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.
Bakuman 95
[scanlation by Sleepy Fans]
It’s happening! Romantic tension between Eiji and Iwase! This is a great moment.
Appropriate disbelief
She’s leaning right next to him, no less. This is going to be a fun chapter.
Eiji’s uncanny prediction abilities come up again, but honestly, this time was a bit much. Most of his predictions have been enjoyable, but this one was too specific and therefore didn’t carry as much impact.
Excellent comedic interplay
Actually, this is starting to be far too much exposition of the “relationship” between Eiji and Iwase for it to be real. It seems everyone is mistaken, and she’s pushing for something else.
Eiji doing a textless chapter is a bold act perfectly befitting of the rivalry between him and Ashirogi. This is exactly the kind of back and forth behavior I’ve been waiting for.
Mashiro continues to be the best part of this series. His shock at Eiji’s actions and his own level of talent by comparison are another great milestone in his fantastic character evolution.
Excellent facial expression
Great showing from Road Racer. Fukuda is still going to figure prominently in the competition for top spot in the magazine.
There’s the payoff: Iwase was pushing for Eiji to include Crow in +Natural. Frankly, I’m not sure I like the idea. Yes, Ashirogi must compete with Eiji overall, so it does condense the rivalry, but this feels more like a convoluted trick for +Natural to stay competitive against the ever-improving PCP. This somewhat cheapens Iwase’s role in the rivalry, especially considering her recent character change.
… of course, worst of all, this means Iwase might not be in love with Eiji after all!
Final Flash: Engaging chapter with a questionable turn of events at the end.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 299
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
“A shadow approaches” … to probably train Tsuna and his team.
There is apparently a fine line between looking devastated and looking high. Tsuna is crossing that line.
This is a munchies emergency
There’s a character called “Coyote Nougat.” Yep. Only in Reborn!.
No prizes for guessing the figure on the cover page was a mentor character of some kind, and only a couple points awarded for guessing he was a bizarre old man.
Oh dear, the Vongola rings have spirits. Not that it’s being done well, but Bleach is already covering the “inhabited weapons” quota for Jump. This is a path I’d hoped Reborn! wouldn’t take.
Well-explored territory
This is incredibly linear power-up development, right down to this creepy old man having the blood of Vongola Primo. It’s such a waste of an entire series to just deliberately make infinite parallels between the main characters and their predecessors. Why not let Tsuna succeed on his own merit?
Who doesn't carry around other people's blood in vials?
Final Flash: All of the early charm of the series is again being ignored in favor of the simplest shonen storytelling imaginable. Boring chapter.
Bleach 413
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Yes, Isshin, Bleach is still publishing
Back to focusing on Ichigo’s friends, and we’re still in the Deicide numbering scheme. The former is fine, the latter is incomprehensible.
Background of the week
Ichigo’s friends looting for supplies is actually fairly amusing. I don’t mind focusing on these kids. They’re decidedly less terrible than the main cast.
Years later, Kubo is finally getting back to Chizuru being the only one in this group who can’t sense spiritual aura. This storyline was interesting back when it was still fairly new, and while it’s lost almost all its momentum in the time it hasn’t been mentioned, it’s still more worthwhile than the current major plot.
This chase scene (or, more appropriately, this slow-walk scene) could work if anyone but Aizen was doing the chasing. Despite his broken abilities, his lack of proper character establishment means he’s not menacing whatsoever.
Similarly, all this pseudo-comedy could work, if only Aizen wasn’t involved.
Twist of the week
Final Flash: Actually, the “twist of the week” could be that I didn’t hate this chapter. The fact that Ichigo wasn’t involved in a non-horrible chapter is no coincidence.
Naruto 503
[scanlation by Binktopia]
What a pleasant cover page. Pity our protagonist has never had a taste of this kind of life. Kushina’s hair being in the shape of Kyuubi’s tails is an excellent touch.
Brilliant skill displayed by Minato. In particular, Flying Thunder God is an excellent technique with (apparently) an interesting limitation to it.
Kishimoto has been on a fantastic streak lately, producing some of his best artwork in recent memory. It’s not even just the grand-scale attacks and flashy techniques, either; something as simple as the transition of control over Kyuubi has been shown through the art rather than wasting space with excessive dialogue.
Clear, explanatory art
Hugely powerful scene between Iruka and his parents. In fact, all these scenes involving present-day jounin back when they were young and comparatively helpless carry so much weight. This effect could only have been achieved in the manner that Kishimoto structured the overall story. Extremely well done.
Stunning family moment between Minato, Kushina, and young Naruto. Kushina instantly gains credibility as one of the toughest females in the series, and not just for the lack of competition in that category. Her genuine smile despite obvious pain is impressive and uncharacteristic of most other Naruto females.
Sakura can only dream of being this good of a character
In the same scene, Minato’s sadness is overwhelming. Again, the art shines, most specifically in one small, yet precisely detailed, panel:
Moving
Closing out the chapter, Minato prepares the ultimate sacrifice to resolve the situation. As with seemingly everything else in Naruto lately, the final page is very well-drawn.
