Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 297
[chapter link]
This is all a direct result of the future arc. That’s rather fitting, actually. Bad begets bad.
Is now really the time to choose an angle to show off Adelheid’s chest?
Poor timing
This Shimon/Vongola backstory is obviously wrong. Suddenly, the silly and out-of-place scene of Lambo knocking Enma’s letter into the trash can makes some kind of sense; it was likely a similar kind of accident that prevented Vongola Primo from helping the Shimon family. That doesn’t make the Lambo/letter scene any more acceptable, nor does that plot resolution stand on its own as acceptable either, since that would draw yet another needless parallel between Tsuna and Vongola Primo.
It’s completely impossible to look badass and menacing with these two in your group:
Standing out for all the wrong reasons
Final Flash: Predictable backstory, predictable antagonizing speech, predictable showdown.
Naruto 501
[chapter link]
No more Naruto and Sasuke scenes, please. Even as babies. Actually, especially not as babies.
This is still brutal. Poor Naruto. Nothing goes significantly right for him for a good twelve years.
Manga's unluckiest baby?
I’m admittedly a little confused as to the exact mechanics with which Madara frees the Kyuubi. He uses the Sharingan to peer directly within Kushina right to the Kyuubi, which then somehow strengthens it to the point of breaking the seal himself? The pillars surrounding Kushina don’t seem to have any particular markings that would indicate a jutsu of some kind. I’m willing to accept that Madara is capable of freeing Kyuubi, but I’d appreciate a little more clarity.
It’s unfortunate the only time we get to see Minato in action is when he’s nowhere near fighting at full strength, given his concern for Naruto and Kushina.
Very sad last couple pages.
Final Flash: Fairly good chapter. This flashback has been sad, but its impact has been lessened by Madara’s lack of legitimacy as a villain.
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.
Bleach 411
[chapter link]
Background of the week
What a miserable cover page. Your mascara is running, Ichigo.
Incredibly dull and predictable conversation. “I have to beat you?” / “No, you must become me.” is grade school-level fanfiction tripe.
Still in the Deicide naming scheme, inexplicably.
Last week’s twist is revealed to be… Don Kanonji? … why? That’s not funny, or shocking, or relevant, or meaningful to the story, or…
He didn’t lose to Aizen. Don Kanonji wasn’t instantly killed by Aizen. This is beyond laughable. Pathetic is too soft a term. Give him a Bankai, while you’re at it. In fact, can he get his own Hougyoku?
Twist of the week
Matsumoto, again. This is outright infuriating. Kill her off already. Be done with it.
Final Flash: Ink on paper.
One Piece 591
[chapter link]
A Crocus and Rayleigh bath scene is one of the last things I expected to see.
Not content with a mere appearance on the cover page, Rayleigh is back, proving his immeasurable awesomeness by swimming the Calm Belt.
The attitude of all the women towards Luffy is excellent.
(ahem)
Equally excellent (or perhaps moreso) is Hancock’s misunderstanding regarding marriage.
Pity that Law is leaving, especially considering that he might have some unexpected knowledge regarding the Will of D. Of course, he’s a great character all around, too. He’ll be missed, but it’s better to leave the audience wanting more of him than giving us too much. This is probably the right amount of exposure for an individual Supernova, for now.
Ominous words
Interesting to discover that Rayleigh cared for the Boa sisters after their escape from servitude.
Confirmation that Kuma as we knew him was working for the Revolutionary Army. Who knows what condition he’s in now, but it’s good to finally have closure on part of his reasoning.
Shakky’s unreasonable accuracy makes Hancock joining the crew a tiny bit more possible.
Actual scenes of the crew! Their reactions are just right, as well.
Attention Toei: I would not mind filler if it focused on the adventures of Fat Usopp and Herculesn. Also, feel free to further investigate the fascinating biology of this island.
As always, when it is most called for, Usopp provides the true manliness of a sworn brotherhood. His impassioned words are perfect.
Chopper(man) has brought peace to the Torino Kingdom. Fantastic.
The last panel of the chapter is the best one. Predictions welcome on the new bounty.
Show us, Chopper!
Final Flash: Excellent chapter all around, and an exciting cliffhanger.
