Naruto volume 55 by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 7, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The Great Ninja war begins and the unity of the ninja villages take on the revived legendary ninjas of the past led by Kabuto. A thrilling, all-action volume that “Naruto” fans will surely love! Recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Naruto Volume 55

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2012

The Great War Begins. Evil masterminds Kabuto and Madara instigate skirmish with Naruto and friends on Turtle Island. The Allied Shinobi Forces prepare to attack, but are they read for Kabuto’s horde of reanimated dead ninja?!

The popular manga series “Naruto” has been going strong since its debut in Shueisha back in 1999 via “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine.

The manga by Masashi Kishimoto is about a young ninja named Naruto Uzamaki, a ninja of the Konoha leaf village who grew up facing prejudiced within his fellow ninjas because the evil nine-tailed fox was sealed inside him. But throughout the series, we have seen how Naruto is a kind-hearted boy who has worked hard in protecting his friends and staying true to his word with the goal of someday becoming the next Hokage of the village.

In the beginning, Naruto was part of Team Kakashi, alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno and as a team, have grown up together taking on missions and also, joining with other teams of Team Konoha as well as other villages in taking on other major missions as well.

But now years have passed since those earlier years of Team Kakashi and Naruto and his friends are much older and his teammate Sasuke has left the village to pursue his brother Itachi for revenge of killing everyone of the Uchiha clan but worst of all, Sasuke is in search of the traitor of the Konoha village, the evil Orochimaru, in order to obtain more power.

During Naruto’s last confrontation with Sasuke, it appears that a black evil curse has consumed him. But as a promise to his teammate Sakura, Naruto will do what it takes to bring Sasuke back despite whether or not Sasuke has become evil.

Volume 55 of the “Naruto” manga series features the beginning of the Great War as the ninja villages have united to take on the dead, past Gokage and deceased Akatsuki members and other deadly ninjas revived by Kabuto to take on the various ninja clans.

The dead know they have been revived but are not able to control their bodies (which is being controlled by Kabuto). The goal of capturing Naruto for his nine-tail powers continues, but the ninja villages were able to hide Naruto in a moving island. Meanwhile, Naruto is unaware of what is going on the outside world other than he is working on a mission. But everyone is hoping that Killer Bee can train Naruto on how to gain control of the nine-tail fox and prepare for the big war.

Meanwhile, as ninja units have been assembled on both sides, it’s a battle to the death as the ninjas of other villages must take on the ninjas that have been revived. This includes the return of a few of the deadly Akatsuki and also for Kakashi, the return of Zabuza and Haku. But this time, Zabuza and the revived legendary swordsmen of the mist are ready to fight.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of “Naruto Volume 55″:

Number 515 – The Great War Begins! – Naruto learns from Killer Bee on how to control the nine-tails chakra while the Ninja villages set up squads to prepare for the Great War. Kabut sends out the revived Gokage and Akatsuki members and takes control of them for battle.
Number 516 – Gaara’s Speech – As rival ninja villages must work together, Gaara tries to bring unity to the rival clans and prepare for war.
Number 517 – Omoi’s War – Commando Unit Captain Kankuro takes his team to take on the revived Deidara and Sasori. Meanwhile, Sai confronts his brother.
Number 518 – Battle of the Commando Units!! - The battle between the opposing units continue.
Number 519 – The Biju Bomb – Killer Bee tries to teach Naruto the Biju bomb and also learn of the ramifications of the new jutsu.
Number 520 – Secrets of the Edotensei – Kabuto reveals the secrets of the Edotensei.
Number 521 – The Main Regiment in Batle!! – The battle continues as Kakashi takes on the revived Zabuza.
Number 522 – We Died. – Zabuza and Haku find out that they have died and have been revived.
Number 523 – The Legendary Seven Swordsmen of the Mist!! – The commando unit led by Kakashi must take on the legendary seven swordsmen of the Mist.
Number 524 – That Which Ought to be Protected – Kakashi vs. Zabuza to the death.

“Naruto” vol .55 begins the Great Ninja War and one can expect plenty of action in these latest chapters.

And despite all ninja villages banding together for the war, Kabuto has revived legendary ninjas, swordsmen and former leaders of ninja villages, including the Akatsuki and he has complete control over them. No matter how hard the dead try to fight Kabuto’s control, they are unable to break it and must fight against their former rivals, family members and friends.

As for Naruto, the training he is receiving from Killer Bee is starting to work but he finds out that through this new jutsu, he is unable to use shadow clones otherwise, the nine-tail fox will consume as much chakra to kill Naruto. Naruto must learn how to control the beast within and utilize its power (essentially swapping his power with nine-tails power) without dying.

Needless to say, this latest volume of “Naruto” is an intense, all-action fight-fes! And the war is captured amazing well in this latest volume as Masashi Kishimoto tries to capture the essence of battle between the ninjas as the village may have the numbers, but Kabuto’s revived dead ninjas have the power. Strategy comes to play and who will win and who will lose will be quite interesting because it seems that as of now, Kabuto has the edge.

I can’t wait to see how this overall storyline develops especially how Naruto develops from his training.

Overall, “Naruto” is an awesome manga series and for those who have appreciated the anime series first, will definitely enjoy the manga series as well. And once again, another thrilling, action-packed volume of “Naruto” the manga series. Highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 Vol. 4 by Oh!great (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 6, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Sex and violence is the basis of “Tenjo Tenge”. Mix in some “Fight Club”, overly endowed women, sex and various characters that you love in fighting video games and you get “Tenjo Tenge”. Volume 4 is the deepest volume yet as characters are killed off. Who will live and who will survive? Check out “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 vol. 4″ to find out.

MANGA TITLE: Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 Vol. 4

STORY AND ART BY: Oh!great

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: Viz Signature/VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: M for Mature

Available on December 20, 2011

Mitsuomi and Maya team up to fight in the Imperial Martial Arts Tournament, an all-out series of bloody battles to determine the strongest fighter in Todo Academy. The tournament is held by Mitsuomi’s father, the patriarch of the Takayanagi family, with the secret intent of awakening the “True Warrior” and bringing that power under his control.

He’s pinned his hopes on Shin, but his machinations backfire when Shin finally plunges into madness, unleashing his terrifying destructive force. Mitsuomi steps forward to stop him, and an epic confrontation between the two friends begins.

In 1998, the mangaka known as “Oh!Great” (known for his manga and video game work and creating series such as “Air Gear”, “Burn-Up W” and “Burn Up Excess”) released his manga series “Tenjo Tenge” which would go on for 22 volumes before ending the manga series in 2010.

The manga would later be adapted into a 26-episode TV anime series in 2004, a two-episode OVA in 2005, followed by a film in 2006.

And while the manga series was released in the United States by CMX, the manga was heavily censored for its sexual content. But now the manga has been licensed and released via Viz’s Viz Signature featuring their “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1″ series (featuring two graphic novels per volume) and featured in all of its uncensored glory. Sex, violence, it’s all there!

A background of what “Tenjo Tenghe” is about so far:

The series would typically revolve around a group of friends who attend Todou Academy, an academy that hosts the best fighters in the area.

Bad boys Souichiro Nagi and his friend Bob Makihara are attending their first day at the Todou Academy and learn that their fighting skills used at other schools, will definitely be put into great use as everyone in the school can fight. But the two will need to join a fight club.

But the most powerful club at the school is the Katana Group headed by Shin Natsume, the president of the Executive Council who has the power of the dragon eyes, but is slowly starting to lose his composure and becoming insane the more he uses them.

Shin has a busty sister named Maya (who has the ability to shrink herself to an 8-year-old) and also a busty younger sister named Aya (who also possessed the dragon eyes, but allows her to see the past, present and future and see and listen to the dead). For some reason, Shin and Maya have this bond, in fact…a bond that suggests that Shin may be in love with his sister.

But with Shin most of the time is his busty girlfriend Mana Kuzunoha, a girl who was assigned to be Shin’s girlfriend in order for her to collect data for the Takayanagi family. She is also responsible for helping Shin start the Katana group. Despite how insane Shin is, she finds herself falling for him.

Meanwhile, we are also introduced to several other characters who are friends but also rival to Shin as everyone has incredible abilities. But is there anyone who is strong enough to defeat Shin?

