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GE ~ Good Ending 46
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
Seiji is a lost cause. He’ll never have the decency to stay true to Yuki.
Wow. Not only is Seiji unable to focus on one girl, but he’s not even able to focus on the girl in front of him, instead picturing her naked. That’s pretty awful.
Saved by a phone call, and then they both play the whole thing off like a joke. It’s official: I can’t stand our protagonist.
Hilarious
Seiji’s friends are so much more interesting (and tolerable) than he is. Really, this manga has developed an interesting supporting cast for a protagonist who ruins the whole thing.
How to summarize plot
Oh, hey. It’s Yuki.
Final Flash: Hugely disappointing chapter. I have no reason to root for the main character anymore.
Kimi no Iru Machi 100
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
Great cover page. The colors are vibrant, and it’s nice to see these girls. They’re reminiscent of when the series was just plain enjoyable, without any angst-riddled qualifiers on such a statement.
Kazama’s surgery is already over? That seems incredibly abrupt.
The conversation between Haruto and Mishima seems far too cheerful. I expect a punch in the gut shortly.
Wow.
Seeing that sign made my blood run cold. He’s dead. The surgery was a success, but his body was too weak afterward. This is rather stunning. To be frank, I didn’t think Seo had the courage to kill off Kazama. I mean, I actually don’t prefer this outcome, because not only does “winning” Eba back now lose any meaning, but it also presents the opportunity for even more angst, as Haruto will inevitably second-guess pushing Kazama to have the surgery.
For once, it’s completely appropriate that Haruto and Eba have no interaction. As an unfortunate consequence, Kazama’s death sets unprecedented levels of awkwardness in this series.
Poor Kiyomi. Since her introduction, her honesty and attitude have been a breath of fresh air. It’s terrible to see her in this state.
The reserved space on Kazama’s helmet is no mere punch to the gut; it’s a full-fledged Heartbreak Shot. Through all the twists and developments in their rivalry, Kazama still intended to remain Haruto’s friend for life. While I’m still disappointed that Haruto will now never have the chance to decisively redeem himself and “win” back Eba, this is a powerful tribute to friendship and a genuinely moving scene.
Final Flash: Major credit to Seo for having the conviction to take such a huge step with the story. This is a proper milestone chapter.
GE ~ Good Ending 45
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
Clearly, Shou’s invitation is indicative of what happens between two nervous teenagers left alone in a house. They discuss tennis matches.
For once, Seiji is on the verge of showing some conviction, but his is overcome by Shou’s own conviction. At least someone has backbone; it’s just not the right person.
Just as evidenced in the corresponding scene at Yuki’s house, it seems that Japanese mothers have no greater wish than to give their daughters away.
Certainly not American ones
Even if Seiji is trying to stay distant, rambling on about Shou’s ex-boyfriend is a pretty awful thing to do.
Cliché accidental intimate situations, one after another. Shou’s mom and sibling peeping from a ladder was a decently funny moment, but this is entirely too straightforward.
Final Flash: If ever there was a time for Seiji to grow a spine and be decisive about his feelings for Yuki, next chapter is that time. I can’t say I have any confidence.
Fairy Tail 195
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Can you think of an event you’d rather attend less than a Mashima Hiro autograph session?
The two-page spread of the dragons towering over the king is rather well-drawn.
Zeal Kingdom is falling!
Since when does nearly destroying the world and sending all its citizens into panic an acceptable plan? At least prepare the populace for what’s coming.
Anything in this series involving Gerard is completely uninteresting. His face is like the exact opposite of the Nintendo Seal of Quality.
King Pantherlily? Not only is this a rubbish idea, but it also seemingly nullifies the most interesting subplot in this entire arc, which is the possibility of Pantherlily becoming Gazille’s cat.
Final Flash: At least one of the Gerards might be killed.
GE ~ Good Ending 44
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
Yuki counters Seiji’s date offer with a different date offer of her own, but her attitude and delivery make it quite clear that this won’t be a straightforward date.
She set up Seiji and Shou on a date together. This is absolutely unacceptable. There’s only so long I’m willing to root for Seiji to get the “right” girl if she’s constantly going to be putting up ridiculous obstacles in her own path to happiness. What a horrible plot development.
Meanwhile, Seiji compounds the problem by going along with the date. He’s almost as frustrating as Yuki.
Shou’s cheating ex-boyfriend is here, too. Surely this will lead to a moment of closeness between Seiji and Shou.
There’s the “accidental” hand-hold.
... you're dumb enough to forget Yuki.
To top it all off, a sudden rainstorm. This is embarrassing writing, really. One or two coincidences here and there are acceptable; an entire chapter of perfect arrangements is not. The pieces are all lining up, they’re just the wrong pieces forming the wrong result.
Shou invites Seiji to her house. She deserves credit, at least; she’s direct and honest with her feelings. Even if she’s the “wrong” choice of Seiji’s potential love interests, her character integrity alone makes her a better character than either Yuki or Oonuma.
Final Flash: This series continues to move away from everything that made it good. It’s still not beyond hope, but as always, its redemption depends entirely upon Seiji growing a backbone, which looks less likely by the page.
Kimi no Iru Machi 99
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
Amusing scene with Haruto choosing pork.
Kiyomi has ended up adding great chemistry to the cast. She’s a good love interest for Kazama, she’s a great rival for Eba, and her own sharp personality is cute.
Great conversation in the kitchen between Haruto and Eba. This is so much better than the bitter, awkward angst the series had fallen into for a while.
