Moretsu Ataro is one of the four classic gag manga written and illustrated by Akatsuka Fujio. However, of the four it is probably the least popular. However, Ataro is also of the four slightly more plot focused than the others. While episodic, major changes to characters do happen throughout the series, one such that happens early on, and contributes the main premise of the manga, is the titular Ataro's father, Batsugoro, dies. However, his ghost is still remaining, as to assist Ataro in running the family's vegetable stand and protect it from various thieves or other antagonists. Aside from the main plot side characters also get a decent amount of time spent, such as Nyarome, a talking stray cat, whom would later become more popular than even Ataro and appear in some of Akatsuka's other works.