“Tenjo Tenge” Vol. 4 continues where the last volume left off, the fourth round of Todo Academy’s fighting tournament to find out which club will be the leaders of the executive council. Meanwhile, Shin hasn’t shown up for the tournament.

It appears that Master Dogen wants to unleash Shin’s uncontrollable powers and they know that to get to him, they would have to use Maya as an example. So, Master Dogen has his violent assassin Fu’Chien roughing up Maya as badly as he can.

And now, enraged Shin has unleashed his uncontrollable power of the Dragon Eyes to take on Fu’Chien and others who have hurt his sister, meanwhile Mitsuomi goes to find them.

Shin has absolutely lost it. No one, friend or foe can get close to him and all he cares about is being close with his sister Maya. But when Mitsuomi finds her, she tries to have him escape in time but it is too late, Shin releases his power and tries to kill Mitsuomi (a friend but also a rival for Maya’s affections).

But while Mitsuomi was able to survive the attack, it has presented a conundrum. The blast that Shin gave him has elevated his heart and has made him invincible for three minutes, but because of the amount of beating his heart takes in that state, anything longer than three minutes will kill him.

But Shin has warned his sister Maya that he will hurt everyone she has a connection with. Meanwhile, Mitsuomi has announced to Maya that in two months time, he will take on Shin in a battle.

It’s a battle to the death between these two friends and rivals. Who will live and who will die?

“Tenjo Tenge” is a thrilling manga series for adults and with volume 4, not only do readers get the usual sex and violence but the plot becomes much deeper as Shin and Mitsuomi fight to the death.

Many characters are killed in this latest volume and needless to say… prepare to be shocked!

I have to admit that “Tenjo Tenge” may not be the easiest manga series to write a synopsis for. Mainly because there are so many characters featured, there’s not really one protagonist and it can get a bit confusing with people who have similar names.

But it’s this world of fight clubs, people who specialize in different martial arts for this high school and this world that mangaka Oh!great is slowly trying to build overtime. It requires time, character development and by the time you read the chapter, you know the characters, but to explain it to someone who hasn’t read it, it’s not easy.

But the best way to describe this manga series is the game “the King of the Mountain”. I remember being in high school and wrestling practice and our job was to see if we can take down the top guy and make him fall. Well, at this high school, Shin is the king of the mountain. All these fighters of different clubs want their shot to beat the #1 man, so their martial art or club can be the top dog and be the leaders of the Executive Council. They call the shots at the school and let people know of their dominance.

But unknown to many people, Shin is like a demon. Slowly going insane because of his Dragon Eyes in combination with holding onto the Reiki sword, it’s amplifying his power to the point where he’s starting to lose his sanity. The Reiki, which is a sword which entraps all power of the evil Buddhist ceremonies enhances ones power. And for the weapon, it’s reliant towards those who wield it and for Shin, it makes him the most deadliest person on the planet.

So, with volume 4 and “insane” Shin has declared that he will destroy anyone who has a connection with Maya. And there is only one person who has a connection with her, fellow classmate and sparring partner, Mitsuomi.

While Shin is unbeatable with his Dragon Eyes, we know that Mitsuomi has some mysterious power within him. But when Shin unleashes the Dragon Eyes on Mitsuomi, it also has given him superhuman abilities to add on his current abilities. Which may enough for Mitsuomi to fight against Shin in the battle to the death.

But… there is a caveat to Mitsuomi’s new special ability. He has only three minutes to use it, otherwise, anything longer will kill him.

The fourth volume feature manga graphic novels vol. 7 and 8 and the first half features on the Mitsuomi-Maya-Shin storyline, while the second half finally brings back Souchiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, as they become the newest members to the Juken Club and once again, it’s a new year of the Academy’s tournament of who will lead the Executive Council.

But as mentioned, be prepared to be shocked as character die in this latest volume. One death, I never saw coming and was shocked.

Similar to the other volumes, this volume definitely features a lot of sex! Granted, it’s not a hentai manga as sex is not focused on, but there is nudity and sex plus a lot of violence, so it’s a mature title.

Overall, “Tenjo Tenge” is a pretty awesome manga series that will attract fans who love fight club storylines, especially fighting video games such as “King of Fighters”, “Rival Schools”. There is plenty of action and teenage angst in this manga series but obviously targeted to male readers as the women happen to be overly well-endowed, appear to enjoy being bra-less, wearing short skirts to expose their panties and often having sex with a few of the male characters. Granted, the sex and fan service is not a big part of the overall storyline but it’s there.

“Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 vol. 4″ is the deepest volume yet but it’s rather important to see how things are going to be this time forward as many changes are in store for these characters. Recommended for those who love their manga with all-out action, violent brawls and sexual themes.

Overall, for a mature action-driven manga series, it definitely delivers in action as well as sex. If this is for you, then definitely give “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1″ a try!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 37 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

January 12, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

All-out action in the pages of vol. 37 of “Bleach”! As Ichigo and friends go to rescue Orihime, the Soul Reapers take on the Arrancars and for those who have wondered why Uruhara and Tsukabishi are no longer Soul Reapers, this volume finally answers that question. Definitely recommended for “Bleach” fans!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 37

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: December 6, 2011

Soul Reaper captain Shinji Hirako has uncovered Aizen’s betrayal, but it may be too late. As some of the Soul Society’s greatest Soul Reapers transform into Hollows, it will be up to Kisuke Urahara to save them. And back in the present time, the grand battle between the Thirteen Court Guard Companies and the remaining Espada finally begins!

“Bleach”… It’s definitely one of the most successful anime and manga titles in Japan and well-known to anime/manga fans all over the world.

“Bleach” has a strong fan following and since its run began back in 2001, series creator, writer and illustrator Noriaki “Tite” Kubo has been hard at work, continuing to crank chapter after chapter for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and with the success of the series extending out to films, OVA’s, feature films and video games and other merchandise.

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

“Bleach” is a story about a guy named Ichigo Kurasaki who has a gift in which he can see spirits. One day, he saw a Soul Reaper (one who can govern the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife) named Rukia Kukichiki who has come to find a Hollow (a lost soul). She ends up being wounded in battle when she tried to defend Ichigo and so she illegally transfers her reiatsu (spiritual pressure) to him, so that he can defeat the Hollow. But during the process, he nearly takes all of her energy and becomes a Soul Reaper himself and defeats the Hollow quite easily. So, the first storyline arc features Rukia now powerless stranded in the human world until she has the time to recover her true powers, while Ichigo fills in and battles Hollows in her place. And with each fight, Rukia starts to notice something special about Ichigo’s abilities.

The second storyline arc of “Bleach” features the Soul Society wanting to sentence Rukia to death for transferring her powers to Ichigo. His friends also begin to develop special abilities. His childhood friend, Orihime Inoue, is given special abilities courtesy of her loving brother who has turned into a Hollow. Yasutora “Chad” Sato is Ichigo’s tall friend (who is half Japanese/half Mexican) who suddenly becomes aware of spirits and develops an ability to have a special armored right arm that has special abilities. And Ichigo’s rival/friend, Uryu Ishida, who is a desendant of a hollow hunting group known as the Quincy and are enemies of the Soul Reapers.

Through various chapters, the Soul Reapers learn that one of their own, Sosuke Aizen, is a traitor. It was learned that Aizen has been creating Visoreds, Soul Reapers who have obtained hollow powers (Hollowfication) and are known for their hollow masks (which look like skulls on a human’s face) and Arrancars, a stronger form of hollow which has acquired human form.

It is learned that Ichigo has a Visored that is manifesting within him that has great power. During a fight, this visored tries to take over Ichigo’s body but Ichigo is trying his best to control it and using this power wisely.

Together, Ichigo and his friends continue to increase and enhance their abilities overtime and to take on tough enemies which leads us to the Visored/Arrancar arc.

The Current Storyline

Ichigo and friends are now on a mission to stop the traitorous soul reaper, Sosuke Aizen who along with his army of Arrancars are preparing their plan to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura Town. Meanwhile, in order to protect Ichigo and her friends, Orihime willingly stays with Aizen’s group but Ichigo and friends will do all they can to save her. Meanwhile, the Thirteen Court Guard Companies head to Karakura.

