Archive
Lock On! 15
[chapter link]
P3, top-right: Regarding the fact that they’re in the same club, why hasn’t that actually manifested into a storyline? Getting the required signatures was such a major plot point before it actually happened. Now that the photography club has been formalized, the concept of its advantages and legitimacy has vanished.
For the record, I’m still just as embarrassed by the art in this series as I ever was; I just comment on it less because I don’t want to repeat myself. It hasn’t improved in the slightest.
Another new character. I suppose that’s not terrible, but I’d like to see a little development in those we already have.
This guy feels entirely flavor-of-the-week, but the “Hottie” tips are fine for a cheap laugh.
That chart might not apply as well to relationships outside of Japan.
Fortunately, Ikeya is being used as a catalyst to spark a little character growth between Utsuru and Niko. If that’s how new characters will be used, bring them on.
Heartfelt moments work better when characters don’t have a character trait as obviously bizarre as a differently-colored eye. Or a massive nosebleed. Or with backgrounds. (Sorry, had to get it in there.)
Final Flash: Still a subpar series, but chapters like these are acceptable. If the mangaka can do nothing about the art, I hope he’ll at least continue to focus on character development.
Weekly Power Rankings – 5/30 – 6/5
Naruto 498
[chapter link]
Good punchline from Naruto’s mom. Good punch, too.
Naruto realizing who she is and hugging her is a pretty touching moment. Well done.
“Just thinking how glad I am to see my mom’s a babe!” Uh… Naruto…
On the other hand, “You definitely take after me!” is a great line.
Her chakra being special will surely come into play shortly.
The flashback scene is sweet, but it’s also thought-provoking. It makes me consider the possibilities of the Naruto story without Sasuke. Minato certainly seemed to do well for himself without a pouting, unconvincing rival-turned-villain that taints what plot he touches.
Excellent last page.
Final Flash: Very nice chapter. One of the few instances I’ve found myself accepting a break in intense action.
Bleach 407
[chapter link]
Without any detail on those rocks, it looks like Aizen and Gin are walking between giant teeth.
Aizen attacking things for the sake of attacking them is an improvement. It may not be great, but at least he’s acting in some fashion, rather than just slowly allowing things to happen around him.
Ichigo has been rendered useless. It’s one thing to keep your protagonist realistically challenged by new opponents so s/he can evolve over the course of the series. It’s another thing entirely to completely limit the hero until obvious training arcs, then issue him/her a standard level-up. If the strength progression of the main character in good shonen manga were to be graphed, it would curve upward, or at least be linear; the same graph for Bleach would look like stairs.
Speaking of training arcs…
Also, on that point: Really? The final Getsuga Tenshou? How about a different move?
Final Flash: Not much to judge here. Nothing happened.
One Piece 588
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Lovely color page!
Oh… no. Right away, too.
When the Tenryuubito, as an entire organization, finally get the revenge that is coming to them, it will be a glorious day for fans worldwide.
‘Ace just ate his Devil Fruit’ theory nullified. Both Ace and Luffy will get to see Sabo’s fate together.
Does anyone else doubt Sabo’s death? Everyone’s treating it as a certainty, but we never saw his corpse. I’m extremely hesitant to pronounce him dead.
Only discovering Ace’s similarities to Roger now is all the more difficult considering his eventual fate.
Regardless of what actually happened to Sabo, it’s sad to see Ace and Luffy like this.
One theory down, another fueled: The crossed-out ‘S’ on Sabo’s letter is the reason behind Ace’s tattoo. (Not my theory, mind you, but a good one.)
“Endless lamentation,” indeed. What a flashback.
Final Flash: With the break next week, it seems the flashback is done, but the angst may not quite be over yet. Luffy still needs to recover. I still believe Sabo has survived, and will soon meet with Luffy.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 385
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Garyuu X has muscles on his muscles. Ridiculous.
During all this insanity, it’s interesting to note that Garyuu X dodged the bullets instead of letting them bounce off him. Nearly all of this is completely unbelievable, but at least the author is making an attempt to keep this grounded in some semblance of realism.
Of course Niijima has night-vision goggles. Why wouldn’t he?
It’s Raoh! Wait, wrong series.
The fanservice as Shigure catches the lance is a little strong.
Someone willing to directly stand up to the masters? They lack serious rivals (or, those who have rivals rarely see them), so I’m enjoying this. That said, prepare to die, whoever you are.
Everyone will have an individual fight after all. Fantastic.
Final Flash: Fun chapter, and either the last or second-to-last setup chapter before the fights begin. It’s time.
Fairy Tail 187
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Another double false advertisement on this week’s cover page. First, it says “Climax of the Edolas Arc” again, and second, there’s an attractive female. Don’t try to fool me into thinking I want to read this.
There’s still a small chance Mashima could pull a decent twist and have this Erza actually be the Edolas Erza. Doubtful, but possible.
Never mind. Hopes die quickly when reading Fairy Tail.
