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Hayate no Gotoku! 293
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
First page of the chapter and Hayate is already in a maid costume. This bodes well. The comedy between Hayate and Kotetsu is always great, mainly because Kotetsu is such a blatant pervert regardless of the fact that Hayate is a guy.
What exactly is he hoping to catch a glimpse of?
Another flash of this picture of the “28th”. The plot is certainly moving. Meanwhile, the small insights we’re getting into the world of doujinshi and doujin-cons is pretty interesting. Nagi certainly seems to be in a better mood. The Hayate-Girl (not to be confused with Hayate dressed as a girl) is back, and she’s… wearing a mascot costume? Fair enough. Whatever it takes to get her into the focus of things, I’m game.
The mark of an important, serious character
Things are looking up for Nagi. It looks like she’s going to be able to pull out of this, after seeing people enjoying manga she feels like she could stack up against. It was an excellent move to bring her into the world of amateur doujinshi, she’s definitely going to be a natural at writing manga for something like this.
Oh no. Right when things were going well, it looks like we have a new antagonist, someone appropriate for this doujinshi-based arc. Nagi’s empassioned speech shows she has her spirit back. And am I mistaken, or is that our Hayate-Girl-in-mascot-costume spying on the goings-on at Nagi’s table? Based on her reactions to the disparaging comments and the fact she’s presumably disguised herself, I don’t feel it’s a stretch to guess that she’s the author of the Dolphin circle that Nagi and Chiharu are selling, which cements her as… being on a level with Nagi in terms of her manga? Nevertheless, it means Chiharu knows this girl, and ties her closer into the plot.
At the very end, shocking twist. Housen is back, and she’s standing over where Hayate’s photoshoot is. Something ominous is about to occur.
Final Flash: A few bits of good comedy, but mostly some very solid plot progression and a good recovery so far for Nagi.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 403
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Cover page of fanservice. At this point, I guess it needs to be featured as prominently as possible. What better way than the cover.
As usual, HSDK does a great job of relating to a reader the feel of power behind the large clashes of the fighters. The destruction of the floor and the stylized beams shooting through Koukin are perfect examples.
Koruinuki didn’t connect cleanly; they traded blows. This is a little played out, and removes a clean win that Kenichi sorely deserved.
Guaranteed to feel that in the morning
I really feel like this sequence of events would have done better if related by the art, as opposed to Agaard Jum Sai narrating everything while lying face against the ground. It’s a little ridiculous, but okay. Following his rant, however, Kenichi takes a turn at bat. It shows character progression that Kenichi can spot when his opponent is bluffing now, but did he really need to take three pages and a few bubbles of inner monologue to do so? I think the art related just fine that they both took a hit.
Kenichi is showing the resolve we know he has. Excellent intensity in his eyes when he stares Koukin down and questions his reason for fighting. It’s a great move to have them finish it both using Muay Thai, and a completely in-character choice for Kenichi to honor Apachai as a master. However, I don’t like that the series seems to be adopting a theme of letting Koukin get off with an honorable loss.
Does this look like the face of a bad guy to you?
They’re going to finish it off with one final exchange, in what I would call a very traditional fashion. It’s a fitting end, but all the animosity between the two combatants has been removed. Kenichi, please try not to forget that Apachai is still lying ten feet from you with a hole through his chest. You were ready to dismantle Koukin. What happened?
Final Flash: One page of fanservice is a deal I’ll take every time. I can only hope this fight ends in a satisfying manner next chapter after this chapter worked to make Koukin’s character seem so much lighter and less imposing.
One Piece 601
[scanlation by Binktopia]
It’s so odd to see so much focus on Brook during all of this. Yes, he’s in a very prominent position right now, as an apparently world-renowned musician, but he’s definitely one of the less relevant crew members. Seeing full-page shots of him when we’ve seen so little of everyone else is frustrating.
Sanji talking down to Zoro is absolutely hilarious. To me, even including all the crew changes and serious plot set in motion, this is the standout moment of the last four chapters.
Unsurprisingly, fake Luffy’s makeshift crew fails to even follow the first order he dictates. The “big picture” question is, though: Do we have another confirmed death?
That looks pretty serious
The Pacifistas turning up so promptly after hearing of Luffy’s arrival is an effective reminder of the notoriety of the Straw Hat Crew. It’s also a useful way to disperse this crowd full of one-note pirates without Luffy having to show off.
