Archive
Beelzebub 66
[chapter link]
Young Oga is so far proving to be hilarious (bragging about the Buddha, explaining his logic behind claiming the big Katsu).
Oga was even kind enough to Miki back then to go help him out. There must be some major shock or huge misunderstanding coming, because at this point, present-day Miki seems unreasonable.
You might want to get that hand of yours checked out, flashback baddie. It doesn’t look normal.
Unhealthy
Those fingernails weren’t just for show, fortunately. Also, I know nails are sharp, but I question if they’re strong enough to be used in this manner without breaking… not that I’m attempting to question realism in a series about the son of the devil.
The most evil face in shonen?
There’s the misunderstanding. Oga is pretending he doesn’t know Miki, for Miki’s own sake. Meanwhile, Miki, who has been seeking acceptance from Oga, takes Oga’s act the wrong way. The scenario is straightforward but effective.
Well, straightforward with an Oga twist, which implies violence.
Final Flash: As long as this flashback doesn’t last much longer, it’s an acceptable explanation for Miki’s actions, which also provides him with the means to redeem himself in the near future.
GE ~ Good Ending 39
[chapter link]
Seiji’s maturity goes a long way to separate this series from generic, “harem”-style romantic comedy. Unfortunately, as he’s made being aware, he’s also a little too oblivious to the circumstances in such series that cause jealousy and confusion.
Talk about going on the offensive. Oonuma certainly isn’t holding anything back at all. Poor girl. She’s trying so hard for someone so unaware.
Everyday fast food conversation
Lights out. Cue intimate scenario.
I would enjoy Oonuma’s part of the story considerably more if the author explored her anxiety instead of only pushing her sexuality. She has taken her friend’s advice to heart, and is actually following through by trying to use her body to her advantage, but she still seems reserved and conflicted about doing so. While ecchi and fanservice have their place in this kind of story, I hope to see them complemented by character analysis.
Needs more internal monologue
Final Flash: A rather token chapter, the entire purpose of which was to reestablish romantic tension between Seiji and Yuki.
Bakuman 91
[chapter link]
Well done of Hattori to try to cool down Ashirogi’s focus on popularity. The most popular art in any medium is born from passion, not from an intent to fabricate success.
Fukuda is trying a racing series? That would certainly be interesting in the pages of real-world Shonen Jump. It’s a genre that isn’t often explored in popular shonen magazines.
I really like Fukuda. His ambition, sense of competition, and determination should earn him some more spotlight.
So much wrong here
I’d give so much for a real-life publication of one issue of the fictional Shonen Jump in Bakuman. On top of how creative the series are, Obata makes the covers look excellent.
Kaya, adorable as always
Road Racer seems to be going over well. While I obviously hope for Perfect Crime Party to do the best, Fukuda deserves some success.
P7, bottom panels: Obata has clearly given the internet a new “reaction face” picture set. I’ve cleaned the speech bubbles for you; fill in your own blanks, internet.
Get ready to see this everywhere
P10: Glorious reaction. Everything about this two-page spread is excellent. Mashiro’s reaction, Takagi trying to keep quiet, Kaya not wanting to be overlooked, Hattori incredulous, etc. Fantastic page.
Racer is being serialized! Excellent news.
We get another peek at Iwase, in her now-common fury. This is a nice scene, but we’ve had a few like it before. It’s time to explore her further as a character.
PCP got more votes than Crow. Tremendous sign.
P17: Absolutely stunning page. Incredible.
Very few series could effectively follow such a touching and beautiful moment with a truly funny scene. Bakuman is one of those series.
No longer serious
Final Flash: Overwhelmingly excellent chapter.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 295
[chapter link]
Great detail on the castle.
It’s been different for some time now, but it’s still hard to believe just how much Amano’s art style has changed. Compare a scene in this chapter with one from chapter 22. (Click to enlarge.)
Chapter 295
Chapter 22
Naito Longchamp hasn’t been around for at least a couple hundred chapters. Nice to see Amano hasn’t forgotten her minor characters.
Speaking of the art, the major flaw of Amano’s current style is that, at times, the details can devolve. It doesn’t get quite as sketch-like as Hunter x Hunter, but it’s still inconsistent.
