Naruto 510
[scanlation by Binktopia]
As well as Kishimoto has been drawing lately, even he has to be called out for excessive use of speed lines.
The 'speed line to detail' ratio is off
The limitations of Madara’s dimensional transfer ability go a long way to bring some sense of balance to his otherwise seemingly-overpowered nature.
Konan has prepared impressively for this showdown with Madara. Even considering her recent tendency towards trite idealism, she’s easily one of the best females in this series.
Of course, it’s not unexpected that Madara survived Konan’s attack, but it is unfortunate that he’s done so by revealing just how much power he really has. The positives of the limitations on his intangibility are clearly outweighed by his possession of Izanagi.
No, just approaching "broken"
The one-panel mention of Danzou does provide some hope for a logical defeat of Madara: If the “this is not actually Uchiha Madara” theory is true, then this impostor could be another example of someone who boasts “only an incomplete form of Izanagi.” Barring that scenario, though, Kishimoto will be fighting an uphill battle to keep realistic the possibility of someone in the Naruto universe defeating someone with complete control over the power to turn imagination into reality.
On a lighter note, Konan made a rainbow.
The more you know?
Final Flash: Konan is enjoyable, but unfortunate confirmation of Madara’s ridiculous strength makes for a ‘good’-at-best chapter.
Fairy Tail 200
[scanlation by Binktopia]
I’m always hesitant to agree when a series praises itself, such as Fairy Tail describing itself as “Super Popular Battle x Fantasy.” Popular, yes, but new volumes of Fairy Tail are consistently outsold by new volumes of not only One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, but also Katekyo Hitman Reborn! and Detective Conan.
While the first color page is excellent, the color cover is lackluster. The motif is a little too sickeningly sweet, and Natsu’s face seems off.
Lluvia delivers a pretty good punchline.
That makes one of us
Please, Gazille, there was more than enough cat activity in the last arc. Don’t spur on any more cat plot.
The Gorousei — I mean, the Magic Council don’t play a particularly interesting role in this series, and a sudden re-introduction of their desire to dissolve Fairy Tail will not be enough to redeem them.
Punishable by death
Some sad-looking boy with an apparently-unwanted power to kill anything around him appears, and he’s looking for Natsu. “Burden of a terrible ability” plot is overdone as it is; did it really need to be paired with such a dour-faced character?
Cheer up, emo instrument of genocide
Final Flash: Not much of a milestone chapter, and not much to pique interest in future chapters, either.
Toriko 110
[scanlation by Hi Wa Mata Noboru]
Terry! I’ve missed him. I hope he gets to be part of some of these upcoming adventures.
... or not.
Toriko’s display of strength is impressive, but strict damage output doesn’t mean too much in the Toriko universe. That fact in itself, though, is a testament to the quality of the setting.
I’m having a hard time telling what Toriko is drinking.
Ah, yes, thank you
The conversation between the proud Sani and the overeager Toriko carries a great dynamic. Sani shows two interesting sides to himself, as he both pridefully hides his defeat and innately understands his longtime friend enough to know not to stop him. That specific part of the exchange may only take a few panels, but it’s written well enough to convey an interesting relationship.
Toriko is heading into the Gourmet World alone. It may be exciting to see a true test of Toriko’s recent increase in strength, but the fact that he’s leaving his new combo partner behind seems to indicate that he’ll face a fate similar to Sani.
Final Flash: Good enough for a setup chapter, but the real excitement lies in the chapters to come.
Weekly Power Rankings: 8/29 – 9/4
Beelzebub 76
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
As awesome as Oga eschewing sensibility and consequences is, perhaps the situation called for a little less overwhelming power.
Judging from the following panels, it seems that Oga did not actually fully transform, but instead projected a horrifying vision to Kiriya. That said, what a fantastic scene.
Magnificently creepy
Izuma clearly knows something about Oga’s demonic power. As the secretly-evil student council president, Izuma has already been a good character; for him to become involved with the supernatural plot of the series further improves him, and it makes the transition back into such plot less jarring.
