Kekkaishi 300
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300 chapters. I’d imagine we’re closer to the end of the series than the beginning, but I’d be perfectly happy reaching 400 or even 500+ chapters. Kekkaishi has managed to be engaging and fresh for its entire duration to date, and is in the minority of series that are equally good to marathon and read weekly. With the series coming to Adult Swim this summer, I hope it will become more recognized in America.
Having a bit of a difficult time following what the founder is doing.
Center-left panel, p9: Very reminiscent of Sven Vollfied’s 3-koma in Jump! Ultimate Stars.
The Lord! Anything involving him is fantastic.
Page 16 is so nice.
Finally, time for Yoshimori to get to the more exciting stuff.
Final Flash: The conversation in the first part of the chapter won’t make much sense until later. Like Mago chapter 100, it doesn’t feel particularly like a milestone chapter, but it was still good.
Kimi no Iru Machi 84
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Suzuka and Yamato fighting! Cute and unsurprising. Unfortunately, the constant references to Suzuka are beginning to have a negative effect; I’ve enjoyed Kimi no Iru Machi as a whole, but not nearly as much as Suzuka.
For anyone interested, the cast are at a real race track: Tsukuba Circuit, in Ibaraki Prefecture. (Haruto calls it Ibaragi, an apparently common mispronunciation.)
I think I could have done without Kazama being sick. It’s already enough to swap out half the cast of the series midway through; don’t make me care for a whole new set of dramatic circumstances. Couldn’t Kazama just be an aspiring racer?
It’s hard to tell if Kazama is actively trying to push Haruto and Mishima together or only joking.
That ended quickly. Haruto is the one who needed cheering up, not the audience; we don’t need an entire chapter at a race track.
Final Flash: I read a theory online that Kazama is Eba’s new boyfriend. This would be horrible and unnecessary. I’m okay with Kazama and Mishima now, but please, not too much more. Stick to the main storyline.
Nurarihyon no Mago 100
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I like that Kubinashi is going on a rampage, but I still don’t understand how he suddenly remembered how to be strong.
Top panel, p12: Ordinary men! *dissonant chord*
What a bizarre character design for Ibaraki Douji. It’s like he’s cosplaying Wilson from Home Improvement. (Don’t try to tell me Wilson didn’t have a sword behind that fence.)
Not much to discuss in this chapter. Fairly straightforward, and side character-heavy.
Final Flash: It’s about time for Nura to finish his training. Decent chapter, but certainly not 100th chapter quality.
Weekly Power Rankings – 3/21 – 3/27
Gamaran 42
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Like Kenichi, I appreciate how Gamaran attempts to provide a realistic basis for its fighting styles.
Man, that’s pretty cruel to blame your death on someone as you’re dying. I mean, I get that you’re pissed off that you’re dying, but to curse someone you love when you know they’ll have to live with it seems harsh.
Top panel, p16: These scenes are the reason that, despite its faults, I enjoy this series.
Yet, the fight isn’t resolved. That’s unfortunate.
Final Flash: Some decent action, but these aren’t the characters I care about. I hope the fight ends next chapter.
Bakuman 80
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It seems Ashirogi are aware that Hattori is helping them. Not bad.
I understand culture difference, but I don’t think I could live in a situation where I could be presented with a dinner like Takagi is facing.
Money and Intelligence and Appearance may not be catchy in English, but I like the idea, and KTM is pretty catchy.
Takagi’s mention of Chanel lipstick hints that he may soon walk a very thin line between creativity and upsetting his marriage.
Top-left panel, p10: Priceless.
It’s so exciting to watch a rejuvenated Ashirogi.
“Want to take a bath together?” Go for it, Takagi!
Considering all the buildup was contained to this chapter, I’m not surprised KTM didn’t make the cut. Also, I’m happy for Shizuka’s sake that True Human did.
Final Flash: Extremely anxious to find out what Saiko realized. Great chapter.
Hunter x Hunter 303
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The first page explicitly says “Killua vs. Pouf.” This better be an actual fight involving a main character.
Pouf attempting to convince Killua to quit is silly, but Killua actually responding (even negatively) is outright stupid.
Finally, she’s off his back. Real fight, begin.
Pretty sure that black guy is wearing a Bulls jersey. That’s… pretty racist.
Now Pouf is again off to destroy something else instead of fighting Killua. Disappointing.
You can’t keep teasing me with brief shots of Gon, Togashi. Pitou healing Kaito better not take more than a few weeks.
Final Flash: An absolutely minuscule taste of action in an otherwise underwhelming chapter.
Psyren 113
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Swimming through ground? Huh. Neat.
Damn! Moriyama was totally my favorite character.
So, he can pass his body through others’ at will? Interesting power, if a little unoriginal.
Aw, he’s an artist character. Those are definitely unoriginal.
That’s right, Shao. No one touches Marie.
Final Flash: One Shonen Jump war ends, another begins. This one may not have the epic scale of the other, but it could still be good. The only worry is the relative anonymity of the enemies.
