manga: what you reading brehs....

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Undead Unluck - Chapters 215–222

I think it really puts into perspective how strong of a weapon that Tatiana's Untouchable is for the fact Chikara, Billy and Gina using Unmove and two Unchange, and it barely held it off. Though it seems this time Nico can have Tatiana's ball be visible. Granted you do understand her frustration, at the same time, seeing Fuuko and Billy feels good. But now we got the return of Andy for the first time. With Fuuko struggling to hold off Ruin. To see what Fuuko has done in this loop and with what Andy has become. The combination of using the soul, we see Undead Unluck reach a new level that they didn't reach in the previous loop. Though it does seem we might get a bit of a focus on who Ruin is since he is a negator that works for Soul.

Now it looks like we are getting into the final portion of the series with the Union fighting it off against the eight remaining Master Rules. At this point, this is more of how Fuuko and Andy divide the matchups. Granted Billy and Gina have their matches shaped up. The other wild card is Julia. Will her Unjustice be able to come out finally in time when it is needed? Andy's point of don't discount the other negators they can pull their own weight.

 

[tripleaamin]

The ending is similar to Bleach where it was rushed towards the final arc, but overall the themes and writing was still as strong. I can only hope the anime does well enough because it can really enhance the final arc. Honestly, one of the most creative series Jump has put out so far this decade with Akane-banashi, CSM and Dandadan.

@LordDeathwatch perfect time for a binge and I think this is one that @storyteller would like.

 

[storyteller]

The ending is similar to Bleach where it was rushed towards the final arc, but overall the themes and writing was still as strong. I can only hope the anime does well enough because it can really enhance the final arc. Honestly, one of the most creative series Jump has put out so far this decade with Akane-banashi, CSM and Dandadan.

@LordDeathwatch perfect time for a binge and I think this is one that @storyteller would like.

I've definitely been sleeping on Undead Unluck some. I'll have to give it a spin for a potential binge run. I just started up this newish one called Tower Dungeon

Spoiler

It took about 6 panels to leave with unfairly high expectations.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Medalist - Volume 3

As Inori gets prepared to start her first local tournament. Things can't be too easy for her as she forgot her luggage containing her skates on the train. Tsukasa showing once again of the lengths he will go to make Inori's dream come true. Even putting that aside, the performance of the fellow Level-1's is very notable. It indicates that Inori is going to have lots of competition for years to come. Inori puts out a fantastic performance, netting herself 24.32 and netting herself first place. Though exhaustion starts to hit Inori, and we know how dedicated she was to ice skating before Tsukasa started coaching her. For the first time, Inori needs to take a step back. Not listening to your body and getting severely injured will cost much more time than making sure you take rest days as those are just as important as training.

Though Inori only got a sliver as it was Ema that won Gold in the tournament. Despite with the impressive amount of Level-1's, it was Ema who put a final shocking performance to wrap it up. As mentioned in her monologues that for her nailing the moves that Inori might have been iffy on and for Ema those are guarantees for her now. It indicates that forget Hikaru, there are more that Inori needs to focus on beating first. Interesting to see Ema has been dealing with the injury problem for longer and for a lot of it had no one to guide her. Give credit to Yudai for seeing that potential and willing to put Ema through a routine where she can overcome these nagging injuries. An underrated aspect was him helping Ema with the mental hurdle of being bigger and older than the others.

As Tsukasa talks to Yudai, their focus for now is moving up in ranks for Inori. Given what they saw from Ema that is a good decision. As we jump to a year later, we see a particular exchange between Rioh and Jun. Unlike the other coaches, Jun isn't exactly a model of a coach, but his talent from being pro speaks for itself. Though the fact Jun doesn't mince words to Rioh kind of shows why Rioh has concerns with him. In an interesting bit, we see that Rioh transferring to Lux. Granted, his father talks about him being in a slump, but it is clear from Rioh that for him the bigger issue is Jun. We don't know what is happening behind the scenes between Shinichiro and Jun.

Though now Rioh having Tsukasa as his coach is interesting because this is his first student besides Inori. One thing we see as Rioh is skating is the differences from his father. As he mentions that to Rioh a spark lights up and the fact that he mentions so much praise. It's difficult to mention how it compares to his father, but compared to someone like Jun, his teaching style is entirely different. Though Jun shouldn't be coaching Rioh, though? Still, for him to accept that Tsukasa's comment is tough because he is someone who the two coaches he was around were his father and Jun. , accomplished ice skaters. Meanwhile, we know Tsukasa never accomplished his dream. But I do love to see Inori speaking up for Tsukasa because she absolutely trusts him. This also brings up the point that the greatest athletes don't always make the best coaches. Also, the mind of a coach can be different than that of an athlete.