Doughty, no! Who's going to bust up a Starbucks now?!
I’m glad Oda didn’t neglect to give us a name and appropriately pathetic bounty for our Luffy impersonator.
Finally, the cloak comes off and the world sees Luffy again. The scar is going to take some time to get used to, but his pose is distinctly indicative of his familiar personality.
There’s the first major sign of concern, and it mimics the worries I’ve announced on Beamcast almost verbatim: Luffy coolly dodging an attack and dryly calling it “Slow.” That may be befitting of a powered-up shonen hero, but it’s for that exact reason that it isn’t suitable for Luffy. Luffy may not be the antithesis of a shonen hero, but he’s been shown to eschew enough stereotypes to set him apart from other protagonists. To have him so composed in the face of attacks is a betrayal of the lovable hero that has been so well crafted in the entire first half of the series.
Please don't become a trend
Fortunately, right after putting away the Pacifista, Luffy does return to his smiling self upon seeing Zoro and Sanji, who combine to take out a Pacifista themselves. Interestingly, Luffy is shown using Gear Second and Jet Pistol to defeat the Pacifista, and the trailing smoke behind Sanji’s leg (as well as the end of Sanji’s leg itself) seems to indicate he’s using Diable Jambe. Zoro, however, is not seen using his Enies Lobby power-up (Asura). Could it be that compared to where each of them were pre-timeskip, Zoro has made the most progress?
In any case, I have mixed feelings on all this. I don’t want the crew to be so strong as to make any challenges they face in the New World seem convoluted or overly situational. On the other hand, I can’t overlook the feeling as a fan of pure enjoyment upon seeing these “good guys” who I love so much stomping all over the “bad guys.” Also, if the “monster trio” hadn’t been able to dispose of a Pacifista with such little effort, I’d have to question exactly what the timeskip was for. Overall, then, I’m more pleased than disappointed, but I’d prefer more creative developments than a generic display of strength.
Luffy’s parting exchange with Rayleigh rounds out the chapter in a manner appropriate to the title of this chapter.
Final Flash: Still no full crew reunion, but at least this time there was some action that deserved the focus.
Kekkaishi 325
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Tokine chapter coming up. After being mostly absent for half a year, it’s about time.
Since this Shinyuuichi is, for all intents and purposes, the “ultimate” one, it makes sense that it’s as vast as it seems. Should make it easy for Tokine to evade any pursuit from Oumi’s people.
Tokine’s conversation with Yuugami shows she’s still as serious about her Kekkaishi job as ever. Makes me wonder exactly what she’ll do if if the lord is sealed.
Being able to read a Shinyuuichi isn’t a very flashy power, but it fits Tokine’s analytical style.
Oops, she’s been found! One of the most effective ways to escape any guard is the ability to phase through solid walls. The guard is appropriately flummoxed.
Snake never had it this easy
This guard does seem to have some tricks up his sleeve, using his pipe to conjure up a whole bunch of hunting birds. The subsequent series of panels of Tokine repeatedly escaping is a fun one.
When the guard catches up, he seems to have an offer for Tokine. Apparently he’s one of the many pawns Oumi brought in unwillingly, and is eager to get out.
She finds out that Mahora is directly beneath the tree she encountered earlier. Interestingly, though, she keeps the exit location she was asking for to herself, promising to tell him once she’s done with Mahora. Yoshimori would have told the guy straight off – her not doing so is another indication that she still knows when to reserve trust.
Suddenly there’s a whole lot of intimacy between Zerogou and Suigetsu. I don’t remember these characters being significantly close before.
Either an embracing pose or a kidnapping one
Zerogou seems to be the latest addition to a list of characters with his own separate agenda. This conflict is going to contain a ton of separate plotlines whenever it starts in full.
We leave off with Tokine diving towards a structure that looks a lot like Uro’s bed did way back when. Meeting with Mahora is imminent.
Final Flash: Tokine’s first limelight chapter in a while was well populated by moments reaffirming the type of character she is. More than anything, though, this was a prelude to negotiating with Mahora.
Beelzebub 81
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
Right from the start, fanservice. I wonder who came up with the term “fanservice,” anyway. Given that shallow and unnecessary flaunting of sex appeal does nothing for me, I take exception to the term “fanservice.” I’m not being serviced. Give me some narrative and serious characters, and get these wet nurses out of here.
