So due to a super busy weekend with no internet access besides my crappy phone browser, Shonen Weekend was not able to occur during it’s proper time. Sorry about that. Sigh…it’s what happens when most of the titles are translated by Friday and Saturday. So if you normally follow the manga series that I normally read, you’ll notice that a few chapters are already scanned and translated. Tough, since I’m saving those for this weekend’s reviews.
ONE PIECE (chapter 555) – Oars and the Conical Hat
Oars Jr. begins his rampage to save Ace; however, his size makes him the biggest target for the Marines to focus on. The Giant brigade are even overwhelmed by his size and strength. Whitebeard sends some of his men to try to back Oars Jr. up. Using him as a distraction, the other pirates make their move against the marine base and the Warlords. Yet they are not so easily distracted, as Hancock is able to turn a large number of them either fully or partially into stone. And being an Amazon, she’s able to physically destroy the statues with her own strength, along with taking out some of the Marines caught in the crossfire. Kuma sends a huge Ursus Shock towards Oars Jr., bringing him to his knees. Flashback to when Oars Jr. meets Ace. Ace gives him a giant conical hat to protect him from the sun and rain because of his size. That kind gesture is the main driving force behind Oars Jr.’s desire to save Ace desperately. Now under heavy fire, Oars Jr. desperately tries to at least defeat one Warlord, aiming for Doflamingo. However, he easily avoids the attack, and using his devil fruit powers, he severs Oars Jr.’s foot. Moria, wanting to keep Oars Jr.’s body in tact as much as possible, pierces his chest using his shadow powers. As he’s dying, Oars Jr. still reaches out to try to save Ace, only a few feet away.
So here we come with a glaring problem in One Piece: too many characters, too little time. We were barely introduced to Oars Jr. in the last panels of last week’s chapter. This week, we get a little bit of backstory, and now he’s about to die. Boo-urns. However, we’re also seeing the manga author break one of his earlier established rules: no deaths occurring in the present storyline. While flashback deaths occur profusely, Oars Jr. could be one of the first semi-important characters that could possibly die. Hancock has already killed quite a few fodder grunts with her abilities this chapter, so we already have people dying in the current storyline (something not seen or hinted at since Alabasta). We’re obviously going to witness more deaths, and there’s no way that this war can occur without any notable casualties. So any bets as to who’s next are on. And I initially thought that the chapter was going to be another fully two-page spread chapter; but the last few pages were single pages. With the awesomeness of the past few chapters, this week’s One Piece wasn’t as good, but still a great read. Decent chapter.
NARUTO (chapter 461) – Kumogakure vs Hawk
Sasuke rushes in to meet Raikage head on! Unfortunately for him, Raikage’s guards Darui and Shi have intel on him and were able to neutralize his attacks. Darui was able to stop his lightning sword and force him back; Shi used a genjutsu to allow Raikage and Darui an opening on Sasuke. Jugo and Suigetsu were able to stop them just in time, but Suigetsu’s sword was finally broken (it cracked in the fight against Killer Bee). Being able to locate chakra, Shi is trying to find the last member of Sasuke’s group; Karin hides her chakra to remain hidden. Back at the interrupted Kage meeting, they are still confronting Danzo about his use of his powers. Danzo reveals his motives, to try to unite all the villages to stop Akatsuki by any means necessary. None can really come to an agreement about their purpose for the meeting anymore. Gaara intervenes, wanting to help somehow without the use of immoral methods. Being the youngest of the Kages, Tsuchikage puts him down as being a rookie, but if he needs advice, just ask. Gaara asks when they thew themselves away as leaders. While some of the forces decide to help out Raikage or at least observe the battle, Danzo and his forces are kept under watch by those remaining behind. Meanwhile, Jugo activates his cursed seal level 2, getting ready to take on Raikage and his guards.
As the chapter title states the opponents, these two sides look like they’ll put up a good fight. However, with the other Kages and their guards also around, Team Hawk looks like they have their work cut out for them. The action this chapter was still good in continuation from last week. I’m still sort of confused as to what’s going on with the disbanded Kage meeting, though. Wondering which characters will fight and which will just stand by. No actual appearance from Naruto this week, but I’ll take the Gaara panels happily as well. And if it does indeed happen, I’m looking forward to a Sasuke beat-down in the next few chapters. Hopefully that’ll come true. Good chapter.