Example of loose artwork
Amusing scene between Dino, Squalo, and Tsuna.
The rest of the chapter is just the assembling of the main cast for the pivotal moment during the ceremony.
Nice final spread.
Final Flash: Some nice character reappearances, but almost entirely a setup chapter.
One Piece 589
[chapter link]
P5, bottom-right panel: Oh dear. As bittersweet and awkward as some previous flashback moments were, this is just outright heartbreaking.
Zoro cameo!
Finally, time is moving forward. Rather than jumping back directly to the present, though, the short timeskips are a nice touch.
P9: Difficult page. Ace and Luffy imagining that Sabo is watching them is quite sad.
Even if you can’t read kana, who painted which sign should be abundantly clear:
Cute craftsmanship
Makino! Nice to see her every once in a while, even if she’s never had much of a role defined for her.
Even Dadan succumbs to the traditional One Piece crying farewell.
I count three entire Woop Slap panels this chapter.
Crushing final page. Luffy’s sadness feels so much more defined after this flashback. Well done, Oda.
Final Flash: Great chapter. This was an unexpected but quality way to bring the focus back to the present. Overall, it was also a great flashback, but it’s time to move on.
Bleach 409
[chapter link]
P1: Even color pages are mostly white.
Interesting choice of characters to feature on the color cover, considering we haven’t seen them in so long.
P3: In this week's chapter...
Ichigo’s drowning! This is the best chapter in years!
Oh, wait, nevermind. He’s being rescued by another pretty-boy.
I appeal to a demographic
Was Zangetsu not attractive enough for the audience? I understand the idea that Ichigo entered into his realm while in bankai, so something might look different, but I disapprove of this specific redesign.
* Panel might not actually be canon
P13: Isshin isn’t really serving any kind of purpose by explaining this. His words are intended to create suspense, but instead, he only comes off as a know-it-all, boasting that he has already experienced this and understands what’s happening.
The prospect of learning about the motivation and history behind zanpakutou is less than exciting.
“How much longer until Ichigo learns his new technique…?” indeed. Also, how much longer until Aizen does anything? Legitimately menacing antagonists act; they don’t casually stroll from place to place.
Final Flash: It’s flawed, but this training arc is still markedly better than the last arc.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 387
[chapter link]
It seems this chapter may be exempt from the new, image-heavier review method, given Matsuena’s apparent desire to flaunt Shigure’s nipples at every opportunity.
Well, she had the decency to put on a jacket. Something tells me that won’t help much with the nudity.
The Knight somehow managed to pierce only the chain mail covering one of Shigure’s nipples. This is rather embarrassing fanservice.
Shigure is standing on the seat her motorcycle while it’s doing a wheelie on the front wheel. The fanservice may be plentiful, but so is the excellent action.
There goes the rest of the chain mail. Completely exposed breasts in a shonen magazine. The definition changes with the times, I suppose.
P14: You never attacked my mouse? That’s just a silly line.
Time will tell if this surrender is honorable or just a ploy.
Final Flash: The proportion of fanservice to action was way off. This began as a hugely promising fight, but (assuming it’s truly over) never fully satisfied.
Toriko 99
[chapter link]
[scanlation by Hi Wa Mata Noboru]
Toriko’s question has shocked everyone out of their Century Soup-induced stupor. This shows the relative importance of a Full Course, specifically in relation to Toriko. The statement of disbelief by Match reinforces this thought.
This is exactly the kind of determination Komatsu has needed to keep up with Toriko. His character would be ruined if he became too strong or confident, but he’s been too much the lackey and not enough the partner to Toriko.
Confident Komatsu
The Century Soup plaque being affixed to Toriko’s Full Course is just begging to be animated. The last hint of a possibility of a Toriko anime was at last Jump Festa; it’s unfortunate we have yet to receive any more word.
Evidently Match lives in the Fist of the North Star part of the world:
 Toriko |
 Fist of the North Star |
The Disease Principal diet is a great concept. Toriko doesn’t exactly make it clear if this diet is exclusive to Aimaru or if others follow it, but regardless, it’s worth being explored further. Hopefully Aimaru will get a little more exposition.