Less this, more Furuichi, please
Baby Beel’s older brother looks oddly reminiscent of someone from Medaka Box, but I don’t feel like depressing myself by looking up character names for that series. Regardless, the introduction of someone literally closely related to Beel is an exciting development. I’ve been longing for a return to demon-related plot, and even more than Zenjuurou, this obviously signals the full transition into such a storyline.
Izabella’s ability to summon a throne raises interesting possibilities for the future of Hilda. Clearly, comparison to the wet nurses serving En reveals that she is in dire need of improvement, and the rivalry between these camps (and specifically between Hilda and Yolda, at least) provides the necessary incentive for Hilda to power up. She deserves to remain a support character, and summoning abilities would suit her well.
There’s nothing more mature than Sprite on the rocks, after all.
Shaken, not-- wait, no, don't shake Sprite
Oga’s nonchalant explanation of the situation to Kunieda is fantastic deadpan comedy the way only Beelzebub can do it.
Oga going along with En wanting potato chips would be funny enough to stand out if it weren’t for the hilarious scenario immediately following it, with everyone involved taking the confrontation over to Furuichi’s house.
Oga understands the straight man role quite clearly
The last line of the chapter is exactly right; the king of Hell is extremely random. Zenjuurou’s earlier warning that Oga and Beel need to strengthen quickly seems to be proving correct far earlier than anticipated, and the scenario proving is right is much more direct than expected, as well. I hope this doesn’t turn the series into pure battle shonen, but more fighting is welcome, especially after the volleyball arc.
Final Flash: Excellent comedy and interesting developments, hampered slightly by an uncertain future.
Weekly Power Rankings: 10/3 – 10/9
Rank |
Change |
Series |
Chapter |
Score |
| 1 | — | Beelzebub | 79 | 80.00% |
| 2 | +1 | Hayate no Gotoku! | 291 | 75.78% |
| 3 | +7 | History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi | 401 | 74.99% |
| 4 | +3 | Gintama | 326 | 74.94% |
| 5 | +1 | Toriko | 113 | 74.22% |
| 6 | -4 | Bakuman | 103 | 73.55% |
| 7 | +2 | AR∀GO | 39 | 71.73% |
| 8 | -3 | Nurarihyon no Mago | 125 | 71.55% |
| 9 | -5 | Kimi no Iru Machi | 108 | 70.22% |
| 10 | +5 | Fairy Tail | 203 | 69.28% |
| 11 | -3 | Psyren | 137 | 67.71% |
| 12 | +2 | Kekkaishi | 324 | 65.39% |
| 13 | — | Gamaran | 67 | 63.72% |
| 14 | -3 | Code:Breaker | 107 | 63.24% |
| 15 | +3 | Enigma | 4 | 62.18% |
| 16 | +3 | Mahou Sensei Negima! | 304 | 56.99% |
| 17 | -1 | The World God Only Knows | 116 | 55.42% |
| 18 | +2 | Air Gear | 290 | 54.65% |
| 19 | -2 | Defense Devil | 68 | 54.09% |
| 20 | -8 | Naruto | — | 52.35% |
| 21 | Hia | One Piece | 598 | 50.59% |
| 22 | -1 | Kyoukai no Rin-ne | 68 | 46.28% |
| 23 | -1 | GE ~ Good Ending | 54 | 45.07% |
| 24 | -1 | Zettai Karen Children | — | 34.19% |
| 25 | +1 | Bleach | 422 | 24.81% |
| 26 | -1 | MiXiM☆11 | 114 | 24.36% |
| 27 | -3 | Katekyo Hitman Reborn! | 308 | 20.79% |
| 28 | Abs | SWOT | 13 | 18.31% |
Absent: Bloody Monday: Season 2
Toriko 115
[scanlation by Hi Wa Mata Noboru]
Rumors about Melk build him up as too much of a manly badass beforehand. There has to be some other aspect to his character. That said, each of the steps up his mountain are personally carved man-height stairs, so he’s definitely your average Toriko character.
Komatsu does his own speculating as to Melk’s true identity. We’ll see soon enough whether he or Toriko is more on the mark.
Planes cannot be used as an effective means of travel in this world while giant squids patrol the sky. Why did the engineers of this world even bother to invent them?
