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Beelzebub 52
Not surprised that Miki was an old friend of Furuichi. Can’t trust him, though.
Yeah, figured.
Good comedy between the two members of Rokkisei. Oga’s reaction-face is priceless as ever.
A ruler! I love Kunieda.
Final Flash: Excited for this fight. Been a while since we’ve seen Oga himself in some real action.
Bakuman 77
Very interesting conversation between Mashiro and Azuki. Beyond how great it is that they’re talking, even.
“Our love is still growing.” Hooray!
Hattori’s role is growing by the chapter. I’m not complaining whatsoever.
Final Flash: Excellent final page. Excellent chapter.
Hunter x Hunter 300
Gintama began five and a half years after the debut of Hunter x Hunter, yet they both reach chapter 300 in the same week. Really puts all those delays in perspective.
Characters are meeting up again. It feels like we’re going places.
Is Gon finally going to fight someone?
… or is the whole “do this or Gon will kill you” scenario repeating itself? I hope not.
Final Flash: Getting closer to long-anticipated action. Please come soon.
Nurarihyon no Mago 97
Anime in July! Exciting.
Flashback? Or a dream? Interesting if Nura met Hagoromo-Gitsune in the past.
Gyuuki is a character I’d like to see used more.
I’d prefer if there wasn’t a training arc in between fights, thanks. At least keep it short.
Final Flash: Nura does need to improve, but make it quick.
Naruto 486
This week: Running straight at each other – the conclusion!
Ugh, now people are stepping in to stop actual action? And the only remotely notable fight left in the series is being delayed? Terrible.
Horrible, emo, fanfiction-fodder dialogue. Enough already.
Final Flash: A huge step backwards.
Bleach 395
Page 2 and its white space are a prime example of how not to draw manga.
I doubt Kubo could make Yamamoto/Aizen dialogue more boring if he tried.
I don’t care how massive they are; explosions aren’t pure white.
Who is that character on the last page, again? He doesn’t do enough for me to remember him.
Final Flash: This is all one big joke, right? Kubo is a superstar mangaka who barely draws or writes.
One Piece 577
Rayleigh seems to be done coating Thousand Sunny. Now as for the crew returning there…
I’m torn on Akainu. On one hand, someone (presumably Jinbei or Ivankov) defeating him so shortly after his introduction would somewhat demean his status as an admiral, even if he’d already fought Whitebeard. On the other hand, I can’t say I find him a worthwhile enough character to postpone the climax of a fight with him until the distant future.
Oh, Buggy.
Regarding Blackbeard: … that just happened. I don’t think I like this. Really. Those are strange words to hear from me regarding One Piece, but I am not keen on this plot decision.
Final Flash: If anyone can redeem this, it’s Oda, but I am highly apprehensive of new Blackbeard.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 281
It’s actually over. I was worried Amano would pull some Bleach-like stunt and only one of Byakuran’s forms was defeated or something equally ridiculous.
Whoa, Xanxus. Brutal.
The unknown, strange-talking infant is actually somewhat amusing. Better than Skull, at least.
It’s about to have all been a dream! Can’t wait to wrap up this colossal waste of time.
Final Flash: Still waiting on completely conclusion of this terrible arc, but nice to see we’re getting there.
Beelzebub 51
What the hell is Oga wearing on the cover page?
Always good to see what Baby Beel is up to. This week, just relaxing, drinking milk at Oga’s desk.
Hints of Nene/Kanzaki?
Shy Kunieda is horribly cute.
The other students seem interesting, particularly Azusa.
Panels like Oga saying “Hey” are why I love this series. Well, those and Furuichi.
Final Flash: Like many others this week, this is a transitional chapter, but good. Oga/Kunieda and Furuichi alone should both be fun to read.
Psyren 109
The art seems different this week. Not worse, just different.
Amamiya’s girly side is cute… and hilarious.
Not surprised to see the kids interfere with Yoshina and Amamiya, but I’m pleased there was actually some progression there. There isn’t much time to expand upon this relationship, so it’s nice to see the few chapters between arcs being used like this.
Finally! Another call. I’ve been looking forward to returning to Psyren for so long.
Final Flash: A transitional chapter, but a good one.
Bakuman 76
I love the dialogue between Hattori and Yujiro, particularly Yujiro pushing for Hattori to accept Akino’s feelings.
In fact, this is a fantastic Hattori chapter overall.
“I dunno about that” is perfect for how awkwardly Tanto is being treated.
Great tension and buildup towards… something? Mashiro has to crack soon.
Eiji on TV! Still as lovably weird as ever. He calls out Ashirogi as his rival! Wow.
Mashiro breaks down, directly calls Azuki while crying and confesses to wanting to quit Tanto? Fantastic.
Final Flash: Brilliant chapter, and a huge, long-awaited plot point. The series just keeps improving. Very excited to read further.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn 280
Too much dialogue, most of which has already been covered. Move it along, please.
Some of these closeups feature much better art than most of the future arc. Clean, concise, easily legible.
It’s way too late for a meaningful Byakuran flashback. If you wanted me to care about him, this should have come 50 chapters ago.
Disappointing that we must wait yet another week for the full climax.
Final Flash: This is it. I’m ready for conclusion, fallout, and a new arc. Here’s your last chance to redeem yourself, Amano.
One Piece 576
That huge guy was San Juan Wolf, the largest being on the planet… and he’s part of Blackbeard’s crew? Along with several of the world’s worst criminals?
Blackbeard renouncing the title of Shichibukai?
The panel with everyone attacking Whitebeard?
Whitebeard not only knowing the Will of D, but also telling Blackbeard that he hasn’t truly inherited it?
The final scene?
Final Flash: Awe-inspiring. What a chapter.
Hunter x Hunter 299
[chapter link]
… ok, this is a little too bizarre. The King eating his subordinates is one thing, but their reactions are creepy and unnecessarily sexual.
The unintentional comedy scale is off the charts on these two-page spreads.
That was it? The chapter’s over?
Final Flash: Complete non-chapter. Horrible.
Naruto 485
How many times are we going to have to see Naruto and Sasuke run straight at each other?
Sasuke has gone from angst-ridden youth (irritating but believable) to insane one-dimensional avenger (unacceptable). He and Madara are prime examples of shocking character devolution.
The only interesting character in this entire scenario is Kakashi, who actually has the cojones to do something. Of course he’s held back.
Really? Was there enough plot in this chapter to save Naruto’s ridiculous plan for next week?
Final Flash: Poor. For all the unnecessary exposition we’re getting, we better get a good fight out of this.
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