Weekly Power Rankings: 7/25 – 7/31
Beelzebub 72
[scanlation by Keishou Scans]
Just because Lock On! has been canceled doesn’t mean Beelzebub needs to compensate for Jump’s sudden lack of speed lines.
More Furuichi is always a positive
A bit of an awkward conversation between Hilda and Kunieda. Kunieda’s feelings for Oga are still cute, but the real thing to take away from this exchange is how focused Hilda is on finding this demon.
Surprisingly touching thought from Kunieda. Beelzebub has yet to really attempt even slightly emotional scenes, likely with good reason, but this one isn’t bad.
Perfect amount of starkness in this panel
Kunieda’s return to the court sparks a comeback from the Ishiyama team. The team rallying together (“Hell yeah!”) and Oga’s spike are both cool moments, and seeing the crowd slowly change allegiance is nice, but all only within the context of this arc. This entire volleyball tangent is still taking entirely too long.
The mystery character knows Oga. Is he someone from Oga’s past, or is he the “demon” Hilda has been searching for? I’m hoping strongly for the latter.
Final Flash: Good volleyball arc chapter, which equates only to a decent Beelzebub chapter.
Bakuman 96
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Mashiro may be right in saying that the tactic of having Crow in +Natural isn’t unfair, but Takagi is entirely justified in feeling upset. This has seriously muddled the rivalry.
This is a ton of dialogue. When the artist has to use character icons this often to help the flow of speech, perhaps a more concise rewrite of the script is in order.
Maybe Miura hasn’t learned and evolved as much as we previously thought. Here he is getting ahead of himself again.
I've got it! I'll crystallize my hair!
This is quite an unusual and excessive amount of time being spent discussing the difference between places in the table of contents. As could be reasonably assumed given that I run this kind of website, I’m a fan of such detailed nerdery, but I’m aware that I’m decisively in the minority. Discussion over which votes to aim for is a little esoteric for a shonen audience. This could be done with deliberate irony, contrasting PCP’s dilemma with the real-life trouble faced by a series as alternative as Bakuman, but it’s still a bit lengthy and awkward. Focusing on specific storyline elements to use in PCP would be easier to understand.
There’s further irony to be found in how dialogue-heavy this chapter continues to be, as the characters are discussing… the acceptability of dialogue-heavy shonen.
"Dialogue-heavy" doesn't begin to cover it
A decently long arc by chapter 25 seems almost mandatory. I can’t imagine being engaged by a series of that length that hasn’t attempted at least one full-length arc.
Hattori’s speech about Ashirogi “surpassing their editor” is yet another sign of the series being closer to its end than its beginning. Certainly, it won’t be wrapping up immediately, or even within a few months, but clearing this hurdle eliminates a major obstacle between now and the end of Bakuman.
Final Flash: Enjoyable chapter, but the sheer volume of dialogue prevents it from being as interesting or impactful as previous chapters.
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.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 301
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
These new and improved Vongola rings are now all sorts of accessories emblazoned with each character’s box animal. Tsuna’s ring even has a fashionable chain.
Hot Topic would be proud
I have officially lost all interest in Vongola history and backstory. It’s been an endless string of minor variations on the same warring mafia theme since the tone of the series became serious.
Tsuna just isn’t the kind of character to be able to sincerely pull off the willpower-fueled hero archetype. It may become tiresome and downright irritating in Fairy Tail for Natsu to constantly win battles through sheer willpower alone, but his character suits the plot device; Tsuna should still be the nervous kid dragged against his will into a world much bigger than him. Instead, he wants to fight alone.
Reborn (the character) being ordered to go with Tsuna’s group, yet specifically ordered not to attack, indicates that he may finally have some horribly overdue plot development. Maybe he’s Vongola Primo.
You damn well better bring Lambo with you. He’s the only reason to read the series anymore, and even then his role has been marginalized.
Speaking of marginalized characters, there’s Kyoko, who is downright useless. Her occasional appearances serve no purpose. Tsuna isn’t the same awkward kid anymore, so why should we be forcibly reminded of his one-sided love? At least complete Tsuna’s transformation into this ridiculous battle-hardened veteran, and make him disinterested in Kyoko.