BLEACH (chapter 371) – Kingdom of Hollows
Barragan is defeated. For his dying moments, he remembers the first time he met Aizen. In his fully released hollow/Espada form, Barragan sits on his throne at Las Noches, awaiting the arrival of the invaders. Aizen, Tousen, and Gin appear, to the surprise of Barragan’s guards. Aizen and Barragan exchange introductions and words, then Aizen shows him his sword, Kyouka Suigetsu. He asks Barragan if he’s satisfied with what he has. By joining him, Aizen will grant him more power. Barragan mocks his offer and sends his guards after him, but Aizen takes care of all of them with his bankai release. After this meeting, Barragan is driven by revenge to someday kill Aizen. Back to the present, Hachi realized that Barragan was somehow protecting himself from his Rot powers. By sending his hand that fell victim to the power into Barragan, his own Rot powers would bypass his barrier and defeat himself.
To me, this was a pretty pointless chapter. We get Barragan’s backstory right as he dies, so there isn’t really a point in humanizing or sympathizing about the character anymore. Already knew that Aizen took over Hueco Mundo, and with the crown he wore, I assumed he was the former king. At least we got to see more of Aizen’s abilities. I’m guessing that’s what the chapter was supposed to relay. Well, guess the fights will continue next week. Stark was shown at the very end of this chapter, but I’m still gonna bet that Halibel’s fight is next. Disappointing chapter.
HAJIME NO IPPO (chapter 864) – Facing the Sun
Miguel explains to Kamogawa how he found Woli. He saw a television special of a boy who lived with apes on an island. After Bryan Hawk’s loss, Miguel went to search for him. After finding him, he found out that Woli was communicating with the apes by only his body language. Impressed by that along with his natural abilities, Miguel had to see what he could do in the ring. It was mainly by sheer chance that his boxer and Ippo are meeting. Miguel reminisces about Kamogawa’s fight from the past, and mentions that Takamura doesn’t fight the same way. Woli mentions that Ippo and Kamogawa have the same scent, though. At the day of the match, Ippo gets ready to leave to warm up at the arena. His mother realizes that Ippo is acting a little differently, but that she’s seen it before when he faced a certain opponent earlier. Ippo realizes it as well: he hasn’t felt this way since he faced Sendo. He knows he’s dangerous and strong. No matter the outcome of this match, he’s definitely going to enjoy it.
Oh man…eagerly awaiting the upcoming fight. Miguel has put all he can into training Woli, much like Kamogawa has done to Ippo. For not having so much build up as a character, Woli really looks like a threat (thanks to the spar with Vorg). Since it’s just more build up, can’t really say anything too much other than “Hurry up and start the match!” Decent chapter.
FAIRY TAIL (chapter 149) – Super Sky Battle – Natsu vs Cobra
Cobra continues to have the upper hand, being able to predict Natsu’s moves. While Natsu struggles, Gray and Lucy are able to meet up with Jura and Hoteye. Because of his switched allegiance, Hoteye explains Nirvana’s origins. The city was inhabited by the ancient race called Nirvittes. 600 years earlier, many wars spread throughout the world. Being neutral, they created Nirvana with an extreme magic to restore balance, to act as a country of peace. However, Midnight appears before them, stating that Brain is her father. As she attacks, Hoteye holds her off, so that the others can stop Brain. Cobra reveals to Natsu that he possesses a listening magic, able to read he “heart” (thoughts) to predict his moves. No matter the strategy, Cobra can read it. Natsu chooses to attack head on instead; however, he’s actually able to land blows! Cobra realizes that Natsu has stopped thinking about what to do next, and decides to use his real magic. Cobra also possesses poison dragonslayer magic.
Okay, I like where the fight was headed. I like that Hoteye is facing Midnight, because we eventually need an Oracion Seis versus Oracion Seis fight. I like that Jura, Gray, and Lucy are headed towards Brain, rather than always being Natsu. Hopefully it’s Jura who does most of the fighting, or even Ichiya if he’s able to somehow free himself. All in all, I liked this chapter…up until the very end. Another dragonslayer magic? Come on, Mashima. I can see why it’s dragonslayer magic: Cobra has a snake assistant/pet that somewhat resembles a dragon (in its winged form). Seriously though, it seems that every main arc reveals a new dragonslayer magic, and this arc has two of them. Disappointing/Decent chapter (seriously, Cobra’s reveal almost ruined the chapter for me).
KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN (chapter 255) – Decisions
Squalo and Hibari stand to defend Yuni. Still trying to play the nice guy, Byakuran tries to make a deal with Yuni: he’ll give back the Vongola Rings as long as Yuni comes back to Millefiore. Yuni refuses, and because she is the Sky Arcobaleno Boss and guardian of the other pacifiers, she refuses the right of Byakuran to have the Vongola Rings by invalidating the Choice game. Byakuran then reveals his trump card: he’s holding the other members of Black Spell as hostages. However, Yuni is prepared to sacrifice their lives for the greater good, saying that they’ll understand. Seeing her determination, Tsuna then comes to the decision that they must protect her. He decides to flee and regroup, with Irie still injured, and Spanner found (also injured). Squalo stalls for them, while Gokudera protects them as they flee. The transportation system that brought them there is still in tact to take them back. Hibari was also able to set some traps to stall the pursuers. Just as Kikyo and Zakuro catch up to them, Mukuro reappears from Chrome to stop them.
Chapter was going at a good pace. I liked it. Hibari didn’t do too much, but at least he did something. Squalo was impressive as well. Good to actually see Mukuro come back, since he isn’t being overused at the moment. Hopefully there’ll be a badass moment, and not an emo one. Fully expecting a much more impressive battle compared to ones featured in Choice. Right now, this chapter is going in the right direction. Good chapter.
HISTORY’S STRONGEST DISCIPLE KENICHI (chapter 350) – Rescue Mission
Sakaki worries about having to face both Rahman and Silcardo Jenazad, the Demon-Fist God (sorry, was mistaken last week about this character’s name; he was revealed a while back and I just forgot). Rahman tells Demon-Fist that he will face Sakaki alone. Back at the base, Kenichi and the others arrive to meet with Ma Kensei and Shigure. They explain the situation to him, and Kenichi panics and worries about his master along with Rachel. But after remembering Ethan was there, he assures him that Sakaki is a very trustworthy person, and will definitely save Rachel. Back at the helicopter, Rahman tries to use the same nerve-disabling attack on Sakaki that Ethan used on Kenichi, but he’s able to counter it by tightening his muscles without being forced back. Both fighters are able to avoid or block each others blows, but Sakaki is able to get the upper hand by grabbing Rahman’s beard. Rahman uses his Fear Mantra, but Sakaki is unphased thanks to Shigure’s sleeptalking antics. Sakaki is so impressive to Silcardo that he truly wishes to fight him. Leaving Rachel’s side is what Sakaki was trying to do, and with that he is able to grab Rachel and leap off the helicopter. With Rachel safe, he was able to fulfill his disciple’s wishes.
Man…what a crazy Master versus Master fight. And that was just the hint of what I’m sure will eventually be their full-out fight. Again, apologies for forgetting Silcardo’s name last week. Research was done improperly. I was kind of surprised that their fight ended this quickly. Since it wasn’t the main point of the arc, I can understand why it was only one chapter though. The ending states that the Ethan arc conclusion is next week, so curious to see what will happen to Ethan and Rachel. Will they become Kenichi’s allies now? They sort of were unofficially until they actually had their proper duels. Looking forward to next week. And for the most part, Ethan’s arc was very enjoyable. Good chapter.
PSYREN (chapter 83 and 84) – Apathy and “Hiryu”
(83) At W.I.S.E. base, Miroku has a conversation with one of the W.I.S.E. members, Grana. Grana tells him that Dholaki was defeated by the Resistance. Miroku then gives the order to crush them, and leaves it in Grana’s hands. At the resistance headquarters, #7 continues explaining what she’s been doing. How she tells people to go from payphone to payphone, and how she’s able to “delete” anyone who breaks the rules of Psyren. Though she guides them to the goal little by little, she doesn’t tell them where and what their final destination is, nor did she say she has to. Frustrated at the loss of human life for #7’s game, lashes out angrily at her, and storms off. Because of #7’s upbringing, she doesn’t relate to his anger, but knows the source: he’s angry at her for putting Amamiya through all this. The next day, a slightly less angry Ageha asks #7 for help: to find Hiryu and Oboro. We then see a battered Oboro with an imposing looking creature staring down at him. Oboro uses Cure or something similar to disintegrate the monster; however, he now has these interconnected “welts” on his arms. (84) #7 is unable to show Oboro’s image. She says that there’s a strong energy field surrounding him, made of his own life force. She wonders if he was “reborn,” but then leaves it at that, since he’s alive and safe. She is then able to locate and image Hiryu for Ageha. By using Nemesis Q’s projection, Ageha was able to communicate with Hiryu. Hiryu has been with Tatsuo since their fight against W.I.S.E. separated them. They are joined by a new character: Kusakabe. He is a Tavoo that has gained an appreciation for humans and was the one who saved Tatsuo earlier in the series. Kusakabe’s goal is to destroy the towers powering the Illuminas Forge, to allow sunlight to once again shine onto the earth. The theory is that the destruction of the towers will help reverse the transformations of Tavoo. Hiryu tells Ageha that they must now work separately, not wanting him to get involved in a fight that isn’t his. #7 terminates the image, saying that it isn’t safe anymore, while Hiryu, Tatsuo, and Kusakabe head to the control tower.