 

[tripleaamin]

 

[tripleaamin]

Very rare for Shounen manga to land their endings, but both Mission: Yozakura and Undead Unluck did that. Mission: Yozakura Family one was more a comfort series, but with good execution with it. Even if the editorial change in WSJ forced Undead Unluck to end earlier than it still did pretty solidly. I am hopefully that the anime can elevate and extend some of the later part like you see in TYBW.

 

[tripleaamin]

 

[storyteller]

Just picked up The Stellar Swordmaster, a manwha on Webtoons...good art, and it starts off really strong. The first five chapters have enough juice for me to namedrop it here and see if anyone else has checked it out, because this has some promise.

Spoiler

Kid from the slums starts hearing a sword call out to him. After everyone he knows gets bodied by a Knight, he starts training to get revenge with the sword guiding him (but poorly). Characters are cutthroat, the MC is clever as hell since he had to survive in the slums, and the action animation is valid so far.

I haven't gotten to the power system breakdown, but there's definitely something to it.

At the 25 Chapter mark, I'm moving this from a promising start to a highly recommended read. If you mess with webtoons, this is one of the best new joints I've read in a while. If you're a fan of the Lazy Lord Master's the Sword, this is that with MUCH more of an edge. It's got hints of power-fantasy and quick growth arcs like a Solo-Leveling fan would like.

The MC is my favorite protagonist in a very long time! Action fans should give this a shot.

 

[tripleaamin]

Catching up on a lot of my biweekly and monthly mangas

Spoiler: I Want to End This Love Game - Chapter 54

Of course, when we're finally going to get to the relay race, we get an injury. At this point, it feels like Yukiya's commitment to winning rather of winning will be what is important.

Spoiler: Wistoria: Wand and Sword Chapters 48

So far, Will we have seen him pushed to his limits, but both Finn and Mercedes are holding off that power? Finn locking the fifth source, which more than likely requires him to get stronger. Though what Mercedes is hiding is most curious. Since that power felt more unnatural then the fifth source.

Though for Will tactical reload is interesting. Utilizing the training from Ceridwen, he can now swap out different elements. One thing that can help him get the edge going forward.

Spoiler: Empyreal Cabinet - Chapter 7

The start of the chapter focused on the next in line for the throne. The oldest tying 11 years from the current events of the story. As the fight between the two sons. Perhaps it is a custom it would go to the oldest? Akito who is now technically in line for the throne, seems to be involved with the Talisman case. This could make things interesting. Akito is doing anything to cover his ass, while Oshiro looking to take him out.

Meanwhile, Toya being 3rd in line for the throne is an interesting note. I do get the sense he has more to play in this story, but things not looking good for him right now.

The One's new manga Bug Ego is him doing his own type of Fujimoto style storytelling. Tho the weirdness doesn't reach Fujimoto levels where it has a more horror SoL feel to it. The most recent chapter focusing on Yuki was so great . She simply just ended up doing what her parents wanted from her. She had the grades and the work habits, but was miserable. For her to discover a whole another world out there was great. I hope she continues to stay in this series.

Night Light Hounds really is showing off strong in its first 10 chapters. The more typical werewolves and vampires story mixed with mafia. Mafia having two sides, one vampire and the other human. Jimmy and Lili's dynamic is excellent. Also, add in the high-level art.

 

[tripleaamin]

 

[tripleaamin]

Reading through Gokurakugai Chapter 24 and this chapter adds a significant number of layers from what we are expecting. What was going up in Nei's house? And his response was to blame her father. But even add that everyone in the family was scum? Art was on point as usual.

 

[Secure Da Bag]

The Swordsman's Son/The Swordsman's Youngest Son has been a good read. I hope they make it into an anime soon.

I don't like how quickly they upgrade him though. It seems unnecessary.

 

[tripleaamin]

Catching up to a lot of jump series.

Embers

Middle school brawler Noboru Haitani has never lost a fight. But the bitter taste of a soccer defeat gradually warms him up to the sport, until one day Haitani finds himself in a match against a team featuring middle school soccer prodigy Takami. An outlaw fights his way into the world of...

myanimelist.net

First, checking out the new Soccer manga in WSJ, which has a former assistant of Blue Lock doing the art. Overall, the idea of a soccer manga from a defensive player POV is interesting, and you have a rivalry setup.

