Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 5 by Mitsuru Adachi (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 29, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Mitsuru Adachi’s highly-praised manga “Cross Game” heats up with the conclusion of Seishu Gakuin vs. the Ryou Gakuin baseball match. Also, what happens when a girl named Akane who looks exactly like Wakaba shows up? Intriguing, enjoyable and incredibly addictive, “Cross Game” is a magnificent manga series that is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Cross Game Graphic Novel 5 (クロスゲーム)

BY: Mitsuru Adachi (あだち充)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shonen Sunday

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: October 11, 2011

In the summer of his second year in high school, Ko and the Seishu baseball team must take on mighty Ryuou Gakuin and their genius slugger Keitaro Mishima. With everything on the line, will destiny find Seishu moving on to the next round? Later, new neighbors are setting up shop next to Kitamura Sports, and their daughter bears a striking resemblance to Wakaba…

Who will be advancing to the national high school baseball tournament, also known as Koshien ? Will it be the underdogs – Seishu Gakuen High School Varsity team or the heavily favored awesome Ryou Gakuin High School? Also, what happens when Kyo and the others meet the new girl in town, and to make things even interesting, she looks almost exactly like Wakaba? It’s another exciting tale of baseball competition and new friendships and potential relationships in “Cross Game” graphic novel vol. 5.

The manga series by Mitsuru Adachi, one of the most highly respected mangaka in Japan.

He is also known for his manga that revolves around baseball and high school/grade school crushes. But Adachi’s most famous work is “Touch”, a baseball/romantic comedy and a winner of the 1983 Shogakukan Manga Award (his second consecutive award a year after his highly successful high school romantic comedy manga “Miyuki”).

The manga series for “Touch” was award-winning, the anime series is one of the highest-rated television anime series of all time and it was a story that literally made audiences cry as it featured a story of friendship, tragedy, loss, inspiration and hope.

Adachi would go on to feature other stories that revolved around other sports but one wondered if he would return to baseball (which is a very popular sport in Japan) and in 1992, Adachi would write a baseball-related manga series titled “H2″.

Over 13 years later, fans continued to clamor for another baseball-themed anime series and Adachi would return with the manga series “Cross Game”, similar to “Touch” would feature a romantic comedy that would feature friendship, tragedy, loss, inspiration and hope.

And with Adachi’s first baseball manga series “Nine” along with “Touch”, “H3″ and “Cross Game”, the goal of the baseball players and characters are to make it to “Koshien” which translates to “tournament” and in Japan there are the “National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament” held in the Spring and “National High School Baseball Championship” in the Summer.

In Japan, the final 17th volume of the manga series was released in Japan and now, “Cross Game” will be released in the US in graphic novel format (compiling several of volumes into one release). “Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 5″ compiles the manga volumes ten and eleven.

Cross Game Summary

“Cross Game” is a manga series that showcases the development of a Ko Kitamura, the son of a family that owns Kitamura Sports, during the time he is a 5th grader, a junior high school student preparing for high school and then later on in high school.

The story introduces us to a young Ko Kitamura, a passionate kid who loves baseball and his best friend Wakaba Tsukushima. Both were born on the same day, at the same hospital and share a unique bond with each other.

For Ko, he’s not so ambitious and for now, he takes turns delivering sporting goods to the Wakaba’s father who owns Cafe Clover and the Tsukishima Batting Center. With each delivery, Mr. Tsukishima gives Ko a chance to go batting at the batting center, something he has done since a very young age.

Living with Wakaba and her father is Wakaba’s older sister Ichiyo (who is the main cook of Cafe Clover), her very young sister Momiji and her sister Aoba (who is one year younger than her). Aoba is a tomboy who loves baseball, she has been practicing her pitching as a young girl and actually is quite talented as a pitcher. She also has a disdain towards Ko because he doesn’t respect the game as much as she does.

One day during the summer, Wakaba visits Ko and she tells him that she has created a birthday gift list, so he knows what to buy her all the way up to her 20h birthday (which she wrote down that when she turns 20-years-old, she wants an engagement ring from Ko). Also, she hopes to go to a festival with him after she arrives back from swim camp.

The night before Wakaba is to go to swim camp, she spends her time with Ko and reminds him about how she wants to go to the festival when she comes back and kisses him. A few days later, as Ko goes to visit the Tsukishima’s restaurant and batting center, he notices that its closed. Which was unusual.