More of an air-travel deterrent than bag fees
Capture level 15 beasts indicate the danger of this mission is, at least for now, way below the difficulty of Vegetable Sky. Just as well. There won’t be a cucumber at the end of this one to de-age Komatsu, after all.
Melk’s done a good job of scaring the animals from ever coming close to his workshop. Clearly his intimidation-aura projects pretty far out, confirmed by the depiction of Toriko’s face being pseudo-cut by selfsame intimidation.
Hello again, Match
Melk makes a show of his power by scaling a live animal, though imperfectly, from a distance using a knife that’s far from the sharpest he can make. Yeah, he’s a power character. Interestingly, aside from being an obvious bishie, he seems to have a character design based on a cross between a Sashimi chef and a blacksmith.
Final Flash: Made it to Melk’s place quickly enough. Now let’s see what he has to say about Komatsu’s new knife.
The World God Only Knows 117
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
I believe we already knew the story of old/new Hell. Doesn’t mean much to tell it again here.
The dark mass surrounding Kanon’s wound was indeed darkness from a curse rather than blood, meaning she’s alive, although in a coma for now.
This series is definitely dialing up the serious tone, what with Keima slumped behind the chair/computer setup in his bedroom, for once not playing galge. Regret for not noticing Kanon earlier evidently hit him pretty hard.
Maybe the floor is just more comfortable
Attempts to pull the cursed dagger out from Kanon’s body are met with predictable failure. They’ll need more magical power than one goddess can provide, evidently.
Vintage is confirmed as the organization in charge of being bad guys. I guess this series was going to get one for the sake of plot, and I’m less dubious about said plot after the whole 3-chapter stretch re-introducing Kanon, but villains for this type of series could stand to be a bit less overtly wicked.
So there is confirmed to be a double agent somewhere in the New Hell squad. Probably won’t be any of the three we’ve seen thus far, though.
Hey there, Keima. After sulking about for half a chapter, our main character has regained his calculating approach to problem-solving. He does still play the cool, logical type fairly well.
Because she hasn't been cleaved in two, and this isn't Bleach
So our time limit is one week, conveniently enough time to fit in the dance festival goddess-hunting Keima was going to do anyway. Maybe it’s just me, but Keima’s bold declaration just comes down to reaffirming what he was going to do anyway.
Final Flash: Okay chapter, but all we really got was a little bit of new information. Expect the dance festival to be a bit darker-toned with Kanon hanging over Keima’s head.
Series Roundup: 10/10 – 10/16
Mini-reviews for all the series without full individual posts.
Gamaran 66
[scanlation by helz0ne]
If there’s anything worse for Gama than being demolished by his opponent, it’s being allowed to live “because that is Jinsuke-san’s will.”
The compassion shown by Zenmaru’s brother contradicts the rest of his character… until he then offers to “let him off” with only one arm lost. That’s reassuring in the worst way.
Naoyoshi may not be right about everything because his fault, but he is right to finally act.
It’s shocking enough that Naoyoshi’s mother was waiting for him at the castle, but her revelation that Naoyoshi is to become the next Daimyo is a complete surprise. It’s a great one, though, and one that helps the series transition from the previous long-term plot (Grand Tournament of Unabara) to new material.
Hayate no Gotoku! 292
[scanlation by [C]hán]
Six years is an impressive milestone. It’s been a quality journey throughout.
The concept of Nagi doing image training for a doujinshi convention is hilarious, and the Kamen Rider 555 reference is even funnier. Great comedy chapter thus far.
Housen has some kind of connection to the picture Hayate found of “the 28th.” We seem to be in store for some serious plot, which makes the backdrop of the doujinshi convention even more striking.
The gym teacher punchline (and subsequent “introduction”) is absolutely priceless. What a great choice.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 310
[scanlation by Binktopia]
I don’t recall Lambo being shown naked before. Has Amano taken influence from Baby Beel?
Of course the geological structure is exactly the same as where Vongola Primo did something. All this series cares about is what Vongola Primo did, probably because Tsuna is Vongola Primo in some stupidly convoluted time loop.
For as terrible as this series is, it’s still fun to see Lambo strut around confidently. Remember these few pages of comedy, as they’ll probably be the last bit of enjoyment to be derived for the next 50 chapters.
Obviously, it would have been too creative and fun to have young Lambo somehow stumble his way to a victory, so as always, here comes 10-years-older Lambo to save the day. Will that be enough, or are we in for 20- or even 30-years-older Lambo? Frankly, I don’t care, and it takes effort by Amano to make me stop caring about Lambo.
