[Manga Chat]

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

This was mine:

 

 

Feels about right, though I feel Beat & Motion, Spy x Family and Martial Master Asumi are snubbed by not having as many chapters.  If this was expanded to a Top 10, Show-ha Shoten and Elusive Samurai would definitely be in there as far as enjoyment goes.

 

 

[dr. b 492]

I haven’t read all the new stuff for this week yet but I am loving the action in MMA, Elusive Samurai, and Sakamoto!

 

MMA #27

 

I am super hyped for Nao—she can do this!!! Ain’t over yet though.

Elusive Samurai #139

 

Two captivating battles going on at the same time. No way that Tokiyuki is down for the count, because he’s the MC and therefore has plot armour… but he definitely took a hard hit there  I might be more worried about Kojiro. Things were going a bit too easily for him before his opponent got juiced up by that needle-arrow thing.

 

Sakamoto #149

 

Love how all the pro assassins can’t stop one fat dude and a girl

I am really looking forward up this next showdown Nagumo and bad-guy.

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

Second pretty much everything here(these are also the three I've read so far)

 

On Elusive Samurai

Spoiler

Tokiyuki almost certainly alive because of the whole "learn your enemy's secret technique" thing.  Still pulling for Kojiro!  My man deserves a victory, and after some of the struggles/losses they've faced recently, it would be nice to see the Elusive Warriors have another total victory.  We'll see though...

 

[dr. b 492]

Akane-banashi #92

 

I officially have a new least-favourite character  Whatever yer beef is with Shiguma, don’t hold that against Akane!!! 
 

  
 

 

 

8 hours ago, Psycho666Soldier said:

Second pretty much everything here(these are also the three I've read so far)

 

On Elusive Samurai

  Reveal hidden contents

Tokiyuki almost certainly alive because of the whole "learn your enemy's secret technique" thing.  Still pulling for Kojiro!  My man deserves a victory, and after some of the struggles/losses they've faced recently, it would be nice to see the Elusive Warriors have another total victory.  We'll see though...

 

 

I feel like the Elusive Warriors are definitely due for a total victory. And I am for sure 100% pulling for Kojiro. I dunno, I’m just a tad worried it could get ugly for somebody. I don’t think there have been any major death flags for Kojiro… but the good guys haven’t had any devastating losses since Yorishige (  ) and this is a war after all. I am gonna be super bummed out if/when there are more big losses on Tokiyuki’s side  Very much hoping that doesn’t happen though. 
 

[dr. b 492]

I binged a bunch of JJBA Part 6 - Stone Ocean over the holidays. Almost caught up to current. IIRC up to chapter 109 is out on the Jump app. 49 chapters to go to finish it, so that’s basically  a year if it’s on a weekly schedule. 
 

Stone Ocean was a slow starter for me, similar to Golden Wind, but some of the characters and stands have really grown on me. I am enjoying it. 

[dr. b 492]

Denji got his groove back

[dr. b 492]

Elusive Samurai (#142) got a really slick colour cover page today  Very excited to see what happens in this fight in the next chapter!!!

 

Sakamoto #152–That was an intense fight between Nagumo and Gaku!  

 

.

[dr. b 492]

MMA #31

I am hyped for Nito getting the win but at the same time bummed out for Kuronuma

 

[dr. b 492]

MMA is finished after 32 chapters… Bummer  

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

Fuuuuuck.  I had a feeling it was coming.  I was looking on jajanken a few weeks ago and it's been ranking terribly each week.  Which is such a shame because I thought it had a lot to offer. Mirrored the best of sports shonen storytelling, but had enough great art and characters with heart that it felt like it stood on its own.  Maybe just bad timing, I dunno.  Really disappointed about it regardless.

 

Gonna try and catch up on the last couple weeks of stuff soon.  Been a bit lazy about it.

[dr. b 492]

It’s a good time for getting caught up on stuff. Lots of good action going on in Sakamoto and Elusive Samurai right now. Akane-banashi it still on a good run too. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

The most recent Show-ha Shoten almost got some tears out of me halfway through.  It's curious how Nazutani had decent intentions but became a legit dick in the process. Excited for the next chapter.