Meanwhile, Sani has been training with Yosaku… and by “training with,” I apparently mean “being destroyed by.” It’s good that Sani’s storyline is proceeding simultaneously. The rest of the Heavenly Kings have been out of the picture for quite some time, given the Ice Hell arc.
More Century Soup faces. Cute.
Final Flash: Important chapter for both Toriko and Komatsu, and some good backstory.
Fairy Tail 189
[chapter link]
It’s The Disbeliever! This generic shonen character is generally a decent soul who fights for the wrong side because a hardened heart limits his/her willpower, which, in such generic shonen series, is usually the primary source of energy. S/he provides constant negative reinforcement to the protagonist (and associated group, if applicable) for continuing to fight, because defeating the major antagonist is “impossible.” Proving this character wrong is a primary function of the protagonist.
The Disbeliever
Is there anything more inspiring than a flock of crying winged cats in flight? … actually, don’t answer that.
Lily crying could have been a pivotal, touching moment if his character type wasn’t so overused, therefore making his eventual breakdown obvious. Also, he’s still a cat. Are you crying because Mufasa died, Lily?
Honestly, I’m not trying to unfairly criticize this series. The entirety of Fairy Tail is still enjoyable, but because of its solid action and good core group of characters. A little element of the unusual is acceptable, but that element must complement the series, rather than overwhelm it. A few cat characters (Happy, Charle) in the grand scheme of a series are acceptable. A parallel world full of cat civilizations, cat government, cat conflict and cat plot is not. If, before reading Fairy Tail, all you knew about it was the following picture, would you have read it?
Not what we signed up for
Mystogan saves the day. I’m a little torn on this. It’s great that Natsu isn’t the strongest character in Fairy Tail (the guild), but Mystogan is one of those characters whose amazing strength and ability is only told to us and never fully shown. Having him come and solve a major problem is okay, but it would be better to see him more involved, to demonstrate his skill for the audience.
Lily’s expression as he is shot is more comical than pained.
Bizarro Erza isn’t finished yet. Seems like a major battle will ensue between the swarms following behind her and the cats. Hopefully Erza v. Erza will be a suitable focal point.
Final Flash: Standard flashback and standard exposition for a standard character.
The Edolas arc
Lock On! 17
[chapter link]
First chapter review since finding out this series is being canceled. The experience of reading a work that is known to end before it intended is always surreal.
It’s difficult to reconcile Niko’s heartfelt expression of her past problems with the cheap sexual harassment jokes that precede it and the “setting of the week” dojo that follows it.
I must say, I didn’t expect Utsuru’s shutter-eye to be used to nab a groper. That by itself isn’t a terrible plot device (though it’s far from a great one), but the way it’s being used is a microcosm of the overall problems with Lock On!: Poor execution of acceptable ideas. Casting someone important from Niko’s past as the groper is a fair choice, but for this revelation to carry any weight, the character in question needs to have been established as a positive figure for Niko. Instead, the introduction, conflict, and resolution all to take place within a single hurried chapter. As a result, any intended shock is weakened to the point that this chapter feels shallow, as though the author is throwing one of a dozen available plot devices at his audience, in hopes that this one will win them over.
On the positive side, this chapter has provided some overall storyline progression: Niko’s trust in Utsuru continues to grow, as evidenced by her accusal of her former teacher based solely on Utsuru’s claim. I particularly liked the following combination of panels, even without backgrounds, as they conveyed that sense well.
Proof of growing trust
As rushed as this chapter felt, the finishing kick still managed to end up on the last page. If this series is so intent on presenting brief stories, it should at least wrap them up properly within the chapters in which they’re introduced. A chapter like this doesn’t require an “aftermath” chapter the following week.
Final Flash: A potentially good storyline let down by insecure pacing.
Toriko 98
[chapter link]
[scanlation by Hi Wa Mata Noboru]
Still chilling, even with the delay between releases.
So much for 20 years for each. Of course, we were never going to wait nearly that long, but it’s relieving to see the determination of both Toriko and Komatsu reinforced by such a quick turnaround.
