Archive
Series Roundup: 9/12 – 9/18
Mini-reviews for all the series without full individual posts.
Air Gear 287
[scanlation by SSA Scanlations]
Beautiful color page. This is a perfect example of quality art and a tiny bit of fanservice easily trumping over-the-top gratuitous fanservice.
Ringo has every reason to feel like she’s at fault about this. Regardless of where the blame lies, though, Ikki’s Regalia must be repaired quickly, or else not only will he be unable to win his fight, but also the plot will be unable to progress.
This is mostly setup after setup for each fight. I suppose it’s acceptable as a way to refresh the audience’s memory, after six weeks of no Air Gear.
Ikki demonstrates some strong leadership qualities by getting everyone back on track. Between the Regalia hunt and the various battles, the next few chapters should be exciting.
AR∀GO 35
[scanlation by Trinity BAKumA]
Cute cover page.
Interesting nod by Arai towards boxers, and lightweight boxers specifically. It’s true that this training should help Arago’s evasiveness.
I’ve finally figured out the secret behind the worst arc of Hajime no Ippo: Woli had Brionac.
The reactions from Rio, Coco, and Seth to Arago’s request are as funny as they are vastly different.
Captain Tsubasa now? This is an oddly sports-themed chapter.
Arago’s idea of a duel (and the werewolf’s immediate acceptance) is fascinating. The two-page spread of them exchanging blows is great, as well.
Code:Breaker 104
[scanlation by ShinraTensei]
Not that I could put a face to the name, but Dekasugi going missing right after Yuuki drops the hint points to Code:Revenger having been closely watching everything all along.
Ogami’s new flame is incredibly powerful and far more versatile than the first flame. It’s also more bizarrely supernatural, perhaps even spiritual.
Once again, Ogami’s unique sense of justice, where he continues to quietly burden himself with others’ problems, is enjoyable to read.
Yuuki is obviously torn over having to fight Ogami, but chooses to turn to his trump card, in the form of some pills in his collar. I hope Yuuki doesn’t die in all of this action.
Defense Devil 64
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
Kucabara’s focus on pacifism is a bit out of place. He has been established as a “good” character, but this feels more like time-wasting than personality establishment.
Several pages later, and Kucabara has exactly the same stance. It’s taking far too long for anything to happen.
His brilliant plan was to shoot out the lights? That’s a bit childish.
The naive devils throw the “soccer” field into chaos, and Kucabara drops in like Batman to save Idamaria. Sadly, the spurt of action at the end of the chapter doesn’t redeem the time wasted at the beginning.
Enigma 1
[scanlation by CXC Scans]
Love to see a brand new series get scanned right away. I hope CXC will keep up with this one.
The main character has a “Dream Diary” that predicts the future. A future diary. In Japanese, one would call that a Mirai Nikki.
Sumio’s flirting is a decently enjoyable character trait, but not one that stands out too greatly.
The skull with the reversed jawbone is an appropriately scary symbol. Good design.
The way Sumio’s mother panics provides some intrigue as to exactly why Sumio saw the symbol.
Sumio’s larger panel poses are too generic.
Sumio and six others wake up in a gymnasium, unable to exit or contact the outside world. Then, the Enigme symbol appears on a screen and gives them an objective. So, this series isn’t just Mirai Nikki; it’s also Gantz. Wonderful.
Based on only one chapter, this series has far more potential than recent Jump newcomers (Lock On!, Yotsuya, SWOT, etc.), but its success will depend entirely on the execution of the premise introduced in this chapter. Sadly, the two major concepts the series is built on are far too derivative of other, existing series.
GE ~ Good Ending 50
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
Yuki’s farewell smile to her mother and attendant is creepy as hell.
Evidently Yuki’s family is aware of whatever horrible business went down between Yuki and Touru. I appreciate him being unwelcome there; I don’t appreciate the focus being on him running around trying to find her. This series needs less drama.
This bald guy being on a Koushien-bound baseball team comes out of nowhere. How odd.
Oonuma finally snapped at Seiji! That’s exactly what needed to happen. Finally, a little positive progress.
Never mind. It’s all undone by some ludicrous fireworks and a statement that reflects just how right Oonuma was about Seiji’s superficial kindness. Seriously though, fireworks?! Fireworks.
… fireworks.