[dr. b 492]

Yeah for sure. The author succeeded in adding depth and complexity to that character. Basically got me to empathize with a character that I never expected to. 

[dr. b 492]

DB Super #102 — We’re officially past the events of the Super Hero movie now. It hasn’t launched into a new story arc yet but I assume it will eventually. This was a fun “let’s see who’s stronger now” sparring chapter which is going to carry into at least one more chapter. I liked it. 

[dr. b 492]

You’ve gotta get caught up on some of this stuff @Psycho666Soldier

 

There has been lots of excitement in Sakamoto Days and Elusive Samurai. Akane just finished a thrilling performance in Akane-banashi. The latest Show-ha Shoten! continued Nazutani’s storyline in a really nice way. Beat & Motion is still awesome. Lots of good stuff in Jump right now! Not sure if you kept up with Choujin X but that series has been on a great roll for a while now too. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

I've actually been relatively caught up on the usual suspects.  I just usually miss one week and then catch up on 2 chapters at a time.  That said, I do have to read the last two weeks.

 

Just did Sakamoto and holy shit I love the fights going on right now.  Seeing Shin trying to stand in his own strength and wits without his ESP(though he maybe unlocked some kind of mind suggestion technique?).  

 

Absolutely loved Akane's performance.  I love that she started expanding into other stories, and man, the last chapter with her father acknowledging her path to Rakugo and then tearing up at the end.  Shit was beautiful.  She deserves the promotion.

 

Also hadn't realized it's been over a month since the last Spy x Family!  The most recent chapter was pretty fun, but it definitely feels like the best stuff will be next chapter.

[dr. b 492]

Yeah I’m super curious about Shin’s apparent new technique in Sakamoto Days. Mind control??? Unless those last few panels were just a misdirection and it has nothing to do with Shin—that would be pretty fun

 

I totally agree re: the last chapter of Akane-banashi. What a beautiful thing. If Taizen doesn’t acknowledge that performance then I’m gonna be mega bummed out. 

[dr. b 492]

 

 

You still keeping up with stuff in Jump, @Psycho666Soldier ?

 

I am still really enjoying everything that's happening in The Elusive Samurai, Sakamoto Days, and Akane-banashi. They are all really going strong. Elusive Samurai and Sakamoto both feel like they could be slowly nearing the end, but who knows. That could still be weeks and months away. In Elusive Samurai, the Intermission chapters were back around #110 if I remember correctly. I kind of took that to be roughly a halfway point in the story. If you're not up-to-date on Akane-banashi then you gotta get caught up!

 

JJK also seems dangerously close to finally wrapping up the Culling Game arc. I sure hope it's done soon. There has been some fantastic action at times, but it's also been confusing and too long. I would be quite happy if the series wraps after this arc. I feel like I've had my fill.

 

Spy x Family and Chainsaw Man have underwhelmed me a bit in recent weeks. They're not bad, but they're also not living up to my expectations and the high standards that the authors have set for themselves.

 

After watching the Mashle anime over the winter, I picked up the manga where the anime left off. Around chapter #75 IIRC, which meant only ~90 chapters to finish the story. I blitzed through it pretty quickly. It was good in general with some great action moments mixed in. The whole thing is very kooky. And times the kookiness works for me, other times it's just kinda dumb.

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

I actually have been caught up on Akane-banashi, Spy x Family, and Sakamoto(and Undead Unluck), but you reminded me to check out this week's chapters.  

 

The big splash page at the end of Akane-banashi was such a a heart-warming image.  Loved her performance and the way she stood up to "mophead".  And Sakamoto has been killer(pun intended?).  Loving the art in some of these chapters, and the reveal about Uzuki was cool.  I did kinda think it would be something more wtf, but honestly it makes a lot of sense.

 

Can't help but agree on Spy x Family and Chainsaw Man.  Feels like some of the spark was missing from recent Spy chapters(though this last pair was pretty enjoyable, and I get the feeling Fujimoto is burning out on Chainsaw Man and probably wants to do something else.

