Anime / Manga Blog - 06/29 Friday -- just the Start.
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 On 07/03/2012 at 12:03 PM by jinkoku See More From This User » |
Jinkoku’s Anime / Manga update Friday 06/29 –
Welcome everyone. This is a place where we can discuss all things anime and manga related. I will do a weekly blog updating on anything new and cool I come across and will try to keep everyone updated on Hot Issue of the Week! ENJOY!
(And YES, I have read everyone, and some of them multiple times ( Berserk = 3 times already) heh)
I will break this all down into 2 sections - MANGA/MANWHA (Comics) and ANIME (animated movies/series)
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MANGA/MANWHA (Comics)
Here is what I am reading Thus far:
Bleach (issue 498)
Bleach, created by Tite Kubo, has quickly become one of the most popular shonen series to date. The main character, Kurosaki Ichigo, has the ability to see ghosts. His life changes when he is given the powers of Rukia, a death god who is charge of sending lost souls to the afterlife
*Soul society has their hands full with the Quincies who have declared war on them. With the stealing of some of the captain’s Bankai – Ichigo is the only one person whom this process doesn’t seem to work on. He was briefed and summoned on Soul Societies plight.. Can he get there in Time??!?!
Fairy Tail · (issue 288)
Fairy Tail is a shonen series that at first glance looks remarkably similar to One Piece, but it's actually created by Hiro Mashima who is famous for his previous series Rave Master. As much as I enjoyed his previous work, Fairy Tail surpasses it in every way imaginable. It has all the right pieces that create an epic shonen adventure: a magical fantasy setting, silly over-the-top characters, and top notch fighting scenes. Add in lots of humor, scantily clad women, and lots of twists and turns in the storyline and you have another addictive shonen series you simply must read each week!
*It is day 3 of the Magical Guild games and Fairy Tail’s own Wendy Marvell (Sky Dragon Slayer) is currently fighting and seems to be in a pinch. She is up against Chelia Blendy of Team Lamia Scale and it seems she can use the same magic as little Wendy. Cheilia is was hit hard by Wendy in the last issue but she has gotten up and she is ready to strike back. Can Wendy overcome this obstacle? As the fight comes to a close Mystogan senses a strange evil magical presence. As he is in pursuit he is stopped but a Magic Council member who knows his real identity.
Gantz · (issue 366)
Gantz is one of the most hardcore seinen series ever created. The world of Gantz blends sci-fi horror, beautiful babes, and non-stop action to create one of the most interestingly violent series you have to check out for yourself!
*Kurono has once again saved his beloved Tai and they are flying away on board the alien ship. Leaving Joichiro Nishi behind with no hopes for escape, and believing the war is over they travel through city only to notice that the once proud giant invader’s complex is riddled with dead / despondent aliens. As they near the end of a corridor, a large door opens up revealing their current location high in the atmosphere. Unable to fight the gravity of being sucked out into space, Kurono pushes forward until they come to a safe breathable place in the atmosphere with their home city in sight.
Grappler Baki · (issue 43)
Grappler Baki is the original series to the popular Baki franchise which includes the sequels New Grappler Baki and Baki Son of Ogre. The premise of the series is simple, Baki Hanma's dream is to be the strongest in the world. He follows in the footsteps of his sinister father in this action-packed martial arts shounen.
*An excited Yujiro Hanma jumps from the stands and lands in the middle of the underground arena. Baki in a fit of rage, and filled with injuries attacks his father but is easily dispatched with a simple tap of ‘The Ogre’s middle finger. Yujiro talks with Mitsunari Tokugawa, the owner of the underground arena, and lets him know that he wishes to participate in the tournament. Doppo Orochi who has now come into the area is the first to accept ‘The Ogre’s’ challenge.
New Grappler Baki · (Completed )
New Grappler Baki is the sequel to the original Grappler Baki. New Grappler Baki has not yet been licensed. The original anime of Grappler Baki (titled "Baki The Grappler) has been licensed by Funimation
*Baki is going about his daily routine after the tournament, and he is approached by Mitsunari Tokugawa, the owner of the underground arena. He tells Baki that everything is connected by “Synchronicity” and that this applies to people both good and bad.
