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Naruto volume 65 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : March 2, 2014
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Naruto 65Title: Naruto volume 65

Creator: Masashi Kishimoto

U. S. Distributor: Viz Media

U. S. Release Date: Nov. 5th, 2013

Format: Manga / Paperback / 192 pages

Genre: Shonen, Action, Adventure, Supernatural

Age Rating: T for Teen

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis:

The ninja war approaches its climax as Obito and Madara manage to awaken the powerful beast known as Ten Tails. Standing in their way are Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces. However, the entire war may be turned upside down when Sasuke succeeds in doing what many thought was impossible!

With Sasuke and Orochimaru returning to Konoha to revive all of the Hokages this take a turn for the strange. Orochimaru is able to bring them back and also give them enough freewill to be able to answer Sasuke’s questions. As the enlightenment follows what comes next is the real question. Will Sasuke decide that Konoha still needs to be destroyed or will he take the power of the Hokage and use it to help defeat Madara and Obito and end the great war?

Commentary:

I know that most Naruto fans dislike Sasuke and over the years he did become even more of a punk than he should have, but now that he is back it looks like maybe his brother, Itachi did have an impact on him after all. This reunion with the Hokages does something that I never thought I would enjoy in this extra long series. That something is the journey back in time and the almost inevitable flashbacks that always seem to drag on and on. In volume 65 history actually makes a difference in the story. No only does it help enlighten us in the motives of Madara but it also gives us insight into what makes the Uchia Clan so different and also the motivation that lead to their destruction. Honestly, I found it rather nice to read about this history. Most of the time the flashbacks and history lessons don’t have much meaning and just muddy to waters and extend the series in a way that is not always desirable.

Masashi Kishimoto does us a big favor her and in the end I think everyone will be happy with what happens. I’m not real sure why it took so long to get to this point other than the fact that the longer the series the more money they will make. I think the movement in this volume just might make all the difference and allow the series to actually bring a few issues to a close. At least that is what I hope to see.

Overall Grade: B+

Just the fact that I didn’t find this volume tedious is a huge plus, but there is also the fact that part of the plot finally turns a corner and allow some light to be shed in a possible closure of a long running plot device. I was also impressed with the speed in which the answers came to Sasuke, I expected it to take several volumes to get to this point and have to live through some rather pointless flashback and history lessons. Naruto 65 should be a huge hit with all of the Naruto fans and maybe just maybe Sasuke can find a little appreciation for the person who he is becoming.

Magi Volume 4 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : February 23, 2014
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Magi Volume 4Title: Magi Volume 4

Author: Shinobu Ohtaka

Distributor: Viz Media / Shonen Jump

American Release Date: Feb. 11th, 2013

Format: Traditional Manga

Genre: Shonen, Action, Adventure, Comedy

Publisher Age Rating: T (for Teen)

Personal Review Rating: C

 

Synopsis:

After many adventures, Aladdin finally reaches the great city of Balbadd. There he reunites with his friend Alibaba hoping to once again capture a dungeon together. However, a more cruel destiny lies ahead. The road to Balbadd is fraught with plenty of trials and the fist of which is Morgiana dealing with the bandits and slave traders who stand in her way.  The one they didn’t expect was someone with her stubbornness and desire to help others. Once she frees Aladan he is able to find his flute and then they all learn a very hard lesson.

As they get back on the road to Balbadd they meet a fellow traveler who was robbed of all his possessions. There kindness ends up paying off once they reach their destination and in a way they would have never expected. Will they be able to locate their old friend Alibaba or are there more forces that stand in their way?

Commentary:

Blending the Arabian Nights into a fanciful manga series is fun and somewhat entertaining, but that is where it begin to fall apart. The imagination that created the 1001 Arabian Nights used the stories to weave fanciful tails of heroism and the darkness of the human condition. For the series Magi it becomes more of a weak premiss for a series that could have some very powerful potential. Volume 4 of Magi doesn’t so much other than set up a more interesting confirmation to come, or at least I hope so. The characters come across rather shallow and a little simplistic. There was something interesting that began to happen when Morgiana confronted the Slave Trader, but it was over before it could ever really begin.

This quick hit plot pacing might be the reason why I was left a little flat while reading it. The story moved so fast that I was wondering why this section needed to even happen. I guess that it is possible that some of the characters that where involved  in the first half of this volume can come back later, I just don’t see how they would add any meaning to the story.