The Marshal King

Nobody on the continent hasn't heard of the evil deeds of the great outlaw M. Godspeed. But one day, a young man claiming to be the criminal's son suddenly appears trekking through the harsh desert. This Jim Godspeed says he's killed his father and has the corpse to prove it! A steampunk western...

myanimelist.net

New manga written and drawn by Boichi. The setting and art seem superb. Not as sure about the chapter itself. The son and father never interacting feels like an intentional point. The school setting feels improper, though.

SxF - Chapter 111: Short chapter, but seeing Anya's birth mom man

Akane-banashi - Chapter 144: So it's interesting that it was Issho's decision to send her overseas. It will be interesting to see how in that time how she has improved. I do like her realizing despite being in a foreign country she still had Rakugo and that is what kept her going.

Ichi the Witch - Chapter 20: A lot to take in from this chapter. The first is that Jikishirone the Oracle Witch. Though interesting for Ichi to tell that how she was acting isn't very human. Essentially, the old Jikishirone is gone after she went into a comma and replaced her was the prophecy Majik. The World-Hater Majik is one that no Witch can conquer. As the one who will save the world is the one that acquires Uroro is Ichi. Ironic part Ichi holds no issues killing with his prey. Desscaras might be more displeased by this prophecy than Ichi himself.

The Elusive Samurai - Chapter 189: At this point, Tadayoshi's factions end up being in a worse and worse position. Now he is off to Kyo because he draws the irritation of Moronao and his generals. At this point, his faction feels it is inevitable until it loses significant power

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Wistoria: Wand and Sword Chapters 49

Will's relationship with Zeo is really a give and take. Though we know they were after destroying the great barrier and Heavens Baal. Though I love his remark about his faction being gone, then this place isn't worth protecting. The key will be communicating, but the Caulis Control Panel is the key to controlling the tower.

Beyond we see a member of Goliath is in the Dark Faction with Morta. Potentially Monica in the Wind Faction as well. Although it seems Elfie is making use of Rosti for the first time in a while. Now with the Thunder Faction gone I wonder if we get Sion perspective for a bit.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Medalist - Volume 4

A big part of this volume is the conflict between Rioh and Tsukasa. For she believes in Tsukasa and wants to rise with him as her coach. After all, it was Tsukasa that believed in Inori before her mom or Hitomi did. Rioh talking bad to him hurts her. So she wants to stick with him even if everyone else will say you should find a coach who had results on the ice. Although her being able to land a double axel on land is one proof of it. Even if the funny part is that on land being able to do it then on ice.

Though for Tsukasa as Hitomi mentions, he will always find the best in others. At the same he will find the worst in himself and words are tough to reach him. In fact, his conversation with Rioh even highlights that because the farthest he went was Preliminary. That is something he can't shack off overnight and that will stick with him. He is an example of a great coach despite not the best results of a player to back it up. At the same time, this is the one flaw Rioh has. He wants to be taught by the best, even if he won't admit it. Though his goals make that clear. His mindset is to catch up to Hikaru, who is a prodigy. He will naturally try to mimic Jun rather than his father for those reasons. His father cares for him, but I can only guess his style of coaching isn't what Rioh needs. Meanwhile, Tsukasa is the type of coach that will believe in his students. Much like how Inori needed someone to believe in her due to her confidence issues, Rioh needs someone for pure moral support.

Tsukasa's performance left a big impression on Rioh in many ways. Considering his age, him pulling off a jump at is super impressive. As Hitomi mentions, his ice skating is where Tsukasa shines. This is where Tsukasa needs to have more confidence in himself because he delivered a wonder performance. So Rioh finally can put his trust in Tsukasa. Which is a big thing going forward.

It is interesting to note how important Ballet can be for Ice Skating. No surprise Inori wasn't aware of this and the best she can do is build her foundation for it. We all know she will put the effort in it. It is just about her grinding to get to that level. For Mittens, the ability to practice ballet was always there, but she chose not to do it. It makes sense as kids always want to do the flashy stuff and what builds up to that flashy stuff. It is good for her to realize she can't change the past. Furthermore, it is really cool to see how Inori, Mittens and Rioh are pushing each other. Even more so, seeing Rioh to have confidence in herself is nice to see as it shows Inori got his respect. Now we got both Inori and Rioh taking their next steps. Rioh can advance to level 6 and really shows how great of a coach Tsukasa is for him. For Inori she can finally compete against Hikaru.