Shimabukuro was generous enough to create a Toriko icon for everyone, right in this chapter:
How kind.
Adorable scene between Komatsu and the penguin. Toriko’s relationship with Terry was sweet, but Toriko is too manly to be this close to an animal.
Shy little Komatsu is receiving worldwide recognition! This is a major step in his development, and in the progression of the overall story. It was apparent that he would be Toriko’s chef/partner, but until now, he hadn’t truly demonstrated his worth. As far as establishing Komatsu as a legitimately important character, this is an excellent chapter.
(Don?) Patch recommends a bodyguard, even. Surely that will be Toriko himself. Or Rin!
Only Toriko could make soup so tantalizing. Shimabukuro does a fantastic job of conveying taste and sensation through text and imagery.
Fantastic reactions from everyone, especially Komatsu as he watches the others.
Komatsu’s Century Soup is good enough for Toriko’s full course, no less!
Final Flash: Truly, a great Komatsu chapter.
Beamcast – June 21 (Special Double Episode!)
[download link – 169min, 69mb]
To compensate for the missed Beamcast last week, we’ve recorded a near-three-hour mega episode! In it, we present a special feature covering the serious recent developments in the world of manga publication. We also catch up on two weeks’ worth of regular news, Oricon rankings, release dates, and most importantly, two weeks’ worth of manga chapters in a deluxe edition of This Week in Manga!
In this week’s show:
Special Feature – The State of Manga Publishing
News
Japan Basketball Association awards Inoue
Bleach simulcast launched on Crunchyroll
Tokyo’s “Nonexistent Youth” bill rejected by assembly
Weekly Comic Bunch to cease publication
Alive mangaka Kawashima Tadashi passes away
Shueisha launches “Naruto’s Forest” campaign
One Piece jeans for sale
Weekly Oricon rankings (5/31 – 6/6; 6/7 – 6/13)
New releases
*Last week
[anime]
Clannad: Complete Collection (DVD) $69.98
Witchblade – Complete Series -Viridian Collection- (DVD) $49.98
X – Complete Series (DVD) $49.98
[manga]
Bamboo Blade (vol. 5) $10.99
Gestalt (vol. 7) $9.99
Hayate the Combat Butler (vol. 15) $9.99
Hero Tales (vol. 3) $10.99
Higurashi When They Cry: Time Killing Arc (vol. 1) $11.99
Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (vol. 6) $10.99
Soul Eater (vol. 3) $10.99
(non-shonen manga)
20th Century Boys (vol. 9) $12.99
Afterschool Charisma (vol. 1) $12.99
Children of the Sea (vol. 3) $14.99
Sumomomo Momomo: The Strongest Bride on Earth (vol. 4) $10.99
Tena on S-String (vol. 3) $10.99
Tenjou Tenge (vol. 19) $9.99
Darker Than Black – omnibus (vol. 1 of 2) $18.99
Fushigi Yuugi (vol. 6) $17.99
*This week
[anime]
Afro Samurai: Complete Murder Sessions (Blu-ray) $39.98
Ah My Goddess: Season 2 (DVD) $49.98
Bleach vol. 29 (DVD) $24.99
Guyver (Blu-ray) $54.98
Heroic Age (DVD) $59.98
La Corda D’oro ~primo passo~ (DVD) $49.99
Mobile Suit Gundam Trilogy (DVD) $39.99
Suzuka – Complete Collection S.A.V.E. Edition (DVD) $19.98
[manga]
Deka Kyoshi (vol. 3) $9.99
Fairy Tail (vol. 11) $10.99
Rappi Rangai / Ninja Girls (vol. 3) $10.99
Samurai Deeper Kyo (vol. 37/38) $14.99
Current/Classic Reviews
Fairy Tail
Flame of Recca
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Uchiha Sasuke (Naruto)
Crocodile (One Piece)
Aizen Sousuke (Bleach)
Freiza (Dragon Ball)
Tommyrod (Toriko)
Shishio Makoto (Rurouni Kenshin)
Asakura Hao (Shaman King)
Gilbert Kent (Hayate no Gotoku!)
