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Cowa!
Tankōbon volume cover
Genre
Manga
Written byAkira Toriyama
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
Original run1997 – 1998
Volumes1
icon Anime and manga portal

Cowa! (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1997 to 1998, with the fourteen chapters collected into a single tankōbon volume. The story follows the child monsters Paifu, José and Arpon, and the human Maruyama, as they travel to get medicine to save their town from a deadly flu. Viz Media released the single volume in North America in July 2008. Cowa! was generally well-received by critics, and was nominated for the 2009 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.

Plot

[edit]
José (background left) and Paifu as they advance to steal a watermelon from a field.

Paifu, a mischievous monster boy, lives in harmony with his friend José and rival Arpon. This tranquil village life is interrupted by the spread of a Monster Flu (お化け風邪, Obake Kaze), which kills monsters within a month. The doctor reveals that the cure can be created by a witch that resides at the top of Horned-Owl Mountain. Due to the adult monsters being sick, Paifu, José and Arpon volunteer to make the trip with the help of Maruyama, a human who lives near the town and is widely feared due to rumors that he killed a man. Paifu tricks him by telling him that the town will pay him a million yen in exchange for his accompaniment. During the trip, the children encounter several thugs, whom Maruyama easily defeats, and they soon learn that this is a former sumo wrestler.

In the last village before reaching the mountain, Maruyama stops to buy food. At that moment, Paifu witnesses an assault on an old man and stops the assailant. As they are about to reach Mount Owl, Arpon suddenly falls ill. Their search for someone to take care of him leads them to the family of the man who was assaulted, who gladly agree to take care of Arpon. When the group reaches the forest around the mountain, they encounter Baroaba, whom they manage to defeat when Paifu learns to whistle, the monster's weakness. When Baroaba realizes that they are going to see the witch, he helps them reach her house. Before entering they are greeted by the witch's servant, an oni named Leonardo, who grants them entry only after they answer a riddle. The group retrieves the medicine and begins their descent down the mountain, during which Maruyama accidentally slips and falls; Paifu narrowly saves his life by learning to fly.

On the way back, Maruyama is disappointed to learn that Paifu lied about the monetary reward, but decides that Paifu's rescue was sufficient compensation. The group's return is heralded with a party, but Maruyama leaves, claiming not to enjoy such activities. Paifu takes the opportunity to explain to everyone what has happened, and together they manage to fix an old ghost ship to present to Maruyama, fulfilling his wish to obtain one with the promised money.

Characters

[edit]
Paifu and José meeting Maruyama.
Paifu (パイフー)
Paifu is a half-vampire half-werekoala.[4] When he observes any cross-like figure for more than three seconds, Paifu shapeshifts into a crazed and powerful were-koala[4] and can only change back to his normal state after looking at a round object.[5] Despite being part vampire, he can not fly because he skipped flying practice.
José Rodriguez (ホセ・ロドリゲス, Hose Rodorigesu)
José is a ghost that can fly, turn invisible and change shape.
Mako Maruyama (丸山真虎, Maruyama Mako)
Maruyama is an overweight human feared by even the monsters in town. He was a sumo wrestler with the ringname "The Volcano" (活火山, Katsukazan; lit. "Active Volcano") until killing an opponent during a match. Paifu gives him the nickname "Makoleen" (マコリン, Makorin).
Arpon (アーポン, Āpon)
Arpon is a monster boy the constantly challenges Paifu to fights and loses.
Doctor (お化けの医者, Obake no Isha)
The old and forgetful doctor of Batwing Ridge.
Baroaba (バロアバ)
The monster that lives in the forest at the foot of Horned-Owl Mountain. He is large with a rubber-like body, unless he hears whistling, in which case he shrinks and loses the rubber-like property.
Leonardo (レオナルド, Reonarudo)
The assistant of the Witch on top of Horned-Owl Mountain. He either fights or gives a riddle to anyone trying to enter the Witch's house.
Witch (魔女, Majo)
Witch living on top Horned-Owl Mountain and maker of the medicine that heals Monster Flu.