Final Flash: Fantastic chapter.
One Piece 593
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Robin continues to be involved in the most intriguing subplot of all the Strawhats. Not only is her connection to Ohara fascinating, but now the Revolutionary Army is revealed to have been out to protect her. Excellent.
Great to see Robin’s confidence in her crew. Thanks largely to her involvement and backstory in it, Enies Lobby still stands out to me as the strongest arc in all of One Piece. Any further storylines that can be derived from her past are more than welcome.
Poor Sanji. His reactions are priceless, though.
Best imagined in the voice of Hiroaki Hirata
Hugely important news being discussed here, even if the audience isn’t being made aware of any details yet. Even finding out that the Revolutionary Army has various “leaders” spread around the world is notable, as is Dragon reaffirming the change in Kuma. Also, Dragon seems to have been drawn to look older than in previous scenes.
Noticeably older
Duval! The Thousand Sunny is perfectly safe in his handsome hands.
Even more focus on the duality of Kuma, as again highlighted here by Shakky mentioning the earlier meeting between the still-human Kuma and Rayleigh. With this much focus on Kuma, a revelation must be forthcoming fairly soon.
In an already stunningly vague chapter, Vivi’s comments stand out the most. What could she possibly be reading about Luffy that would lead her to question whether something is “stylish?”
Crocodile is heading to the New World, and Daz Bones is coming with him. Crocodile’s expression is fantastic; he might still be more evil than good, but it seems he’s regained the fire he once had as a young pirate, the fire that he mentioned back in Alabasta.
Livelier than usual
Closing out the chapter, some more foreshadowing, this time involving Buggy. It’s unusual (and equally intriguing) that his crew would interpret the contents of the paper in a way that Buggy has been hailed as a hero.
Final Flash: What an overwhelmingly forward-looking chapter. Deliberately confusing, but thoroughly fascinating.
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.
Beamcast – July 19
[download link – 115min, 52mb]
In this week’s show:
News
MangaToshokan pulls all publisher coalition manga
Wall Street Journal reports on manga “piracy”
Voice actor Norio Imamura arrested for indecent pictures
Pluto, 20th Century Boys nominated for Harveys
Tenjou Tenge ending, Jumbor restarting
Weekly Oricon rankings (7/5 – 7/11)
New releases
[anime]
Bleach (DVD 30) $24.99
Shuffle! Complete Series – Viridian Collection (DVD) $49.98
Vampire Knight (DVD 1) $19.99
[manga]
Dragon Ball Z (vol. 8) $17.99
Fullmetal Alchemist (vol. 23) $9.99
Vagabond (vol. 8) $19.99
Current/Classic Reviews
The World God Only Knows
Mx0
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Sanji (One Piece)
Gaara (Naruto)
Yasutora “Chad” Sado (Bleach)
Kuzumi Taiga (Mx0)
Killua Zaoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
Jack Rakan (Mahou Sensei Negima!)
Anime Discussion
Highschool of the Dead (ep. 2)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep. 3)
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 3)
Nurarihyon no Mago (ep.2)
This Week in Manga
1:08:47 – Sankarea 8 (new series!)
1:12:29 – One Piece 592
1:18:07 – Naruto 502
1:21:36 – Bleach 412
1:25:17 – Bakuman 94
1:30:39 – Beelzebub 69
1:33:42 – Fairy Tail 192
1:35:33 – Hayate no Gotoku! 280
1:36:51 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 390
1:39:48 – Toriko 102
1:42:24 – The World God Only Knows 105
1:43:58 – Psyren 127
1:46:29 – Hajime no Ippo 900
1:48:48 – AR∀GO 27
1:50:04 – Air Gear 284
1:51:39 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 298
1:52:29 – Kimi no Iru Machi 97
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
Comments / questions / additions? Email the show.
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Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Weekly Power Rankings: 7/4 – 7/10
Beelzebub 69
[scanlation by Keishou]
Shonen Jump references! Nice to see some appreciation for some other great series, especially Sket Dance, which (I am obligated to remind the internet) desperately needs translators to bring the series up to date. It is hilarious and well worth the time.
Kyle and Switch are too awesome for just one series each
Poor Alain Delon. Creepy mustached interdimensional vessels deserve maid cafe love, too.
Fun gag scenes involving Furuichi and the maids.
Eat up, Predator. It's getting cold.
The Horsemen are keeping things under control after all. They may be antagonists, but they still show loyalty towards their school. Good characterization.
Not at all on time, Oga is finally here. The “setup chapter” feel from all this is overwhelming.
Clearly, the long-haired character who was mixed in with all the thugs from Teimou has an upcoming important role to play. Could he even be the “demon lurking within the school” Hildegarde and Alain Delon spoke of chapters ago?
Not to be ignored
Final Flash: Some funny moments, but very much a preparatory chapter.