Kure-nai 34
[scanlation by JAC Scans]
It’s finally sinking in to Shinkurou that Kirihiko is an assassin. To be fair, she’s right in pointing out that she said that when they first met.
She stabbed him, with no effect. Is she taking it easy on him, or is has his Houdzuki training again rendered him impervious to blade attacks?
Interesting competition proposed by Kirihiko. It’ll be good to see how Shinkurou reacts to her when she’s in a killing mindset.
I can’t accept Yuuno’s explanation of the manner in which Kirihiko cut Shinkurou. A time-delayed cut? This makes absolutely no sense.
Strangely comedic ending. Saving someone from suicide does not tend to immediately lead into a job offer.
Hayate no Gotoku! 288
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
Nagi’s “plans” are hilarious. Her obliviousness is always great, but she’s so certain here that she can succeed.
Excellent meta comedy! The Jump joke is apt, and the Sunday praise is fun.
Ashibashi-sensei may have been a completely minor character, but he was very funny in his limited role as the author of the successful series “This or That Depresses Me,” which clearly does not parody any real life series whatsoever. He should provide great interaction with aspiring mangaka Nagi.
Brilliant punchline from Ashibashi, and an even better reaction from Hayate and the girls. What a funny chapter.
I love that Ayumu had no idea how successful Ashibashi was.
Mahou Sensei Negima! 302
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
Excellent detail in Akamatsu’s drawing of the various magic attacks.
Negi is trying to be everywhere at once. He should rely on the girls more. He’s obviously far more powerful than any of them, but they’re far from incompetent.
Dragonfolk? I thought it was Demonfolk. The Dragonzord joke is catching on… sadly.
Nodoka is ridiculous. Time manipulation is one of the most potentially broken powers in any setting, and she just crashes into the user. Wasn’t she supposed to be the shy one?
Very nice affirmation of the girls’ abilities over the final pages.
Nurarihyon no Mago 122
[scanlation by ShinraTensei]
Multiple ways to perform Matoi should eventually both solidify Rikuo as a seriously strong protagonist, and also keep the more prominent members of the Hyakki Yakou involved in the main plot. This technique is a fantastic idea.
Kidoumaru is a legitimately strong enemy with some good techniques of his own. Ouka is impressive.
Kurotabou’s pride is nice to see. Rikuo really has grown considerably since the beginning of the series.
Beautiful full-page art of Rikuo using the new variation of Matoi.
Rikuo is wearing Kurotabou in a far more literal sense than his previous uses of Matoi. Does this mean Rikuo will become the type of character who routinely uses other characters’ powers? While this version of Matoi is interesting, I hope Rikuo doesn’t rely on it too much. Members of the Hyakki Yakou need to stand out on their own, rather than be relegated to pure supporting roles for Rikuo.
Psyren 134
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
“Now, the battle between Matsuri and Grana–!!” … and two pages later, we switch focus to Kagetora. Amusing.
Kagetora has always been fun to watch fight, but he’s even more interesting here in the future, surrounded by those with flashier abilities.
Back to Matsuri/Grana, and this fight is far more of an exchange of psychic abilities. Grana’s admittance that Matsuri has more battle sense is what keeps this fight balanced and interesting.
Ageha and Amamiya chase after Miroku, and the chapter ends. Some fun fighting, but not too much plot progression.
Zettai Karen Children 230
[scanlation by JS Scans]
Great omake page. Of course Hanzo is a Naruto fan. … oh, pardon me. Maruto.
Kiritsubo’s overprotective nature has grown tiresome.
Hanzo’s Naruto fandom extends within the chapter! He even has the Mangekyou Sharingan. Good comedy.
I’m pretty sure the shirt worn by the character on the last page is intended to represent a browser’s Refresh function. The shirt says “F5” (the keyboard shortcut for Refresh), and has circular arrows above and below the lettering. Amusing. That said, the comedy of this chapter far outweighs the attempt at engaging serious plot.
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Series Roundup: 9/5 – 9/11
Mini-reviews for all the series without full individual posts.
AR∀GO 34
[scanlation by Trinity BAKumA]
Great action in the fight between Arago and the werewolf. Arai’s art style makes even speed lines feel new and interesting.
The werewolf has regeneration similar to Arago’s Brionac and unbelievable speed and strength. Arago defeat is unsurprising, but the process reveals two interesting notes: the seam in the werewolf’s fur, and the fact that the werewolf didn’t kill Arago.