Mahou Sensei Negima! 304-305
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
(304) … why is Dynamis getting naked?
Excellent action scenes throughout this chapter. This is a case where manga action may actually trump what an anime adaptation would produce, since each scene would be focused on longer and lose the frenetic pace.
Ako’s 1.8cm syringe artifact presents a rather comedic (if awkward) scenario, yet also produces some impressive results.
(305) It’s no surprise that Asuna has been taken away, given both that Fate was here and that such an act is par for the course for such a fantasy storyline.
Kaede is as impressive as always. Her fighting is such a joy to watch.
Great reaction from Negi not to become intangible, but it was a bit naive of him not to take Dynamis seriously.
Nurarihyon no Mago 126-127
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
(126) The more we learn about Rikuo’s father, the better. The lack of information regarding him has effectively built up tension for any plot involving him.
The past between Hagoromo Gitsune and Rikuo’s father is being made deliberately unclear. Rikuo claims she killed him, but the small flashback vision she sees could indicate a misunderstanding.
Kurotabou’s plan hints at a mid-fight development of Rikuo’s powers of some kind. Meanwhile, is the Nue hatching already?
(127) The colors on the cover page are nice, but I would appreciated a scene even moderately related to the current action.
Finally, some concrete information regarding Nura’s father. His name was Rihan, and he invented Matoi. Those tidbits are nice, but the most exciting knowledge is that Matoi is a technique specifically designed for youkai-human hybrids. Considering Rihan’s implied strength and the fact that he was only half human, Rikuo stands to be established rightfully as even more powerful, considering he is three quarters human. This is a great way to explain the strength of the protagonist.
Amid the excellent action, Rikuo poses a fascinating question to Hagoromo Gitsune. If she is indeed partly human, it would prove an interesting twist in the story.
The Supreme Commander’s words and Gyuuki’s presence indicate some ominous and fun plot ahead. The Supreme Commander’s face at the bottom of page 18 is particularly well drawn, too.
If that huge eyeball-having youkai is indeed the character pulling the strings, I give tremendous credit to Shiibashi for setting him up properly. His lunge at the elder Nurarihyon when Hagoromo Gitsune was close to giving birth was an action befitting of an underling, so I never gave this character second thought. Well done.
Psyren 138-139
[scanlation by Muda Scantrad]
(138) Wonderful little scene with Marco, especially with the proud parent boasting afterward.
Miroku’s final intended action is impressive, and the facial expression Mithra gives in reaction is haunting. She may have been introduced far too late in the game to be a great character, but judging each scene on its own merits, that is a great shot.
So… this is just Chrono Trigger now? Time travel and Lavos? I know Iwashiro is probably trying to wrap things up far earlier than he intended, but this is a considerable reach. Knowing this and Mithra’s relation to Quat Nevas is also hugely disappointing in terms of missed opportunities: In Chrono Trigger, Lavos was just a huge alien being. Introducing Mithra as a speaker and representative of such an alien being could be fantastic, but she would have had to have been introduced much, much sooner. In fact, if this Quat Nevas business was a legitimate storyline option before a couple months ago, the groundwork should have been laid far earlier. It’s a shame.
(139) I can’t say I found the death of Kusakabe moving whatsoever. He’s never been any more than a completely minor character.
Old enemies are now allies by way of a common enemy! Well, they’re not all old; some just met for the first time mere chapters ago. Old and new enemies are now allies. Sort of.
The world is practically ending, and Nemesis Q appears, making a pseudo-closing statement. Are we in line for a “bad end,” with the world being consumed and destroyed? I can’t say I’d find that horribly out of place, frankly. It would still be jarring, considering we only just met Quat Nevas, but it would be a creative approach.
SWOT 12
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
What old TV theme song will make SWOT tolerable this week? Let’s try Starsky & Hutch.
This new bad guy is wearing his pants way, way too low. At least quit freeballing there, Murderface.
Sophomores! Run away!
… seriously though, of course the next class up is the next level of strength. It’s SWOT. Everything is predictable and bad.
The big guy can do E. Honda’s attack from Street Fighter II. If you’re going to rip off video game attacks, couldn’t you at least pick something interesting?