Okay yes, thank you, everyone and their mother knew that this would happen. Please don’t waste any more pages explaining what was painfully obvious.
Unsurprisingly, Knightwalker is still able to fight. Also unsurprisingly, some kind of cataclysmic event is happening that the cast will have to race against time to prevent. This happens in every arc.
Gazille’s fight is looking like it might be interrupted by the arrival of the cast. This must not happen. Allow the few interesting characters in this series their time to shine.
Final Flash: The “climax” remark seems closer to the truth this time, but we’re still not there. At least two fights plus one catastrophe-avoiding Natsu moment to go.
ColossalCon 2010 Addendum
Huge thanks to everyone who attended all Shonen Beam-affiliated panels at ColossalCon 2010! You were absolutely fantastic audiences; I hope that you enjoyed attending the panels as much as I enjoyed delivering them.
As promised, here is the full list of titles covered in the History of Shonen panel. Series in bold indicate the more notable or influential series, not necessarily quality. If you’re using the list to expand your knowledge of shonen as a whole, I would recommend you start by reading the series in bold (or at least becoming suitably familiar with them), then filling in the gaps from there.
I must ask that no one use my work for any purpose other than personal reference and enjoyment without my permission.
History of Shonen – Series List
Series discussed in the Evolution of Shonen panel include:
Cyborg 009
Dororo
Ashita no Joe
GeGeGe no Kitaro
Violence Jack
Mazinger Z
Fist of the North Star
City Hunter
Rurouni Kenshin
Dragon Ball
Slam Dunk
Great Teacher Onizuka
YuYu Hakusho
Naruto
Bleach
Death Note
Also, I’ll look into creating a forum, since some of you showed interest in a community.
Thanks again for attending. Hope to see you around the site and at future conventions!
Beamcast – June 7
[download link – 108min, 54mb]
In this week’s show:
News
To Aru Majutsu no Index receives second anime season
One Piece Strong World DVD/Blu-ray release info
One Piece / Schick collaboration
Studio 4°C to animate new Thundercats
Weekly Oricon rankings
Oricon rankings – First half 2010
New releases
[anime]
Moribito: Premium Box (DVD) $129.99
UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie – Seasons 3 + 4 S.A.V.E. (DVD) $19.99
Current/Classic Reviews
Bakuman
Law of Ueki
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Son Goku (Dragon Ball)
Kujo Jotaro (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Urameshi Yusuke (YuYu Hakusho)
Asakura Yoh (Shaman King)
Onizuka Eikichi (Great Teacher Onizuka)
Ueki Kousuke (Law of Ueki)
Hanabishi Recca (Flame of Recca)
Kimura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin)
Kazuma (Scryed)
Vash the Stampede (Trigun)
This Week in Manga
0:49:02 – Bleach 406
0:53:36 – One Piece 587
0:58:31 – Naruto 497
1:02:45 – Bakuman 88
1:07:23 – Beelzebub 62-63
1:10:17 – Hayate no Gotoku! 274
1:12:07 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 290-291
1:16:29 – Psyren 121
1:19:15 – Hajime no Ippo 896
1:22:23 – Zettai Karen Children 219
1:24:16 – Gamaran 50
1:29:42 – Lock On! 14
1:30:45 – Toriko 96-97
1:34:29 – Metallica Metalluca 3
1:37:52 – AR∀GO 21
1:40:01 – Deadman Wonderland 35
1:41:43 – D.Gray-man 195
1:42:39 – GE ~ Good Ending 36
1:43:32 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 292
1:44:19 – Kimi no Iru Machi 92
1:45:22 – Nurarihyon no Mago 107
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
Comments / questions / additions? Email the show.
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Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Kimi no Iru Machi 92
[chapter link]
Aftermath of the declaration of war. This series could finally be going somewhere.
As heartless as it might seem in the moment, Haruto is absolutely doing the right thing. It would be more demeaning (both to Kazama as a character and to the readers) to hold back because Kazama is sick. Furthermore, it would be far worse to see Haruto and Eba reunited after Kazama dies.
As expected, Kazama is up for the challenge.
Nagoshi’s flustering is so cute. It’s a pity she wasn’t in the series when she could have been a significant love interest.
On the same note, Mishima is fantastic. She’s easily my favorite character of the series right now.
Nagoshi! How adorable. Sorry, young lady, but Haruto is busy spending time with the girl he should end up with. You’ll have to wait. (Please feel free to continue being appallingly cute in the interim.)
Final Flash: A glimmer of hope! This series is finally starting to progress the main storyline and move out of pure angst. I’m fine with a little angst, as long as its relevant, but we’ve had to endure far too much angst for too long.
Bakuman 88
[chapter link]
Hattori, no! You’re perfect for the job!
I’m glad to see Fukuda is still trying to compete with Eiji and Ashirogi. He’s a fun character who deserves some more spotlight.
Chief is one of the more complex characters of this series. He’s in a position where he must stand up for Shueisha, and is rightfully pessimistic towards Ashirogi, yet he is clearly kind enough to allow them the chance they took. Surely, Perfect Crime Club will be competing with Eiji before 25 chapters.