Currently, there are a number of Dark Martial Artist from all over the world attracted to the Martial arts experts in Japan. All of them converging to Japan to experience the same thing: Having the best fight of their lives with someone who can pose an actual challenge.
Baki Son of Ogre · (Volume 18 )
Baki Son of Ogre is the sequel to the New Grappler Baki and has not yet been licensed. You can enjoy this series even without reading the prequels, but of course things would make more sense if you did. The original anime of Grappler Baki (titled "Baki The Grappler) has been licensed by Funimation
*The end is within sight.. all of Baki’s fights and training have finally put him in a standing where his Father (Yujiro Hanma) truly acknowledges his challenge. While preparing for the up and coming historical fight, a pre-historic discovery has been made that draws the attention of all strong and hungry fighters from around Japan. What did the government find that has everyone so interested?
Hajime no Ippo (issue 977)
Hajime no Ippo is an epic series about boxers and the challenges they face in and outside of the ring. Ippo Makunouchi was never popular in school and was constantly being picked on. One fateful day he met a professional boxer by the name of Takamura Mamoru. Takamura shows Ippo what it is like to be a boxer and from that day on Ippo realized that boxing might be the answer to his life-long question of, "What is it to be strong?"
*With Kimura’s, and Aoki’s devastating loss, Ippo and the rest of the guys wonder if the two veterans will be able to bounce back and continue their boxing careers, or will this be the turning point for them both?
Naruto (issue 591)
Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is about a world of ninjas. The main character, Uzumaki Naruto, has a demon sealed inside of him, which gives him strong powers. Naruto is an entertaining shonen series with a focus on fighting.
*Itachi has finally conveyed is true feelings to Sasuke who now knows the entire truth about his brother’s situation as a double agent ninja. The Edo Tensei spell has been removed and all the animated corpses of warriors from the past start to crumble and dissolve away. Meanwhile, the 5 Hokage’s, who have been fighting the incredibly strong Madara Uchiha, still find themselves with their backs against the wall. With the spell dissolving his body Madara attacks a weakened Tsunade.
In, another part of the battlefield, Chouza speaks to the brother of the 5th hokage Tsunade. He performs a spell that releases his spirt and allows him to be able to perform one more task before he disappears.
Madara’s spirit leaves his body before dealing a final blow to Tsunade, but to everyone’s surprise his spirit rejoins his body and the attack continues. Tsunade is shocked to find that she was saved by her younger brother who thanks her for upholding the values he held in life. He additionally restores her chakara and then disappears. Madara educates the 5 leaders on one deadly fact. The Edo Tensei spell is a double edged sword, if one has knowledge of how to separate themselves from the spell then they would be left with an indestructible body, and unlimited chakara. The Freed Madara readies for an attack while the 5 hokage’s are in shock at what just happened.
One Piece (issue 672)
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his amazing journey to become the world's greatest pirate.
*Trafalgar Law lays beaten on the floor. A man named Virgo stands in front of him and tells Law that the government has been watching Dr. Caesar Clown for a while. Law tries to attack Virgo but is struck down.
On the “Luffy” side of the island, Zoro, Brooks, the samurai (head) Kinemon, and Sanji (in Nami’s Body) are stuck at the lakes edge with an exploding poisonous blob coming closer. Sanji leaps in the lake trying to recover the rest of Kinemon’s body.
Meanwhile, Luffy and the rest of the straw hats have fell under the effects of Caesar Clown’s gas and are incapacitated.
Sanji, is able to recover the body parts, and re-join the samurai whole. Kinemon thanks Sanji for his help and demonstrates his sword skill by slashing the slime monster clear in half, but there is an equally large explosion as a direct result. After the smoke clears, the group is surprised to see that they were not harmed in the explosion. Kinemon explains that his sword style is fire based and allows him to even cut through all kinds of fire. A hyped up Zoro takes interest in this technique.