Joe reveals a variation on the now commonly-accepted werewolf legend, and his version is absolutely fascinating. This is a brilliant writing choice.
Code:Breaker 103
[scanlation by ShinraTensei]
This is becoming bizarrely metaphysical. Granted, this series isn’t restricted by any sense of realism, but Ogami entering “the hell of darkness within [his] heart” is still jarring.
The physical incarnation of the Emperor is disappointing. Even if this form is supposed to be a weaker, limited version of the character, this character type is overdone.
After a rather cliché test, Ogami is granted the second of seven flames. Suddenly, Flame of Recca comparisons are completely appropriate. Ogami’s use of Belphegor of the Dark is interesting and well-drawn, though.
Gamaran 62
[scanlation by helz0ne]
Iori seeming like he’s in control of his situation while at a numerical disadvantage makes some sense, as he’s been established as an incredibly strong swordsman, but seeing the same poise from Ranmaru is unusual.
Wow. Ranmaru’s killing blow this time is at least as brutal as his last one. Jinno serving as the setup for it is a little disappointing, because it does little to explain Ranmaru’s confidence, but the scene is still strong.
If the teaser is true, Gama vs. Ranmaru should be thrilling.
Hayate no Gotoku! 287
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
Hugging someone of the opposite sex is the universal symbol for “I’m here to rent a room.”
Why does “Gundam” need to be censored in text bubbles if the word is left intact on the box?
After a series of individually amusing jokes, “She was quickly kicked out” is a great punchline.
The mystery girl was behind the fireworks incident after all, but the name Housen Yozora doesn’t ring a bell, and her motives aren’t yet obvious. Interesting.
Kekkaishi 319-320
[scanlation by A-Team]
(319) Lovely atmosphere as Masamori is led towards the castle.
Hazama certainly is demanding, but his sudden meeting with Masamori finally helps to tie his actions directly to Yoshimori’s. Also, it’s interesting to see Masamori simultaneously shot down in comparison to Yoshimori, yet also reinforced as important because of his own particular skills and connections.
(320) A little too much time is spent on Shichiro remarking on events. If so many interesting things are happening, the author would be better served just showings those events directly.
Raijin may have ended up being introduced as a seemingly devious woman, but she has both the power to legitimize herself and superior connections than Masamori, considering her ability to bring Nura into the fold. Also, her claim that Masamori is to defeat the founder is an intriguing one.
Mahou Sensei Negima! 300-301
[scanlations by reddevilshn: 300 | 301]
(300) After so much preparation and so many chapters of diversion and side characters, it’s fun to see Negi himself firing off some of his devastating magic.
No matter how impressed Anya is by Negi’s display of power, I can’t accept her statement that he could be as strong as his father.
Haunting panel at the bottom of page 13. The stark lack of background combines well with Negi chasing after his barely-visible father.
Unusual timing for Asuna to be so moved by Negi’s determination. Nothing has been accomplished yet.
(301) It’s difficult to reconcile the serious side of Dynamis with the one that jokes with his young female subordinates.
Very little to comment on, as this chapter is mostly setup for the next fight for Negi’s group. The bit with Koutarou’s covert group is amusing, at least.
Nurarihyon no Mago 121
[scanlation by ShinraTensei]
Rikuo’s reasoning is perfectly befitting of someone in his leadership role. Great speech, and an excellent full page pose.
Beautiful art as Kidoumaru invokes Rajoumon.
Kidoumaru being able to prevent Tsurara and Rikuo using Matoi presents interesting complications for that ability in the future. Even if Rikuo presumably wins this fight, he’ll certainly fight tougher opponents in the future. Rikuo could stand to adapt a new way to use Matoi, such as perhaps being able to use the fear from his Hyakki Yakou through the markings on his back, rather than needing his followers to physically cast their fear on him in person.
Kurotabou and Kubinashi are a welcome sight. They should provide some interesting complexity to the fight next week.
SWOT 9
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
The fighting maniac’s special move is called “Chaos.” Was he not generically counter-culture enough already?
“Pray that Manabizaki will defeat this monster” is the kind of senseless, idealistic comment from an onlooker that I would expect from someone watching Ichigo fighting in Bleach. That scenario is already bad enough, but at least Bleach has the publishing length to back up such a statement. Why should the audience be invested in the fate of a one-dimensional protagonist in a series that hasn’t yet reached double digit chapters?
