Archive
Series Roundup: 9/26 – 10/2
Mini-reviews for all the series without full individual posts.
Air Gear 289
[scanlation by SSA Scanlations]
We’re actually kinda supposed to root for Sarome? That’s helpful; I was doing so anyway. Anything to get Onigiri out of the picture.
He still won. Sarome disrobing herself was just fanservice after all, and not ridiculous Oh!Great logic.
Once again, I have no attachment to Sarome, so seeing her scrapped (then later saved) does nothing for me. Authors shouldn’t attempt to place emotional importance on brand new characters.
Even more Onigiri fighting? Surely he’ll lose this next one, but having to read more of him is tiresome.
Code:Breaker 105
[scanlation by ShinraTensei]
That’s a pretty weak flashback. Yuuki deserved a stronger driving force in his past than this.
“[The fight is] merely starting” — and all variations of that phrase — is too overused to seem cool, even if I care about these characters and this situation.
I appreciate that Yuuki’s last resort isn’t intended to kill Ogami, but instead to give Ogami his remaining power, but Yuuki dying here feels cheap.
Thankfully, Sakurakouji is here to stop him. I sometimes tire of her preaching, but I’ll tolerate it here if it means Yuuki lives.
Morse code? Yuuki’s comatose friend just happens to know Morse code and have a telegraph. Ridiculous.
D.Gray-man 199
[scanlation by Binktopia]
Wait, I just barely understand why Alma is exploding, but why is Kanda crumbling? I need CliffsNotes for this series.
This just in: Alma is a girl. … sort of. There might be some kind of bizarre pseudo-reincarnation stuff going on here. I have no idea.
Alma turns into a giant-living-bubble-statue-thing, Kanda is somehow still alive, the Earl and the Noahs get wrapped up in something (literally), and Allen uses the Ark to teleport Alma and Kanda away somewhere to supposed safety. Did I get that right? I seriously can’t follow what’s going on. I promise that I’m trying, but I can’t really analyze and evaluate something that makes absolutely no sense to me. The one thing I take away from this is that Allen can freely control the Ark, which makes him pretty damn powerful. That aside, I’m totally lost, and I’m pretty sure the blame for that lies with the series and not me.
Defense Devil 66-67
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
(66) … what the hell, cover page?
I’m not terribly interested in Y’s past, actually. Her introduction is too recent and her actions and motives are too trite for her to get this much attention.
Y stupidly frees herself from Kucabara’s rescue and chooses to fight (and lose to) the Naive Devils, forcing both Kucabara and Bichula to drop down and use full power (granted from Idamaria) to protect her, thereby nullifying the last couple chapters. I don’t mind the action at all, as it’s a welcome change, but I do mind that this plot choice means that all that pacifism just wasted our time.
(67) Is it possible to be tsundere about sniping?
Kucabara is the warrior/tank, Bichula is the scout/thief, Idamaria is the cleric/support, and now Y will be the rogue/sniper. (I’m not counting the damn talking/flying car.) When did this series become so formulaic?
When Luffy is oblivious and stupid, it’s classic. When Kucabara is oblivious and stupid, it’s cliché.
Her name is Samus? Seriously? How is that not on the international list of Names Never to Use?
Enigma 3
[scanlation by CXC Scans]
At first glance, Hasekura seems only to fulfill the role of the mandatory group coward, but his exact interpretation of such a role is amusing.
Excellent scene in the hallway, with Hasekura revealing his power to escape the incoming shadow. That was pretty thrilling for a scene in the third chapter.
Hilarious bad photo of Hasekura in his flashback, too. I’m enjoying this character so far.
Sumio is a decent protagonist, and his optimism and attitude clearly have him set up for an integral leadership position, but his “Mayday call” catchphrase just doesn’t cut it.
Wow, what a creepy moment. The man in picture changed from wearing a serious face to one with a horrific grin. I’m truly impressed.
Appropriately intriguing cliffhanger for the next chapter, too. Chapters like these give the series great hope for the future. Very well done.
Gamaran 64
[scanlation by helz0ne]
I was hoping for something a little more imaginative and exciting than “I will conquer the the country” for Jinsuke’s backstory. After tremendous hype for the 63 chapters leading up to his introduction, something this straightforward and overdone is a letdown.