Wait, if his head is impervious to damage, how is he defeated after landing on it? It doesn’t matter if he fell from higher; the tiny establishment we got of this character was that he can’t be hurt on his head. This is idiotic.
Frankly, the delayed Resolve slash idea is actually pretty cool, but it’s being wasted on a dull character in a horrible series.
Oh good, it’s Yamikura. That’s all we needed: Bleach-style fight interruptions. Putrid.
—
Feel that one or more of these series should be getting full-review treatment each week? Show your support by participating in chapter discussion in comments. Actively-discussed series will be considered for full reviews.
Enigma 6
[scanlation by CXC Scans]
Escaping through the ventilation shaft? Not in this manga.
Sakaki Kenji must not be a fan of that cliché
Hiina’s hand was unable to stop a ceiling fan. This is unequivocally a good thing. Too many fight-capable characters can fill a mystery-puzzle manga with more plotholes than you can shake a stick at. Limited, specific powers offer the opportunity for significantly more writing depth.
Haiba falls back under, then finds the last piece in the ceiling fan. There was indeed trickery at work here. The fact that this room was basically designed as an unwinnable puzzle suggests Enigma (or someone, anyway) has a penchant for watching the participants squirm while having an obvious solution right before their eyes. This brings the possibility of a torture-maniac type villain all the more likely.
Haiba’s way of stopping the ceiling fan – wrapping his jacket around his arm for a cushion – is a believable one. Hiina proves herself useful one more time in stretching to grab the final piece. Game clear.
This series definitely has a love triangle brewing. Works for me, I guess. Hiina is interesting enough, and Shigeru is a character who fits a fairly standard childhood friend role (for now, anyway).
It feels a little bit soon for Haiba’s power to be evolving. His current dream diary power is useful enough in the e-test without having to give him anything extra this arc. Obviously we can expect the power to evolve at some point, and the hint here makes it fairly clear as to how.
Maybe the improved foresight on Haiba’s part is just an offset to balance the fact that he’s now flaunting polka dots. That sweater will take some getting used to.
Good time to balance the puzzle-solving with the events of the outside world. Naturally, their attempts to reach the people walking around outside fail; it’s never that easy. There are people there though, which, as Haiba points out, is big. Eventually, people will be using this school. Unless the characters are somehow intangible, they should be able to communicate then.
… not if the people in question are already “infected” by shadows, though. Pretty shocking page, that. Either this world isn’t the real one or Matsurigi is not the shadow’s first victim. Creepy.
You don't want him picking your kids up from school
The girls are taking a well-deserved rest. This other diary entry now opens the door to showcase the remaining two male characters, and to get a better look at what’s happening to Matsurigi. What it does not open the door to is having the girls kidnapped while they sleep.
Final Flash: Getting the last puzzle piece was cleverly handled, and the revelation in the latter half was a creepy one.
Zettai Karen Children 234
[scanlation by JS Scans]
So ends the saga of Yo’s impending death. Apparently Feather is broken enough to change the future in totally irrelevant ways as well.
I don’t usually have a problem with Shiina’s characters looking too similar, but Yuuri on page 3 looks exactly like Kaoru. Don’t tell me she’s also Feather. Fortunately, she starts looking normal come next page.
Yuuri falling off the roof of a building with a hole blasted through her chest places her fairly high on the list of fatal injuries accrued. It also shows Hyoubu is still willing to kill people off, which we haven’t seen much lately.
The brief flashback showing Yuuri’s past starts by revealing she was a test-tube baby, and that she knew that at an early age. This does an alright job of giving her another set of believable issues, as opposed to the fact that she didn’t have a proper mom, which has been done before and carries less impact.
So now Yuuri’s life is legitimately flashing before her eyes. This is exactly the kind of moment I wanted to see from this arc. The three pages that mix close-ups of her coughing up blood and slamming into the ground with memories of time spent with Kaoru are short, but deliver very solid emotional impact. The ragdoll-style way her body is drawn on page 13 is a fitting cap to end this fight sequence.
Sad way to go
Nai teleports in…
… and is immediately shut down by Momiji. Hanzo also attacks, but gets oneshotted by Magi. Say what you want about the majority of Pandra’s staff, but those two are the no-nonsense pair, nicely complementing the serious tone for this arc.
Ninja this, Maruto fanboy!