When he goes home, he turns on a baseball game and a news update comes up. He hears that an 11-year-old died at the swimming camp at Minagawa Valley and her name was Wakaba Tsukishima. She died while trying to rescue a third grader who ventured out in the deep water.

For Ko, he has lost his best friend and for Aoba, she has lost her sister. And as the years have passed, these two individuals have an interesting friendship. For one, they share the passion of baseball and she wants Ko to be better. For Ko, he knows that Aoba is an excellent pitcher and baseball player, but because of her gender, she can never take part in an official high school game.

And as these two practice with each other, Aoba’s family and even their friends notice that these two are almost exactly alike. While deep inside, they do care for each other, it’s because of Ko’s past with Wakaba that Aoba never tries to get closer to him. And as for Ko, he looks at Aoba as a good friend but also a girl that constantly nags and picks on him. But he does respect her passion for playing baseball and her dedication to be good at it, despite not having the opportunity to compete in a high school game.

As Ko has made sure to fulfill Wakaba’s birthday gift, the one thing he needs to do next is make it to the Koshien tournament and win it.

And this leads us to “Cross Game” graphic novel vol. 5 as the second half of the game between the heavily favored Ryou Gakuin High School takes on Ko’s team, the Seishu Gakuen High School Varsity team. With the combination of Ko’s awesome pitching and his teammate Yuhei Azuma (and teammate who stays with Ko and his family and has earned the nickname “freeloader”), the team have made it into the third round.

Meanwhile, Aoba’s first cousin Mizuki has moved in with the Tsukushima’s and has professed his love for Aoba and is determined to win her heart. But for Aoba, she really wants Ko to win the Koshien to accomplish a goal and promise he made for Wakaba, but deep inside, perhaps she has feelings for him.

As people are surprised that Seishu Gakuen High School has been doing magnificently against Ryou Gakuin High School, will Ko and his team defeat the dominant Ryou Gakuin team?

In the second half of vol. 5, a soba shop is opening next door to the Kitamura Sporting Goods store and Ko and friends are shocked to see the daughter of the family that owns the new soba shop. Her name is Akane Takigawa and she is the spitting image of Wakaba, as if she was older.

Everyone including Akaishi wonder if they are looking at a ghost, even Aoba and her family are shocked by the resemblance of Akane to Wakaba, as if she would be the grown up version of her. But for Yuhei, who has always saw a strong connection between Kyo and Aoba, he realizes that with Akane in the picture and the fact that she looks like Wakaba, will this mean that Ko will go for Akane?

Another fantastic volume of “Cross Game”! Not only do we get the presence of a strong baseball storyline and mangaka Mitsuru Adachi’s dedication in capturing the strategy and excitement of the game, when it’s all done, we are then dropped with this unexpected bombshell when a girl who looks exactly like Wakaba showing up, just when you think that things may develop between both Ko and Aoba.

Needless to say, even though Akane and Wakaba are not the same type of people and are very different, there is also a few similarities and the fact that Akane has a kind heart, it will be interesting to see how things develop because Aoba now feels that with a “look-alike Wakaba” now in town, Ko will more than likely go for her. Or will he?

So, this volume of “Cross Game” is not only a sports-themed volume, there is quite a bit of drama as well. But it’s so enjoyable and to see how everyone reacts to the baseball game but also when it comes to Akane’s resemblance to Wakaba. I was definitely not expecting that type of storyline and it made things much more intriguing and I can’t wait to see how things develop in the next volume of “Cross Game”.

Overall, I am so happy that “Cross Game” has been released in the US and one can hope that with the success of the manga series, perhaps Viz Media will continue to release more of Adachi’s works outside of Japan.

“Cross Game” is an enjoyable, touching, inspirational manga series that I hope many give it a chance, even if it does touch upon sports, specifically baseball, Adachi makes the story quite enjoyable and accessible for non-baseball fans as well.

If you want an innocent, fun, dramatic and highly entertaining manga series that is not dark, doesn’t deal with supernatural elements, magical powers or big robots, “Cross Game” is a wonderful manga series worth reading. I’m loving every volume thus far and vol. 5 of “Cross Game” is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Slam Dunk Vol. 20 by Takehiko Inoue (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 25, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

One of Japan’s top selling manga series of all time, “Slam Dunk” vol. 20 features the final fourth quarter of the finals between Shohoku vs. Ryonan High School and winner advances to Nationals. Two evenly matched teams, but despite Shohoku up ahead by 15 pts., without Coach Anzai there to guide them through defensive strategy, does Shohoku have a chance in preventing the offensive onslaught in the fourth by Ryonan High? Basketball and “Slam Dunk” fans will definitely enjoy this latest volume!