Bleach 398
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Human and frog! No, that’s the other series. Shouldn’t be another living thing, anyway, that’s done to death. Human and … the internet! Wait, that’s Freakazoid. … man, how much would I rather be watching Freakazoid right now? That was a fun series.
I should really do the same panel background study I did for the last chapter of Lock On!, but telling you that the backgrounds of Bleach are horrid wouldn’t exactly be breaking news, would it?
Oh. It’s Gin. I remember that guy. … yep.
Come to think of it, there’s another study: I wonder how many chapters of Bleach in the last year have had a “shocking” character appearance. Two years, even. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if there was a streak going.
I bet Ichigo’s dad is going to win, guys! Did you see that attack?! That’s gotta be it!
Final Flash: It’s no Freakazoid.
Naruto 489
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A color cover full of characters I don’t like.
Don’t even think about eating Tonton. She’s far more interesting than any of those guys on the cover.
Okay, Naruto digging in to the bug stew right away did make me chuckle.
The Octopus is obviously Killerbee, and everyone with a hint of a brain synapse already knew Naruto would fight Sasuke. Great job, old frog.
If Kishimoto were to maintain character consistency since the beginning, Naruto would refuse to unlock the seal.
I liked Kabuto when he was the clever, intelligent, shady right-hand man. I’m not sure if I like this Kabuto. Also, is every death in Naruto for the purpose of a summon later in the series?
Final Flash: Next chapter will be pivotal in determining the quality of the end of the series.
Toriko 89
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Love that a group finally decided to catch up on this. Thanks, Franky House!
I’ve been curious about Teppei since this arc began. He’s starting to act at the perfect time, too.
Saiseiyas are yet another creative idea from this author. Good addition to this world.
The only disappointing thing about this chapter so far is how much Tommyrod had left after fighting Toriko. Hopefully Toriko isn’t down for the count.
Parasite Emperor. Wow. Talk about having something left.
Teppei better be amazing, because Parasite Emperor seems pretty broken.
Hellboros! This is a fantastic chapter for new creatures.
Aw, poor Komatsu.
Final Flash: I’m impatient for the next chapter of this more than any series.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 378
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I want to play Conan the Great. Where’s my copy, Sakaki?
I love the masters, but I hope Kenichi has time to properly find his limits, overcome them, and evolve at least a little before they come to help.
Center panel, p5: Whoa proportions.
Excellent short fight. Well-drawn, easily-followed action, with an obvious grounding in real martial arts (even if unrealistically spiced up a little).
There we go. We all knew the old man would break out soon.
Final Flash: Felt like a short chapter, but an exceptional one. The only worry is that Kenichi is now too injured to continue fighting. He’s solely responsible for the recent resurgence of quality.
One Piece 580
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Coby and Helmeppo have been taught by Tashigi! That’s excellent.
Shanks has been fighting Kaidou? I’m now even more anxious to meet him.
“If I were to see him now, I’d be breaking our promise.” Harsh but honorable words.
Hancock’s best asset: Her look-down-her-nose pose. I know you were thinking of something else, but this pose is priceless.
Buggy has been the comic relief of this entire arc, but there’s reason to believe he could now become a force.
No Shanks/Mihawk? Damn.
Yasopp’s looking pretty badass there. Well, they all are.
Moria’s expression doesn’t quite fit the surrounding reflection and grief. I mean, it fits him to be like that, but it’s comical.
It’s over.
Final Flash: One Piece is on break next week. One extra week for a sense of finality, then on to an uncertain future. I’m excited.
Code:Breaker 82
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This is a rarity in shonen: The leader falling in battle before his subordinates. Very interested in what will happen next.
It’s somewhat of a pity that he gets in some last words. I thought the ending to the last chapter was great.
Middle panel, p12: What an unsettling blank stare. Excellently drawn.
The two-page spread here is an example of an acceptable lack of background. Used sparingly, it can achieve great effect.
Shigure? I suppose I should have been trained by shonen always to keep an eye on the weak one, but this surprised me.
Final Flash: Right back into the action, then. Someone really should have been keeping an eye on that box.
Mahou Sensei Negima! 284
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Luna, officially part of the harem. Welcome aboard.
Damn, Asuna. You old.
Are we sure it’s “Gatou” and not “Gâteau?” I could go for the latter.
Seriously, it’s good that Asuna is finally remembering the past. Unlike Hayate, where the recent serious arc (while very good) had to keep itself in check somewhat because of its overall genre, Negima has successfully bridged the gap from harem comedy to fantasy action. More Asuna drama, please.
I was hoping for a little more depth out of Fate. (I am fully aware of the comedy in that statement.) ‘People are going to die so I’ll kill them myself’ is pretty tired at this point.
Wait, was everyone being an illusion not already revealed several times? Maybe not explicitly, but I think every reader knew that by now.
Final Flash: Good to see Asuna again, and even better to see that we’re seemingly heading toward the final showdown.
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