Manabizaki’s opponent suddenly has glowing hands. I wasn’t aware it was possible for a series to “jump the shark” within 9 chapters, but I am ready to declare that SWOT has not only done so, but that it also holds absolutely no reading value.
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History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 397
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
Tirawit taunting Kenichi is great, because Kenichi breaking out of his shell and going fully on the offensive is exactly what this fight needs.
Agaard’s observations on Kenichi are setting up the fight extremely well. It’s such a pity that the preceding fights and flashback have put such a gap between Kenichi’s “death” and this fight. The impact of Kenichi’s mindset and Agaard’s understanding of it is slightly lessened because those events aren’t fresh in the memory anymore.
Regardless of the placement of the Apachai/Agaard flashback, the benefit is being felt now, particularly in the scene where Agaard thanks Kenichi.
Good mid-fight moment
The two-page spread of all four fighters is nice, but the time for posing and talking is long over. This fight needs the technical precision and insight that made Kenichi what it is.
A little more talking and a few moves from each side, but ultimately the chapter ends without serious martial arts exchanges.
Final Flash: Drastic improvement over the last several chapters, but still not up to the level that a main event fight warrants. Hopefully, next week (Sunday cover page) and the following two weeks (color pages each week) will live up to expectations.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 396
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
Even more flashback. Granted, we haven’t had the requisite “heel turn” from Agaard yet, but this is taking forever.
Happy-go-lucky Apachai is still amusing, but I still can’t bring myself to enjoy any of this, knowing what I should be reading instead.
The friendliest Muay Thai killing machine
Agaard is back, and suddenly, he’s killing people. So, he’s evil now, but why?
Evidently, it’s because he found Yami. That’s disappointingly straightforward, to the point where this flashback is not only out of place, it’s also completely unnecessary.
Agaard invades the underground Muay Thai headquarters, and Apachai goes off to… be a good guy.
Finally, the flashback is over. Unfortunately, Apachai’s statement about Kenichi being his strength seems like it will need to be explained, which would mean even more time-wasting before the fight resumes.
Final Flash: Another wasted chapter, and one that cements my disdain for the last two.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 395
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
More flashback. I might as well give up any excitement for the present-time fights that are happening. Evidently Matsuena doesn’t care about them.
If anything, this flashback is weakening Apachai’s character with relation to his fight against Agaard. Apachai has been shown at maximum intensity for so many chapters, and now suddenly we’re seeing him as an excited child. This flashback should have happened months ago.
Credibility-killing
Agaard is throwing the match for the sake of poor little Apachai. Terrible.
The new champ is dead on his feet. That’s not a bad moment, but the placement is all wrong. I almost care more about Agaard than Apachai now.
Final Flash: The potential positives aren’t enough to make up for the blatant negatives anymore. This arc is bad.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 394
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
Yes, yes. Ni hao, fanservice cover girl.
Wait a minute, I’m confused. This looks like fighting, but it can’t possibly be fighting. This isn’t a fighting series anymore. Where are the stupidly-proportioned ladies with skin-tight suits or no clothes at all?
In all seriousness, we’ve finally arrived at some real action. It’s still too bad that both fights are happening simultaneously, though.
I can think of few things more painful
A flashback? What’s wrong with just showing the fight, already? Any flashbacks should have been shown weeks ago.
Agaard used to look after Apachai. Okay, point taken. Back to the action, please.
Instead, the rest of the chapter is more of the flashback. It’s a tremendous improvement over the last several chapters, and the part about the “cat” was particularly funny, but this still isn’t up to the existing standard of the series. How much longer must we wait before Apachai/Agaard gets the same treatment and spotlight that all the other notable Kenichi fights did?
Final Flash: Calling this chapter “better than the last few weeks” isn’t much of a compliment, but it’s a step in the right direction.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 393
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
No, I haven’t forgotten that Miu has breasts. Feel free to stop reminding me at every possibly opportunity.
Still more Miu action and Niijima comedy. With appropriate respect to each character (some to the former, little to the latter), this is completely irrelevant and uninteresting when the Kenichi / Koukin fight is underway.