With two chapters to review, I’ll try to keep this tame. There was a lot of information to take in. In the end of #7/Nemesis Q’s history, we don’t get a better reason for her actions other than she just felt like it since humanity would’ve died. While I wish it could’ve been handled better, I’m still glad we got some more meat to her backstory. Perhaps it’s just the tip of the iceberg right now, since she has done away with most of her humanity. And it looks like Ageha will be back in the thick of fighting trying to help his friend Hiryu. It is good to see the other characters again, since we were left with a cliffhanger of their whereabouts for quite a while. Oboro’s physical change in appearance could signal a turn to the dark side for him. Or it could just be a side effect of him getting a power up or using his abilities too much. We haven’t really seen if anything different happened to Hiryu yet, other than meeting Kusakabe and Tatsuo again. Start of a new arc, so the recent chapter has some promise. Decent chapter, for both of them.
BAKUMAN (chapter 51) – Resumption and Low Rank
Mashira, finally out of the hospital, visits his studio for the first time since the incident. His assistants have thrown him a welcome back party. Things aren’t going so well over at Jump, though. A new mystery manga Great Thief Cheater will make it’s debut the week before Trap is back from hiatus. Hattori also has some more news to tell Miura. Back at the studio again, after the party is finished, Takahama (the assistant that stays late and aspires to be a manga author) asks Takagi and Mashiro to take a look at his manuscript draft, called Business Boy Kenichi. They both like the premise, and think it’s a good one-shot. At their editor meeting, Miura not only tells them about Great Thief Cheater, but another new manga series being written by a famous mystery novelist, called Crime-Solver Akechi Gosuke. Two new detective series running in Jump after the success of Trap. For their return chapter, they come in at 4th place, with Niizuma’s Crow anime debuting the same week. The next week though, Trap fell to 12th. Takahama’s one-shot came in second place. Takagi already thinks of him as an up-and-coming rival. With the end of their arc dropping to 14th, Miura suggests to them that it’s time to make some changes. They were trying to think of different things, but all they could come up with was battle manga. Later though, Takagi has an idea. Rather than fully turn it into a battle manga, he thinks that he and Mashiro should listen to their fan letters and try to incorporate some of their ideas. Fukuda calls Niizuma to ask if they could help them out along with Aoki and Nagai, but Niizuma, seeing them as rivals, says they have to do it on their own.
Yes, lots of things happening this chapter. Two new detective series will definitely hurt Trap’s rating. Time to see some creative juices flowing. Curious to see what Takagi can come up with to differentiate themselves from the rest. Interesting to see that Hideout Door is also in trouble, but doing well in the comic volume sales. While it would’ve been nice for Trap to have enjoyed some more success after the end of their hiatus, it’s fitting that they continue to struggle to get to the top. It’s weird how this series about manga, with the writers themselves trying to avoid a battle manga, is actually set up like a battle manga. Their current “techniques” need leveling up, hence the trying something new by listening to the fans. Besides, everyone likes to see the underdog struggle just to succeed. Good chapter.
BEELZEBUB (chapter 26) – Fight
Oga and Furuichi encounter Tojou and Aizawa. Noticing BL on Tojou’s back, Furuichi guesses that Oga will be relieved that BL is no longer attached to him. He is…sort of. While Oga says he’s glad, he acts completely different. Walking into the river while saying he’s going home. To help Oga regain his composure, Furuichi comes up with a plan. He asks about BL being on Tojou’s back; in response, Tojou states that he’ll tell them if Oga can beat him. Oga tells him he shouldn’t be fighting with BL on his back, so Tojou hands him over to Aizawa (something which shouldn’t be done so easily, and that Furuichi notices). Finally, they both meet face to face. They trade blows, but Tojou gets the better of the two, sending Oga flying into the river. Aizawa thinks it’s all over, but Oga stands back up. He walks back to the match, much to Aizawa’s surprise; they trade blows again. This time, Oga sends Tojou flying. Worried, Aizawa rushes to his aid, but Tojou stands right back up, smiling. This fight has just begun.
Alright, this match is finally underway! Glad to know that BL isn’t really stuck to Tojou, at least for the moment. Looks like this one will last for at least two more chapters. I wouldn’t mind it if there were more though. As a villain, Tojou seems really interesting. He’s actually got a good character design, and is kind of likable in that “I like to hate him” sort of way. Good to see some comedy early on as well, a good trademark of the series. Though it’s just a setup chapter, I’m really looking forward to next week’s. Good chapter.