[dr. b 492]

The last few chapters of Akane-banashi were just fantastic all around. I really liked the flashback panels with Chocho, Taizen, and Akane's dad mixed in throughout her performance. It all just fit and flowed so nicely. I would have been mega bummed out if she didn't get Taizen's recommendation. 

 

Spy x Family kind of feels like a story that isn't intended to ever have an ending. Like, there is a story that runs through it and keeps developing, but there is at the same time an episodic nature to each arc as well. I feel like it will eventually just end with Loid, Yor, and Anya still happily in the same situation. The East/West thing is never truly solved--but they don't go to war either--and Loid keeps having to operate as Twilight perpetually. They never learn each other's secrets, etc. There will be ups and downs in terms of how good the story is at any given time. Hopefully it gets its groove back soon.

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

Yeah, I don't need every chapter to be advancing a plot, but before it just felt like it had a lot of heart and super hilarious moments in the every day stuff.

 

I think part of it is there have been a lot of shorter chapters in the last couple months so there's been less time to have the more meaningful slice of life chapters where it feels like there's both character development alongside the gags? I think that might be it.  Until these last two main chapters(not counting the extra short side ones), it feels like there hasn't been that character development side as much?  Or maybe it's also just because there have been so many break weeks that the flow makes every chapter hit weaker.

 

I have faith it'll find something to dig into eventually, but we'll see

[dr. b 492]

Sakamoto #163

 

The old guy is back!!! They way he wrecked those dudes in the bathroom was awesome  

I never thought of the possible solution of Akao’s personality just maintaining control of Uzuki’s body. Nobody has to be killed. Clever! Somehow I’m not sure it will work out.

I’m hyped to see Sakamoto, Nagumo, and Uzuki go up against the old guy. 

[dr. b 492]

I decided to start up on Undead Unluck last night. I only made it through the first chapter before I got sleepy. Pretty kooky. Seems like it will be fun. I wonder how many weeks it will take for me to get caught up 200+ chapters!

[dr. b 492]

Chainsaw Man #163

 

I feel like this chapter started to re-capture a bit of the goofy/crude humour Chainsaw Man is usually so good at. I lol’d at them kicking him in the nuts   
 

[dr. b 492]

On 4/21/2024 at 6:47 PM, dr. b said:

Sakamoto #163

  Reveal hidden contents

The old guy is back!!! They way he wrecked those dudes in the bathroom was awesome  

I never thought of the possible solution of Akao’s personality just maintaining control of Uzuki’s body. Nobody has to be killed. Clever! Somehow I’m not sure it will work out.

I’m hyped to see Sakamoto, Nagumo, and Uzuki go up against the old guy. 

Action in #164 was awesome. I think Sakamoto Days is the best series going right now, though Akane-banashi is a very close second. 

[dr. b 492]

Also really been enjoying Kagurabachi. It's only up to 31 chapters so far. Still relatively quick and easy to get caught up on.

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

A little behind on stuff(typical), but I really enjoyed the recent Spy x Family chapter.  Getting some backstory on Henderson and Martha, and it was pretty heartbreaking.

[dr. b 492]

I really enjoyed that chapter too. Spy x Family does that kind of side-story stuff really well. I felt like this chapter regained some of the charm that the series is so well known for. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

I'm sure this isn't the first time I've said this and it probably won't be the last, but Akane-banashi has such a way with art.  Just read Chapter 107 and 108, and the way they know to control the flow of the more detailed, gorgeous art with the sillier, simple art.  The composition for some of the pages were amazing, and they still have such a way with facial expressions.  The moments where Akane is truly happy, she absolutely glows in such an entrancing way.  I just love looking at some of these pages, especially during the deeper, touching moments.  Also, the end of 108 has me hyped.

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

All the praise for the art on Akane-banashi goes double for Sakamoto Days.  Holy shit, those chapters went hard.  All the Takamura panels were wild.

[dr. b 492]

Yeah dude, those two series are the best thing going on Jump right now! Totally agree re: the art and style of Akane-banashi. Those smiles Sakamoto oozes with a more edgy/gritty kind of style in its own way too. Especially when Takamura shows up.  