Psyren 127
[scanlation by QandA]
Finally, a major opponent for Frederica. She deserves someone strong enough to display her full power against.
Many large-scale attacks going on here. This would be fun to see animated.
Odd scenes of the Wise, particularly Misura. It’s unusual to see much (or any) face time for the Wise apart from general antagonism, given how little has been revealed about them personally.
It’s Kyle! The more these fights become intertwined, the more exciting the action should become.
Awesome has arrived
Absolutely fantastic panels on page 14.
Excellent fight design
Hey, it’s Hunter x Hunter!
Which one's Killua?
Shao and Kabuto should prove to have an interesting combination fighting style if they’re paired up similarly to Frederica and Kyle.
Final Flash: Good action chapter held back by some bizarre introspection from villains who usually stay quiet. Also, it must be said, the translation I used was vague and difficult to read.
Bakuman 94
[scanlation by Sleepy Fans]
Fantastic punchline delivered by both Mashiro and Takagi.
Insightful analysis
The order in which Hattori lists titles of popular series should serve as notice to anyone who has not yet read Slam Dunk: It’s important. Read it.
As always, excellent precision and detail in Obata’s art, as displayed here by the One Piece volume.
Very funny two-page interlude featuring Hiramaru’s editor contriving new methods to keep him working.
Master schemer
There’s the revelation: Mashiro’s art is inappropriate for the story and for Jump. It’s a good revelation, as it will capitalize on the recent character evolution Mashiro has displayed.
Iwase reveals a shocking blush upon Eiji’s surprising compliment. She couldn’t possibly fall for him, could she? More importantly, Eiji couldn’t possibly be involved in a romantic angle, right?
... right?
Poor Hiramaru. Maybe someday he’ll impress Aoki.
In fact, poor Shizuka, too. Unlike Hiramaru, though, Shizuka looks like he will benefit in the long run from this disastrous evening.
Everything seems to be coming together. Mashiro quitting school completely devotes him to improving his art, and with the story already on the right path, PCP should be ready to seriously contend with Natural and Crow.
5th place! Iwase’s reaction is consistent with her new role as the respectful rival. The change from irate to driven was a sudden turnaround in her character, but now that the shock has worn off, this new facet of hers is enjoyable, and can remain so as long as her relationship (both personal and professional) with Eiji continues to evolve.
Another bold statement from the manga genius lends credence to the thought that PCP is almost ready for success. Furthermore, it reinforces the thought that Bakuman could be a comparatively short series, as there aren’t too many overarching plot points left to resolve.
Final Flash: Good chapter. Funny humor, important plot progression, and a couple interesting new developments.
My favorite Bakuman character
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 298
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
No matter how worryingly reminiscent Enma is of Future arc woes, this cover page is fantastic. Great color.
Enma is too cool and collected. I miss the lighthearted sense of early Reborn!, even when the series started to feature more serious arcs. There was always a pleasant sense of the ridiculous. Now, any ridiculous characters feel forced, amid their pseudo-bishonen surroundings.
Not only is he too suave, but Enma is strong enough to take out the entire Vongola group. Is it training arc time?
This chapter is incredibly heavy on speed lines.
Don't eat speed lines, Tsuna
Confirmation that this entire conflict is based on a silly misunderstanding. That’s disappointing. If the plot is intent on being overly dramatic, it should at least be consistent and set up its major plot points accordingly. Of course, a series with a boy who shoots himself into the future with a bazooka, and a girl who explodes when her forehead counts down, shouldn’t be overly dramatic in the first place.
Fanservice really has no place in Reborn!. It’s just not the right kind of series.
"Out of place," he said
Chrome is reduced to the generic damsel in distress. What a poor character. Her introduction was interesting, but every time plot gets serious, she fades out of the picture and Mukuro comes and saves the day.
Thorough defeat suffered by Vongola. Training arc forthcoming indeed.
Final Flash: The difference in power between Vongola and Shimon is unreasonable. The last non-Future training arc was actually decent, so let’s hope Amano keeps this interesting.
Naruto 502
[chapter link]
Is it wrong that I thought “I didn’t know Sasuke had a sister” before it clicked that that’s Itachi?
It’s fun to see all these other characters so many years ago.
Fantastic artwork of the entire village of Konoha under attack.
Nice scene of Minato standing on his own head
Incredible technique used by Minato. I hope we get to see more of his skills before the inevitable happens.
Showing techniques like he’s using to catch up to Minato is the only way for Kishimoto to legitimize Madara. Until now, we’ve only been told of his strength. We need to see it.
Interestingly, Madara neither confirms nor denies his identity. This supports the theory that “Madara” is not Uchiha Madara at all.
Excellent sequence of panels showing the kunai passing through Madara’s head. Kishimoto has drawn this chapter very well.
More great skill displayed by Minato. This is a good fight.
Final Flash: Strong chapter, especially considering it’s a flashback.
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