So Yuuri died in Hyoubu’s illusion and fell into unconstructed dreamspace. A little bit of a disappointment given how good the “death” scene was. This means my overall impression of this arc still hinges on what exactly Hyoubu’s got planned.
Final Flash: Good emotional chapter for Yuuri’s flashback, and the fight has been taken care of. I’m really curious to see the happy ending for the play to which Yuuri alluded.
Enigma 5
[scanlation by CXC Scans]
We last left our heroes in a deathtrap of a gym shower. Gym showers are hazards in more ways than one, but not all of them try to drown you.
So we’re hunting not only puzzle pieces, but transparent ones. So they then start finding them by touch, and naturally, the girl with the stretchy third hand can do that exponentially faster. That is a pretty legitimate way to make Hiina the key to winning this scenario.
Needles, your haystack days are numbered
Also, nice quick realization by Sumio that Hiina has and is using a power. He didn’t know earlier, so a little reaction, exactly what is shown, is about right.
Of course their allies can’t open the door. That would spoil the fun of this puzzle having a time limit. Not sure why they don’t just smash a hole in the glass, but maybe the door is more solid than that. Anyway, I’d much rather see legitimate nick-of-time puzzle solving.
The shadow hunting people down apparently both has a personality and is not the only player in this game, referencing another who will “consume” Matsurigi, who incidentally seems to be covered in shadows. Also, he seems to know Matsurigi, his first victim. This provides fuel for too many interesting theories to list here.
Dark matter says hello
That water gets harder to search the higher the level is accurate, and also proof that the author paid attention in math class. Yet another nice touch in a series full of them.
Backstory time, it would seem. Her parents both slept around a bit, rather than just one. The hand was seemingly either developed as a direct response to bullying attempts, but even the way it was used, lifting a wallet from her bag and putting it back in the owner’s stuff, is atypical enough to get the Law of Ueki junkie in me even more excited over the skill sets these characters have.
Hiina wants ‘bonds’ out of this game. That’s a pretty abstract goal, but it does open up the possibility of setting up a long-term plot with her as one of the main party.
Haiba seems set to deliver those bonds of friendship as well, lifting her out of the water as it overtakes her head in a typical shonen hero moment.
Exactly 1 piece still missing. No bets as to it being on the ceiling.
Final Flash: This was a solidly enjoyable chapter for the puzzle hunt and did a good start forming the framework of the larger mystery surrounding the e-test.
Toriko 114
[scanlation by Hi Wa Mata Noboru]
Ichigohan translates wonderfully into Strawberrice. That is such a convenient cross-language portmanteau.
This food would be even more notable if not for the fact that Komatsu was getting tears (and snot) of joy all over it. Bromance much?
Truth be told, the more I think about it, the less I mind the increased levels Toriko and Komatsu’s relationship as taken. Given that he’s going to have to have Toriko’s protection throughout the Gourmet World, it makes sense that they would become closer friends. Plus, it’s a funny way for the author to give Komatsu another reason to worry himself silly about nothing.
Sani having been behind Komatsu being behind Jiro coming to rescue Toriko is not totally unanticipated, given the aloof attitude he took in their conversation earlier, despite knowing how bad of a blender the Gourmet World was. He is the type of guy to take a subtle approach to things like that.
And, eating. Wouldn’t be an action-free Toriko chapter without it.
Fruit snacks for men
The meat banana, immature jokes aside, looks delectable. Toriko does all food well, but there’s something special about the way the meat in this series is drawn that makes me even hungrier.
More affirmation of Torikomatsu’s combo status is interrupted by Komatsu’s knife being broken by a reader submission. Speaking of reasons for Komatsu to freak out…
Shock so strong it won't fit into an ordinary speech bubble
This brings us very naturally to a Komatsu “power-up,” a souped-up kitchen knife, that is totally character-appropriate. Nice.
Final Flash: The nature of the arc coming up is a good indication that Komtsu’s going to be back in the plot for a while. Personally couldn’t be happier about that.
AR∀GO 40
[scanlation by Trinity BAKumA]
I’m still thrilled at the prospect of Cloteaux, the Black Horseman, being embedded within the group of perceived friendlies.
The exchange between Arago and Cloteaux doesn’t seem to have alerted Arago, who could stand to be a bit more discerning about who to trust.
Cloteaux staring intently at Coco potentially indicates a motive of his involving her. Kidnapping is the obvious choice, as it’s someone close enough to Arago that Cloteaux could threaten to bring Brionac closer, but it’s also such an obvious choice that it would be a little unimaginative of an otherwise creative author to rely on such a crutch.