The Breaker · Manwha ( Complete )
The Breaker is an absolutely entertaining manwha (Korean comic) that rivals and surpasses many Japanese manga series. If you appreciate great artwork, a strong story, and memorable characters, you definitely have to check this series out!
*A lovely day at Kuryong High School. Above, a peeping tom, and below, a wimpy kid is being beaten to a pulp and extorted for money. Shiwoon is the wimpy kid, and we find that he is not having an easy time in school.
Our peeping tom (Han Chunwoo) is now heading to the office and we come to find out that he actually a newly hired substitute teacher; Shiwoon’s teacher….
Shiwoon proves to have a cowardly, uneventful life, but he desires to be strong enough to protect himself. On his way to a Muay Thai class that he read off a flyer, Shiwoon sees his new teacher in a allyway scuffle with some serious lowlifes. Getting out his phone and trying to call for help, Shiwoon actually records the fight, but is amazed when the teacher turns the tables on the bad guys and wipes the floor with them completely. Who is the teacher and what is his story?
The Breaker : New Waves (Manwha – issue 78)
The Breaker: New Waves is the continuation to the The Breaker…
*Shiwoon pushes his self to the brink, still using the Berserker martial arts his teacher taught him back then. The others are in shock as he assaulted left and right but fights off the pain to battle the numerous S.U.C members surrounding him. Shiwoon is about to lose conciousness when he sees Yang Youg-Hyun and challenges him to a one on one battle. The challenge is accepted, and Shiwoon convinces Yang to let his accomplices pass if he is the winner. Yang agrees. The battle is intense as Shiwoon’s ki seems to envelop him like a demon. He attacks the now shocked Yang who currently is on the serious defensive.
As his accomplices look on, they start to worry about the current situation as Shiwoon appears to have become viciously unhinged.
Berserk (issue 329)
Berserk is in a class all by itself. Focusing on the life of Guts and his dealings with the supernatural events surrounding and affecting his life. This medieval period piece will have you reaching for the next volume.
*Guts dreams of his past before the Band of the Hawk : His escape attempt failed, and he is locked in a freezing dungeon. Wounded, hungry and cold, Guts is introduced to his captor who tells him that he will be an ego boost to his son. Since his son is timid, Guts will fight and lose to bolster his courage. The captor tells Guts that he will not feed him in order to keep him weak and help his son out more. At night Guts is suffering from his injuries and the elements, but in the far corner he sees a small being. Chicchi the flower spirit comes out and greets Guts who thinks she's a hallucination. She befriends him and explains that humans never stay long in the cell, and that she is lonely. Guts agrees to take her with him once he leaves and she starts to heal his wounds and make him warm.
In the morning, Guts is shocked to see that Chicchi’s flower (which was once full of leaves ) is now barren. He calls for the spirit and gets no answer. He realizes that it must have been real. The time for the fight is approaching and Guts carefully pulls the flower up (roots and all) and stows it in his belt. The guards come to take him away.
All Rounder Meguru · (issue 60)
The rise of mixed martial arts has taken the world by storm. It's everywhere you look, but the vast majority of people don't really understand how complicated it is. Enter All Rounder Meguru, a series with a focus on MMA by the creator of the brilliant series, Eden. The series integrates drama and martial arts in a compelling series that will have you checking back for more!
*Maki is having a hard time. The agile kick boxer is finding her opponent (Aya) difficult to take down as she seems to be able to anticipate and counter her moves.
The start of the second round, and Maki comes out with a nice combo but Aya can telegraph her moves and positions herself accordingly to counter. Maki gets a nice clinch but this is countered, and Aya takes Maki down with an illegal clinch. Aya stuns Maki on the jaw and racks up a Flash-knock down. Maki struggles to find an opening and is taken down again by Aya’s illegal clinch (this time she loses a point). Meguru and the coaches watch the match and realize why Maki is having such a difficult time. Aya is an MMA fighter…
Claymore · (issue 127) (Monthly)
Claymore is a medieval fantasy series that follows Clare, a very strong warrior that protects regular humans from creatures called Yoma. Clare and others like her are known as Claymores because of the swords they carry. This series is dark, extremely entertaining, and filled with gory battles that should fulfill your bloodlust.