Shouichi and Spanner are still around, providing Tsuna with more overcomplicated weaponry. If Amano put half the effort into writing the narrative that she does into creating silly, easily marketable technical designs, the plot might go somewhere interesting.
Final Flash: Completely dull and unremarkable chapter. Last chapter was too brief; this one was too long. Last week’s ring power-up should have extended into this chapter, while all the “saying goodbye” nonsense from this chapter should have been dropped entirely.
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.
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.
One Piece 595
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Absolutely fantastic color page. I anxiously await a poster version.
Law using Bepo as a pillow is adorable.
Looks comfortable
More importantly, the exact phrasing of the Binktopia translation is interesting. Law says, “I’ll be sure… to steal the proper throne!!!” Now, “proper throne” could still very well be referring to the title of Pirate King, but that’s a peculiar phrase to use in reference to such a position. It seems to me that Law could be referring to something else.
X Drake is alive, well, and terrorizing some poor unsuspecting underling of the highly-anticipated Kaidou.
Still the coolest Zoan
Scratchmen Apoo is fine, too, leaving Jewelry Bonney as the Supernova taken down by Blackbeard.
There she is, no less. She might not have been the least likely target of the 11 (I’d give that title to Apoo), but I’m still fairly surprised to see the sole female put in this position. I’m certainly not calling Oda sexist, but this is an unusual move, especially considering how she’s hinted at having a worthwhile subplot.
Akainu is speaking to Bonney in a very familiar manner. He could just be familiar with her, but his relief at finding her is interesting. Could he be something more than an acquaintance?
I am your father?
Confirmation that Moria survived. That’s good news to me. He may not deserve to be a major recurring villain, but he’s more than worth keeping active in the background. Also of note in this scene, Doflamingo continues to emphasize his independence, and the person he’s talking to is unusually kept out of focus. As with all minor details in One Piece, this could end up meaning nothing, or this hat-wearing government official could later reappear as a hugely important character.
Maybe I was wrong about the whole “coolest Zoan” thing.
Unbearably cute
Hilarious moment as Chopper unintentionally thinks the more offensive part of his thoughts out loud.
To close the chapter, both Chopper and Sanji have finally had their direct power-up routes revealed. Chopper seems to be aiming to further alter his own body, while Sanji is seeking to learn Attack Cuisine, which presumably would support the entire crew. The former is an obvious and highly necessary power-up, but the latter is a little worrying. With every passing arc, Sanji seems to fade further away from being the third component of the “Monster Trio,” instead developing into a behind-the-scenes roleplayer. Attack Cuisine could be used very well, and I’ll certainly trust Oda, but I don’t want Sanji’s role reduced.
Final Flash: Another intriguing chapter that presents several new long-term plot possibilities.
Naruto 505
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Holy hell what a jarring cover page. I was not ready for that.
Understatement (noun) def. 1: See above picture
Guy is not just on the cover page, but he’s actually here in the story. What a pleasant surprise. It’s about time to see some of the side characters reintroduced into the main plot.
When we first saw Naruto’s new chakra diagram, it seemed to me to be a visual representation of the change inside of him. Instead, it’s actually an outwardly-visible change in his appearance. I have to say, I don’t particularly care for the design. The head is okay, but the bits that look like the inner workings of a car aren’t so great.
But is he four-wheel drive?
The effect Naruto’s new chakra has on the environment around him is a telling sign of just how powerful he’s becoming.
Of course, sensing Kisame inside of Samehada and using his father’s teleportation technique are an even stronger sign.
Guy is back for mere moments before providing a moment of comedy. That’s entirely befitting of his character, I suppose.
While I’m excited to see Guy and Kisame set to fight, I’m worried that this could again not be the final conflict between the two. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Zetsu come and rescue him, or some similar fight-postponing plot device used.
Final Flash: Hugely promising increase in power from Naruto, and much-appreciated plot progression. Good chapter.
Bleach 415
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Oh good. A flashback.
Aizen, despite the fact that his chest has been exploded, still has enough about him to strike at Gin. It seems as though broken Aizen will carry on being broken.
This is not art
A huge scream and a pillar of light. Does this mean last week’s potential outcome #2 has been chosen? Gin dies in a few chapters for no productive reason?