Exciting writing choice
Himekawa may only be a secondary character, but all the humor surrounding him makes him an invaluable member of the cast.
A real demon-related cliffhanger! Between the man with the Zebul tattoo and the teaser about Baby Beel, this cliffhanger appears to foreshadow exactly the plot the series needs right now.
Final Flash: Great conclusion to an underwhelming arc, and excellent intrigue heading into the new one.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 305
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
In case you forgot, this chapter is here to remind you that speed lines indicate rapid movement.
I don’t care if it’s just being used as a generic boxing-related term: Amano shouldn’t be throwing out the word “counter” if it has no application to the move being used or the scene at hand.
Destroyed by poor terminology
Ryohei’s new ability certifies him as the party’s official tank. What an unimaginative upgrade.
... and the more derivative you become.
I hate to repeat myself week after week, but Amano’s art becomes more confusing by the panel. More detail does not equal more quality. Certainly, a minimum level of detail is mandatory, but too much ink is just as bad as too little. Amano used to have balanced art, but she’s clearly lost sight of her strengths.
Pages of uninteresting fighting, and a Bleach-style twist at the end. Trying to squeeze life out of a fight between a practically meaningless opponent and one of the least engaging protagonists is more than enough to repulse readers.
Final Flash: There is no magic in this series left to lose.
Bakuman 100
[scanlation by SleepyFans]
While the prospect of a PCP anime is exciting, it does feel like it’s too soon for so much of the main Bakuman plot to be resolved. The drama CD announcement would mean much less if the editor-in-chief is to suddenly accept an offer of an anime adaptation also.
The scene of local kids “playing PCP” is amazing. Manga as a whole offers a plethora of inspiring sights, but few are as realistic and attainable as this. The “meta” nature of the series has rarely been used to such positive effect. Conversely, the discussion between Mashiro and Takagi about how far they’ve come, relative to what they have left to attain, evokes nostalgia befitting of a series’ 100th chapter.
Beautifully rewarding
Kaya praising the kids for playing PCP is adorable.
This chapter is focusing intently on Takagi, and in an interesting way. Between his encouragement and advice for Shiratori and agreeing to write the crimes for the drama CD, Takagi shows confidence and poise that he never had earlier in the series. This is a nice affirmation of his growth.
What a surprisingly direct portrayal of the state of the Takagi/Kaya relationship.
Healthy marriage, evidently
Even more Takagi spotlight. His maturity as a writer is so obvious that once again, I can’t picture too many more major plot developments before the end of the series.
Despite warning Miura earlier not to let potential anime news leak, Hattori directly announces to Ashirogi that PCP won’t have an anime. Is this a true statement and the sign of another obstacle to overcome, or is it merely a tactic to get Ashirogi to stay grounded and focus? There is no clear evidence to support either argument, but I’m leaning towards the latter option.
Final Flash: Excellent, uplifting chapter. The labor of our protagonists is finally bearing fruit, yet exciting challenges still lay ahead.
Kimi no Iru Machi 104
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
It’s a little disappointing that Haruto presumably asked Kiyomi to tag along, rather than Kiyomi herself having wanted to have come.
Mishima continues to be amusingly entranced by snow.
That is one characteristic of snow, yes
It’s great to see Akari. She’s been sorely missed throughout the Tokyo arc. Mishima doesn’t seem as happy as I am to see her, though.
Mishima confronts Haruto over the kiss with Akari. Her immediate jealousy is doubly interesting, as it not only clearly shows her feelings for Haruto, but also forces Haruto to consider his ties to Akari.
Wow. Censorship has certainly become increasingly lenient over the years. Hot springs scenes have always been gratuitous, but they haven’t usually featured such depictions of nudity in shonen.
Mishima was most jealous about her comparative breast size? That’s actually a slight relief. While such a silly plot point can be tacky and overused in other, more “harem”-style series, here it’s a nice change of pace from the drama.
Final Flash: Good combination of jealousy and comedy, making for a nice chapter.
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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Feel that one or more of these series should be getting full-review treatment each week? Show your support by participating in chapter discussion in comments. Actively-discussed series will be considered for full reviews.