Overall Grade: C

I guess that there are plenty of shonen jump series that only exist to provide a quick hit of action and lack any real meaning or essence. I have a felling that Magi is one of those series. It is a shame that there isn’t more to this series when it is using  and blending some rather beloved characters from other great story tellers from around the world. This is something that the Japanese constantly try to do and constantly miss the point when it comes to context and meaning. Maybe just maybe the Magi would have come across with richer characters and a more interesting story line if it would not have drawn its characters from the literary history of the Middle East. It is very possible that I am wrong about this series and there is some potentially rich entertaining story to come, but with it coming across this flat this early in the series makes it hard to keep following along. I am an open reader and will continue to follow Magi and hope for more. So, bring it on amaze me I always love a surprise.

Toriko Volume 20 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : February 13, 2014
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Toriko Volume 20Title: Toriko Volume 20

Artist and Author: Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro

U. S. Distributor and Publisher: Viz Media

U. S. Release Date: Feb. 4th, 2014

Format: Manga / paper back /  200 pages

Genre: shonen, action, adventure, comedy

Publisher Age Rating: T

Overall Personal Rating: B+

 

Synopsis:

The rivalry between the two superpowers of the Age of Gourmet heats up when IGO President Ichiryu pays a visit to Gourmet Corp.’s headquarters in the Gourmet World. Things come off a little edgy and it looks like there is only one outcome for these family rivals.

Meanwhile, Toriko and Komatsu set off on a world-spanning journey in search of some bizarre – and stinky – ingredients needed for a massive sushi roll that will guide them to the next item on their training list. In order for Toriko to find the location of Chowlin Temple it take a world class sushi roll to point the way and Toriko must collect all the special ingredient for this very special roll. Will his efforts pay off and lead him to the elusive Chowlin Temple?

Commentary:

Toriko is by far and away one of the strangest mixtures of genres that are currently in print in the U. S.. This crazy mixture of food and battle manga is both imaginative and insane at the same time. I find Toriko to be one of the most refreshing Shonen Jump titles because it is fun and atypical with the over the top food that sits at the center of this series.

I wish I could say that the characters are new and different, but they easily fall into a standard fair for shonen personalities. They are all very much stereotypical and very predictable. That doesn’t make it bad, it just helps found the series so that the surrounding world can shine. It is rather reassuring that these goofy humans play their part in this special series and that it allows the culinary aspects of the world they live in take center stage.

Overall Grade: B+

Toriko is one of the series that everyone should give it a chance. I think that with the approach to a battle mange could win over some hardcore anti battle or shonen readers. It will also show the shonen fans that a battle series doesn’t have to be so static or formulaic. Toriko gives us a rich environment that take us on some very special journeys.  If there is anything that I would change it would have to be some of the more simplistic characters. I guess that if this world would have a little more complex characters it would take it the next level. I could easily see Toriko going completely off the deep end the way that Bobobo-Bo did and losing focus and also the fan base that loves continuity of story. Keep it coming, I can’t wait to see what is on the next course.

 

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan volume 18 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : January 4, 2014
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Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan volume 18Title: Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan volume 18

Creator: Hiroshi Shibashi

U. S. Distributor: Viz Media / Shonen Jump

U. S. Release Date: Dec. 3rd, 2013

Format: Manga / Paper Back / 192 pages

Genre: Supernatural, Action, Shonen

Age Rating: T for Teen

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis:

Harken back with us to the Golden Age of Edo, when Rikuo’s father Rihan first takes control of the Nura clan. Gain new perspectives on Rikuo’s family history, as well as the back story on some of your favorite devilish yokai (including that pesky Demon Lord Gorozaemon Sanmoto). Follow Rihan’s second heir adventures as he learns the hard way that controlling, commanding and battling yokai is not to be taken lightly, lest you be the one who’s taken.

We are also given a look at the original encounter between the 100 Story clan and gain the knowledge of why these two clans just don’t get along. As Rihan takes over for the Nura clan he is very protective of Edo and both the yokai and the humans that live there. He takes exception to any intruders that wish to take advantage of the town he cares so much about.

Commentary:

As in the rest of the series we the story is put together well and follows a very solid train of thought. I was impressed at how well everything fit together and even though this is back story I found the characters to be rather well developed. As it progresses everything stays focused on the story line. If there was any weakness is was the way in which the 100 story clan was portrayed. They cam across much weaker than maybe they should have and some of the encounters seem almost too simplistic.

Other than the weak depiction of the 100 story clan volume 18 is a nice refreshing change from the rest of the series.

Overall Grade: B+

With the flashback to the previous generation we typically see a loss in focus, but with this flashback it gave us a real solid look into a history of the 100 Story Clan and the Nura Clan and why there is such a hatred. I enjoyed the depiction of Rihan and also discovering a few new tidbits about some of the other main characters of the story. For all the Nura fan I think they will be very pleased and for anyone just picking up this issue I believe that they will find it interesting enough to check out the rest of the series.