Background of the week
Aizen is a butterfly. If this series didn’t kill any emotion I have every time I read it, I’d be laughing uncontrollably for the next several hours. Our unstoppable antagonist is a butterfly. Also, how horrendous is that close-up of his face?
Within the last couple months, both One Piece and Naruto have had chapters with exemplary demonstrations of textless storytelling. Someone at Shueisha should really encourage Kubo to attempt to emulate other aspects of those two series, such as character development, setting, story, pacing, backgrounds, abilities…
Gin has eyes. That’s the most interesting thing to happen in Bleach this week. Well, I suppose confirmation that Gin has been attempting to play the hero all along is worth a mention.
Twist of the week
Final Flash: Bleach is ranked eighth in this week’s Shonen Jump table of contents. Just thought you might want to know that.
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.
Beamcast – August 2
[download link – 107min, 47mb]
In this week’s show:
News
To Love-Ru spin-off
Funimation pre-paid debit cards
Weekly Oricon rankings (7/19 – 7/25)
New releases
[anime]
Naruto Shippuden (DVD Box Set 3) $49.95
Naruto Shippuden Special Edition (DVD Box Set 3) $69.99
[manga]
Bakuman (vol. 1) $9.99
D.Gray-man (vol. 18) $9.99
Gintama (vol. 19) $9.99
Hikaru no Go (vol. 20) $9.99
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (vol. 15) $9.99
Muhyo & Roji (vol. 18) $9.99
Slam Dunk (vol. 11) $9.99
Current/Classic Reviews
Kekkaishi
Double Arts
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Nico Robin (One Piece)
Tsunade (Naruto)
Hitsugaya Toushirou (Bleach)
Shishio Gen (Kekkaishi)
Elraine & Kiri (Double Arts)
Saotome Ranma (Ranma 1/2)
Anime Discussion
Highschool of the Dead (ep. 4)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep. 5)
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 5)
Nurarihyon no Mago (ep.4)
This Week in Manga
0:45:19 – Mirai Nikki 54
0:46:42 – Bleach 414
0:54:37 – One Piece 594
1:04:51 – Naruto 504
1:08:49 – Beelzebub 71
1:12:37 – Fairy Tail 194
1:14:56 – Hayate no Gotoku! 282
1:15:59 – Kekkaishi 315
1:17:11 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 392
1:20:47 – Toriko 104
1:24:45 – The World God Only Knows 108
1:26:38 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 297
1:30:37 – Psyren 129
1:32:43 – Zettai Karen Children 225
1:34:33 – Hajime no Ippo 902
1:36:17 – AR∀GO 29
1:37:26 – GE ~ Good Ending 44
1:39:56 – SWOT 5
1:41:33 – Air Gear 285
1:42:14 – Gintama 317
1:42:22 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 300
1:43:17 – Kimi no Iru Machi 99
1:44:11 – Nurarihyon no Mago 115-116
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
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Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Weekly Power Rankings: 7/18 – 7/24
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.
Toriko 104
[scanlation by Hi Wa Mata Noboru]
To the sky!
The Pseudo-Rubanda certainly does look ferocious, even if it is harmless.
Even this narrow sky-vine is a grand setting. Toriko does settings and environments so well. The view from the vine alone is yet another reason why this series deserves (and will most likely get) a full anime adaptation.
Some great focus on Komatsu’s development. Komatsu needs to adapt to this kind of locale to be able to keep up with his soon-to-be combo partner, while Toriko’s concern over Komatsu’s condition in this setting does well to reinforce the relationship.
The Wicked Beanstalk is one of my favorite reader submissions.
Very creative and fun concept
Great frantic action as Toriko maneuvers around the narrow vine while fighting both the Sky Gorillas and Wicked Beanstalks.
Not only does Toriko fall, then unveil a flying squirrel suit, but he must avoid the onslaught of Drill Birds! This chapter is action-packed and correspondingly enjoyable.
A cloud monster. What an ominous next obstacle/opponent.
That's a proper cliffhanger
Final Flash: Great chapter. Lots of action and good progression of the Toriko/Komatsu coupl– er, combo.
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