Shonen Beam

[chapter link]

Finally. I’ve been anxious to find out what the postcard signifies.

P2, middle panel: Very reminiscent of Yagami Light. Except, you know… that it’s about trailing someone instead of murder.

It’s great how seriously they’re taking this, turning off their phones and all.

Masks and sunglasses! This is fun.

Hattori’s selections at the bookstore: Absolutely priceless. This is exactly how to properly weave a narrative. Characters don’t always have to come out and explain plot.

Wow. Iwase looks gorgeous. As always, Obata’s art makes a great story even better.

“Your youth is certainly dazzling”? Hilarious.

Follow that taxi! This will be a fantastic episode when the anime gets this far.

So happy to hear that Hattori wanted to be their editor after all. I (like many others) always presumed as such, but it’s good to hear reassurance.

Takagi is finally inspired. After such an enjoyable chapter, I have huge hopes for whatever he comes up with.

Final Flash: Excellent chapter. The tone was a refreshing change of pace, we got to see a little more than expected from some side characters, and Takagi has an idea. Very fun read.

[chapter link]

Excellent cover page. Absolutely love the colors.

The first (non-cover) page is a perfect example of when to use speed lines and blank backgrounds! Great contrast between the large panel and the stark bottom panels.

True to life, Bleach gets some semblance of mention on the Jump cover. This brings back up an interesting discussion: What series are currently running in the fictional Bakuman version of Jump? We’ve seen several real-life series mentioned, but with also several series by fictional mangaka. I wonder if fictional Jump is simply larger to accommodate both real-life and fictional series, or if the fictional series replace any real-life series (and if so, which?).

Aiming for serious humor is a brilliant idea.

Weekly Aoki Ko! Amazing.

It’s nice to see the other authors’ assistants.

A postcard from Hattori? Huh. No idea what that could be about.

Final Flash: Lacks the impact of previous chapters, but contains quite a bit of necessary development.

[chapter link]

Whoa, Mashiro. Your finger. It’s huge.

I’m liking Hattori’s plan. I like just about anything Hattori is involved with. How much would this manga lose without Hattori?

“Think One Piece and [Dragon Quest II: Dai no Daibouken].” Brilliant line.

Confident-Mashiro has taken this manga to a new level. I’m glad he’s on the same page as Hattori (through Miura).

I love how Eiji can pick up on tiny personal insecurities by reading a script.

“Magma of Stopper”… may not be the best title ever. Keep going, though, you guys are great.

Finally, the culmination. Great time for color pages next chapter.

Final Flash: The great thing about Bakuman’s unique genre is that chapters such as these, which might ordinarily be labeled “transitional” or “setup” chapters, feel just as exciting, interesting, and necessary as the chapters with shocking plot twists.

[chapter link]

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.

“I don’t think we can beat him. I want to beat him.” Very intelligent, mature line.

Finally, Miura starts to support Ashirogi. It’s taken long enough.

Takagi! That’s the ambitious writer we knew.

It’s so refreshing to see Ashirogi excited again.

The faces in the middle-left panel of page 14 are hilarious.

Very interesting dialogue between Niizuma and Hattori.

Miura’s apartment suits him rather well.

Hattori and Miura working together! Excellent. Ashirogi have missed Hattori’s influence.

Final Flash: Pretty much the best possible outcome. I look forward to few series’ weekly releases as much as Bakuman.

All marital issues should be solved with rock-paper-scissors.

Top-left panel of page 5 is amusingly reminiscent of Death Note.

Miyoshi, everyone wants to play Quoits.

(Yes, I had to google Quoits.)

Wow. I had Yamahisa pegged as a shady character, but that was a pretty great speech. Too bad it didn’t go over well with anyone but me, it seems.

Miura: Learn something.

The shock reaction running joke is hilarious.

Mashiro finally displaying confidence in wanting to quit is a great step forward for the series.

Oh wow. What a last page.

Final Flash: Every change of direction this manga takes is a fresh, exciting step forward.

Very interesting conversation between Mashiro and Azuki. Beyond how great it is that they’re talking, even.

“Our love is still growing.” Hooray!

Hattori’s role is growing by the chapter. I’m not complaining whatsoever.

Final Flash: Excellent final page. Excellent chapter.

I love the dialogue between Hattori and Yujiro, particularly Yujiro pushing for Hattori to accept Akino’s feelings.

In fact, this is a fantastic Hattori chapter overall.

“I dunno about that” is perfect for how awkwardly Tanto is being treated.

Great tension and buildup towards… something? Mashiro has to crack soon.

Eiji on TV! Still as lovably weird as ever. He calls out Ashirogi as his rival! Wow.

Mashiro breaks down, directly calls Azuki while crying and confesses to wanting to quit Tanto? Fantastic.

Final Flash: Brilliant chapter, and a huge, long-awaited plot point. The series just keeps improving. Very excited to read further.