Kaguro (Kekkaishi)
Hyoubu Kyousuke (Zettai Karen Children)
Re-tiered this week:
Uzumaki Naruto (Naruto)
This Week in Manga
1:31:58 – One Piece 588
1:35:55 – Naruto 498-499
1:42:41 – Bleach 407-408
1:46:18 – Bakuman 89-90
1:52:03 – Beelzebub 64-65
1:56:53 – Fairy Tail 187-188
2:00:24 – Hayate no Gotoku! 275-276
2:01:56 – Kekkaishi 309-310
2:04:41 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 385-386
2:08:56 – The World God Only Knows 102 (new addition!)
2:12:21 – Gamaran 51
2:14:52 – Psyren 122-123
2:19:40 – Zettai Karen Children 220-221
2:22:14 – AR∀GO 22-23
2:25:45 – Hajime no Ippo 897
2:29:21 – Lock On! 15-16
2:32:47 – GE ~ Good Ending 37-38
2:37:07 – Metallica Metalluca 4-5
2:39:06 – Soul Eater 75
2:40:14 – Deadman Wonderland 36
2:41:18 – Fullmetal Alchemist 108 (end)
2:42:46 – Gintama 310-311
2:43:43 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 293-294
2:44:59 – Kimi no Iru Machi 93-94
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
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Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Lock On! Canceled; SWOT, Oumagadoki Doubutsuen to Debut
Early internet reports indicate that the final chapter of Lock On! will run in Issue 30 of Weekly Shonen Jump, which hits store shelves in Japan on June 28.
Lock On!, the first major series by newcomer mangaka Tsuchida Kenta, never strongly established itself within Jump, but fans of the series could be justified in crying foul over its cancellation prior to Kiben Gakuha, Yotsuya-senpai no Kaidan, another Jump series which debuted a week after Lock On!. Since both series became eligible for fan-voted rankings, Yotsuya has ranked below Lock On! in every week except for two, one of those being the upcoming issue in which Lock On! publishes its last chapter. Yotsuya itself is still far from safe, and could very well be canceled the week after Lock On! ends publication; this depends on whether the Jump editors will treat Hunter x Hunter (again on hiatus) as the other title to move aside in favor of new series. If the editors don’t regard HxH as such, another series would need to be cut to make room for the two debutants, and that series would likely be Yotsuya.
The two new series that will grace Jump are SWOT and Oumagadoki Doubutsuen, both of which received one-shots in Jump in 2009. SWOT, by Sugita Naoya, is a hybrid delinquent / romantic comedy series about a “swot” (defined as a person who spends too much time studying) with lofty ambitions who transfers into a once-prestigious school that has been overrun with delinquents. Soon, he meets a weak boy and a legendary delinquent girl, the latter of which causes him to experience unfamiliar feelings. The other series, Oumagadoki Doubutsuen (“Oumagadoki Zoo”) by Horikoshi Kouhei, is about a clumsy, animal-loving high school girl who applies to work at a nearby zoo which turns out to have a decidedly bizarre secret.
Read the one-shots that preceded each new series: SWOT, Oumagadoki Doubutsuen. (Remember that characters, events, and other plot elements in one-shots may be changed for their series publication.)
Kimi no Iru Machi 94
[chapter link]
Ah, the Beef Stroganoff Trap. The deadliest of traps.
Kazama, like any reasonable person, is rightfully incredulous that Haruto actually made food for his love rival.
P8, top panel: Very hungry now.
There sure has been a considerable focus on Eba disliking tomatoes. I realize it’s a cute way to show Haruto knows Eba well, but it shouldn’t be the only example.
As if it wasn’t already awkward enough that a dying man is having dinner made by his love rival, both in the presence of the girl they love, the dying man just now finds out that his girl used to live with the love rival? Redefining awkward, this.
Haruto might be taking his new, happy approach a little too far at times, but it’s still a tremendous improvement in comparison to the angst earlier this year.
Finally, a crack in Eba’s cold facade. We’re getting somewhere.
Final Flash: Awkward yet cheerful chapter. I’m actually excited for progress again. Pity there’s no chapter next week.
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