If Miu is fighting all these people right outside the control room, why can’t Akisame come outside and speed things up?
While Niijima comedy has grown tiresome, Akisame comedy is still acceptable.
Let's play Oregon Trail
All the while, Kenichi and Koukin have been fighting, and we haven’t seen it. Worse still, Apachai and Agaard Jum Sai are beginning their fight now. All the inane comedy fights have had individual spotlight, but the two long-awaited fights that have been the driving force behind this arc are going to split time? This is a huge disappointment.
Final Flash: I’m losing what remaining faith I had that this arc will be redeemed by the main event fights.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 392
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
The cover page is promising. The weeks of fanservice and disappointment will become an unfortunate but distant memory if this and the Apachai fight are good.
Frankly, I don’t care at all about Niijima right now. Enough with the idiocy.
Evidently Matsuena feels we need even more Niijima, instead of a serious fight. This entire arc has been one big tease.
Not only does a blackout interrupt the start of the fight, but Kenichi’s cell phone is ringing? This is painful.
No fighting, inane Niijima moments, and Matsuena reminding us what apparently matters most in Kenichi these days:
Hint: It isn't the dialogue
A brief moment of action from Miu, but it feels more like an excuse to show off her body rather than show the audience some martial arts.
Final Flash: Complete waste of a chapter. These upcoming fights better be excellent to compensate for the low quality of the last several weeks.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 391
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
Finally, Sakaki. By default, this should be an improvement from last chapter.
Truly impressive display from a brand new character. Sakaki might not be in a tight spot, but he isn’t winning handily, either.
Sakaki is just the type to allow himself to be hit in order to strike the decisive blow… although his method here is a little ridiculous, frankly.
Next time, pull both your legs into your rib cage
Final Flash: Good short fight. Nice to have another quick chapter, paving the way for the main event beginning next week.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 390
[chapter link]
Fanservice on the cover aside, what’s wrong with her head? It looks like it isn’t centered properly on her neck. Or maybe it’s too big? Something’s wrong.
Speaking of fanservice, it’s a Ma fight. I guess I can’t complain too much.
Sure.
Ma neatly folding the stolen clothing is actually quite funny.
I take it back. I can complain too much. This isn’t an acceptable level of fanservice, even for a Ma fight. This is hentai. I have nothing against hentai, but there’s a time and place for it. Shonen Sunday is not the place.
As a direct result of this unabashed nudity, it’s impossible to take Ma’s impassioned speech seriously.
A dominating victory for Ma is what I originally wanted, but it’s been completely cheapened.
Final Flash: If I wanted to read hentai, I would. Don’t bring it into shonen.
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.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 388
[chapter link]
Oh, Ma. You silly perverted man.
Akisame, with a bit of menacing playfulness. He does it so rarely it’s almost uncharacteristic of him, but the few times it happens, it’s amusing.
Ultimate deadpan
Not the best moment for a comedic flashback. The Shigure fight was disappointing enough; these fights need to get the series back on track.
Rock/paper/scissors? This is going completely the wrong direction.
Finally, the fight begins, but with a handicap against Ma.
Final Flash: A completely out-of-place chapter. Unfortunate, as the anticipation built up for these fights had been excellent.
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.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 386
[chapter link]
Naturally, the “decisive battle” features Touchuumaru. He’s top tier, after all.
P2, top-left panel: For the first time, I find Matsuena’s art a bit off. Apachai’s posture looks rather awkward to me.
An uncharacteristic admittance of weakness from Niijima.
P5, top-left panel: Whoa, again. Maybe the screentone of Miu’s shirt is throwing me off, but her posture seems strange. I’d also say Miu’s chest looks ridiculously torpedo-esque, but I can hardly claim that’s a new transgression.
P6: Wow. Thoroughly impressive spread.
P7: Wow. Thoroughly impressive… yeah. Hello, ladies.
P11: Absolutely fantastic drawing of Shigure. Maybe my favorite page of the whole series. Excellent.
A gratuitous pole-dancing scene mid-fight. Matsuena must have a clear understanding of his fan base.
P15: Yet another excellent shot of Shigure. Not as great as p12, but still great. For the record, I’m judging this on serious artistic merit, nothing else. Honestly.
Final Flash: Promising setup for the main battles of the arc, and some wonderful Shigure action. Great chapter.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 385
[chapter link]
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.
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