Archive
Beelzebub 68
[chapter link]
Oga lost after all. Ultimately, hiding the ending of the fight until this chapter was just a plot device. Disappointing.
Furuichi watching the upcoming fight while eating serves no particular purpose other than being funny. Still, it accomplishes that well.
Inexplicable
Toujou is right. Oga has become weak. I like that the main character has to again claw his way to the top of a newly-established power hierarchy, but it’s a little confusing that there wasn’t a transition. Oga went from the top to mediocre without any real explanation.
Baby Beel steals the chapter. Fantastic scene with him awarding the victory to Oga.
Finally, time for the school festival.
Final Flash: Beelzebub seems to be in a confused state right now. Its pacing is awkward and its characters, while still funny, are stagnating without appropriate development. Hopefully the school festival either brings back some consistent quality or ends quickly to pave the way for a new story arc.
Psyren 126
[chapter link]
Let’s see what happens inside this hyperbolic time… area.
Unbelievably direct romantic interaction between Yoshina and Amamiya. This direct of an approach to their relationship, after so long without any mention of it, screams of an author working to tie up loose ends of the plot for fear of cancellation.
Evidently Yoshina and Amamiya are going to be conveniently late, as any good shonen protagonist(s) should.
Kabuto’s frantic behavior isn’t helping to set the tone for what should be a massive story arc.
Suddenly, after not much buildup, the rescue arc is set to begin.
Final Flash: Awkward chapter. Feels very much like Iwashiro is readying the series for an earlier-than-anticipated end.
Bakuman 93
[chapter link]
Fantastic facial expression right off the bat. Iwase is becoming a strong antagonist.
Hell hath no fury...
Azuki is either being extremely bold or affirming as strongly as possible that she and Mashiro can’t meet again until they’ve achieved their dreams. This lends credence to the idea that Bakuman could be a comparatively short series, as it would feel odd for these two not to meet again for a long time.
Excellent backbone displayed by Miura in his meeting with Iwase. His involvement in his new role has been a question mark, but he’s obviously up to the task.
These series that are being rattled off in passing sound amusing. Who wouldn’t want to read Catalogue God John?
I’m not sure I like how the stipulation attached to PCP’s publishing run is being spread around so quickly. For Ashirogi to know it is one thing, since they need to be coming up with ideas good enough to keep the series alive, but I don’t like Miura, Iwase, or particularly Eiji knowing it. It cheapens the aspect of competition if everyone realizes that Ashirogi are under greater pressure.
Interesting phone call from Iwase. It seems she still has her wits about her enough to realize that winning doesn’t mean much if your competition isn’t fighting at full strength. Still, I hope she doesn’t completely slide into a more peaceful rival role, but instead adds a touch of respect to her intensity regarding Takagi.
Final Flash: Strange chapter. Iwase is a good character, but all this focus on her results in a disappointing lack of the sense of competition between Ashirogi and Eiji.
Kimi no Iru Machi 96
[chapter link]
Haruto not only saw the excellent opportunity to stand up for Eba, but he showed the decisiveness to act on it. Well done.
Screentone: Not always a good choice.
My poor eyes
Bizarre conversation between Kiyomi and Haruto.
Two characters in a romance series simultaneously realizing and agreeing that they are stupid generally leads to romantic hints between the two. Please, do not let this happen.
Kiyomi’s “apology” is quite funny, and she follows it up with an outright declaration of war over Kazama. My fears over her introduction have been relieved.
Final Flash: In comparison to the last few months, this is an uncharacteristically direct chapter; no coincidence that this is one of the better chapters in recent memory.
Fairy Tail 191
[chapter link]
I’m not sure how I feel about the female being reduced to the role of “cleric,” but it’s nice to see Wendy as an integral part of the action.
Missile arrays feel out of place in a magical fantasy series.
Natsu had to save poor little Wendy after all. When she was introduced, I was hoping Mashima had finally created a female character strong enough to stand on relatively even terms with Natsu. She even had the Dragonslayer title backing her up. Ultimately, though, it seems like she’s being firmly cast as support, even in the hierarchy of Dragonslayers.
The Dragonslayers’ ability to eat magic continues to play a far too important role in climactic fights.
No argument here
Black Heaven? Does Mashima not realize that’s the name of a different series? Someone should have given him a cautionary warning.
Mystogan was defeated on purpose. Garbage.
I’ve heard of lazy eyes, but lazy eye sockets? It might just be an optical illusion caused by the facepaint, but something seems horribly wrong with Mystogan’s facial structure here:
Awkward art
About time Erza v Erza is beginning to be settled. This should have happened chapters ago.
Final Flash: A couple moments of decent action, and we’re edging closer towards resolution.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 389
[chapter link]
In contrast to last chapter, slight comedy in passing during the fight is acceptable. Ma asking for first aid, followed by Akisame’s stiff rebuke, is amusing.
A strong hint towards the outcome, if not the purpose, of the Eternal Sunset.
All out war forthcoming?
Tremendous display of simultaneous strength and agility from Akisame, in grabbing the spear and preventing its motion. This fight shouldn’t take much longer.