Beamcast – July 5
[download link – 119min, 48mb]
In this week’s show:
News
To Love-Ru -Trouble- gets more anime
Funimation and Viz licensing announcements
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood movie
Weekly Oricon rankings (6/21 – 6/27)
New releases
[anime]
D.Gray-man Season 1 Complete (DVD) $69.98
Eyeshield 21: 2 (Sub.DVD; eps. 14-26) $49.98
Hayate no Gotoku! 6 (Sub.DVD) $39.99
One Piece Season 3 Part 1 (DVD; eps.144-156) $49.98
[manga]
Dragon Ball: Chapter Book (vol.9) $4.99
Naruto: Chapter Book (vol.14) $4.99
Eyeshield 21 (vol.32) $9.99
Kekkaishi (vol.22) $9.99
One Piece (vol.54) $9.99
Prince of Tennis (vol.38) $9.99
Reborn! (vol.16) $9.99
Shaman King (vol.29) $9.99
Ultimate Muscle (vol.26) $9.99
Current/Classic Reviews
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi
Hikaru no Go
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Haruno Sakura (Naruto)
Nami (One Piece)
Kuchiki Rukia (Bleach)
Bulma (Dragon Ball)
Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Kagurazaka Asuna (Mahou Sensei Negima!)
Yukimura Tokine (Kekkaishi)
Kagome (InuYasha)
Gasai Yuno (Mirai Nikki)
Sanzen’in Nagi (Hayate no Gotoku!)
Anime Discussion
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 1)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep.1)
This Week in Manga
0:57:50 – Naruto 500
1:01:43 – Bleach 410
1:08:24 – One Piece 590
1:14:54 – Bakuman 92
1:18:30 – Beelzebub 67
1:23:05 – Fairy Tail 190
1:25:48 – Hayate no Gotoku! 278
1:27:04 – Kekkaishi 312
1:28:44 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 388
1:30:38 – Toriko 100-101
1:33:10 – The World God Only Knows 104
1:34:28 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 294
1:36:41 – Psyren 125
1:39:51 – Zettai Karen Children 222
1:41:55 – Hajime no Ippo 899
1:44:51 – AR∀GO 26
1:46:54 – GE ~ Good Ending 40
1:49:42 – Metallica Metalluca 6
1:51:57 – SWOT 1 (new series!)
1:54:21 – D.Gray-man 196
1:54:47 – Gintama 313
1:55:11 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 296
1:55:53 – Kimi no Iru Machi 95
1:56:38 – Nurarihyon no Mago 111-112
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
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Psyren 125
[chapter link]
Glad to see Kabuto is coming. He’s an important character in the series.
I’d appreciate some progress in the relationship between Yoshina and Amamiya, but unfortunately, the story has deviated so far away from that plot thread that showing it now feels out of place.
I find it strange that Ageha is already training for a new power when we’ve yet to see Melchsee’s Door fully explored. I’m okay with the idea that Ageha isn’t strong enough, but I would have liked for that conclusion to be drawn after extensive use of his existing power.
Another current series with a time-warping training arc. This one may not be within the confines of a specific room, but the concept is still the same.
It may work in some series, but I don’t want to see the villains humanized in Psyren. Less of the girl hugging Junas, please.
Some more setup, and that’s it. Not the most exciting of chapters.
Final Flash: A couple decent moments, but mostly a letdown from the last few chapters.
Kimi no Iru Machi 95
[chapter link]
Another girl? The main trio needs to stay intact. Haruto must win Eba back from Kazama on his own, without any kind of interference.
Despite this, Kiyomi presents an interesting side to Eba that the audience hasn’t been shown. Surely, Kiyomi is altering things slightly because of her own feelings, but these claims can’t be entirely unfounded.
A meeting with both girls? Seems like an intervention, even. This can’t end well.
Indeed, it hasn’t. A slap is a pretty strong way to announce yourself as part of the main cast of the series.
Hello, I am relevant
Final Flash: Kiyomi’s introduction elicits mixed feelings from me. On one hand, she’s instantly cultivating development in Eba’s character. On the other hand, she provides a possible resolution to the love triangle (Haruto/Eba, Kazama/Kiyomi) that would feel cheap compared to Haruto being able to win back Eba through his own efforts.
Beelzebub 67
[chapter link]
Excellent cover page.
Poor Baby Beel! His unbelievably cool moment was overshadowed by Miki jumping the gun. Furuichi cowering makes up for it, though.