Production

[edit]

Cowa! has its origins in Bubul of Demon Village (魔人村のBUBUL, Majin-Mura no Buburu), a one-shot Akira Toriyama drew for the revived Jump Readers' Cup competition in 1997.[6] Toriyama, who had done only a few one-shots since finishing Dragon Ball in 1995, won handily; it was his first win since Pola & Roid took the top spot in 1981. After winning, Toriyama said he was thinking of creating a "more developed" form of Bubul of Demon Village.[6] He re-tooled the character designs and setting of the one-shot to suit a new series, as detailed in the issue before Cowa!'s start.[citation needed]

Despite previously claiming to be done with weekly serials, Toriyama decided to draw Cowa! when he learned his editor would be Kazuhiko Torishima and that he could do things his own way.[7] Unlike both Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball, where he never skipped an issue, he drew Cowa in a three-weeks-on, one-week-off pattern, which afforded him time to rest and work more slowly. Toriyama stated he wanted to draw everything himself, forgoing the customary use of an assistant, even though he had pain in his arm.[7] The story came about from wanting to take a storybook type approach and have the main character be an "unlovable grumpy guy."[7]

Release

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, Cowa! was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from issue #48 of 1997 to #15 of 1998. The fourteen chapters were collected into one tankōbon volume that was released on May 1, 1998 by Shueisha.[8]

Viz Media licensed Cowa! for English release in North America on July 1, 2008.[9] Their graphic novel edition retained the first chapter in color.[1] It has also been released in other countries, such as in France by Glenat, Spain by Planeta DeAgostini, South Korea by Daewon C.I. and Malaysia Comics House.

Chapters

[edit]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
01May 1, 19984-08-872557-3July 1, 20081-42151-805-8
  • Chapter 01 : "Paifu Goes on an Errand" (パイフーのおつかい, Paifū no Otsukai)
  • Chapter 02 : "The Unhaunted House" (オバケのきもだめし, Obake no Kimodameshi)
  • Chapter 03 : "Paifu and Arpon" (パイフーとアーポン, Paifū to Āpon)
  • Chapter 04 : "Monster Flu" (オバケ風邪, Obake Kaze)
  • Chapter 05 : "Off to Horned-Owl Mountain" (みみずく山に出発, Mimizuku Yama ni Shuppatsu)
  • Chapter 06 : "Mako "The Murderer" Maruyama" (やっぱりこわい丸山真虎, Yappari Kowai Maruyama Mako)
  • Chapter 07 : "The Road Goes On" (旅は順調, Tabi wa Junchō)
  • Chapter 08 : "The Volcano Awakens" (活火山うごく, Katsukazan)
  • Chapter 09 : "The Scary Monster in the Woods" (恐怖の森のモンスター, Kyofū no Mori no Monsutā)
  • Chapter 10 : "Makoleen, the Strongest Man in the World, Struggles" (世界最強の男マコリン苦戦, Sekai Saikyō no Otoko Makorin Kusen)
  • Chapter 11 : "At the Witch's House" (魔女の家到着, Majo no ie Tōchaku)
  • Chapter 12 : "The Medicine Is Ours!" (特効薬いただき!, Tokkōyaku Itadaki!)
  • Chapter 13 : "Go, Go, Paifu!" (がんばれパイフー, Ganbare Paifū)
  • Chapter 14 : "Makoleen's Boat" (マコリンの船, Makorin no Fune)

Reception

[edit]

About.com's Deb Aoki listed Cowa! as the "Best New All Ages Manga" of 2008, calling it "clever and charming enough to entertain adults as well as younger readers."[10] Anime News Network's Carl Kimlinger disagreed, claiming the plot is not complex enough to appeal to adults. He also wished Viz would have kept the other few chapters that were originally colored as such instead of just the first, as those particular ones were hard to follow in black and white. However, he wrote that "Makoleen's character elevates what might have been a simple children's adventure to a gentle fable about acceptance and understanding." and praised the humor.[1] A.E. Sparrow of IGN gave the series an 8.6 out of 10 and referred to it as a "self-contained mini-epic." On the humor he said "the jokes come at you unapologetically and you're either going to catch them or write them off."[11] Viz Media's English release of Cowa! was nominated for the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids in 2009.[12]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cowa!