Naruto 509
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Naruto is “light personified”? That’s taking an interesting character and boiling him down into something decidedly less interesting.
Madara being behind Yahiko’s creation of Akatsuki is such a cliché. Not only that, but Madara also apparently gave Nagato the Rinnegan. Just because a series has a supremely powerful villain does not mean that said villain should be involved with every last plot detail. It seems that while Naruto has improved immensely over the last several weeks, Madara hasn’t.
His eye is too talkative
Aside from how generally disappointing it would be for Konan to be offed here, it would also specifically be unfortunate because it would eliminate the possibility of seeing more of these beautifully-drawn paper-based attacks.
Odd timing for a flashback with these characters. The excellent recent action has provided a launching point from which the series could have continued to progress current plot; to instead feature a flashback of out-of-focus characters seems to be counterproductive.
Madara took some serious damage from Konan’s attack. That’s both gratifying (because Konan is an interesting character who shouldn’t become villain fodder) and unnerving (because it likely means she doesn’t have much left to offer). Still, for Kishimoto to allow his ultimate villain to suffer such damage is a huge positive, as it helps to build Madara’s credibility.
A sign of a confident author
Yet another excellent large-scale attack, as Konan swallows up Madara within an ocean of paper. Great artwork by Kishimoto.
Final Flash: Not a bad chapter, but an unusual choice of direction after the past couple arcs.
Bleach 419
[scanlation by Binktopia]
So much unnecessary dialogue. Tension is important during a fight, but that doesn’t mean the pacing of the fight should be interrupted (or, in this case, completely overwhelmed) by text.
Background of the week
It’s not just “Deicide” anymore; there’s a subtitle? Even Kubo is bored with this.
Aizen transforms into some unspeakable creature. First, how ugly. I’m sure that’s somewhat the point, of course. Secondly, and most importantly, this signals a continuation of a worrying trend: The Hougyoku being treated like a linear power-up rather than the plot-altering device it’s been shown to be. It’s certainly not as though the Hougyoku should be able to rewrite the plot according to Aizen’s desires, but for it to quietly be demoted to something as simple as this is a critical consistency error.
Go get him, Venom
Once again, Aizen proceeds to deliver a long-winded monologue, and as with last week’s chapter, Ichigo counters with a trite, throwaway line. Also, Ichigo’s new hairstyle should not make his entire self look older. If Kubo wanted an older, more “badass” character, he should have written Ichigo as such to begin with.
Twist of the week
Next week will be the unveiling of the “Final Getsuga Tenshou.” Maybe that will equate to some decently-paced action, instead of one-off twists and incessant dialogue.
Final Flash: A letdown even by already poor Bleach standards. Kubo has written himself into a corner with his treatment of the Hougyoku.
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.
Fairy Tail 199
[scanlation by Binktopia]
It’s the “real” Lisanna! That bodes well for this arc right away.
Natsu’s initial incredulous reaction to Lisanna’s reappearance is far better than his later, typically-Natsu excitement. It’s a pity Mashima didn’t choose to explore a new side to Natsu’s character.
Can't find his reaction too surprising
Lisanna’s story is convincingly sad. It isn’t so weak that it can be overlooked, nor is it so overly dramatic as to be ridiculous, and it even manages to make decent use of the setting created by the disappointing Edolas arc.
The graveyard scene is fairly touching, but it’s a scene that could have been saved to carry more impact after at least a few chapters have been spent establishing Lisanna further.
As heartwarming as one-chapter resolution can be
While this is certainly one of the best Fairy Tail chapters of the year, it’s slightly unfortunate that the entirety of the chapter was devoted to explanation and reunion. These are positive moments, but they don’t provide much to drive the story forward into the next chapter, meaning the new plot and conflict will have to be developed from scratch next week. Again, it’s a comparatively strong chapter, but it isn’t without missed opportunities.
Final Flash: Don’t misinterpret the brevity of this review; there just simply aren’t many individual moments to comment on. Overall, a good, encouraging chapter.
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