With “Bleach” vol. 37, focuses on three different storylines. One focuses on the past (110 years ago) during a time when Kisuke Urahara was captain of the Twelfth Company and when Fifth Company rushed to investigating an area where a task force has disappeared. This is where Shinji confronts his own Assistant Captain Sosuke Aizen. The storyline gives insight of why Urahara and Tsukabishi left the Soul Society.

The other storyline features Ichigo and friends making their way to rescue Orihime but waiting for an intruder is the Arancar Ulquiorra.

The third storyline focuses on the battle between the Soul Reapers and King Barragan’s four pillars. The battles consist of Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr, Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Charlotte Chul-Hourne, Madarame Ikkaku vs. Poww and Kira Izuru vs. Abirama.

Suffice to say, this latest volume is another action-packed volume as the majority of the chapters focus on actual fighting. While the earlier chapters focus on the treachery of Aizen and also giving readers a reason why Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi now live in the land of the living and are no longer Soul Reapers. So, this is a pretty significant volume for “Bleach” fans!

As always, the artwork by Tite Kubo is fantastic. This volume alone features so many characters and the action is literally non-stop. It’s definitely one of the better volumes out and for any manga fan who craves action-driven storylines, especially if you love “Bleach”, you can’t go wrong with vol. 37.

Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naruto volume 54 by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

December 30, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Another action-packed volume of “Naruto” as Guy takes on Kisame, Konan vs. Tobi, Tsuchikage vs. Kabuto and the race to protect Naruto and Killer B from the Akatsuki continues!

MANGA TITLE: Naruto Volume 54

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: January 3, 2012

Naruto and his team engage in an intense battle with the Akatsuki organization as both sides seek the power to determine the future of their land. Internecine fighting weakens the Akatsuki, but will their dark forces sideline Naruto?

The popular manga series “Naruto” has been going strong since its debut in Shueisha back in 1999 via “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine.

Now, Sasuke along with his new team featuring team captain Yamato, Sakura and a ninja named Sai (an emotionless young ninja who was hired by the Black Ops leader Danzo to spy on Naruto) are now on a mission to investigate the Akatsuki criminal organization led by its founder Madara Uchiha who have been doing all they can to capture all tailed-beasts including Naruto’s nine-tailed demon fox.

As for the story thus far, Sasuke has aligned wit the Akatsuki who wants to destroy the Leaf Village – Konoha. Madara has declared war and thus an Allied Shinobi Force is formed. The elder leaders of all villages, allies to the Leaf Village have realized that the Akatsuki are after Naruto (Nine Tail) and Killer B (Eight Tail Beast). They have since accomplished extracting the beasts (Jinchuriki) from others. Meanwhile, Naruto’s mother has reappeared to explain the secrets of his birth and learns about heir hopes and renews his vow to be come Hokage!

In volume 53, all was revealed about what transpired during the day of Naruto’s birth and who was responsible for attacking the Leaf Village with the nine tails. And given the final moments to meet and speak with his mother one last time and eventually gaining the power to seal the Nine Tail jinchuriki.

And now the story continues…

For Volume 54, in order to hide the fact from Naruto that he is a prime target of the Akatsuki, Yamato, Guy and a few other Leaf Ninja, including Killer B have convinced Naruto that he is on an S-Ranked Environmental Mission at an island.

But hiding among them is the Akatsuki Kisame (who was thought to be dead) and has been spying on them all this time and now is trying to leak the intel back to the Akatsuki. But in order to stop them, only one man will be to take him on…Guy.

Meanwhile, in a battle for peace, Konan of the Amegakure takes on Tobi (Madara Uchiha) in the battle to the death. Who will become victorious?

Also, Kabuto unveils his secret army to use in the war.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of “Naruto Volume 54″:

Number 505 – Nine Tail’s Chakra, Opened!!! – Naruto learns how to control the chakra of Nine Tails.
Number 506 – Guy vs. Kisame – Kisame tries to escape with the intel and Guy tries to stop him.
Number 507 – A False Existence…!! – The history of Kisame and how he met Itachi.
Number 508 – Shinobi Death Style - Kisame escapes!
Number 509 – Peace Viaduct – Konan vs. Tobi
Number 510 – Forbidden Jutsu Shock!! – Konan vs. Tobi continues…who survives?
Number 511 – We Shall Return – A flashback when Konan, Nagato and Yahiko were taken in by Jiraiya and learned from him.
Number 512 – The Truth About Zetsu!! – The elders learn about the leaked intel and know they must send help to where Naruto is located.
Number 513 – Kabuto vs. Tsuchikage!! – A battle between Tsuchikage vs. Kabuto.
Number 514 – Kabuto’s Plan!!! – Kabuto’s plan unveiled.

With the emotional volume 53, that revealed what happened on the day of Naruto’s birth and how he was sealed with the nine-tail jinchuriki, the setting of the danger of impending war continues.

With volume 54, we have another action-packed volume as Guy takes on Kisame, who had been thought to be dead. But to realize, he had transformed and affixed himself onto Killer B’s sword and spying on the group all this time. Now its a race against the clock as they try to stop him from leaking the intel to the Akatsuki.

Meanwhile, fighting for a peaceful future, Konan takes on Tobi (Uchiha Madara) but can Konan survive against Madara? And the plant of Kabuto is unveiled when you learn about the secret army he had developed.

Needless to say, the actions of this “Naruto” manga volume has major ramifications that will affect the course of the “Naruto” manga series.

While the last volume was primarily focused on the history of Naruto’s parents and revealing that his father was the fourth hokage and that his mother was the previous shinobi that had the nine-tails within her, we now know that the ninjas look at Naruto, even from his birth, as possibly the person who will save the world from evil and right now, through this volume that Tobi and Kabuto working together is a significant evil, especially with the unveiling of this second army.

I can’t wait to see how this overall storyline develops.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 18 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

December 26, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Naoki Urasawa’s manga masterpiece…”20th Century Boys” is simply awesome!!! The manga series continues to get better and better and with so much despair in these last three volumes, volume 18 begins to show readers a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, another teaser/bombshell is dropped on the reader and definitely sets things up for the final four volumes of the manga series. If you have wanted a manga series that is well-written and just all out-exciting, Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 18

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on December 13, 2011

Far, far from Tokyo, a man approaches the checkpoint at the Northern Border… Everyone north of the gate is dead, but here he comes on a motorbike with a guitar strapped to his back. Who is this man who calls himself Joe Yabuki, and why does he break out in song? Is he a Messiah here to save the people, or is he just a deluded nut?

Justice Never Dies.

The words that came from the mouth of a young Kenji back in the 1970′s.

But Japan has since changed since the resurrection of the friend.

In volume 16, we were introduced to a future where Japan was divided, a wall was put up and the years were now known as “The Friends Era”. What has happened to Japan?

In volume 17, we learn what has happened to Otcho as he witnessed people fighting and killing over vaccinations and as for Kana, learning that she and Yoshitsune have splinted into two factions. Yoshitsune trying to save people, while Kanna…a young woman who has lost so much, has become a terrorist known as a White Queen, still leading an army of freedom fighters trying to fight against the Friend but are in constant pursuit by the Global Defense Force.

But we were treated with a little teaser with volume 17… who is the older man driving around with a guitar on his back. Could it be…Kenji? A man who was thought to be dead all these years?

“20th Century Boys” is simply the masterpiece manga series created by Naoki Urasawa. Having created excellent titles such as “Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl”, “Pineapple ARMY”, “Master Keaton” and “Monster”, his manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” was the winner of the 2001 Kodansha Manga Award, Winner of the 2003 Shogakukan Manga Award and Urasawa was the recipient of the “Excellence Price at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival”.

The manga has been made into a live film, with the first film having been released as a part of a trilogy with a budget of 6 billion yen and will feature a cast of 300 people, it’s natural to say that the manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” will definitely be a manga classic. And now the the seventh volume of the popular manga series has been released by Viz Media.

Naoki Urasawa’s “20th CENTURY BOYS” follows a group of friends when they were as children and the present time as adults. When these friends were children, they played a group of super heroes who would take down evildoers. But first, they needed to come up with their own storyline and scenarios of the bad things the evil side would do and how they, as superheroes would have to conquer the evil bad guys.

This plot of what the evil group would do was written down in a little guide which they called “The Prophecy”. As for the group, they devised a symbol of their group. But now many years later, this symbol has re-emerged as the symbol of a religious cult who may be behind terrorist activities.