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan is one of the more imaginative shonen series being released in the U. S. currently. the thing about that I really like is that it blends Japanese culture together with an solid ethical story that not only carries a dramatic edge but also a plot line that moves you along with out the feeling of having been there done that or having the entire series slap you in the fase for shock value. If you are looking for a fun series that will leave you wanting for more for all the right reasons then you need to grab Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan.

 

Toriko Volume 19 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : December 3, 2013
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Torkio volume 19Toriko Volume 19

Artist and Author: Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro

U. S. Distributor and Publisher: Viz Media

U. S. Release Date: Dec. 3rd, 2013

Format: Manga / paper back /  200 pages

Genre: shonen, action, adventure, comedy

Publisher Age Rating: T

Overall Personal Rating: B

 Synopsis: 

Toriko is set in a world in which food is highly prized. In this world,  Gourmet Hunters are a special breed of mercenary treasure hunters dedicated to scouring the Earth for rare delicacies and strange delicious animals. The IGO (International Gourmet Organization), a group organizing these brave explorers, even gives special capture difficulties to these various creatures and foodstuffs, from bizarre things like beer mammoths to building sized “BB corn”. Toriko, a legendary gourmet hunter (and exceedingly buff guy) goes on various quests to search for the ingredients for his perfect full course meal, along with friends like successful chef Komatsu and his genetically modified bio-wolf Terry Cloth. He is also allies with various other powerful Gourmet Hunters, such as the Four Legendary Kings.

Toriko and friends face off against the gruesome head chef of the Underground Cooking World, Livebearer, who wants nothing more than to eat their memories of food. In order to keep the contents of their brains from being scarfed down, Toriko will have to eat the grossest, squirmiest, biggest and most explosive foods ever to win a high-stakes game of “Gourmet Tasting”!
Commentary:
Now that they are facing off against a true cheater they know that they have to be at their best and of course they are. The way that Coco pulls off his magic and understands exactly how to take the head chef on it ends up being a rather entertaining game of cat and mouse. Shimabukuro does a fine job of bringing this along with explaining some of Coco’s choices, but not everything. There is also the way that Toriko manages to eat everything even when it looks like it should kill him. It also manages to showcase Komatsu’s talent as a chef. Even though Toriko is a rather odd story it is put together extremely well. There are moments when it comes across with a rather simplistic view point, but when you stop and think about the audience it seems to fit.
Much of this volume is set during the big battle and it play out rather easily. I still get the feeling that there is something missing. Maybe with the action being so subdued it just fell a little flat. For a series that sets up a rather strange premiss it does a fine job of delivering an entertaining product.  The art style fit well also. It runs with the best in shonen artistic handling of the subject matter. The writing stays imaginative and snappy. This keeps everything moving and maybe that might be a little out of the ordinary for some shonen, because we don’t get bogged down in a endless fight that comes to a lack luster conclusion. One thing that Toriko does do that is typical and that is make it a little too easy for the antagonist to switch sides. I guess there is still a solid grounding in my western ideals that the bad guys can’t switch side with a drop of a hat.
Overall Grade: B
Toriko is a fun series that has plenty to offer and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a strange action series. I would not jump in at volume 19 but rather start at the begining. The real winner behind Toriko is that it is for all ages even though it has a T for teen rating. I have a feeling that plenty of boys and girls under 10 enjoy this series just the way they enjoy Dragon Ball Z. The bottom line is that Toriko is a winner and that it should make it on all action adventure readers list if it is not already there. Toriko does prove that not every series has to be about fighting for fightings sake. Have fun and don’t be afraid of the food it could kill you but probably won’t.

One Piece Season Five Voyage Four (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : December 2, 2013
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One Piece season 5 part 4One Piece Season Five Voyage Four

Director: Hiroaki Miyamoto

Original Creator: Eiichiro Oda

U. S. Distributor: FUNimation

U. S. Release Dates: Dec. 3rd, 2013

Format: DVD / 12 Episodes / 300 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Shonen

Age Rating: TV14

Overall Personal Rating: B-

Synopsis:

Luffy pours his heart and soul into the battle to keep his nakama together!

The assault on Enies Lobby reaches a boiling point as Spandam drags Robin towards the towering Gates of Justice! Zoro’s demonic nine-sword fighting style sets the stage for a blistering barrage of heroic attacks as the Straw Hats inch ever closer to a joyous reunion with their captured crewmate. The showdown between Luffy and Lucci rages out of control against a backdrop of devastating destruction thanks to Spandam’s Buster Call.