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cowa! is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by . It was serialized in Shueisha's magazine from 1997 to 1998, spanning 14 chapters that were later collected into a single volume published by Shueisha in May 1998. The story is set in a monster-populated town where a contagious "Monster Flu" threatens the lives of all inhabitants, forcing the young protagonist Paifu—a half-vampire, half-werekoala boy—and his friends, including the ghost José, to embark on an adventurous quest to obtain the rare medicine needed for a cure. Created by the same author behind iconic series like and , Cowa! blends elements of adventure, humor, and light-hearted horror in Toriyama's signature whimsical style, featuring quirky monster characters and fast-paced storytelling suitable for all ages. The narrative emphasizes themes of friendship and heroism among children, with Paifu's troublemaking personality driving much of the comedic action as the group faces obstacles like battling sea monsters and negotiating with shady characters to secure the antidote. Originally published in by , the English-language edition was released by in 2008, introducing Toriyama's work to a broader international audience. Upon release, Cowa! received positive reception for its engaging and charming artwork, earning an 8.6 out of 10 rating from , which praised it as a fun, accessible entry point to Toriyama's oeuvre despite its juvenile humor. Critics and readers have highlighted the 's innovative mix of horror tropes with feel-good , describing it as an "endearing horror manga" that showcases Toriyama's ability to craft whimsical, inventive tales beyond his more famous works. With a average rating of 3.95 out of 5 from 571 ratings as of November 2025, it remains a notable, lesser-known gem in Toriyama's bibliography, appreciated for its short, self-contained format and vibrant monster designs.

Synopsis and characters

Plot

Cowa! is set in the monster town of Batwing Ridge, a peaceful community where humans, monsters, and animals coexist harmoniously. The story begins with an outbreak of the Monster Flu, a deadly disease that afflicts the monster population, causing them to weaken and die if untreated. With the adult monsters falling ill and unable to act, the responsibility falls to the children to find a cure. The town's doctor informs them that the antidote can be produced by a witch residing at the summit of Horned-Owl Mountain, located 750 miles away. Paifu leads the quest alongside his friends José, Arpon, and the human Maruyama, a former sumo wrestler they recruit for protection. The group's arduous journey involves traveling through human territories, facing off against gangs of thugs in comedic brawls, and navigating humorous mishaps born from their inexperience with the outside world. Along the way, Maruyama's strength proves invaluable in battles, while the team's teamwork helps them overcome obstacles. Upon reaching Horned-Owl Mountain, the protagonists confront the witch's formidable bodyguard and secure the precious after a climactic showdown. Racing back to Batwing Ridge, they administer just in time, restoring the town's inhabitants to health and resolving the crisis through their collective efforts.