Kenji and friends tried their best to stop the Friends but something happened on December 31, 2000 and fourteen years later, Kenji and friends are seen as the terrorists and the Friends have now further permeated into society worldwide.

What we know of December 31, 2000… Many lives were lost and although Kenji and his friends did what they can to stop the Friend’s giant robot from killing people in the city. They were blamed for it and since then have been reviled as the terrorists who massacred innocent people (when it was actually “the Friends” who were responsible).

And 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

But for friends of Kenji who survived that fatal day, they will continue to do what they can to defeat their friends in the honor of their friend Kenji and save the world. The last volume featured Kanna, who is now a teenager who will never forget her uncle and is investigating any details or leads to her uncle Kenji but also her mother and possible father.

In volume 16, we saw how Otcho was being sneaked into Shinjuku courtesy of two children but unfortunately, the soldiers working for the Friends have discovered their ruse and now they are on the run.

In volume 17, we learn that when the Friend was resurrected, he literally took control of Japan. Those who were there at the Japan Expo to witness the resurrection were given a vaccine against the virus and live in one half of Japan, while those who didn’t go, were all forced to live on the other side of Japan where only a few vaccines were given out and of course, because of that, chaos.

And here we are with volume 18, as we are learning that many people have heard of Kenji’s old song…but this time, a new revision with the words, “Gutarara Sudarara”. It was thought that Kanna was the only person who had access to Kenji’s music via cassettes, but how is it that people in Japan have heard of Kenji’s music today? Could it mean that Kenji…is still alive?

Meanwhile, as Otcho tries to stop Kanna from sending her people from going to war against the Friends, they are captured by someone who they know quite well. And this mysterious person also has something quite interesting to reveal, that will add yet another twist in the story of Naoki Kursawa’s “20th Century Boys”.

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Kanna Endo: The daughter of Kenji’s missing sister. She is now a 17-year-old teenager who tries to keep her missing uncle Kenji in her memories. In the Friend Era, she is known as the “White Queen”.

Chono Shohei – A freshman detective following his grandfather’s footsteps of being a great detective and to have the name “Cho-san”. In the Friend Era, he is stationed to work and watch over farmers.

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. Now on the run during the Friend Era and was able to make it through the wall.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of volume 18 (spoiler-less summaries):

Chapter 1: Gutarara Sudarara - Otcho looks for the missing Sanae.
Chapter 2: The Two Who Survived - Officer Chono comes across a person known as “Yabuki Joe”… Can this man be Kenji?
Chapter 3: Oh, Daughter - Kanna explains what has happened to her since the beginning of the Friend Era.
Chapter 4: Everybody’s Strong - Otcho does all he can to stop Kanna, even by telling her that he thinks that there is a chance that Kenji is still alive.
Chapter 5: Come Together - Kanna makes her decision.
Chapter 6: Get Up! Stand Up, Joe!! - Officer Chono and the other Friend officers confront Yabuki Joe.
Chapter 7: Encore! Encore!! - Kanna finds out that something dire has happened to her followers. Meanwhile, Officer Chono is inspired by Yabuki Joe!
Chapter 8: Starting to Change the World - Otcho and Kanna are captured!
Chapter 9: What Should Not Be Seen - Maruo and Namio discover something about Manjome Inshu.
Chapter 10: What Should Not Be Heard – Who is the child that came across Manjome Inshu?
Chapter 11: What Should Not Be Known - A new twist revealed by Manjome Inshu.

We sensed that after reading volume 16 & 17 and seeing how Japan has gone through chaos since the Friend Era, that things were not going to be the same.

We learned of what happened to Otcho during the Friend Era and seeing the carnage as people killed each other in order to get a vaccine from the deadly virus and we were treated with teasers of possibly Kenji being alive.

With volume 18, it takes a step forward in furthering the tease that Kenji is still alive…but is he the same man as “Yabuki Joe”? Also, we learn about what has happened to Kanna since the first year of the Friend Era and that she has become cold and bitter because of so many friends she has lost due to the Friends.

But we expected those things to happen as part of the progression from the last two volumes covering the Friend Era, but there is so much more story to be told of what happened to Yoshitsune and friends but also these twists that Urasawa has planted in this latest volume. One being the Yabuki Joe storyline in which so many followers (ala hippies) have joined in following the singer in his nationwide tour. But yet this person sings variations of Kenji’s song, so it may or may not be him that is being heard on the radio.

But possibly the biggest twist was the final page of volume 18 which I best not spoil for readers of this wonderful manga series! Suffice to say, the unveiling of that final page definitely showcases a major change that definitely sets things up for the final four volumes of the series.

I personally don’t know what is going to happen now, especially with these twists. Needless to say, this volume really has me excited in seeing how things play out for the final volumes because the storyline not only has gotten exciting but this time, our heroes are in so much despair at this point in time that all hope seemed to be lost, that is until Otcho and Kanna hear Kenji’s song being played on the radio, albeit a new version of the song.

Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” just gets better and better and as we now are nearing the final stretch of the series, one can only wonder what Naoki Urasawa has planned. And I’m guessing that we are going to see a lot of deaths and possible demise of several main characters.

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 18″ is awesome! And I emphasize “AWESOME!”. Every chapter in this volume just builds and builds to the final shot and you can’t help but be surprised!

As always, Naoki Urasawa knows how to grab the attention of the reader. His artwork and how he is able to capture the sense of action and emotion through the pages is magnificent and so far, this series has been engrossing and highly enjoyable thus far.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and can’t wait until the next volume. “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 18″ is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow – Volume 4 by Shunju Aono (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

December 26, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Humorous, enjoyable, crazy and fun! “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow” vol. 4 is definitely recommended! A 42-year-old man who quit his job in order to become a manga artist/writer. Problem is… Oguro is lazy and not exactly a good writer or artist. Does the lazy Oguro have what it takes to get a manga published? Definitely a unique storyline that you don’t come across in manga all that often…

MANGA TITLE: I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow – Volume 4

STORY AND ART BY: Shunju Aono(青野春秋)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: Ikki Comix/VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: December 6, 2011

Just as Shizuo Oguro is finally about to make his longed-for debut as a professional manga artist… his editor quits. Although Shizuo’s dreams are shattered, he has a shot at redemption: all he has to do is get the new editor to publish him. But how can a 42-year-old, slacker guy convince a 23-year-old, no-nonsense woman to give him a chance? Is it time for Shizuo to finally give it his all?

A 42-year-old man who quits his salaryman job to become a mangaka (manga artist/writer). It seems like a straightforward story…perhaps, one that sounds like a mid-age crisis but trust me on this, “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow” is one of the most enjoyable manga out right now from Viz Media and it’s protagonist, possibly one of the quirkiest, laziest character that I have ever read about in my many years of manga reading.

Once in a while, I get the opportunity to read a manga that comes out of nowhere and just surprises the hell out of me. e It My All..Tomorrow” (Ore wa mada Honki Dashite Nai dake) by Shunju Aono is one of those manga series.

A storyline that relies on no supernatural storyline, nor the characters being the top of their class, very rich or very beautiful or handsome. In fact, the illustrations are not the greatest either, but it’s the storyline of one man trying to make his dream come true and choosing to do it at the age of 42.

Aono won the “Young Magazine 45th Chiba Tetsuya Award” in the Newcomer’s Category in 2001 and in 2005, won the 17th Ikkiman Ikki Newcomer’s Award and debuted with “Somato” (Kaleidoscope) which would eventually become his manga series “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow” and is featured on Ikki Magazine and has had three graphic novels released each year since 2007.

The story revolves around a man named Shizuo Oguro who turned 40-years-old. He’s a single father with a teenager named Suzuko and lives with his father. He also just quit his corporate job which he had worked as a Subsection Chief for over 15 years and is now trying to “find himself”.

Now, jobless and lazy, Oguro sits at home playing with his Sony PlayStation 2 and because of is lack of doing anything, angers his older father and his daughter pretty much has accepted that her father is a person who is not really ambitious and is quite lazy.

But with all the cajoling from his father to get a job, Oguro decides that his goal in life is to become a manga artist.

The problem is that Oguro is not an artist, nor does he have the focus to write a good story and each time he submits one to a manga publisher, it’s not the right content they are looking for (their nicest way to reject him).