[dr. b 492]

Big things are about to happen in Elusive Samurai!  #156 leads into what is going to be a decisive battle. Obviously some major death flags for Akiie… but maybe that’s a red herring?
 

Akane #109 — I’m feeling nervous about Maikeru’s promotion test but I’m hoping he crushes it! 
 

Sakamoto #165 — Mr. Takamura is too OP and needs to get nerfed  

[dr. b 492]

@Psycho666Soldier we've been letting this thread collect dust for too long!

 

Slow and steady, I've been chipping away at Undead Unluck. I've ready ~70 chapters now. The first 30 or so chapters were a bit of a tough slog for me, but it had some qualities I liked so I kept with it. Now it's hit a groove and I am enjoying it more. Just finished the showdown with Feng and now they're up against Summer. Shen's story was very touching. It was really nifty how he passed the Untruth ability on to Mui.

 

I have managed to keep current with everything else.

 

There is still some good action in The Elusive Samurai, but the current battle doesn't feel as high-stakes as some of the previous. I hope we move along to the big showdown with Takauji before too much longer.

 

Sakamoto Days and Akane-banashi are still tied for my two favourite series in Jump right now. I am still feeling nervous about Maikeru's situation..! And that whole showdown with Mr. Takamura in Sakamoto was something else. Wild stuff. 

 

Kagurabachi is pretty damn cool too. Not sure if you ever gave that one a try..? 

[dr. b 492]

Spy Fam #99 was a pleasant surprise today! I’m getting more invested than I thought I would in the Henderson/Martha story. 

[dr. b 492]

I’m all caught up on Undead Unluck now. I really enjoyed the most recent arcs. The Unchaste (Kururu) chapters with Fuuko’s parents making an appearance was very nice. They nearly have the full squad assembled now!

 

Next up on the reading list is Kaiju No. 8. The anime was solid but I like the manga more. Wish I hadn’t slept on it this long. I love the style. It’s relatively simple. Very clean and easy to read, easy to follow the action. I really like the character designs. I also appreciate that the dialog is more concise. E.g. compared to Undead Unluck which I just binged. Some pages in that one can feel more like a novel, with so many rules and things needing to be explained in depth. 

[dr. b 492]

I absolutely blazed through Kaiju No. 8. Only started reading it like three days again (from chapter 40) and I’m up to current as of today! I am loving the showdown with No. 9 and everything that’s happened building up to it. 
 

Gonna read the B Sides spin-off tonight   

[dr. b 492]

Finally started reading Claymore. Only ~15 chapters in but I’m loving it so far. Clare is badass

[dr. b 492]

Finished Claymore on Sunday. Man, I flew through that one. I really enjoyed the story. There were some flaws and some rather predictable moments, but overall I liked how it all came together and the ending. Vague spoiler re: the ending: I was expecting more tragedy and devastation at the end but was pleasantly surprised with a relatively good/happy ending. I like that.  I definitely recommend taking a look if it’s something you’ve had on your reading list. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

God I gotta do so much catching up.  I've been deep in the wrestling train for a month or so and then I was on a backup phone for like 3 weeks that I didn't have the SJ app on, but I got my new phone now, so no excuses.  Just wanted say I'm alive lol

 

I actually was caught up with Sakamoto, Undead Unlucky, and Spy x Family for a while but I'm not sure how far behind I am.  I'm glad you've been enjoying Undead Unluck, though! I really enjoy the emotional content of everything after the loop starts over and we see Fuuko fully grow into herself and fight to give everyone a tragedy-less life.

 

Also awesome to see you get into Kaiju No. 8. It's been a bit of a sleeper hit for me and has been a blast to read.  I have yet to start the anime because the animation seemed a bit iffy in comparison to the manga, but I'll have to start that soon.

[dr. b 492]

Glad to see you back here dude! Now get to work on getting caught up

 

Martha and Henry’s ‘origin story’ in Spy x Family was really well done. 

 

Undead Unluck has continued to be very enjoyable. You’ll like the latest chapters. 
 