*As the awakened beast, containing Clare and Pricilla, eats a path through the forest towards Rabona, Miria and the others regroup after their victory and update Lucky (Raki) about Clare’s current situation.
A suicidal plan is agreed upon: Rush to the Awakened being. Do everything in their power to stop it from destroying Rabona and get Clare out of there.
Lucky gives input and assistance on how to catch up to the fast moving beast, but Deneve wants to make sure he is aware of the potential issue of seeing Claire’s battle worn body, and shows him her body as an example. Lucky takes Deneve’s words to heart and the party gets ready to set off on their journey.
Homunculus · (Volume 15)
Trepanation (trep·a·na·tion -noun) is a hole in the skull produced surgically. Trepanation is the oldest surgical practice and is still practiced in some African tribes. It's also practiced in Homunculus, a seinen manga that will keep your eyes glued to the series and to the phantasmic.
*It is Christmas time and Susumu Nakoshi is having issues with a brand new Homunculus that has appeared with in him. Manabu Ito (his current friend/doctor) explains that these new homunculi are manifestations of the things he has seen so far.
The debate comes to a realization that Nakoshi maybe hiding stalker like tendencies, but this is abruptly put to rest with the commotion caused by his fellow homeless friends hanging themselves. With all the excitement Nakoshi tries to find a place to go and get his bearing and finds that he has received a traffic violation on his beloved car.
He now has to find a new place.. but where?
Lucu Lucu · (Complete)
Lucu Lucu is a slice-of-life comedy that has been a breath of fresh air. It is one of the funniest and most satisfying series I've read in a long time. Don't let the supernatural demon theme fool you; this series is really relaxing.
**These are very funny and quick skits – Believe me .. they are a riot.
Noblesse · (Manwha issue 238)
Noblesse is the next great manhwa series to hit the site. It features a slumbering vampire that has awakened and enrolls in a high school to adapt to the new world.
*With the death of the 12th Union elder. Raziel and Frankenstein decide it would be best if everyone were to go their separate ways. In lukedonia, the Vampire nobels determine that Roctis, one of their own, was behind the 12th elder and was the person who gave him his power.
M-21, Takeo, and Tao meet with the husband and wife KSA modified human duo. Along with Frankenstein, they debrief the two on the events that transpired leading to the death of the 12th elder and the destruction of KSA headquarters. Frankenstein still keeps them in the dark about who he is and his connection, but he insist that he is the Chairman of Yeran High School and leaves it at that.
Frankenstein gives Raziel a new limiter that he made and worries for his master’s health and the upcoming battle ahead. Raziel, in his noble fashion, goes and enjoys his remaining time with the students he has come to protect.
Samurai Deeper Kyo · (Complete)
Samurai Deeper Kyo follows Demon Eyes Kyo, one of the most fearsome samurais in the world that possesses demonic red eyes. Kyo's goal throughout this 38 volume shonen series is to reclaim his body which was sealed inside his rival Mibu Kyoshiro.
*Awesome series, the anime should have continued on as the story became epic. I recommend this all lovers of Swordplay, Demons, and plot twist!
Shamo · (Volume 27 – 1st chapter)
Ryo Narushima killed his parents and is forced to survive in jail. Even in a youth jail, the people abuse him for what he did. Ryo learns the power of martial arts in order to endure the living hell that is his life in this gritty seinen series titled, "Shamo".
*The battle of Good vs. Evil continues as Ryo Narushima presses his attack on Toma. Narushima is finding that beating Toma is not an easy task. At almost every turn, Toma counters, eludes, or blocks his vicious attacks.
With a 3 point deduction, Narushima knows why he is failing at beating his opponent. Toma fights with no killer instinct.
Shigurui · (Complete)
I love samurai series but most feel like fiction and romanticizes a really gritty time period. Not Shigurui, a simply awesome seinen that doesn't hold back the realism of life and times during the Edo period of Japan. The artwork is very unique and highly detailed; the pacing can feel slow at times but stick with it because you'll be rewarded with a side of the samurai we rarely see.