But Oguro is determined to create a manga series and to step things up in his life by working a fast food job that will allow him to make a little money but work on his new passion in trying to create a manga.

In the first volume, Oguro continually gets chastised by his father to get a job, meanwhile he finds out that his smart daughter has been earning money by becoming a prostitute, finds a job at a fast food restaurant and because of his age, the younger people refer him as “manager” despite not being one. He also meets a younger guy named Shuichi and befriends him.

Shuichi is like a younger version of Oguro and is unable to keep a job and tends to get himself in fights.

Volume two continues to focus on Oguro as he tries to become a manga artist and prove to his father that he’s not a slacker, meanwhile Shuichi thinks about his life and wonders if he will be like Oguro.

In the previous two volumes of “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow”, we have sen how this guy work at fast food, trying to find a place to stay for a little while when his father gets on his nerves about finding a job and for the most part, trying to work on a manga series which the manga company he tends to bring his final drafts to, have kept rejecting. Also, Oguro takes on the pen name “Person Nakamura”.

But now with volume 3 of the manga series, Oguro is now 42-years-old and his father is losing patience while in his mind, he is close to quitting his job at the fast food restaurant and feels his manga will be published. But it looks as if things may look better for Oguro as Murakami, his editor of EKKE Magazine seems interested in getting Shizuo Oguro’s manga published.

With volume 4 of “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow”, just when it seems as if Oguro now has it made as a manga artist, after impressing his editor at EKKE Magazine. It actually made an impression, but in the wrong way. For the editor, Murakami, it made him become inspired to do what he has wanted to do in life and pursue it and that was to quit his job as a manga editor and pursue his dream of becoming a woman.

Now that Murakami has left, he is given a new editor, a female editor named Unami. But unlike Murakami, she absolutely despises Oguro, mainly because her father quit his high-paying job to become a novel writer and forced her mother to work dead-end jobs to support the family. And seeing that Oguro has a daughter and an older father, she is not so thrilled about him, nor does she feel he has any talent nor a story to write for the Ekke younger audience (as Oguro’s manga is about an older man trying to live his life).

Meanwhile, for Miyata-san (Oguro’s best friend growing up) is enjoying his life at the bakery and cooking for his son Masao, but what happens when he is given news by his ex-wife that she is remarrying an American and is planning to relocate with her son to America and wants him to forget her son in order for him to get used to his future step-father.

With both 40+ year-old men facing a new crisis in their life, how will they deal with it?

With the latest volume of “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow”, mangaka Shunju Aono creates a realistic problem for both Oguro and his friend Miyata. One faces the truth that his manga career will never happen and the other realizes that his goal to have a relationship with his younger son may now end forever.

The tone of this latest volume leans more towards character development. One that examines the friendship between Oguro and Miyata as they deal with their latest problem in their lives but also for editor Unami, as she must be the person to tell Oguro that he has no chance in getting published. But because of her estranged relationship with her father, she realizes that Oguro reminds her so much about her father that she is critical and spiteful towards him.

But the difference with vol. 4 vs. vol. 1 or 2 is that we see some maturity with Oguro and more determined to make his dream come true that he is willing to do what he can to become a manga artist and at least we see “hope” with this latest volume instead of a depressing end.

But suffice to say, while there are a few jokes to make readers laugh, of the four volumes, this latest volume is the most serious. Especially as we get to see more of Oguro’s friend Miyata in a more difficult position. For a father, he loves his son…he knows he doesn’t get much time to see him…but can one cut off all ties from his son in order to respect his wife’s wishes?

“I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow” is a rare treat to see here in the US. The manga is different in not just storyline and its characters but also Aono’s style of illustration and for those wanting to try something more realistic but also humorous and odd, this is one manga series I can easily recommend. It can also be quite amusing, especially if you have friends who are like Shizuo Oguro.

But I’m really enjoying this series but the problem lies in the fact that Aono releases a volume per year it seems. And in Japan, volume 4 is the latest to come out and that was back in June 2010. How long will it take until volume 5 is complete? Hopefully not too long but it would be sad to see a series this enjoyable end on a somber note with this volume.

Humorous, enjoyable, crazy and fun! “I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow” vol. 4 is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus vol. 3 (Volumes 7-9) by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

December 22, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The third volume is action-packed with the second phase of the Chunin Exam featuring team vs. teams and the third exam featuring one-on-one battles! If you love ninja action, “Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus vol. 3″ (Volumes 7-9) is definitely recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus Vol. 3 (Volumes 7-9)

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2011

Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura passed the written portion of the Chunin Exam, but that was only the beginning! Now in the thick of the exam’s second phase, held in the aptly named Forest of Death, instructor Mitarashi Anko has promised to cut the number of advancing teams by half. And a mysterious predator in their midst is after Sasuke!

Collects volumes 7-9 in an omnibus edition.

The adventure of Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura continues in “Naruto-3-in-1″ Omnibus Vol. 3 featuring the collected manga volumes 7-9.

Since 1999, “Naruto” created by Masashi Kishimoto (“Karakuri”) has been one of the most popular manga, anime and video game series in Japan and has easily become a favorite best selling anime/manga series among fans all over the world.

Currently in Japan and also the United States, “Naruto” is currently in “Shippuden” mode focusing on an older teenage Naruto Uzumaki and for fans who were not around when “Naruto” was airing on television or were not around when the manga series was first released, some newer fans may have not had a chance to know how it all began.

Fortunately, Viz Media has released an omnibus for “Naruto” featuring three volumes in one 600-page graphic novel.

“Naruto” is a manga series based on a young boy with big dreams, a boy who dreams about becoming a hokage (the leader of a ninja village) and is very determined in getting stronger to prove that he can one day become a leader. The problem is that he is often teased, ridiculed because his ninja arts has not been like everyone else and because he is often ignored or teased, he has become a bit of a prankster/trouble maker for the village.

But the reason for the ridicule is because Naruto has the spirit of the Fox with Nine Tails sealed inside him.

The Fox Spirit was an evil spirit that it took several ninja clans, great shinobi’s to work together, sacrifice their life in order to make sure that the villages will continually thrive and survive the onslaught from the Fox Spirit and the Fourth Hokage, the champion of the village, Konoha, hidden in the leaves, would seal the Fox Tail spirit in a boy, the boy is Naruto Uzumaki.

And thus the reason why the village has treated Naruto with disdain.

While trying to pass a test to become a ninja, unfortunately Naruto’s ninja arts are so weak that he continually flunks. His teacher Iruka is a littler harsh on him but he really wants Naruto to pass. One day, one of the ninjas in Konoha lied to Naruto and told him that in order to pass and become a ninja, he would have to steal secret scrolls. Naruto, being the naive boy that he is, does so. The ninja who told him to steal it, then tells the village that Naruto has stolen the sacred scrolls of the village that have been under lock and key, in fear that someone can use the jitsu’s for the wrong purpose.

The thing is that Naruto did read one jitsu and has mastered it, he learned to create hundreds of doppelgangers of himself and uses it to protect his teacher Iruka from the ninja traitor. And with his new skills, he has passed to become a real ninja.

From this point on, Naruto Uzumaki joins Team Kakashi and becomes teammates with Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha. This will be the team that Naruto will train and go on adventures with but part of the problem is that the team is not exactly well-disciplined and it doesn’t help that Naruto and his teammate Sasuke get on each others nerves.

While these young ninja learn their training, during their first mission, they come in contact with a powerful enemy, Zabuza Momoichi, of the Land of the Mist and his consort Haku.

Will these young ninja who are still being trained, will they be ready to fight against Zabuza and Haku? And can these three young ninja work as a team or will they continue to fight as individuals?

In volume 2 of “Naruto 3-in-1″, the battle between Team Kakashi continues as Naruto wants vengeance against Haku for killing Sasuke. Team Kakashi takes on Zabuza and Sakura protects the bridge-builder Tazuna.

The volume is also the beginning of the Chunin Selection Exams in which young ninjas from different villages have come to the leaf village.

We are introduced to Gaara and friends from the sand village, meanwhile Rock Lee of Team Guy challenges Sasuke to a battle. We are also introduced to Team Asuma: Akimichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru and Yamanaka Ino. We are also introduced to other teams such as the mysterious Otonin (Sound) teeam, the mysterious Kusanin Grass Ninja team and a team led by Kabuto.

