I always think I’m running out of words to write about Laid Back Camp, because every volume I just wanna say “Yeah, that was cute. I loved it.” and move on, but here we are 263 words later. It doesn’t feel like much, but I don’t think it has to be with Laid Back Camp. Truly, this is a manga to be read and experienced for yourself. Just pick up a volume when you need a pick-me-up and see how you feel after. A little warmer, a little fuzzier.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: May 21, 2019
MSRP: $13.00