I want an Otters 11 figure. Please don’t let me down, Shueisha merchandising department.
Hiramaru’s obsession with Aoki Ko is priceless. He even gets a phone call this chapter! Maybe he has a chance. … maybe. (…)
Within a few panels of having met up with Ashirogi again, Hattori is already proving why he’s invaluable to them.
Considering how much of the focus has been on the stories Ashirogi have come up with lately, it’s refreshing to see so much focus on Mashiro’s art.
Miura ended up growing on me. It took quite a while, but I’m just a little sad to see him leave. That said, I’m far more happy to see Hattori return.
Takagi providing only the text is a fantastic idea, as already evidenced by Mashiro posing in a manner befitting of Eiji.
The last panel of the chapter is perfect! I can think of no better role for Iwase than the spurned girl. Extremely happy about this turn of events.
Final Flash: Great chapter. Watching Ashirogi try to be serialized again was quite good, but there’s a completely different kind of excitement about watching them actually create.
Naruto 497
[chapter link]
For all this series’ missteps over the last couple years, the Naruto vs. Kyuubi cover art on this issue of Shonen Jump makes this feel like a truly monumental chapter. Let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint.
Naruto rapping to himself is not exactly the start I’d hoped for.
P4: What a fantastic spread. Excellently drawn. This is what power looks like, Kubo.
Gargantuan Rasengan? I would love to see this against a different type of opponent.
I shouldn’t be surprised that Naruto can lift Kyuubi, but I admit I am, if only a little. He’s grown so much since the last time we’ve really seen him interact with Kyuubi.
P11: Another excellent action scene. Great use of white space, speed lines, and slight sketch-art. Kubo and Togashi could both take note.
This entire chakra tug-of-war thing may never have been explained, but it’s being used in an interesting fashion.
What?! Out of nowhere, Naruto’s mother. Consider me surprised.
Final Flash: I am legitimately impressed by this chapter. Superb art, good plot progression, and a genuinely interesting twist. It wasn’t flawless, but this chapter proves to me that Kishimoto still remembers how to make enjoyable manga.
One Piece 587
[chapter link]
What a puzzling cover page. Den Den Mushi require watering, apparently.
Oda can draw such perfectly ugly people when the situation calls for it.
Bluejam is an interesting case within the world of One Piece. We’ve become used to treating pirates as de facto “good guys” and regarding the World Government as the true evil, but every once in a while, a pirate like Bluejam comes along that reminds us that the people of this world are rather sensible for considering pirates evil. Bluejam is hardly the first case of this happening, but it’s refreshing to see someone like him now and again.
Ace used Haki. Wow.
Dadan! I was wondering where she’d been all this time.
It’s such a weird feeling to see ‘death flags’ popping up left and right for characters we know survive this flashback.
An explosion and a path? Dragon, likely. 15 pages in, I was hoping to have seen more of him. Any of him, really.
There he is. It was Ivankov after all. Although… there has not yet been confirmation that Ivankov is not Luffy’s mom…
Kuma?! Whoa. Also, I guarantee at least one of those silhouettes is someone notable. Particularly, the silhouette with the sword in front of Kuma, or the other hulking mass beside him.
Sabo! I am unbelievably happy he lives. Surely, he will tie us back to the present. Expect a reunion between Sabo and Luffy soon. I anticipate brief commiseration of Ace’s death, followed by Sabo cheering up Luffy enough to continue his journey and meet up with the crew.
Final Flash: We’re almost done with this flashback, and it’s been well worth the time spent. Fantastic.
Bleach 406
[chapter link]
A bunch of white space in the first panel? Hello, Bleach!
Unsurprisingly, Aizen is unscathed. Can he just take over the world or whatever it is he’s trying to do already? I think I’m far from alone in being ready for the next arc.
Gin is the ombudsman of Bleach. All legitimate complaints about Ichigo are being channeled into the series through Gin.
Of course, we don’t actually get to see Aizen take out those three. I understand the effect Kubo is going for — Aizen has some sort of massive, overwhelming, incomprehensible strength that Ichigo needs to visually discover firsthand later — but this storytelling effect is weaker than if we were able to see Aizen demolish Isshin, Yoruichi, and Kisuke. Given the state of Bleach, and given Aizen’s complete lack of credibility as a villain, I’d prefer ‘Aizen legitimized through sheer power’ to ‘mysterious strength’ any day.
Aizen’s questioning of Gin lends further credibility to the idea that Gin has his own motives. If Ichigo is somehow an important part of Aizen’s plans, Gin trying both to scare him off and to kill him would put him directly at odds with Aizen.
Oh, neat. Aizen has a face again.
Isshin isn’t down for the count? Kubo can’t even have Aizen play the ‘mysterious strength’ angle correctly.
Final Flash: Unbelievably pleased to be done with this arc. The future does not look bright yet, but at least we’re changing settings.
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