For the first challenge of the Chunin exams, each team must take part in the written test exam and pass, followed by a second exam in the forest of death in which 26 three-member teams must acquire the “Scroll of Heaven” and the “Scroll of Earth”. Whichever team acquires both scrolls wins the exam. With poisonous plants, bad animals and everyone vying for the scrolls, if any member is injured or dead, the team is disqualified. Also, each team is forbidden to look at the contents of the scrolls.

How will Naruto and team fare?

So, here we are with “Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus” Vol. 3 (vol. 7-9). With Sakura trying to protect Naruto and Sasuke and Rock Lee who tried to protect Sakura, now taken down by the sound team, with Sakura fighting for herself, Ichimaru, Choji and Ino decide to help Sakura. But also Rock Lee’s teammates Neji and Tenten waiting to jump into the fray and fight against the sound ninja.

Meanwhile, Sasuke returns to battle but in a new transformed state and more powerful than ever.

As for the other leaf ninjas, we are introduced to Kiba Inazuka and his dog Akamaru, Shino Aburame and Hinata Hyuga who are following the sand ninja, Gaara and team and each witness the immense power of Gaara.

In the next battle for Naruto and friends, we are introduced to the evil Orochimaru and Kabuto’s connection with him.

And for the third round of the Chunin Exams, the surviving teams take part in one-on-one battles: Sasuke vs. Yoroi, Abumi vs. Shino, Misumi vs. Kankuro, Sakura vs. Ino, Tenten vs. Temari, Shikamaru vs. Tsuchi, Naruto vs. Kiba, Hinata vs. Neji and Rock Lee vs. Gara.

Who will win each battle?

Entertaining, fun and possibly one of the best manga series to appear on “Shonen Jump” since “Dragon Ball Z”.

“Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus vol. 3 (Volumes 7-9)” is the volume that fans want to see…the one-on-one battles….ninja vs. ninja!

As a long time reader of the Japanese Shonen Jump magazine and long time anime viewer/reviewer, the “Naruto” series was a bit of surprise when I first had the opportunity to read and watch the series. Mainly because of how entertaining and how well-written the series was but also how mangaka Masashi Kishimoto built upon its characters by character development, making you care of what is happening with the protagonist Naruto, his teammates and also becoming captivated by the world around him.

Naruto is the classic underdog. The boy that everyone seems to hate, the boy who just wants to fit in, the boy who wants to have friends and in some ways, many of us have a little of “Naruto” within us and having those emotions of dreaming big, even though you feel that everyone doesn’t expect much from you. Insecurities, sadness, being a practical joker, for me, I can identify with Naruto and feel his pain.

But what made me enjoy this series is seeing him persevere, working hard to prove that he is a capable ninja and most of all, his way of thinking helps to inspire those that come across him.

He may be goofy, he may seem lazy at times and also always hungry but he is also dependable and a teammate who will fight to protect you, a ninja who knows that he has a cursed beast inside him, that everyone fears and he lives with that pain.

This third volume continues with the Chunin Exams and we are introduced more to other teams from the Leaf Village. But most importantly, we get to learn more of their back history of some of these characters.

The first half of the third omnibus features the team battle of the second exam, but it’s the second half that fans will probably enjoy as we get to see each member take part in one-on-one battles with the other surviving ninjas who made it into the third test. Naruto vs. Kiba, Neji vs. Hinata, Rock Lee vs. Gaara, Sakura vs. Ino… this is a pretty exciting volume of “Naruto” and there is plenty of action in these pages, that this volume is definitely worth it!

For anyone getting into “Naruto”, this 3-in-1 omnibus is fantastic! For the price of less than two manga volumes, you are getting a total of three. And if you have only watched the anime series, “Naruto” fans may want to check out the manga series because there are a few scenes that didn’t appear on the anime series.

And also, throughout each volume, you get to read notes and even see sketches from series creator Masashi Kishimoto of how he originally drew Naruto (he had goggles) and also other early character designs for other characters and also thoughts that Kishimoto had at the time, for example, how he drew Sakura and how he’s not that good at drawing female characters and why her character appealed to him. Also, how he came up with certain names for the characters and how he feels about the names today.

Overall, this is another excellent volume of “Naruto 3-in-1″. And if you have always wanted to read the manga series, now you can especially with the omnibus volumes which is an excellent value!

If you love ninja action, you definitely want to check out these first three “Naruto 3-in-1″ omnibus volumes! Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus vol. 2 (Volumes 4-6) by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

December 22, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The second volume of “Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus” (vol. 4-6) and the conclusion of Team Kakashi vs. Zabuza and Haku is featured but also the Chunin Exams in which Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura are pitted against other ninja teams from all over the area in a battle for two scrolls. It’s a battle to the death… How will they fare?

MANGA TITLE: Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus Vol. 2 (Volumes 4-6)

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2011

In the Land of Waves, Naruto and his teammates Sakura and Sasuke, along with their sensei Kakashi, struggle to protect the bridge builder Tazuna and his family from Gato’s hired thugs. When one of Naruto’s friends falls in battle, Naruto is faced with the most difficult choice of his life. How far will he go to protect his friends? And does he have what it takes to be a hero?

Collects volumes 4-6 in an omnibus edition.

The adventure of Naruto Uzumaki continues in “Naruto-3-in-1″ Omnibus Vol. 2 featuring the collected manga volumes 4-6.

Fortunately, Viz Media has released an omnibus for “Naruto” featuring three volumes in one 600-page graphic novel.

But the reason for the ridicule is because Naruto has the spirit of the Fox with Nine Tails sealed inside him.

And thus the reason why the village has treated Naruto with disdain.

While these young ninja learn their training, during their first mission, they come in contact with a powerful enemy, Zabuza Momoichi, of the Land of the Mist and his consort Haku.

Will these young ninja who are still being trained, will they be ready to fight against Zabuza and Haku? And can these three young ninja work as a team or will they continue to fight as individuals?

The volume is also the beginning of the Chunin Selection Exams in which young ninjas from different villages have come to the leaf village.

How will Naruto and team fare?

Entertaining, fun and possibly one of the best manga series to appear on “Shonen Jump” since “Dragon Ball Z”.

But what made me enjoy this series is seeing him persevere, working hard to prove that he is a capable ninja and most of all, his way of thinking helps to inspire those that come across him.

This second volume is actually a very important volume in the whole “Naruto” world. For one, we get to see what happens when the nine-tailed fox tries to consume Naruto during the heat of battle, we also get to see how Naruto has this inability to change people for the positive, to inspire people he comes across.

But I suppose the true significance of this second omnibus volume is the introduction to the other teams of the Leaf Village and our introduction to Gaara and the sand ninja and also Kabuto. And this is a very action-packed volume because of the Chunin exams and various teams are fighting for their lives.

We are introduced to Rock Lee, a person who was not born with ninja abilities but pushes himself so hard to have his own abilities but also seeing how he has a slight attraction towards Sakura. And for Team Kakashi, we know Naruto and Sasuke’s power, but this time around, we get to see Sakura in battle as she fights to protect her teammates who have been taken down. Will she survive?

Overall, if you have wanted to read the “Naruto” manga series from the very beginning, like the first volume, volume 2 is just as entertaining, action-packed and an important volume in the overall storyline. “Naruto 3-in-1 Omnibus” vol. 2 is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Eyeshield 21 vol. 37 by Riichiro Inagaki and art by Yusuke Murata (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

November 30, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The final volume of “Eyeshield 21″ features the conclusion of the matchup between Japan vs. the United States in the World Youth Cup. Strategist vs. strategist, brawn vs. brawn, speed vs. speed and skill vs. skill… These two teams are evenly matched, so who will win the tournament? A fitting conclusion to this fantastic football manga series, “Eyeshield 21″ fans will not be disappointed.

MANGA TITLE: Eyeshield 21 vol. 37

STORY BY: Riichiro Inagaki

ART BY: Yusuke Murata

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2011

Final Volume! Ready Set Hut In this action-packed final volume, Team USA and Team Japan face off in a bid for the title of best youth football team in the world. Rivalries within Team Japan are put aside as Hiruma and Agon execute a complicated formation. Can smart strategy overcome the sheer physical dominance of the American team? Seeing his teammates hurt, Sena bolts in and Team Japan seems set for victory. But the final five minutes of the game takes a surprising course as the earth-shattering rivalry between the two teams continues…

The final volume of “Eyeshield 21″ is here! Japan vs. the United States…who will win in the end?