Characters

Paifu is the of Cowa!, a young half-vampire, half-werekoala boy characterized by his fangs, koala-like ears, and a mischievous yet adventurous personality that often leads him into trouble. As the de facto leader of his group of friends, Paifu displays in everyday situations but summons when his loved ones are at , relying on his hybrid traits for and strength during challenges. His interactions with companions highlight his and resourcefulness, forming the core dynamic that propels the story's central quest for a cure. José, Paifu's best friend, is a ghostly boy who appears ethereal and invisible to most humans, providing through his playful pranks and daring antics, such as his unique ability to "toot" for . Loyal and supportive, José's invisible nature allows him to scout and assist undetected, often lightening tense moments with his humorous, carefree demeanor while strengthening the group's bond through unwavering friendship. Arpon is a possibly aquatic monster boy with an optimistic outlook and exceptional abilities, making him the go-to for water-related obstacles; his competitive spirit shines in his eagerness for kung fu-style confrontations and schoolyard rivalries with Paifu. Strong and enthusiastic, Arpon's interactions with Paifu and reveal a team-oriented personality that balances the group's energy with his physical prowess and positive attitude. Maruyama serves as the adult mentor figure, a former wrestler with an immense, chubby build and gentle underlying personality despite his initially ill-tempered and solitary nature. Known for his heroic strength—earned from his past as a under the ring name "Katsukazan" or "The Volcano"—Maruyama guides the young monsters with canny wisdom, protecting them like a reluctant guardian while his atoning past adds depth to his protective role. Among the antagonists, D'Amateur appears as a challenging the group, embodying antagonism through his confrontational demeanor. Supporting characters include Paifu's mother, a full who offers nurturing support and instills a mix of fear and affection in her son through her stern yet caring interactions. The town doctor, a knowledgeable figure in the monster village, provides medical insight with a demeanor, aiding the community amid crises. The minor monsters of the village form a quirky ensemble of cute, caricatured beings with reversed human behaviors—such as fearing angels in games—contributing to the lively, communal atmosphere through their diverse traits and group dynamics.

Creation and production

Development

Following the conclusion of in 1995, Akira sought a respite from long-running serialized after over a decade of continuous work on both (1980–1984) and (1984–1995), opting instead for shorter projects to recapture a lighter, more whimsical tone suited to child-friendly storytelling. This shift marked his return to playful, adventure-driven narratives emphasizing humor over intense action, aligning with his earlier successes in all-ages comedy. The conception of Cowa! stemmed directly from Toriyama's one-shot Bubul of Demon Village (Majin-Mura no Bubul), which he submitted to the revived Jump Readers' Cup competition in 1997 and won, prompting him to expand it into a full short series. Originally envisioned as a more developed iteration of the one-shot's monster-themed world, Cowa! retained core elements like quirky creature designs and a quest-driven plot involving a "monster flu" epidemic, but Toriyama re-tooled the characters and setting for broader appeal in a serialized format. Planned as a concise 14-chapter run starting that same year, it represented his first major Weekly Shōnen Jump serialization since Dragon Ball, deliberately aiming for a breezy, episodic structure to avoid the exhaustive demands of extended epics. Toriyama handled the entire creative process solo, steadfastly refusing assistants to maintain full control over the artwork and pacing, a preference he carried from prior works but emphasized here for the project's intimate scale. He adhered to a relaxed three-weeks-on, one-week-off schedule across the 14 chapters, allowing time for rest and refinement that contrasted with the unrelenting weekly deadlines of his past series, ultimately enabling a more polished, self-contained story. Influences from Toriyama's earlier oeuvre are evident in Cowa!, particularly the humorous, monster-populated antics of , which informed the series' lighthearted character interactions and fantastical creature designs, blending them into an all-ages horror-comedy hybrid. This evolution allowed Toriyama to explore themes of friendship and acceptance through fable-like monster adventures, echoing 's whimsical village life while introducing subtle horror elements toned down for younger readers.

Art and style

Cowa! employs a distinctive visual style that blends conventions with aesthetics, featuring black-and-white interiors interspersed with full-color pages to enhance its whimsical appeal. The debut chapter was notably printed entirely in color, a departure from typical serialized formats, which contributes to its accessibility for younger readers. , in contrast, utilizes vibrant colors to highlight the manga's playful monster motifs. Character designs in Cowa! emphasize exaggerated, cute features for its monster protagonists, such as Paifu's hybrid half-vampire, half-werekoala form with oversized ears and fangs rendered in simple, rounded lines. These designs prioritize adorability and expressiveness, using minimalistic shading and bold outlines to convey personality traits like mischief and vulnerability, making them approachable for children while nodding to horror tropes. Supporting characters like the José and the indeterminate monster Arpon further exemplify this approach with over-the-top, whimsical traits that blend cute and eerie elements. Paneling and pacing support the manga's episodic through dynamic layouts that facilitate quick, humorous progression across short chapters. Action sequences are staged with clever framing to guide the eye, employing varied panel sizes for emphasis during chases or fights, which maintains a brisk without overwhelming the reader. This technique allows for seamless transitions between and , aligning with Toriyama's signature clean-line efficiency. Humor is integrated via visuals and sight gags, such as viruses depicted as tiny ghosts or exaggerated facial contortions, often amplified by onomatopoeic sound effects in bold, integrated fonts. Layouts innovate by mixing illustrative spreads with narrative text in a picture-book manner, fostering a sense of playful discovery that underscores the without disrupting the flow. The overall tone balances whimsical horror—evident in monster flu outbreaks and ghostly antics—with lighthearted elements through adorable designs that soften darker themes like illness and confrontation. This contrast creates a cheerful atmosphere, where scary concepts are rendered endearingly to evoke laughter rather than fear.

Publication

Serialization

Cowa! was serialized in , a weekly anthology magazine published by , marking Akira Toriyama's return to the publication following the conclusion of in 1995. The series debuted in issue #48 of 1997, dated October 27, and concluded in issue #15 of 1998, dated March 9, spanning approximately five months without any author-induced hiatuses. Comprising 14 chapters in total, each typically spanning 15 to 20 pages in line with standard formatting, the serialization formed a self-contained short arc that unfolded episodically to suit the magazine's weekly rhythm. This structure allowed for bite-sized adventures centered on the protagonist and his companions, emphasizing humor and lighthearted monster-themed escapades aimed at a younger readership. The consistent release schedule contributed to a brisk pacing, with chapters building progressively toward resolution without interruptions, reflecting Toriyama's focused approach to this comeback project.

Collected editions

The collected edition of Cowa! was published as a single volume by under the Jump Comics imprint on May 1, 1998. The volume bears ISBN 4-08-872557-3 and compiles all 14 chapters from the original . It follows the sequential order of the magazine episodes, presenting the complete story in book form. The edition adheres to the standard Jump Comics format of B6 size (approximately 12.8 cm × 18.2 cm), with a total of 200 pages. The interior is primarily black-and-white, featuring color inserts from the original magazine publication. The volume has seen multiple reprints over the years, including in 2024 following Akira Toriyama's death.

Releases

Japanese release

Cowa! was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump from issue #48 in November 1997 to issue #15 in March 1998, building on the magazine's established audience from Toriyama's prior works. The series concluded its 14-chapter run on March 23, 1998. The collected edition was released by under the Jump Comics imprint on May 1, 1998. As a single-volume work, it catered to the format common for Toriyama's shorter serials post-.

International releases

The English-language edition of Cowa! was published by as a single-volume on July 1, 2008, under their Shonen Jump imprint. It retains the original right-to-left reading format and includes the first chapter in color, preserving the manga's authentic presentation. The edition has 978-1-4215-1805-3 and spans 208 pages in a 5 × 7.5-inch trim size. Distribution occurred primarily through 's channels, including physical retail via bookstores and online sales, with digital versions available on platforms such as Viz.com and compatible e-readers. The localization kept the title as Cowa!, with a that maintains the original's humorous tone and monster-themed storytelling. Releases in other languages have been limited to select markets. A French edition was published by Glénat on May 26, 1999, as a single volume ( 978-2-7234-2913-9). A Spanish edition was released by Planeta DeAgostini in 2005. Editions also appeared in by Daewon C.I. and in by Comics House.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Cowa! received praise from critics for its charm, humor, and broad appeal to all ages, particularly highlighting its adventurous spirit and endearing character designs. awarded the manga an 8.6 out of 10, commending its fun quest narrative filled with cute monsters and lighthearted escapades that evoke a sense of whimsy, making it an enjoyable read even for those unfamiliar with creator Akira Toriyama's earlier works. echoed this, noting the series' random, offbeat gags and uncomplicated adventure as delightful "random fun" especially suited for children, with a sweet underlying message of acceptance. However, some reviewers criticized Cowa! for its simplistic storytelling and art, which they argued limited its depth and appeal to adult audiences. pointed out that the plot's purely random progression and basic line drawings make it feel like straightforward children's fare, lacking the subtlety needed for broader crossover success. The cute designs, while enhancing its charm for younger readers, were seen as contributing to this overall simplicity. Thematically, Cowa! explores the coexistence of humans and monsters in a shared town, blending light horror-comedy elements with action and whimsy to create a gentle fable about acceptance and community. In the story's world, human and monster children attend the same schools at different times, fostering a peaceful integration disrupted by the Monster Flu crisis. Broader analyses connect Cowa! to Dragon Ball through its quest-driven plot and comedic fight scenes, but praise its unique focus on friendship and courage among a ragtag group of monsters and their human ally, culminating in acts of solidarity against injustice. This structure underscores bravery not through epic battles, but through everyday heroism in aiding a stricken community.

Awards and recognition

Cowa! was nominated for the Comic Industry Award in the Best Publication for Kids category. This accolade reflects the manga's kid-friendly humor and broad appeal to young readers. In , Cowa! was featured in the "Dragon Ball-ism Toriyama Showcase" series on the official website. The title forms part of Toriyama's portfolio of short-form , frequently noted in analyses of all-ages for its lighthearted adventure and monstrous charm. Following Toriyama's death on March 1, 2024, Japanese bookstores reported reprints of his works, including Cowa!, during the first half of 2024. In December 2024, the official website noted that Toriyama considered Cowa! his personal favorite . Minor merchandise, such as vintage print advertisements, remains available through online marketplaces. No major adaptations have been produced, though the work continues to receive occasional mentions in discussions of Toriyama's lesser-known contributions.

References

  1. https://www.viz.com/cowa
  2. https://www.amazon.com/COWA-Perfect-2000-editor-eisha/dp/4088725573
  3. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cowa-akira-toriyama/1112424233
  4. https://www.amazon.com/COWA-Akira-Toriyama/dp/1421518058
  5. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/24/cowa-review
  6. https://www.comicsbeat.com/horror-beat-toriyama-cowa/
  7. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3562196-cowa
  8. https://readaboutcomics.com/2008/07/11/cowa/
  9. https://en.dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_160.html
  10. https://comicsalliance.com/akira-toriyamas-cowa-review/
  11. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/cowa/gn-1
  12. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/bezdoh7/cowa
  13. https://am-zone.com.au/2022/10/22/cowa/
  14. https://gamerant.com/best-mang-akira-toriyama-no-anime/
  15. https://screenrant.com/akira-toriyama-side-project-dragon-ball-cowa/
  16. https://www.kanzenshuu.com/2018/02/05/nearly-complete-works-akira-toriyama-work-017/
  17. https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-super-toyotarou-akira-toriyama-cowa-new-artwork/
  18. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=975
  19. https://eclipsemagazine.com/manga-cowa-something-completely-different-from-the-creator-of-dragon-ball-z/
  20. https://www.amazon.co.jp/COWA-1-%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%97%E3%82%B3%E3%83%9F%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9-%E9%B3%A5%E5%B1%B1-%E6%98%8E/dp/4088725573
  21. https://www.abebooks.com/9784088725574/COWA-MANGA-VO-JAPONAIS-AKIRA-4088725573/plp
  22. https://united-states.kinokuniya.com/bw/9784088725574
  23. https://x.com/WSJ_manga/status/1773387518097928353
  24. https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Cowa%21
  25. https://www.reddit.com/r/WeeklyShonenJump/comments/1km38fa/three_axes_and_youre_blacklisted_from_jump/
  26. https://www.viz.com/manga-books/manga/cowa/product/1451
  27. https://www.glenat.com/glenat-manga/cowa-9782723429139/
  28. https://www.cbr.com/2009-eisner-award-nominees-announced/
  29. https://en.dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_3119.html
  30. https://www.ebay.com/itm/176820058995
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