*I have always been a sucker for the genre where people display super human abilities. Shigurui is one that excels. The 12 episode anime does capture the manga EXACTLY but ends at just 12eps. This exciting tale is something to be read and experienced, and you will not be disappointed to the very end.
Shingeki no Kyojin · (issue 34)
Do not wait for hope. Create your own. In the series, Shingeki no Kyojin, also known as Attack on Titans, humans live in a world of chaos ruled by giants. They've warded off the giants with extremely high walls, but the danger is still there. After a horrific event that Eren and his foster sister witness, they vow to take revenge on those they've feared.
*Armin pulls Eren from his titan husk. Anne, the traitor, now lays encased in a crystal cocoon that is unbreakable.
Above them, a hole in the wall (Wall Rose is the official name of this wall) reveals the face of an actual live titan whom it appears, has been walled up. The priest from the order of Wall quickly tells them to cover the hole with anything to prevent light from reaching the titan.
With all the casualties from Eren and Anne’s battle and the discovery of a colossal titan in the wall, tempers flare, while questions continue go unanswered. A governmental inquiry is underway when word of Wall Rose is announced.
Flashback to 2 days before all the mentioned events and you find a group of human scouts sitting inside questioning why they have to wait around for something to happen.
Just then Sasha feels a rumbling… the others question her about it, and come to find that there is a group of titans headed their way.
Sun-ken Rock · (Issue 101)
Sun-ken Rock is a seinen series that blends comedy and a mature realistic side like no other series I've read. Just by reading a single volume you can tell this series has so much potential to be one of the best reads out there. The beautiful artwork really stands out as you read about Ken who is in love with Yumin but cannot reveal to her that he is the head of a local gang.
*Ken hears the courageous voice of Benito who finally overcame his fear and was able to save Pickaxe from death. Ken then focuses back on his opponent who now starts to know fear.
Benito and Ken thrash their opponents with ease, and prove once again why the Sun-Ken gang is the best.
Meanwhile, the other members of the Sun-Ken team ready themselves to face their dangerous foes.
Tenjou Tenge · (Complete)
Tenjou Tenge is filled with great fights, interesting characters, and loads of fan service. What's not to like? It's a seinen series that doesn't hold back the violence and sexual content, so if that's your thing then you're in for a real treat!
*I first saw the anime and the OVA’s for this series and I fell in love with it. I will say that if you have never seen the Anime, then this is where you will want to start first. The manga gives a lot more back ground for the characters, but then continues on where the anime left off.
An amazing ride for lovers of Mystical Martial arts, and crazy clan based over the top action.
The God of High School · (Manwha - issue 56)
The God of High School is a popular series that the Spectrum Nexus community wanted on this site. The comedy and martial arts theme caught my interest and the simple premise of becoming the strongest makes for a very entertaining read.
*Jun Ju-Gok has lost, and his teammates have been disqualified. His life hangs in the balance due to the devastating punch he received while performing his Lightning Volt Blood Spell.
The next match is underway between Team ChungcheonNamdo and Team Jellanamdo
Team Jella’s captain Park II-Pyo gives his team member some instruction before the fight and WHAM instant win for Team Jella.
However, the Team Jella loses the next match and once again Park II-Pyo gives some advice to the next fighting team member and WHAM instant win for Team Jella.
The other fighters start to wonder who this captain is, and what is his secret for these insane counter attack win-falls?
Zetman · (issue 180)
The story starts off with a face-off between two rival heroes, and then traces their origins - Jin Kanzaki, has the ability to transform into a superhuman being known as ZET, and Kouga Amagi uses technology to fight as Alphasz. The fates of these two men intertwine as they fight to protect mankind and destroy monstrous abominations created by the Amagi Corporation.
*Haitani continues his discussion of justice and morality with Kouga. He explains that Jin is not human and ask Kouga if he would kill Jin if it came down to it.
Meanwhile the tower and surrounding buildings are being destroyed causing more chaos during the hostage situation.
The kidnapper hovering over Konoha and her mother has a change of heart and tries to get her to safety but she is reluctant to listen.