Kaiju No. 8 has been quiet a while. Still another week until the next chapter. That’s nearly a month since the last chapter. I’m curious to see what happens. 
 

The most recent arc in The Elusive Samurai was tough, especially this week’s chapter 

 

Recent chapters of Sakamoto have had a really insightful bit of back story about Uzuki. I think you’ll like that. 
 

And last but not least Akane is coming up in another big performance!

[dr. b 492]

Dang, only four chapters left for Shojo Null. That will make it 33 chapters total. I wasn’t necessarily hoping for it to last a super long time, but I didn’t expect the end to come quite this quickly. I’ve enjoyed it. Here’s hoping for a decent ending. 

 

 

—

 

 

Also add Beat & Motion to your list of stuff to catch up on @Psycho666Soldier ! It’s been a ride. Loved today’s new chapter. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

Caught up on Undead Unluck. I still get all emotional around Fuuko and Tatiana's relationship.  It's one of those things where normally when things are going too well, it's boring, but for all these characters that have suffered loop after loop, it's still so satisfying and heartwarming to see Fuuko and crew prevent everyone's tragedies.  Remember coming soon!

[dr. b 492]

Yeah man I loved how they negated Tatiana’s tragedy. The power of friendship  

 

The previous mini-arc with Unchaste, and a cameo appearance by Fuuko’s parents, was very touching as well. This author really knows how to tug at the heart strings. 

[dr. b 492]

Looks like My Hero Academia wrapped recently. I’ve still yet to read a chapter of it or watch any of the anime. Thinking about it now that I know it’s done  430 chapters is quite a bit, but manageable. It would just take a while. Did you keep up with the manga? And would you recommend it?

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

I still have to read the last 20-30 chapters because it's clear Horikoshi wanted to end it but they made him drag it out and it was getting painful to read every week.

 

3/4's of the way in, it's one of the best modern battle shonen and plays on a lot of tropes in cool ways.  It also has some of the best art in the game today.

 

The last quarter or so of the manga is a mess for a multitude of reasons on the plot front.  One of the biggest being a not so graceful redemption for a character who doesn't really deserve redemption.

 

I think it's worth it for the journey moreso than the destination, as it has one of the most interesting exploration of villains I've ever read and like I said, the art is incredible. 

 

 

I mean, when you think about it, I feel you can say that about a lot of manga/anime where it's pretty great up until the ending lol

Edited August 11 by Psycho666Soldier

[dr. b 492]

Yeah I never used to think about it, but it must be hard to end a story!  The authors already have a tough job. Then you add in pressure from the editors and publisher to either hasten or stretch out the ending of a story because of other factors. Lots of bad endings unfortunately. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

Caught up on Sakamoto Days again.  Sad to see how Uzuki and Rion were setup.  Even more crazy to see Kindaka wake back up, though! Seemed like someone who would more or less be dead for the rest of the series, but he definitely makes a good master for Sakamoto.

 

Have to imagine this training arc(however long it'll be) will be the last stop before the final showdown.  Unless the series intends to continues with a new overarching story after this, but that's probably not the case.  It's been one of the best series in the last couple years, so I'm excited to see how it all shakes out.

[dr. b 492]

Honestly tragic how Uzuki and Rion got played against each other. It’s been incredible how Uzuki has evolved from Generic Bad Guy early on in the story to this much more likable guy who just became a villain due to awful circumstances out of his control. I believe Sakamoto will somehow stop and save him. 

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

I'm kind of expecting Sakamoto will try and Uzuki will either end up sort of killing himself or the redemption will come from a sacrifice. Would be very interesting if he ended up having to actually finish the job for the first time since the start of the manga, but I don't think the character is meant to take that direction.

[Psycho666Soldier 283]

Somehow I left off on the chapter of Akane-banashi where Maikeru got the votes for promotion and I forgot to comment on it.  But his performance was awesome, and I absolutely loved Master Zensho unable to deny he deserves the promotion despite the seething hate he has for him. 

 

I'm caught up now and I'm already gearing to get a little choked up at Shiguma's reaction to Akane's performance.  But I'm particularly excited that we may finally get to see Shiguma perform