Eba has lost herself in the moment and gotten close to Haruto again. That’s an important moment.
Key sign of Eba's true feelings
Wow, Kazama is pretty thick not to notice Kiyomi’s obvious feelings at this point.
… well, Kiyomi has certainly taken care of that. Great declaration from her.
Kazama is trying to hook up Haruto with Kiyomi? That’s actually pretty disappointing. The rivalry between Haruto and Kazama has thus far been fairly respectful and honorable; this feels a little underhanded.
Time for Kazama to undergo surgery. It seems obvious that things will proceed smoothly enough, but Seo could throw a major twist into the story within the next few chapters.
Final Flash: Overall good chapter with a minor note of disappointment. Major plot advancement should be forthcoming.
Fairy Tail 194
[scanlation by Binktopia]
The first page is colored strangely. It doesn’t feel nearly organic enough. Looks like plastic.
As usual, a Fairy Tail cover page is used to show off a female character’s assets. It’s not enticing if you lay it out there for everyone to see all the time.
The king’s mech is embarrassingly ugly and not particularly menacing.
The Super Soaker of mechs
All three Dragonslayers decide to fire their beams in one direction, yet don’t consider the possibility of their target moving out of the way. No, heroes, I don’t find it unreasonable that a mech can jump.
Our heroes are down and out. Cue Natsu’s willpower reserves in 3, 2…
Right on time.
The combination final attack is actually pretty well-designed. It’s just a pity that these characters can’t act before a generic show of willpower.
Final Flash: Dull chapter, but it signals the end of this arc is forthcoming.
GE ~ Good Ending 43
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
Who cares if the text is long? Just send it! Be done with this.
He calls instead, and the issue is circumvented. That’s not a good sign.
No matter whether Shou should be in the harem again, it’s still sad to see her this distraught over the situation.
Yuki being so perceptive of Shou’s troubles is both a kind character trait and slightly worrisome. It’s great that she’s such a good friend, but I worry that she might use her guilt as yet another self-imposed obstacle in the way of her feelings for Seiji.
Shou is certainly a fan of ice cream.
This is an awkward flashback. It’s a little late to be seeing Shou in such a positive light. I don’t want to be rooting for her anymore; she had her chance already. That’s not to say I dislike her character, but the story needs to progress without her in the spotlight as much.
It seems Yuki is conflicted after all. I can only hope she doesn’t ask Seiji to resume morning practice.
Final Flash: The potential displayed at the end of last chapter hasn’t been realized at all.
Kimi no Iru Machi 98
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
Nagoshi is terribly cute in the way she’s completely misunderstanding all of this. Again, it’s such a pity she wasn’t around earlier to be part of the “real” possibilities.
More series should have "big failure" signs
Eba was smiling last chapter because she was talking about Haruto! That’s some fantastic progress.
Excellent two page spread of Kazama announcing his intention to have the surgery.
This is setting up brilliantly well. My main concern in the entire Tokyo trip has been that Haruto could potentially end up with Eba again without actually “winning her back,” which would completely demean Haruto (and, by association, the entire story).
Final Flash: This chapter is hugely reassuring for the future of the series.
Fairy Tail 193
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Four pages wasted on establishing that each character has an opposite. We were already well aware of that, thanks.
Finally, the Erza fight continues. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and it’ll end in this chapter.
Mashima has again revealed his complete lack of creativity, rehashing another idea from Rave. This time, it’s Ravelt.
Might as well have Haru join the cast
Of course, each Erza’s trump card is destroyed, so we’re “treated” to a catfight.
In Fairy Tail tradition, the fight is ultimately won by force of willpower rather than any tangible or interesting means.
Not content to allow a hesitant positive (end of the Erza fight) to take the spotlight, Mashima has to reintroduce Gerard’s face, which is factually impossible to like.
Final Flash: At least that fight is over. We’re nearing the end of the arc.
Fairy Tail 192
[chapter link]
Happy and Charle are the only two cats remaining! Keep going, evil forces! You’re almost there.
There are plenty of attack names and flashy explosions, but it’s difficult to follow what’s actually happening between Erza and Erza.
No, please don’t take the focus away from the Erza fight. That needs to finish quickly.
King! What does the scouter say about how bad this is?
Gratuitous fanservice shot of Lucy collapsed, angled from behind. Totally unnecessary, not at all exciting.
The enemies are being attacked by trees? … It’s Ueki! Ueki came from a different (and far superior) manga to save the day!
Oh, it’s only Fairy Tail.
Final Flash: Finish the damn Erza fight already.
GE ~ Good Ending 42
[chapter link]
Seiji chickened out and said nothing. Classic “I don’t want to hurt anyone, so I end up hurting everyone” protagonist. Having a spine wouldn’t hurt.
He can’t even talk to Yuki properly. This is such a letdown.
This is looking better. Seiji is actually acting straightforwardly again, asking Yuki out as thanks. Good move.
… of course, it ends up being a trap, with Shou already there. Awful.
Highlight of the chapter
What a ridiculous flashback. Such a silly way for Yuki and Shou to have become friends.
Don’t tell me that Shou is going to realize Seiji’s love for Yuki because of an argument over banana or orange better complementing chocolate.
Just in time, an actual positive moment in the chapter. Yuki’s smile after hearing about Seiji’s decision is step forward.
Final Flash: Too silly of a chapter overall, but one good moment partially redeemed it.
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.
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.
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