In Japan, American football may not be too popular compared to the international futbol (soccer), but there are a few high schools that have football teams and the NFL does have a game played in Japan, helping to spread the game’s popularity.

But in 2002, writer Riichiro Inagaki and illustrator Yusuke Murata introduced American football to a broader audience through their manga “Eyeshield 21″ which has been featured on the very popular Weekly Shonen Jump, has led to several videogames and also a 145-episode anime series which lasted from 2o05-2008. And with 37 volumes, “Eyeshield 21″ will now commence with this final volume and for one last time, entertain the masses through its manga series currently available from Viz Media as part of their Shone Jump Advanced line.

“Eyeshield 21″ revolves around a young teenager named Sena Kobayakawa who has passed his entrance exams at his local high school, Deimon Private Senior High School. The school where his childhood friend Mamori Anezaki attends. Both Sena and Mamori are close because all throughout his life, Sena has been bullied and Mamori has been there to protect him.

Living his life as a gopher for other friends, Sena hasn’t had any true friends until he meets the devil-looking Yoichi Hiruma and the very huge Ryokan Kurita who try to get Sena to join their football team.

Of course, Sena doesn’t know how to play football but being the new kid at school, once again, he gets bullied but this time, the huge Kurita ends up taking care of them. Out for revenge, the bullies start to pick on Sena once again but Sena is sick and tired of getting beaten up and when they go after him, he demonstrates a skill which he has had for a long time, speed. Because Sena has lived his life running away, he is very quick and immediately, Hiruma wants to utilize him on the Deimon High School Devil Bats football team.

Sena just wants to become a team manager but Hiruma wants Sena to be the team’s running back. And because Hiruma wants to make sure that no one can steal him for their high school, he plans on a disguise that no one but he, Sena and Kurita will know and that is putting an eyeshield on a football helmet and giving Sena a #21 jersey and the nickname “Eyeshield 21″.

Earlier in the series, we have watched as the Deimon Devil Bats grow as a team and do all they can to make it to the Christmas Bowl.

This time around, the storyline focuses after the Christmas Bowl and in which both Sena and Monta hear about the Youth World Cup. This is where the best high school football players, the all-stars are grouped together as one team and compete against teams around the world.

With the United States team, known as the Pentagrams, being the team to defeat, Sena, Monta, Hiruma, Shin and others try to recruit Japan’s best, but with some players with major ego’s, can Japan have an all-star team ready to compete at the Youth World Cup?

With Vol. 36 of “Eyeshield 21″, the Youth World Cup begun with Japan’s best takes on America’s best. But can Japan’s best have a chance against American players Mr. Don, Clifford D. Lewis, Tatanka, Bud Walker and Patric Spencer (Panther)? The game begins and it’s a pit between Japan’s best football strategist Hiruma vs. America’s Clifford D. Lewis. But also, we finally get to see the matchup that people have been waiting for… Eyeshield 21 vs. Panther and Shin vs. Panther. But so far, America has been to dominant and for some of the players of the Japan team, their ego’s are getting in the way to the point where teamwork is not happening.

Does Japan have a chance against the dominant American team?

Here is a spoilerless summary of “Eyeshield 21″ vol. 37:

CHAPTER 325: Double Devil- With Japan behind, Hiruma and Agon decide to pull of the “Flying Dragon”.
CHAPTER 326: Yoichi Hiruma’s and Clifford D. Lewis’ Lesson in Playing Cards - America leads 35-13 and Hiruma will get to see Clifford’s upcoming strategy.
CHAPTER 327 – If There is a Way – 35-20 and America is still in the lead. Don calls out Shin.
CHAPTER 328 – TAG MATCH – Gao vs. Don, can Gao overpower America’s mighty Don?
CHAPTER 329 – One Scum Star – With Shin’s injury, the mummy must take his place…and the mummy reveals his true identity.
CHAPTER 330 – The Eyes of a Man – America leads 42-34 and can Sena stop Panther?
CHAPTER 331 – My Dream - With two minutes left, can the Japan team score a touchdown and get a 2-point conversion to tie the game?
CHAPTER 332 -Do you want to kiss your sister? – The conclusion of the game. Who won?
TOUCHDOWN – READY SET HUT – A look at what the players have done since the Youth World Cup and now preparing for college football.

The end of the manga series “Eyeshield 21″ has come and gone and as I reflect on the journey, I can tell you that the time invested in this manga series (including the anime series and video games) was all worth it!

I have been a big fan of sports-based manga and in Japan a lot of their sports manga and anime are big hits. From the soccer-driven series “Captain Tsubasa”, the basketball series “Slam Dunk”, the baseball series “Touch”, the tennis series “Tennis no Oujisama” (Prince of Tennis) and many of them have this underdog vs. the better team type of mentality.

Yes, there is a banality when it comes to sports manga series but there is often this side of supernatural element that an athlete has. A super kick, a special tennis serving or hitting ability and with “Eyeshield 21″, what makes the series so exciting is that every team has its special individuals with unique talents. But when it comes to the Deimon Devil Bats (the protagonist team), these guys are like a group of misfits put together in hopes to accomplishing their goal of making it to the Christmas Bowl. But they are surely talented. Sena (Eyeshield 21) has this special ability of his running and in this latest volume, he hones that talent and makes himself even better. We also see new characters pop up and joins the team and definitely see how everyone works together, faces adversity together as a team.

Similar to other sports anime in which there is an underdog getting involved with sports and displays a tremendous skill, “Eyeshield 21″ definitely showcases that into the storyline but with the characters, in this case the team is more like the “Bad News Bears” and with the “The Devil Bats”, the team consists of characters that are just wild and crazy. Actually, all teams have characters that are wild and crazy and I suppose that is what makes “Eyeshield 21″ so interesting and enjoyable.

Of course, the dynamics of “Eyeshield 21″ has changed since the Deimon Devil Bats accomplished their goal to make it to the Christmas Bowl and winning it. But one may have wondered, what will Riichiro Inagaki have left? As many people did read for the overall underdogs to take it all the way.

The final volume of “Eyeshield 21″ was a battle between strategist, a battle between brawn and it was a true athletic competition that had an intriguing conclusion. While the majority of the chapters did focus on the Youth World Cup, I’m gladd that Inagaki left the final chapter to explore the characters one final time as they prepare for college football.

If anything, it made me wonder if Inagaki and Murata would return once more maybe for a “Eyeshield 21″ special because with college football, the players from high school now went on to different schools and suffice to say, that means that the team members we watched on the Deimon team are now rivals in college football? That would have made an intriguing story but for the manga series conclusion, it was rather fitting.

Everything about”Eyeshield 21″, from its characters, the gags, to the storyline is well-done and for those who enjoy American football or have knowledge about the sport will definitely be entertained by this series. Even if you don’t know about football, the game also helps the beginners understand the sport.

But for those who have stood with the manga series from beginning to end, “Eyeshield 21″ was an awesome and entertaining series from beginning to end and for those who are curious if they want to start reading the manga and also have a love for U.S. football, then definitely check out this sport manga series, “Eyeshield 21″.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

“X” 3-in-1 Vol. 1 by CLAMP (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

October 31, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“X” may be one of the earlier works from the manga group CLAMP but the storyline still holds up 20-years-later. Possibly one of their more bleaker, tragic and violent manga series, “X” is also one of their more deeper storylines as it takes on the apocalyptic fiction genre with great efficacy. And if you have always wanted to read this manga series, best time is now as you get three volumes in one 3-in-1 release. Definitely recommended!

MANGA TITLE: X 3-in-1 Vol. 1

STORY AND ART BY: Clamp

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Kadokawa Shoten

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on November 8, 2011

Each of VIZ Media’s X releases bundles three complete manga volumes and features 24 pages of gorgeous, full-color illustrations never before published outside Japan! The pages are also printed in their original right-to-left reading order and presented in the highest quality.

As X (previously released in the United States as X/1999) opens, Kamui Shiro is a young man followed by mystery. He was taken from Tokyo by his mother while still a child and had to leave behind his dearest friends, including the gentle Kotori and her brother Fuma, following a terrible incident that claimed their mother’s life. Returning to Tokyo following his mother’s death, Kamui is a changed young man – moody and distant to his old friends, yet determined to protect them from the dark forces that swirl around him. It turns out that he is the nexus of a great cataclysm to come, and the inheritor to a strange destiny that could decide the fate of the entire world.