It’s also unfortunate that so much of Jinsuke’s imposing aura is being built up by his subordinate’s internal monologue, rather than through Jinsuke finally taking action himself.
Gama’s rage upon hearing part of Jinsuke’s plan is good. Even if he is completely outclassed here by Ranmaru, his hatred of his father needs to be made evident from time to time.
There will be an actual demonstration of technique from Ranmaru next chapter, apparently. That should be more interesting than this chapter.
GE ~ Good Ending 52-53
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
(52) No more baseball, please.
In addition to “summer festival,” “natsu matsuri” also translates directly into “mandatory yukata fanservice opportunity.”
It’s logical for Oonuma to be at the festival as well, but it’s disappointing that she had to join with this group. There aren’t nearly enough moments alone between Seiji and Yuki anymore.
Yuki had her moment alone with Seiji many chapters ago, and Shou had hers recently, so now it’s Oonuma’s turn. Yawn.
(53) Finally, Seiji shows a little backbone. I don’t expect him to suddenly be a likable protagonist, but judging each important moment on its own worth, this is a good one.
… and that’s followed up with a pratfall and a sudden lack of clothing. Way to ruin a positive moment.
Oonuma is certainly taking her time in covering herself back up, too. At least she’s been written consistently since her character transformation, I suppose.
Once again, Izumi’s observations are spot on. His exchange with Oonuma was direct and provoked an interesting response from her, too.
Nice conversation between Eri and Kouno.
Yuki sees Seiji and Oonuma flustered and starts forming a reasonable assumption about what they were doing. We’re headed for more drama. I know that the “right” girl in a harem series always has the bulk of her romantic development saved for the end, but can’t Yuki have any?
Hayate no Gotoku! 290
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
Nagi’s thoughts are surprisingly complex. We knew she thought highly of herself, but “needing” to be a genius is a revelation about her character.
What a devilish cover page.
Ashibashi-sensei’s facial expression and Nagi’s reaction are both excellent. This is a surprisingly serious chapter.
The fact that Ashibashi only read one page of Nagi’s manga makes his earlier long pondering that much more telling. Excellent delivery.
Appropriate ending to a very nice chapter. The manga part of this storyline probably won’t matter too much longer, but I hope Nagi’s realization about her place in the world affects future storylines.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 308
[scanlation by Binktopia]
“It looks exactly like the sun!” Please feel free to stare directly at it for extended periods of time, then.
“Maximum Sunshine Counter” is about as bad of an attack name as Amano could have come up with.
A draw. This fight ends in a draw. This colossal and unprecedented waste of time and effort doesn’t even have the decency to end in a way beneficial to either side. Pathetic.
More Vongola Primo stuff. Moving on.
Somehow Katou Julie had the silhouette of Mukuro. That’s fractionally more interesting than the fight that just ended.
Kekkaishi 323-324
[scanlation by Binktopia]
(323) Raijin’s conversation with the earth god is an interesting one, and one that continues to portray her as a fascinating character.
Kakeru not only is resisting Oumi’s mind control, but also plays a vital role in Oumi’s plan. That’s a good twist for a character who shouldn’t be neglected.
Oumi’s ultimate plan is immensely disappointing. He’s gone from an intricate villain to yet another with a world-destruction plan.
(324) It’s so nice to finally see Tokine in action again.
Yuugami is a good character, and I like his interactions with Tokine, but something about the way his hair sits on his forehead irks the hell out of me, especially in the scene when he offers his help to Tokine. Weird.
Everyone receiving precisely designated tactics is a huge positive. The author has done an excellent job establishing unique characters, and here she is taking full advantage of their specific strengths and abilities. That said, my excitement is wholly reliant on each character following through with their assignments, the most important of which being Masamori killing Oumi.
Nurarihyon no Mago 123-124
[scanlation by ShinraTensei]
(123) Beautiful color page.
Nura’s masterful use of this new Matoi is impressive. It’s also a relief that it doesn’t seem like we’ll have to endure a training arc where he learns to use it properly.
The new Matoi enhances Nura’s existing Fear (and its related techniques), rather than replacing them. This is a very strong power, but I have to wonder how much of its future development relies on Nura improving, rather than just finding new members of his Hyakki Yakou to do it with.
(124) Of course they’re too late. The party is always late in stopping the cataclysmic event from starting, and stops it after it’s at full strength afterward. This is obvious, really.
A gigantic dark matter-baby is floating around and destroying buildings. If this was One Piece, I’d be begging for this to be cover story material after this arc ends.
Surely the Onmyouji are here to serve no purpose greater than losing to the Nue to make it look strong.
Psyren 136-137
[scanlation by Muda Scantrad]
(136) “There are billions of stars in space. For us to meet again on one of them, it sure is fate.” Well… maybe, but you did sort of kill billions of people on this planet, the planet where the two of you met. The chances weren’t exactly infinitesimal.
Nemesis Q and Amagi Miroku are siblings. I suppose that’s not as shocking as it seems; it’s a fairly common plot twist, and their hair color is rather similar.
I cannot overstate how much I appreciate the small comedic moment between Nemesis Q and Ageha (saving her when it was unnecessary) not being overdone. So many other series would have accompanied Ageha’s “Ah… my bad” with a ridiculous facial expression that would have been horrible out of place.
On the other hand, I’m not so sure I appreciate Ageha flying off into a rage as he activates his new Nova power. He hasn’t been written as that kind of a shonen hero; it’s a bit late to make him the temperamental type. At least his Nova looks cool, though.
(137) The way the new Melchsee’s Door is being drawn really accentuates its increase in power nicely.
Yes yes, dark is good and light is bad. You’ve switched them around. I see that.
The amount of dialogue in this fight breaks up the pacing of the action.
Miroku is dead within two chapters. I know Iwashiro is moving quickly towards the end of the series, but it took two chapters to kill off the only substantial villain of the series. Now we’re stuck with whatever aftermath results from his death, including the massive overflow of energy, whatever “new life” will be born that Miroku alluded to, and Mithra.
SWOT 11
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
It’s time to read SWOT! Put on the Magnum P.I. theme song or something; we need anything moderately exciting to get us through this.
Toudou was aiming for the top for a dead friend. Even this shoddy villain gets the “he was just misunderstood” copout. Leave evil characters evil! I’m going to have to turn this into a campaign.
“I– It’s not like I did it for you or anything” has just cemented SWOT as the worst series of the year. More anti-accolades are forthcoming, I’m sure.
A maid café. Wow. Apparently all it takes to get a series published these days is a large enough hat to put every shonen stereotype in, to later pull out a few per chapter.
There isn’t even the pretense of this series being bound by natural laws anymore. If people can transform weapons and command nature in this universe, why didn’t we find out about it until now? For anyone who may try to answer that rhetorical question, “the author is hopelessly grasping at straws, trying to keep his series alive” is not an acceptable answer.
Apparently every girl in this series works at this one café.
The World God Only Knows 115
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
It’s been fine for a couple chapters, but this blond devil working for the “old Hell” needs to take action soon or face irrelevance.
Thank goodness for Diana. Now that Keima is aware of the specific presence of a Goddess, the plot should move more quickly.
Kanon’s paranoia is excellent to watch. This series has disappointingly moved away from its strengths (short arcs featuring Keima capturing spirits) to uncharted territory with a long-term serious plot, but the tone of the series hadn’t yet made the switch. Apollo warning Kanon of constant imminent danger helps to legitimize the current plot.
Finally, the antagonist acts. This is about as genuinely scary as this series gets, and it’s an enjoyable change.
Kanon directly confronting Keima and confessing to remembering everything is fantastic. It saves us the time and agony of chapters of miscommunication.
Zettai Karen Children 232
[scanlation by JS Scans]
The heart attack medicine omake was hilarious.
This confrontation between Hyoubu and Yuuri, on the other hand, is less than exciting.
It makes sense for Kugutsu to control a fake Yuuri to cover up what’s happening, but I like that he’s been caught in the act.
Yuuri tricks her opponent’s brain into thinking that she has been wounded, and the body reacts as though it’s in pain… but the art shows a real wound with real blood? That’s a bit much to chalk up to artistic license. Representative artwork is fine, but that usually is done more effectively without the accompaniment of lengthy logistical explanation. Then again, representative artwork in general is a bit problematic (see Air Gear).
—
Feel that one or more of these series should be getting full-review treatment each week? Show your support by participating in chapter discussion in comments. Actively-discussed series will be considered for full reviews.
Series Roundup: 9/19 – 9/25
Mini-reviews for all the series without full individual posts.
Air Gear 288
[scanlation by SSA Scanlations]
I would like to casually remind you that the girl you see on the first couple pages with practically nothing on is, in fact, body-swapped President Obama.
The color cover page is another example of fine artwork (despite some fanservice) from Oh!Great.
Am I the only one who finds absolutely zero interest in anything involving Onigiri?
Sarome not being a Gravity Child isn’t much of a revelation, considering how new of a character she is.
Rika at risk of being brainwashed into becoming the Thorn Queen is a much better and more urgent reason for Kogarasumaru to rescue her than a simple kidnapping.
Defense Devil 65
[scanlation by I Eat Manga]
I suppose it’s been a little while since the last blatantly fanservicing cover page. Acceptable.
Kucabara’s plan may be working, but it’s not doing much to promote him as a credible hero. It’s fine to rely on intelligence, but a protagonist in this style of series really needs to support that with at least a small display of power.
This is a decent time for Y to reveal her true motive, but it’s not at all a good time to reveal her troubled past, much less through a flashback.
Kucabara, suffering greatly from poison, still manages to save Y. This is far too straightforward.
Enigma 2
[scanlation by CXC Scans]
Our group of protagonists has cleared the first suspense/thriller hurdle, at least: Don’t split up. Never split up.
Poor Shigeru. Even when faced with only one female adversary, Sumio’s attention doesn’t fall on her.
In such a completely modern trap, a typewriter-lock on the door is a nice anachronism.
The secret “emergency evacuation” broadcast code is an excellent and realistic touch.
Matsurigi is the first casualty of the shadow. (Lower case, mind you. I don’t see Interceptor anywhere… yet.) The art depicting the abduction is effectively scary.
The focus of Sumio’s Dream Diary is obviously the prediction it generates, but the accompanying artwork is amusing.
We’re set to see a new power, as Hasekura apparently must “erase” the person in the photo blocking the necessary name tag. Without yet knowing the exact nature of this power, the initial concept is already suitably interesting. Good chapter and a good sense of intrigue heading into the next one.
Gamaran 63
[scanlation by helz0ne]
Funny exchange between Gama and Zenmaru, and great artwork of their faces.
What an incredible difference in power between Gama and Ranmaru. I could have expected Gama to be at a disadvantage because of his recent fight, but this sheer gap in class is surprising.
Jinsuke already had much to live up to, but our anticipation is made to increase even further with the news that he is behind literally everything that has happened to Gama recently. With this much riding on his shoulders, let’s hope Jinsuke’s introduction lives up to the hype.
Zenmaru’s reunion with his older brother is both suspenseful and shockingly informative, with the news that the grand tournament of Unabara has ended.
This underling of Jinsuke looks as close to Two-Face as a samurai-era character could reasonably get.
Finally, Jinsuke himself. Not much in the way of plot-related introduction, but his appearance alone is monumental. Nakamaru has done a good job of drawing him to look similar to Gama.
GE ~ Good Ending 51
[scanlation by iMangaScans]
It was about baseball.
… seriously, if the author can’t be bothered to write a chapter that has any relevance to the plot, then I can’t be bothered to review it.
Hayate no Gotoku! 289
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
The summary of Important Detective is riotously funny.
Ayumu’s ignorance regarding manga is proving useful for multiple solid punchlines.
Plenty of meta mangaka humor here. It’s like if Bakuman tried pure, nonsensical comedy.
Hilarious face-off between Ayumu and Azumamiya.
Amazing realization by Nagi on the last page. It takes a seriously excellent moment to overshadow such a strong comedy chapter, but this is worth the praise.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 307
[scanlation by Binktopia]
P3, top-right panel: Pitiful art. I can see he’s against the spiked barrier, and that he’s bleeding, but what the hell is that black mass by his waist supposed to be?
Ryohei needs to charge up to full power to defeat him? No kidding. Thanks for pointing out the obvious flaw with your ridiculous power: Every fight of yours from now on will be an endurance test until you’re fully charged.
Speed lines around the characters, in the projectiles, and in the physical attacks themselves. I derive more enjoyment from looking at graph paper.
He’s fully charged. Yawn.
Kekkaishi 321-322
[scanlation by A-Team]
(321) Interesting and pleasantly brief exposition on Shiromi’s family life. That, combined with the knowledge that he has two powers, could set him up to be an interesting character.
Bizarrely direct conversation between Masamori and Hazama, consider their complete lack of any relationship.
Tokine! Finally.
(322) Yoshimori’s dad is… unique.
Wow, Tokine is flooding Yoshimori’s thoughts. This series hasn’t handled their relationship too much until now; this is a pleasant change.
Tokine’s job as a diplomat is perfectly suited to her. She’s strong enough to support herself, yet not quite strong enough to take on a role akin to Yoshimori. This is an effective differentiation between the two main characters.
The embrace between the two is just what anyone could have hoped for. It provides just the right amount of connection between the two, without over-developing their relationship at this stage.
Mahou Sensei Negima! 303
[scanlation by reddevilshn]
It would have been amusing if Koutarou had just taken out Fate here.
This “meeting” is really just Akamatsu’s roundabout way of cementing Fate as a colossally strong character. I’m not entirely convinced Fate didn’t notice and ignore Koutarou’s group, either.
Setsuna’s fights are always a good source of action. The art complements the action nicely, too; speed lines are used in such a way as not to overpower the characters or attacks, and the most important scenes have no speed lines at all.
That teacher in Setsuna’s flashback seems far too similar to Tsuruko Aoyama, Motoko’s older sister in Love Hina, just to be a coincidence.
Tsukuyomi wielding a cursed sword is a minor disappointment. I’m frustrated at the ever-growing trend of evil characters having a particular reason why they are so evil, therefore redeeming them. Why can’t evil characters just be evil sometimes?
Psyren 135
[scanlation by Muda Scantrad]
It makes sense for Vigo to be killed off, considering Vigo has had his moment of spotlight, but it’s unfortunate that he’s being replaced by someone as unknown as Mithra.
No, Marie! You’re able to contact Shao, so get out of there! Don’t sit around with dying Vigo! Don’t pull a Vivi!
Mithra’s flashback regarding Miroku is decent enough, but the wolf/sheep metaphors make no sense whatsoever.
Some nonsensical turns of events later, Ageha arrives, right behind Miroku and poised to attack with Melchsee’s Door. It’s a pity that the preceding backstory made such little impact, but I’m ready for what could be the series’ climactic final fight.
SWOT 10
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
It’s confirmed, then: This is no longer a terrible delinquent series. It’s now a terrible supernatural delinquent series.
Manabizaki has a “99.9% chance of losing.” Could this series try any harder to be generic?
Reverse resolve. In one chapter, our semi-realistic protagonist learned a perfect counter to a newly-introduced supernatural element. Absolutely pathetic. This series has managed to evoke the same feelings that I typically reserve exclusively for Bleach, except that SWOT has managed the feat about 200 chapters sooner. What a thoroughly putrid series. Nothing deserves cancellation more than SWOT right now, Bleach included. That statement isn’t even exclusive to Jump, either; I’d cancel SWOT sooner than MiXiM☆11, too.
The World God Only Knows 113-114
[scanlation by Red Hawk Scanlations]
(113) Keima’s attempts at building his own perfect human are amusing but obviously futile. This seems hopeless.
What a strange series of panels, featuring awkward, pseudo-philosophical dialogue. I’m not exactly sure what the author was trying to achieve, but unless the goal was to alienate me, I think the objective wasn’t quite met. I don’t see how any of the points raised in these pages couldn’t have been better addressed through ordinary storytelling. There’s no need to over-complicate the narrative.
Keima was unable to win from the very beginning. This teacher is rather interesting, but she needs to proceed with whatever she’s planning. This is the second time she’s been teased as a major behind-the-scenes character; best to capitalize on the existing anticipation before it’s lost.
(114) Not only is Kanon back, but she has a goddess! This is a refreshing change, particularly after the previous chapter.
Apollo is certainly less reliable than Diana, but that better suits Kanon.
Fairly sad last couple pages focusing on the distance between Keima and Kanon.
Zettai Karen Children 231
[scanlation by JS Scans]
The brief comedy of Kaoru holding a cherished maid cafe ticket is considerably more interesting than anything the preceding or following pages have to offer.
The maid cafe mixup is amusing.
Thanks, Shiina, but I haven’t forgotten that Kaoru is in love with Minamoto.
Good dialogue in the last panel. The wordplay works well with Hyoubu’s current double-natured character.
—
Feel that one or more of these series should be getting full-review treatment each week? Show your support by participating in chapter discussion in comments. Actively-discussed series will be considered for full reviews.
Beamcast – August 30
[download link – 136min, 58mb]
In this week’s show:
News
Director Satoshi Kon passes away
Arata Kangatari to receive anime adaptation in 2011
One Piece sells over 20 million volumes in 2010
Shueisha reports first ever annual loss
Gintama movie DVD to bundle bonus new animation
Weekly Oricon rankings (8/16 – 8/22)
New releases
[last week]
Naruto Season 3 Box Set 2 (DVD) $49.99
One Piece Season 3 Part 2 (DVD) $49.98
[this week]
Bleach (vol. 32) $9.99
Elemental Gelade (vol. 12) $10.99
Suzuka (omnibus, vols. 13-15) $21.99
Discussion / Weekly Poll
What underlying power system concept is the most interesting?
(Alchemy, Changing A to B, Devil Fruits, Gourmet Cells, Nen, Stands)
The Great Shonen Tier List
Re-tiered this week:
Allen Walker (D.Gray-man)
Introduced this week:
Might Guy (Naruto)
Ishida Uryuu (Bleach)
Enel (One Piece)
Sani (Toriko)
Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)
Kurama (YuYu Hakusho)
Anime Discussion
Highschool of the Dead (ep. 8)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep. 8-9)
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 9)
Nurarihyon no Mago (ep. 8)
This Week in Manga
0:42:23 – Bleach 417
0:47:21 – One Piece 597
0:58:36 – Naruto 507
1:04:54 – Bakuman 98
1:11:55 – Beelzebub 74
1:15:48 – Fairy Tail 197
1:18:55 – Hayate no Gotoku! 285
1:21:46 – Kekkaishi 317-318
1:25:08 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 395
1:28:09 – Toriko 107
1:33:26 – Gamaran 52-60
1:39:22 – The World God Only Knows 111
1:42:07 – Psyren 131
1:46:54 – Zettai Karen Children 228
1:50:12 – Hajime no Ippo 903-905
1:55:51 – AR∀GO 32
1:59:22 – GE ~ Good Ending 48
2:03:48 – SWOT 8
2:06:23 – Bloody Monday: Season 2 – 38 (new series!)
2:08:44 – Defense Devil 61-62 (new series!)
2:10:29 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 303
2:11:53 – Kimi no Iru Machi 102
2:13:08 – Nurarihyon no Mago 119
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
Comments / questions / additions? Email the show.
Want to share with friends? How kind. Have a shortlink: http://wp.me/pJOZe-C4
Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Beamcast – August 2
[download link – 107min, 47mb]
In this week’s show:
News
To Love-Ru spin-off
Funimation pre-paid debit cards
Weekly Oricon rankings (7/19 – 7/25)
New releases
[anime]
Naruto Shippuden (DVD Box Set 3) $49.95
Naruto Shippuden Special Edition (DVD Box Set 3) $69.99
[manga]
Bakuman (vol. 1) $9.99
D.Gray-man (vol. 18) $9.99
Gintama (vol. 19) $9.99
Hikaru no Go (vol. 20) $9.99
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (vol. 15) $9.99
Muhyo & Roji (vol. 18) $9.99
Slam Dunk (vol. 11) $9.99
Current/Classic Reviews
Kekkaishi
Double Arts
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Nico Robin (One Piece)
Tsunade (Naruto)
Hitsugaya Toushirou (Bleach)
Shishio Gen (Kekkaishi)
Elraine & Kiri (Double Arts)
Saotome Ranma (Ranma 1/2)
Anime Discussion
Highschool of the Dead (ep. 4)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep. 5)
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 5)
Nurarihyon no Mago (ep.4)
This Week in Manga
0:45:19 – Mirai Nikki 54
0:46:42 – Bleach 414
0:54:37 – One Piece 594
1:04:51 – Naruto 504
1:08:49 – Beelzebub 71
1:12:37 – Fairy Tail 194
1:14:56 – Hayate no Gotoku! 282
1:15:59 – Kekkaishi 315
1:17:11 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 392
1:20:47 – Toriko 104
1:24:45 – The World God Only Knows 108
1:26:38 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 297
1:30:37 – Psyren 129
1:32:43 – Zettai Karen Children 225
1:34:33 – Hajime no Ippo 902
1:36:17 – AR∀GO 29
1:37:26 – GE ~ Good Ending 44
1:39:56 – SWOT 5
1:41:33 – Air Gear 285
1:42:14 – Gintama 317
1:42:22 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 300
1:43:17 – Kimi no Iru Machi 99
1:44:11 – Nurarihyon no Mago 115-116
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
Comments / questions / additions? Email the show.
Want to share with friends? How kind. Have a shortlink: http://wp.me/pJOZe-xB
Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Beamcast – July 26
[download link – 138min, 60mb]
In this week’s show:
News
OneManga closing
Yen Press+ launching as online magazine
Marvel anime to run on G4 in 2011
Bakuman spin-off in upcoming Jump double issue
Weekly Oricon rankings (7/12 – 7/18)
Licensing announcements
Seven Seas: To Aru Kagaku no Railgun
Yen Press: Highschool of the Dead
Viz: Genkaku Picasso, Death Note Black Edition
New releases
[anime]
Dragon Ball Season 5 Uncut (DVD) $49.98
Love Hina – Complete Series (DVD) $39.98
Soul Eater: Part 4 (DVD) $59.98
[manga]
Black Jack (vol. 12) $16.95
Cirque du Freak (vol. 6) $10.99
Code:Breaker (vol. 1) $10.99
Negima! (vol. 27) $10.99
Oh My Goddess (vol. 15) $10.99
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (vol. 7) $10.99
School Rumble (vol. 14) $19.99
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (vol. 27) $10.99
Current/Classic Reviews
Toriko
Devilman
The Great Shonen Tier List
Introduced this week:
Jiraiya (Naruto)
Tony Tony Chopper (One Piece)
Ichimaru Gin (Bleach)
Devilman (Devilman)
Coco (Toriko)
Minami “Ikki” Itsuki (Air Gear)
Anime Discussion
Highschool of the Dead (ep. 3)
Seitokai Yakuindomo (ep. 4)
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (ep. 4)
Nurarihyon no Mago (ep.3)
This Week in Manga
1:06:47 – Naruto 503
1:12:12 – Bleach 413
1:17:02 – One Piece 593
1:26:43 – Bakuman 95
1:32:01 – Beelzebub 70
1:35:26 – Fairy Tail 193
1:38:21 – Hayate no Gotoku! 281
1:39:58 – Kekkaishi 314
1:42:08 – History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi 391
1:47:11 – Toriko 103
1:50:55 – The World God Only Knows 107
1:52:52 – Mahou Sensei Negima! 296
1:55:24 – Psyren 128
1:58:56 – Zettai Karen Children 224
2:00:32 – Hajime no Ippo 901
2:02:47 – AR∀GO 28
2:04:56 – GE ~ Good Ending 43
2:06:57 – SWOT 3-4
2:11:17 – D.Gray-man 196
2:12:43 – Gintama 316
2:13:37 – Katekyo Hitman Reborn! 299
2:14:37 – Kimi no Iru Machi 98
2:15:45 – Nurarihyon no Mago 114
Chapters of the Week
Final Flash
Comments / questions / additions? Email the show.
Want to share with friends? How kind. Have a shortlink: http://wp.me/pJOZe-wj
Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
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.
Want to share with friends? How kind. Have a shortlink: http://wp.me/pJOZe-uT
Credit: AnimeNewsNetwork
Weekly Power Rankings – 6/20 – 6/26
Shonen Beam Social Network
Shonen Beam 