“I have a counter to your counter” is always such a silly line.
Interesting and unique finishing strike. I can’t recall vibration-based attacks being used often in battle manga.
Final Flash: Nice, short battle. Hoping next chapter is the same. These are fun diversions before the main event.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 297
[chapter link]
This is all a direct result of the future arc. That’s rather fitting, actually. Bad begets bad.
Is now really the time to choose an angle to show off Adelheid’s chest?
Poor timing
This Shimon/Vongola backstory is obviously wrong. Suddenly, the silly and out-of-place scene of Lambo knocking Enma’s letter into the trash can makes some kind of sense; it was likely a similar kind of accident that prevented Vongola Primo from helping the Shimon family. That doesn’t make the Lambo/letter scene any more acceptable, nor does that plot resolution stand on its own as acceptable either, since that would draw yet another needless parallel between Tsuna and Vongola Primo.
It’s completely impossible to look badass and menacing with these two in your group:
Standing out for all the wrong reasons
Final Flash: Predictable backstory, predictable antagonizing speech, predictable showdown.
Naruto 501
[chapter link]
No more Naruto and Sasuke scenes, please. Even as babies. Actually, especially not as babies.
This is still brutal. Poor Naruto. Nothing goes significantly right for him for a good twelve years.
Manga's unluckiest baby?
I’m admittedly a little confused as to the exact mechanics with which Madara frees the Kyuubi. He uses the Sharingan to peer directly within Kushina right to the Kyuubi, which then somehow strengthens it to the point of breaking the seal himself? The pillars surrounding Kushina don’t seem to have any particular markings that would indicate a jutsu of some kind. I’m willing to accept that Madara is capable of freeing Kyuubi, but I’d appreciate a little more clarity.
It’s unfortunate the only time we get to see Minato in action is when he’s nowhere near fighting at full strength, given his concern for Naruto and Kushina.
Very sad last couple pages.
Final Flash: Fairly good chapter. This flashback has been sad, but its impact has been lessened by Madara’s lack of legitimacy as a villain.
GE ~ Good Ending 41
[chapter link]
Last chapter was immensely disappointing. Now, the results of Seiji and Yuki overhearing what should never have been said.
It’s bad enough that Shou is back in the harem; it’s worse that her friend is creating a terrible misunderstanding.
That's right. Keep melting.
Yuki’s lack of ambition and drive to chase after Seiji even a little is frustrating. I realize her natural inhibitions, and I also realize that Shou is far more than a casual acquaintance to her, but Yuki shouldn’t just allow a love rival an opportunity like this. She should be fighting for her love in some capacity, even if not overtly.
Major question at the end of the chapter. This is a perfect chance to get the harem back down to a love triangle, but I have little faith in the author after last chapter. I hope to be proven wrong.
Final Flash: Slightly better than last chapter, but the story is still treading water. Seiji must forget about moving forward without hurting anyone, and simply go after Yuki.
Bleach 411
[chapter link]
Background of the week
What a miserable cover page. Your mascara is running, Ichigo.
Incredibly dull and predictable conversation. “I have to beat you?” / “No, you must become me.” is grade school-level fanfiction tripe.
Still in the Deicide naming scheme, inexplicably.
Last week’s twist is revealed to be… Don Kanonji? … why? That’s not funny, or shocking, or relevant, or meaningful to the story, or…
He didn’t lose to Aizen. Don Kanonji wasn’t instantly killed by Aizen. This is beyond laughable. Pathetic is too soft a term. Give him a Bankai, while you’re at it. In fact, can he get his own Hougyoku?
Twist of the week
Matsumoto, again. This is outright infuriating. Kill her off already. Be done with it.
Final Flash: Ink on paper.
One Piece 591
[chapter link]
A Crocus and Rayleigh bath scene is one of the last things I expected to see.
Not content with a mere appearance on the cover page, Rayleigh is back, proving his immeasurable awesomeness by swimming the Calm Belt.
The attitude of all the women towards Luffy is excellent.
(ahem)
Equally excellent (or perhaps moreso) is Hancock’s misunderstanding regarding marriage.
Pity that Law is leaving, especially considering that he might have some unexpected knowledge regarding the Will of D. Of course, he’s a great character all around, too. He’ll be missed, but it’s better to leave the audience wanting more of him than giving us too much. This is probably the right amount of exposure for an individual Supernova, for now.
Ominous words
Interesting to discover that Rayleigh cared for the Boa sisters after their escape from servitude.
Confirmation that Kuma as we knew him was working for the Revolutionary Army. Who knows what condition he’s in now, but it’s good to finally have closure on part of his reasoning.
Shakky’s unreasonable accuracy makes Hancock joining the crew a tiny bit more possible.
Actual scenes of the crew! Their reactions are just right, as well.
Attention Toei: I would not mind filler if it focused on the adventures of Fat Usopp and Herculesn. Also, feel free to further investigate the fascinating biology of this island.
As always, when it is most called for, Usopp provides the true manliness of a sworn brotherhood. His impassioned words are perfect.
Chopper(man) has brought peace to the Torino Kingdom. Fantastic.
