Shonen Beam

Mini-reviews for all the series without full individual posts.

Code:Breaker 106-107

[scanlation by ShinraTensei]

(106) Finally, Yuuki is back to normal. He’s easily at his most enjoyable when he’s this straightforward. Even if he was acting pretty evilly in the last few chapters, he’s still the adorable kid we remember.

Maeda saving Yuuki from judgment is nice, but the follow-up speech is less desirable, and the Nyanmaru dialogue is ridiculous.

The Emperor’s appearance and insistence on sacrifice is a chance to make this character mean something significant, instead of simply keeping him as a mentor-type character.

(107) Rei having to lose senses for each level of power he gains is a completely appropriate “sacrifice” for him to endure.

The Emperor is taking Yuuki’s sound just after he gave it to Rei? That’s hugely disappointing. It’s not like I wanted to see Rei use a variety of powers — he’s not a power-collecting type of character — but this is far too immediate of a turn-around from Yuuki giving all his remaining power to Rei. Yuuki’s trust in Rei now seems cheapened.

Uesugi isn’t the Revenger, but a member of the Code:Names? I guess that’s fine, but it’s not much of a plot twist, considering he was only really developed in the last couple chapters. This does allow for the Revenger to be someone more interesting, though.

Defense Devil 68

[scanlation by I Eat Manga]

Fanservice. Jody taking pictures of the girls was decently funny, the waterslide-plant was amusing, and the punchline with Kucabara was pretty good. Otherwise, very forgettable chapter.

Enigma 4

[scanlation by CXC Scans]

Sumio’s cheerful attitude is clearly setting up for a rift in the group. It may be able to win over a few of them, but at least one of the guys in the group that split off are obviously put off by it.

It’s Hiina’s turn to be developed. Her personality is pleasingly strong, and her ability nicely complements her fierce sense of independence.

After some excellent, creepy scenes with black backgrounds and deformed text bubbles in the first few chapters, seeing the same setup for a joke about the girls showering is a great touch.

It would make sense for Hiina to have to solve this puzzle, given that her ability has just been introduced, but it seems unusual to rely on a fairly weak manipulative power to save three people from a room filling with water. I’m curious to see whether her ability is used in an unexpected fashion, or whether yet another character steps in and reveals their own power.

Gamaran 65

[scanlation by Overload Scans]

I know this is hot-blooded shonen manga, but lines like “I’ve trained hard… to kick your ass!!” are pretty tired at this point.

Zenmaru’s brother is creepy and imposing just through his facial expressions alone.

It’s strange that the author feels another explanation of Narukami is necessary. It hasn’t been all that long since we’ve seen it.

Ranmaru is absolutely demolishing Gama. It’s one thing to have the protagonist suffer a loss; it’s a humanizing process that refocuses the character and the plot. It’s another thing entirely to so completely overshadow the protagonist that the reader is left to wonder exactly how he can even begin to improve to reach the level of the opponent that defeated him.

Even worse, Zenmaru was defeated by the mere hilt of his brother’s sword. This is a complete humiliation of the Ogame school.

GE ~ Good Ending 54

[scanlation by iMangaScans]

Seiji must be the stupidest protagonist in all of manga right now. This is setting new lows for main character obliviousness.

Izumi is the saving grace of this series. It’s a pity the author doesn’t have the courage to simply have Izumi tell every character who loves him/her.

Seiji’s speech to Yuki is decent, and he even came out and alluded to his feelings for her. Plus, at least the fireworks had context in which to make sense this time.

Hayate no Gotoku! 291

[scanlation by [C]hán]

Nagi is depressed enough to go to school of her own volition? This is some intensely depressing plot for such a gag-oriented series.

The reactions from all her classmates and teachers are somewhat darkly humorous, but mostly help to further the sense of malaise.

Even the test score praise backfired completely. Again, there’s some humor to be found in the twisting of readers’ expectations, and in the reactions of the other characters around Nagi, but this is seriously depressing.

The mood of the chapter makes the punchline on the final page that much more unexpected and hilarious.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 309

[scanlation by Binktopia]

So, the message of the first several pages is that Katou Julie is a sexual predator? I’m not impressed.

Not only that, but he also acted violently towards Adelheid. Lovely.

The Vindice guarantee that this entire arc will continue to lead towards an increased awareness of Vongola Primo. Amano still hasn’t learned.

Gokudera’s readiness for Lambo’s complaints is both amusing and a rare glimpse into character development. It’s a pity characters don’t receive this kind of focus anymore.

This entire chapter was a setup for a Lambo fight? What a waste of a week. I love Lambo, but he doesn’t exactly require preparation.

Nurarihyon no Mago 125

[scanlation by reddevilshn]

Sadly, these Onmyouji don’t stand any chance against Hagoromo Gitsune. They’ve been interesting, but they’re nowhere near “main character” status enough to make a sizable difference in this fight.

The misdirection and hidden intent of the Onmyouji is well done, though.

Tsuchigumo’s return to save the Nue is an unusual choice. It makes sense with the will of the character, and the Nue is still defenseless at this stage, but it does little to help Hagorome Gitsune as a credible villain.

Finally, Nura and Hagoromo Gitsune face off. This may not be the climax of the arc, given that the Nue will surely be ready soon, but this is the fight we’ve wanted to see for months.

The World God Only Knows 116

[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]

Kanon’s confession scene, in the middle of an exam, is a fantastic development with regard to every element of the plot.

It’s good that Apollo now has enough power to be able to switch places with Kanon, but her stubbornness in refusing to allow Keima to help is irritating, especially when Apollo doesn’t yet have all of her powers back.

The name “Vintage” for the group from old Hell is a great choice.

Some of these developments have been appreciated, but Fiore outright stabbing Kanon/Apollo through the stomach is absolutely too far. This is still supposed to be a fun, formulaic comedy series, and while long-term plot elements are necessary, they should not completely eschew the tone of the entire series. What a horrendously disappointing event.

Zettai Karen Children 233

[scanlation by JS Scans]

The exchange between Yuuri and Hyoubu might mean something more to me if I were at all invested in Hyoubu as a villain, or at this point, as a character whatsoever.

Perhaps the author has enjoyed Inception recently? Not that Nolan invented the concept, but this seems highly reminiscent so soon after the film.

The play is still completely uninteresting, but Minamoto being given a voiceover is pretty funny.

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