In Japan, the manga artist group known as CLAMP are one of the most well-known manga groups internationally.

Seen as a mysterious group who rarely makes any appearance, the group which began as an eleven-member dojinshi circle in the mid-’80s are now a four member group featuring Satsuki Igarashi, Nanase Ohkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi and Mokona.

Known for titles such as “RG Veda”, “Tokyo Babylon”, “Magic Knight Rayearth”, “Cardcaptor Sakura”, “Chobits”, “xxxHolic”, “Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle” but also one series that introduced them all over the world, “X” (or “X/1999″).

“X” made its debut in May 1992 and currently, it’s one of the few manga titles by CLAMP that has not been completed. With only 18 of the expected 21-volumes having been published.

In 1993, for the earlier anime fans, they were first exposed to “X” through a music video that was released in 1993 and tied to Japanese rock band X Japan. In 1996, a feature film directed by Rintaro (“Captain Harlock”, “Doomed Megalopolis” and co-scripted by Nanase Ohkawa was released in Japan but also the United States. The film also featured a collaboration with X Japan as leader Yoshiki wrote the ending theme “Forever Love” after reading the manga and was used as an ending theme to the film.

In 2000, “X” the anime TV series was released and was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (“Wicked City”, “Ninja Scroll”, “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust”) and was released on DVD in 2006 and re-released in 2010.

As for the manga series, it was serialized on Viz Media’s “Animerica Extra” in the US and the 18 volumes were released by Viz Media in 2005. And in November 2011, Viz Media is releasing “X” 3-in-1 featuring three graphic novels per 3-in-1 volume.

“X is the newest series to join our library deluxe collector’s edition manga titles, and its gripping story will resonate with a wide array of readers,” says Andy Nakatani, Editorial Director. “The manga creators of CLAMP forged new ground by blending the intricate artwork characteristic of the shojo, or girls, manga genre with the graphic action more often found in ‘seinen,’ or manga aimed at older male readers. This edition is a great way for fans to revisit the series in a new way, and is also an entry point for new readers to discover the riveting and sometimes controversial manga works created by CLAMP!”

For the first volume of “X” 3-in-1, the manga begins with Kamui, a teenager gifted with special abilities making his return to Tokyo.

We are then introduced to older brother, Fuma and his younger sister, Kotori (who has a weak heart). Both siblings live with their father, their mother passed away six-years-ago. Kotori has had a dream about Kamui coming back to Tokyo but it’s a farfetched dream as both she and Fuma have not seen Kamui since they were children and he and his mother have disappeared.

We then see Kamui going to school and being attacked by shiki, but he quickly defeats them. Observing him are mysterious people wondering if he is the “Kamui” of prophecy.

At school, Fuma sees Kamui but he doesn’t respond. Is this the same person he grew up with? Then Kamui is then seen by Kotori, but as she tries to talk to him, he acts as if he doesn’t know her. When Kotori tries to confront him alone, he tells her to not get involved with him, to not talk to him ever again and to leave him alone.

Kotori is shocked by what has transpired and remembers her childhood when Kamui asked her to be his bride. She has loved Kamui since they were a kid and now, to see him mean to her is too much for her and she collapses.

That night, Kamui is attacked by another being with special abilities but Kamui manages to beat him. But at the same time, he has suffered a bad injury.

As Fuma goes out to buy a notebook, he notices damage nearby, in the streets and buildings. He wonder if there was a gas explosion. But then he finds an injured Kamui. Fuma carries him back home and their family doctor is able to help him with his injuries. As Fuma goes to walk the doctor back to his office, Kotori watches over Kamui.

Meanwhile, spying on them is a young priest named Sorata Arisugawa. But immediately, another being named Yuto Kigai shows up and attacks him. To protect the city from damage, Sorata puts up a “kekkai” (a barrier which protects the city, but the more damage it takes will lead to a probably moment in time in which that portion of the city will take damage someway in the future).

But their fight is disrupted when Fuma walks into the Shikai (which is not possible as the barrier prevents anyone from coming in or out). Both men in shock, they decide to call their battle a draw.

As Kamui is still unconscious, he is contacted by a blind seer who warns him about the dangers. He reminds him of what happened to Fuma and Kotori’s mother (Kamui found her dismembered) and that his mother took him away from Tokyo to protect him until 1999. But he is then given a vision of Kotori dying. She tells him that he can protect her but he needs her to protect the world. Kamui is angered by what he shows her and damages her without even being present.

But unknown to Hinoto, her younger sister Kanoe is observing. And we learn that Hinoto leads a group known as the Seals who want to save the world. While Kanoe leads the Angels, a group that want to destroy the world.

Both are after Kamui for some unknown reason.

CLAMP’s epic and tragic story “X” gets re-released as part of their 3-in-1 line.

This is perhaps one of their most violent action manga series they have released and my first exposure to “X” was actually the 1993 music video as it was one of my first purchases as even back then, CLAMP was highly regarded for their work.

But it wasn’t until 1996 when I first watched the animated movie of “X”, I was shocked about how tragic and deep the overall storyline for the movie was. But at the same time, knowing that the film could be one interpretation of the story and an alternate reality (the manga series tends to show probably alternate realities that can be changed) or perhaps something that can be true, as the manga series has not even been completed yet.

And several years later, fans of “X” were treated to a TV adaptation which was another version of the story much different than the film. So, suffice to say, with the manga series put on hold with three more chapters left to complete the series, for now, fans have two different realities of how the storyline of “X” would end through the film and TV series adaptations.

But focusing on the manga series itself, the storyline of “X” is quite enjoyable as Kamui is somewhat unknown. We know as a child, he and Kotori and her older brother, Fuma were normal, happy children until the death of Fuma and Kotori’s mother, Kamui is taken away by her mother for protection until 1999 as he must fulfill a destiny.

We don’t know what destiny but we see two opposing forces wanting to get Kamui. The Seals who want to protect him in order to protect the world and the Angels who want to get him to possibly destroy it. Not much is known but we know that these opposing forces have been waiting for Kamui’s return to Japan.

And as Kamui makes his return, with unique special abilities, to throw a twist in the storyline is when the seer, Honoto now has a dream of two Kamui’s. And of course, throughout this first volume, we learn that Fuma was able to break into Kekkai quite easily. It makes you wonder if this other Kamui can be him…and also if he has some special ability?

Needless to say, comic book fans can see somewhat of a Professor X and the X-Men vs. Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants, two opposing forces dedicated to their own sense of how the world should be. But the primary difference is “X” deals with the apocalyptic genre tied into Christian eschatology and also CLAMP’s own mythology of the fate of the world (the series has ties to CLAMP’s other series “Tokyo Babylon”).

While an earlier series of CLAMP and they have released so many other titles since “X” that many feel are among their best in terms of art and storyline, still, “X” manages to hold up rather well as the artwork is beautiful (especially the color pages showcasing their artwork) and also the interior pages as well.

The characters are also fascinating, especially each with their own special abilities and for this first 3-in-1 volume of “X” alone, it’s a really intriguing and exciting storyline that literally makes you craving for more!

I have always loved this series because it was so bleak and different from other manga out there. And while many are used to seeing the film and TV series, while both have some finality of how things should be ended, until the manga series is completed, then we will know how the series should have actually been finished.

The question is when will that be? When I first was introduced to “X” through the music video, that was back in 1993 and here we are now in 2011, and while the 3-in-1 will re-release the series, it makes you wonder if the series will be completed within 25-years since its initial release. I guess we will find out if CLAMP intends to come back to the series and finish the final volumes in 2017. The manga series is expected to last 21 volumes but I suppose anything can happen, especially its ending as it could be much different from what we saw in the film and the TV series adaptation.

But for now, if anyone has wanted to read the work of CLAMP, especially for those who missed out on the manga series five years ago and wants to read the 18-volumes but also saving money at the same time, then these 3-in-1 releases are fantastic! Three graphic novel volumes per 3-in-1 one volume is wonderful and readers would be caught up with all 18 volumes by the fifth 3-in-1 volume of “X”. Definitely a great deal!

“X” 3-in-1 is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews