I'm wearing my glasses and my traditional kimono and hakama today. There's a dark cloud over my head today. I'm searching on the internet for directions on how to tie a more effective noose today. 

You see, I'm in real despair now. Not the false, wannabe despair from yesterday.  I was fine until I read all 150+ comments left on our Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei Vol. 1 manga contest. I'm sad because you're sad. I'm in despair over how many of you are in despair!

If there's one ray of hope in this dark day, it's the honor of congratulating Japanator reader Heero Yuy for winning Vol. 1 of Del Ray's Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei. The whole Japanator staff loved your gaijin 4-koma.

We totally get that we're adding to everyone else's despair; actually, that puts us in despair! If it helps any, here are some honorable mentions that we all enjoyed:

Kamanashi: I'm in despair because the hairs in my butt crack got tangled up and pull out when I was brushing them.

jp zer0: I'm in despair because I can't trust Dale North's sense of humor at all. He will laugh at filthy and perverted stuff while leaving us, persons of sharp wit, out to dry.

Stumbling Corgi: i had chicken parm the other night which gave me the runs and pooped myself on the Long Island Expressway day before yesterday

Heero Yuy, enjoy your manga. We'll be hanging from this tree if you need us.