The last panel of the chapter is the best one. Predictions welcome on the new bounty.
Show us, Chopper!
Final Flash: Excellent chapter all around, and an exciting cliffhanger.
Beamcast – July 5
[download link – 119min, 48mb]
In this week’s show:
News
To Love-Ru -Trouble- gets more anime
Funimation and Viz licensing announcements
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood movie
Weekly Oricon rankings (6/21 – 6/27)
New releases
[anime]
D.Gray-man Season 1 Complete (DVD) $69.98
Eyeshield 21: 2 (Sub.DVD; eps. 14-26) $49.98
Hayate no Gotoku! 6 (Sub.DVD) $39.99
One Piece Season 3 Part 1 (DVD; eps.144-156) $49.98
[manga]
Dragon Ball: Chapter Book (vol.9) $4.99
Naruto: Chapter Book (vol.14) $4.99
Eyeshield 21 (vol.32) $9.99
Kekkaishi (vol.22) $9.99
One Piece (vol.54) $9.99
Prince of Tennis (vol.38) $9.99
Reborn! (vol.16) $9.99
Shaman King (vol.29) $9.99
Ultimate Muscle (vol.26) $9.99
Current/Classic Reviews
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi
Hikaru no Go
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Haruno Sakura (Naruto)
Nami (One Piece)
Kuchiki Rukia (Bleach)
Bulma (Dragon Ball)
Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Kagurazaka Asuna (Mahou Sensei Negima!)
Yukimura Tokine (Kekkaishi)
Kagome (InuYasha)
Gasai Yuno (Mirai Nikki)
Sanzen’in Nagi (Hayate no Gotoku!)
Anime Discussion
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 1)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep.1)
This Week in Manga
0:57:50 – Naruto 500
1:01:43 – Bleach 410
1:08:24 – One Piece 590
1:14:54 – Bakuman 92
1:18:30 – Beelzebub 67
1:23:05 – Fairy Tail 190
1:25:48 – Hayate no Gotoku! 278
1:27:04 – Kekkaishi 312
1:28:44 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 388
1:30:38 – Toriko 100-101
1:33:10 – The World God Only Knows 104
1:34:28 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 294
1:36:41 – Psyren 125
1:39:51 – Zettai Karen Children 222
1:41:55 – Hajime no Ippo 899
1:44:51 – AR∀GO 26
1:46:54 – GE ~ Good Ending 40
1:49:42 – Metallica Metalluca 6
1:51:57 – SWOT 1 (new series!)
1:54:21 – D.Gray-man 196
1:54:47 – Gintama 313
1:55:11 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 296
1:55:53 – Kimi no Iru Machi 95
1:56:38 – Nurarihyon no Mago 111-112
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
Comments / questions / additions? Email the show.
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Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Psyren 125
[chapter link]
Glad to see Kabuto is coming. He’s an important character in the series.
I’d appreciate some progress in the relationship between Yoshina and Amamiya, but unfortunately, the story has deviated so far away from that plot thread that showing it now feels out of place.
I find it strange that Ageha is already training for a new power when we’ve yet to see Melchsee’s Door fully explored. I’m okay with the idea that Ageha isn’t strong enough, but I would have liked for that conclusion to be drawn after extensive use of his existing power.
Another current series with a time-warping training arc. This one may not be within the confines of a specific room, but the concept is still the same.
It may work in some series, but I don’t want to see the villains humanized in Psyren. Less of the girl hugging Junas, please.
Some more setup, and that’s it. Not the most exciting of chapters.
Final Flash: A couple decent moments, but mostly a letdown from the last few chapters.
Kimi no Iru Machi 95
[chapter link]
Another girl? The main trio needs to stay intact. Haruto must win Eba back from Kazama on his own, without any kind of interference.
Despite this, Kiyomi presents an interesting side to Eba that the audience hasn’t been shown. Surely, Kiyomi is altering things slightly because of her own feelings, but these claims can’t be entirely unfounded.
A meeting with both girls? Seems like an intervention, even. This can’t end well.
Indeed, it hasn’t. A slap is a pretty strong way to announce yourself as part of the main cast of the series.
Hello, I am relevant
Final Flash: Kiyomi’s introduction elicits mixed feelings from me. On one hand, she’s instantly cultivating development in Eba’s character. On the other hand, she provides a possible resolution to the love triangle (Haruto/Eba, Kazama/Kiyomi) that would feel cheap compared to Haruto being able to win back Eba through his own efforts.
Beelzebub 67
[chapter link]
Excellent cover page.
Poor Baby Beel! His unbelievably cool moment was overshadowed by Miki jumping the gun. Furuichi cowering makes up for it, though.
Poor son of the devil
Oga is taking an interesting approach to this fight. He’s active but somewhat non-committal.
We don’t get to see Miki’s big move? Disappointing.
Oga is beat up but still fairly nonchalant. Keeping the action hidden from the audience that seems the wrong approach here. It only serves to weaken the image of Miki, while doing nothing to reinforce Oga’s strength. Nobody wins.
Final Flash: A misstep for this series. Everything to do with Miki has resulted in mishandled potential.
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