Hello there, shonen hero. You’re looking dangerously like Tsuna in this shot, complete with Dying Will Flame. Cut back on that a little, would you?
As long as it isn't Reverse Resolve
Seth’s explanation, understanding, and coaching of the Brionac power makes me think Arago is going to be considerably stronger not too long from now. That’s exciting news for those of you who follow The Great Shonen Tier List, but it’s also somewhat worrisome, as much of the charm of Arago’s battles comes from the clever application of the limited Brionac ability. AR∀GO is not at all a generic shonen battle series, and the writing could suffer greatly if Arago becomes too much like a stereotypical overpowered shonen hero.
Not all shonen characters should have beam attacks
For being coy about his motives and his status in relation to Arago, Seth sure is proactively analytical about Arago. Granted, this is giving him an opportunity to learn about the power he’s chasing after, but it’s still amusing to see a character as intentionally distant as Seth drawing up detailed diagrams.
Arago is getting a named finishing move? What is this, Gintama?
Cloteaux’s new golem is appropriately fearsome, and it certainly makes an instant impact, ripping Arago to shreds. This will surely be a test of the regeneration ability of Brionac, and it’s enough of a dire and urgent situation to put Brionac to the ultimate test, especially considering how worn out Arago is from training.
Final Flash: Interesting insight on Brionac, great Seth moments, and a good villain, but a little too close to formulaic shonen for this series.
Beamcast – October 18
[download link – 124min, 55mb]
In this week’s show:
News
Level E to be adapted into anime by Studio Pierrot
Saijou no Meii live action adaptation
Weekly Oricon rankings (10/4 – 10/10)
New releases
[anime]
Hayate the Combat Butler (Sub.DVD 7) $39.98
Naruto Shippuden (DVD box 4) $49.98
Naruto Shippuden Special Edition (DVD box 4) $69.98
[manga]
Rin-ne (vol. 5) $9.99
[non-shonen]
20th Century Boys (vol. 11) $12.99
Vagabond (vol. 33) $9.95
Vagabond – VIZBIG Edition (vol. 9) $19.99
Discussion / Weekly Poll
Last week’s results:
Which of these Fall 2010 shonen anime are you watching?
1. Bakuman (50%)
2. The World God Only Knows (25%)
3. To Aru Majutsu no Index II (15%)
4. Shinryaku! Ika Musume (10%)
This week:
Which among the Jump “Super Legends” is your favorite author?
(Akimoto Osamu, Kishimoto Masashi, Konomi Takeshi, Sorachi Hideaki, Toriyama Akira, Usuta Kyousuke)
The Great Shonen Tier List
Characters re-tiered:
Kurosaki Ichigo (Bleach)
Yoshina Ageha (Psyren)
Characters added:
Magellan (One Piece)
Hyuuga Neji (Naruto)
Black Star & Tsubaki (Soul Eater)
Sannomiya Shiho (Zettai Karen Children)
Senji “Crow” Kiyomasa (Deadman Wonderland)
Yamamoto Takeshi (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!)
Anime Discussion
Nurarihyon no Mago (ep. 15)
Shinryaku! Ika Musume (ep. 2)
To Aru Majutsu no Index II (ep. 2)
The World God Only Knows (ep. 2)
Bakuman (ep. 2)
This Week in Manga
0:41:20 – Soul Eater 79
0:46:30 – One Piece 600
0:57:27 – Naruto 513
1:03:44 – Bakuman 105
1:09:31 – Fairy Tail 205
1:13:41 – Hayate no Gotoku! 292
1:18:18 – Kekkaishi 325
1:20:45 – AR∀GO 39
1:24:11 – Toriko 114
1:27:33 – The World God Only Knows 117
1:30:36 – Defense Devil 69
1:32:29 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 304-305
1:37:32 – Psyren 139
1:40:51 – Nurarihyon no Mago 126-127
1:46:35 – Zettai Karen Children 234
1:49:30 – Kimi no Iru Machi 109
1:52:08 – SWOT 12
1:54:52 – Enigma 5
1:59:07 – Air Gear 291
2:00:41 – Bloody Monday: Season 2 – 43
2:01:18 – Gintama 326-327
2:02:27 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 310
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
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Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
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