Poor son of the devil
Oga is taking an interesting approach to this fight. He’s active but somewhat non-committal.
We don’t get to see Miki’s big move? Disappointing.
Oga is beat up but still fairly nonchalant. Keeping the action hidden from the audience that seems the wrong approach here. It only serves to weaken the image of Miki, while doing nothing to reinforce Oga’s strength. Nobody wins.
Final Flash: A misstep for this series. Everything to do with Miki has resulted in mishandled potential.
Bakuman 92
[chapter link]
Azuki is up for a role in Natural. Excellent. Anything to further involve Iwase (and her jealousy) with the main storyline is acceptable.
Mashiro is suitably shocked.
Perfect expression
Excellent maturity displayed by Mashiro. It would be terrible of him to try to influence Azuki’s career.
Awkward intervention by Takagi and Kaya. They’re clearly doing it for the sake of both Mashiro and Azuki, but it comes off as meddling more than concern.
Even Eiji realizes that Azuki shouldn’t try out for the role. Good man.
Explanation behind the Ashirogi name! That’s adorable. Now, to understand “Muto” (unless I missed it ages ago).
Eiji is too excellent. Of course he would understand how nice of a dream Ashirogi shares.
Azuki turns it down herself. What a great moment.
Convenient image
Mashiro to the rescue, too! This couple may be stubborn, but that stubbornness makes moments like this that much sweeter.
Clearly, the focal point of this chapter is the relationship between Mashiro and Azuki, but this is also an amazing Eiji chapter.
That said, the last page is reassuring and heartwarming.
Final Flash: Cute chapter. It wasn’t the most in-depth chapter, nor did it progress the story too much, but it was still fun.
Weekly Power Rankings – 6/20 – 6/26
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.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 296
[chapter link]
Attack in progress at the inheritance ceremony.
It’s a little tiresome to constantly read attack and ability names in Italian (not that there’s anything wrong with the Italian language). That said, unlike Spanish in Bleach, at least there’s a legitimate reason behind the Italian in Reborn.
Edutainment at its finest
The Ninth predicted all of this, naturally. Hopefully, he will have the chance to show off a little bit before stepping out of the way for Tsuna.
These enemies sure are comprehensive. They saw through the ruse quite easily. If only we didn’t know who they are.
Some kind of disassembling or perhaps gravity-based power is shown to be used on a pistol. That could prove to be great if used in an interesting fashion.
Unusual attack
No surprise here. In entirely straightforward fashion, the Shimon family is revealed as the enemy.
Really worrying transformation in Enma. Overly suave, serious characters ruined the series in the future arc. The author must try to keep this as lighthearted as is reasonably possible.
Looking good. -Too- good.
Final Flash: No prizes awarded for guessing the identity of the enemy. Pity Akira didn’t decide to swerve the audience a little.
Naruto 500
[chapter link]
Quite the milestone for this series. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but recent chapters have brought the series back to enjoyable shonen.
Like the supposed symbolism behind Naruto’s orange jumpsuit, the whirlpool symbol on the back is an interesting touch.
Walls of text here. Not too much to comment on. Acceptable writing, at least.
So the Kyuubi was released because of Naruto’s birth? It was Naruto’s fault all along!
You jinxed it, lady
I can’t recall reading a vivid illustration of childbirth in manga before. Didn’t think Naruto would be my first instance of that.
Damn. Naruto’s had a pretty horrible life from day one. Minute one, even.
Final Flash: Nothing amazing, but nothing boring, either. A bit lackluster as a milestone chapter, though.
Bleach 410
[chapter link]
Background of the week
Zangetsu has clearly crossed the line from bishounen to out-and-out looking like a girl.
What a lovely lady
Without context from any other panels or pages around it, the top panel on page 7 is firmly in the pantheon of the worst manga panels ever. Absolutely illegible. Can someone please remind Kubo that the point of manga is to use art to tell a story?
What the hell is going on?
Zangetsu actually pulled out a real, physical “dark” version of Ichigo. Pathetic storytelling, this.
There’s “omitting backgrounds for dramatic effect,” and then there’s the following:
Why couldn't this have a background, exactly?
Aizen is cultivating change in Ichigo after all. I can’t very well say I’m “disappointed,” at this point. We’re well beyond that.
Twist of the week
Final Flash: Appallingly bad.
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