While the rubber-man trades blows with the most powerful assassin of CP9, his mates need help from below to avoid a watery grave. Explosions rock the horizon, Luffy’s giant attack sends him down for the count, and the unexpected return of an old friend represents the last glimmer of hope for our heroes!

Commentary:

As with most of these series that just go on forever it is sometimes hard to move the story forward when they get stuck in battles that are bogged down in the battle of the best. With Luffy and Lucci stuck in a battle that doesn’t look like either one can win the episodes feel like they are just beginning to sink in the mud of overwriting the series. Oda does manage to save this volume by getting them out of this dilemma. The only problem is that with the story taking so long to save Robin it becomes way to easy to toss in a large amount of irrelevant  stuff that not only drags the series down but also makes it hard to stick with.

The one saving grace about this group is that Luffy is indestructible and he proves it here. The battles are a lot of fun and when Usopp steps in to save the day for Robin it is wonderful to hear is goofy announcer voice come to life. There are also plenty of other fine moments in these 12 episodes that will keep you laughing and watching with amazement as this strangely addictive series moves thought its paces.

Overall Grade: B-

The thing about One Piece and voyage four is that it provides some movement and does so without too much of the dreaded flashbacks. I often feel like the one great failure in these long series is that they feel like they need to regurgitate the past for every major and minor character that we come in contact with and One Piece is not afraid to hold back in that area. Some times it is great to understand what someones motivations are but all to often these flashbacks are just filler and real waist of time. Ok, now we are on the final tread of this arc and maybe just maybe voyage 5 will bring it home.

Dogs Volume 8 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : November 10, 2013
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Dogs Volume 8Review provided by Camille
Title: Dogs Volume 8
Author: Shirow Miwa
Distributor: Viz Media
American Release Date: November 19th, 2013
Format: Viz Sig Manga,da
Genre: Action, Suspence, Shonen
Publisher Age Rating: M (Mature)
Personal Review Rating: A-
It’s all fun and games until Mother arrives…
Synopsis:
Though many questions were still to be answered, life was going back to the regular daily struggles. Wounds were finally starting to heal, but the mind behind the attack wasn’t going to let that happen. 
She was supposed to be dead, and one of her was. Mother is turing out to be more difficult to destory than anticipated. However, her appearance in the Underground city has answered some of the most important questions. However, some of the answers aren’t all that welcomed. If Mother is still alive, that means the missing children from the Underground were actually the soldigers that attacked the city. That those who were surching for these kids were the ones who killed them. This is unforgiveable. Hein and Bishop knew about what happened to the children, and now the Underground is more than angry. Hein and Bishop may be immortal, but can they really survive and attack from all the fruriated citizens?
Commentary:
I was first drawn to Dogs because of the art style. It’s got that edgy, fine lines, dark look that I tend to gravitate towards. I knew nothing about the story, but it looked good enough to flip through. After I read volume 1, I went out the next day and got the rest of the volumes available at the time. The story was so interesting, full of depth and the constant twist and turns was almost to much, but I couldn’t put it down. I was excited to see this volume come in, it’s been almost a year since the last volume was released. I wish I could say it didn’t dissappoint, but it felt like it was lacking something. 
One of the things that makes Dogs one of my favorite series is the cleanliness of the action scenes. They are well illistrated for as dark as this series is. There isn’t much in the way of background detail, but the caracters are stunning. Maintaining the detail of the characters durring fight scenes is tough and most often is lost, but not with Dogs. There’s a balance between the characters, the story, and their movements that I really appreciate.
Dogs is a character driven series. But this volume didn’t really expand or shine on any one chacter. They were all just kind of there. Personalities weren’t a priority. With that I would have expected more of the illistrative focus to be on the surroundings, but there were more plain white, empty panels then I would have liked. Just a little somehting to fill those awkward voids. It’s a manga, not a novel, but this volume felt more like I was just reading words, and the pictures where nothing more than decoration. 
This volume is a set up volume, right before the “final fight”. It brought all the information we already know into one coherent, interconnected plot line. I think it was well timmed. Other series, especially shorter series, tend to rush the connecting of plot points, but with there being a volume 0, which explains Hein’s past, volume 8 came just at the right time. 
Overall Grade: A-
I’ve enjoyed Dogs from the beginning, and I don’t ever see myself not liking what Shirow Miwa releases. This volume was a well timed point when all the backstories and revealed information became one solid plot, but there were a few to many blank pannels. I still can’t wait for the next volume!
Similar Series:
Dogs is a fairly dark series, about humas being the real moster that we are all afraid of. Other series with similar vibes are March Story, Dorohedoro, and D. Gray-man to name a few.