With the hostage takers being subdued, the panicking hostages rush for the elevator and heavy casualties occur as more of the tower explodes right from under them. Konoha’s mother is caught and falls away.
Elsewhere, Haitani gives Koga a present to give to Jin. The Crimson Stake.
King of Hell - ( Manwha - Volume 17 Chapter 1)
King of Hell, Takes place in the past in the Land of Korea and its corresponding realms of afterlife, commonly referred to as the next world or hell in the manga. The story primarily revolves around Majeh, the envoy to the next world, and his existence as a servant to the King of "Hell".
*The Insane Hounds (heros of the martial arts world) have gotten lost in the desert while on their mission. While sitting at a restaurant, a group of bandits come in and make trouble for our 3 heros.
Still unaware of their new found abilities they make quick work of the bandit leader and get a lead on where the Evil Sect may be hiding.
Meanwhile, Majeh, who is about to go looking for the Insane Hounds, is having violent visions of his past.
Wolf Guy ( Complete )
Akira Inugami is a new exchange student at Hakutoku Middle School, but there is another side of him that is secret and hidden. He is a werewolf.
*This series never ceases to amaze me. Filled with all the adult themes from soft to hardcore porn, but the insane story and shear raw feeling you get from reading it is awesome.
Please be 18+.. just sayin’..
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi ( issue 479)
The story focuses on Kenichi, an average 16-year-old high school student who has been picked on his whole life. However, on his first day of class, he meets and befriends the mysterious transfer student, Miu F?rinji. Driven by his desire to become stronger and to protect those around him, he follows her to Ry?zanpaku, a dojo where those who are truly strong and have mastered their arts gather.
(This manga is a remake of Tatakae! Ry?zanpaku Shij? Saiky? no Deshi (??!??? ????????, lit. Fight! Ry?zanpaku, History's Strongest Disciple), which was serialized in the monthly manga magazine Sh?nen Sunday Super, publishing five tank?bon between 2000 and 2002.)
*Miu is safe and resting and Kenichi and the others are treated to a feast within the Tidat Royal Palace.
King Jeihan tells the gang how he was able to live and survive for a whole year after he was beaten by Kenichi and fell into a an avalanche.
Our heroes agree to return to Japan, but within Yami, word of Junazard’s death sparks interest in the other members.
Tough (issue 225)
The story revolves around Kiichi Miyazawa, a 17-year-old teenage high school student and his father, Seiko Miyazawa, who is training him in the family's secret martial art, Nadashinkage-ryu, a fighting style that was created around the end of the Meiji Era Japan. The style itself uses punches, kicks, throws, grappling, as well as knowledge of striking pressure points and vital points on the human body. With a passion for martial arts, Kiibo is striving to become strong by testing his skills against various fighters from different areas of Japan, as well as the world, via street fights and tournaments.
*The battle between Kibo and Seiko becomes deadlier by the second. Kibo, on the ground with part of his throat ripped out, gets up slowly. Set on fighting his father and not renouncing the Nadashinkage teaching and way of life. Seiko watches as a whoozy Kibo stands up, and then collapses.
Flashback to Kibo’s childhood: Kibo is asked what he would like to be when he grows up. He replies he wants to be like his daddy.
In the ring: Kibo finds the strength to get back up. Seiko attacks his son with love and killing intent. The two trade blows, but then Kibo disappears. Seiko looks up to see his son swooping down from above preparing a massive attack.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure ( Complete )
The story of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure centers around the misadventures of the Joestars, a powerful family with English roots
- Phantom Blood Vol 1 – 5 (Jonathan Joestar)
- Battle Tendency Vol 6 – 12 (Joseph Joestar)
- Stardust Crusaders Vol 13 – 28 (Jotaro Kujo)
- Diamond is Unbreakable Vol – 29 – 46 (Josuke Higashikata )
- Vento Aureo Vol 47 – 63 (Giorno Giovana)
- Stone Ocean Vol 64 – 80 (Jolyne Kujo)
- Steel Ball Run Vol 81 – 104 (Johnny Joestar)
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