MANGA TITLE: Slam Dunk Vol. 20

STORY AND ART BY: Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

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

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011

Shohoku steadily increases their lead against Ryonan with less than ten minutes remaining in the game, but the all-out attack wears Shohoku down and fatigue is getting the better of them. Without Coach Anzai’s guidance, Shohoku struggles to hold on against Ryonan as their weaknesses are exposed one by one. Sakuragi’s inexperience is one of their biggest and the margin for error is slim with Sakuragi on the court. Is this game going to push Shohoku to the edge of total collapse?

I can easily remember the popularity of “Slam Dunk” during the early ’90s. Despite being here in America, I would venture to the local Tower Records or travel to Japan Town and head to the Japanese bookstore to pick up the latest Shonen Jump magazine and watching the anime series.

Granted, I came into “Slam Dunk” several years late but I recognized how popular the manga and anime series was, especially the music and sure enough “Slam Dunk” was one of the first anime soundtracks (on cassette) that I had purchased. For me, it was quite intriguing because the sports that I have watched from Japan and manga and anime being based from those sports are typically baseball, soccer or tennis. You just don’t think about basketball but sure enough, “Slam Dunk” captured the essence of high school basketball and the excitement of team dynamics, offense/defense and squaring off against a rival team.

But this is what Takehiko Inoue is known for. A mangaka who is a basketball fan, his manga series is considered iconic in the fact that many kids in Japan played basketball and became interested in the sport because of “Slam Dunk”. In fact, the series was not just popular in Japan but also throughout Asia. The manga sold over 100 million copies in Japan between 1990-1996, earning a Shogakukan Manga Award in 2005 and in 2007, the series received the distinction as “Japan’s Favorite Manga”.

Inoue would eventually follow up with “Buzzer Beater” in 1997 (which he collaborated with ESPN) which was a more farfetched story about basketball ala intergalactic competition. Followed by a samurai manga story titled “Vagabond” in 1998 and back to a basketball manga with “Real” in 2001 (based on people with disabilities in wheelchairs who compete in basketball), so Inoue has a pretty strong following for his works.

And his hits series “Slam Dunk” has been released ala manga in America courtesy of Viz Media.

“Slam Dunk” revolves around a cocky and rough street punk named Hanamichi Sakuragi who is a first-year student at Shohoku High School. He has fallen for Haruko Akagi, the younger sister of Takenori Akagi, the captain of Shohoku High’s basketball team. But for Haruko, she likes Kaeda Rukawa, the first-year basketball star that all the female students love.

So, to prove his worth in front of Haruko, Hanamichi joins the Shohoku basketball team which includes Kiyota, Maki, Hisashi Mitsui, Ryota Miyagi and their team manager, Ayako.

In Volume 20 of “Slam Dunk”, it’s the fourth quarter of the finals between Shohoku and Ryonan, two evenly matched teams but only one can go on to the finals.

With Shohoku ahead by 15 pts., it looks like it’s going to be a clear win but Ryonan’s coach has a plan, knowing that Coach Anzai of Shohoku (who has been hospitalized) is not there to help guide the team and that nearly every player in Shohoku High’s basketball team is in foul trouble. And now, Ryonan starts to display their offensive assault against Shohoku. Will Shohoku be able to bounce back?

If you love basketball, you will love “Slam Dunk”!

Volume 20 captures the thrill of basketball through its pages with an attention of detail by Takehiko Inoue on basketball from player fatigue, foul’s, strategy, you name it… you will find it in this latest volume.

And while the protagonist team, Shohoku is up ahead in the fourth quarter by 15 points, without Coach Anzai, the team is put in a disadvantage and playing with no clear plan, especially since each player is in foul trouble.

Meanwhile, this volume focuses on Uozomi of Ryonan, who has always looked at Akagi as a rival and has literally worked his butt off for this moment to play against him, but also to utilize the offensive weapons that Ryonan is known for. But as these teams are evil matched, “Slam Dunk” vol. 20 is about the fourth quarter and ending with a teaser to the final minute of the game, with readers wondering who will emerge victorious?

With that being said, reading this volume will go quickly because the illustration do take up a big part of the pages versus dialogue but if you appreciate basketball and Takehiko Inoue’s work, you know that this style works and the efficacy of competition of competitive high school basketball is captured amazingly well.

As for the manga series, Takehiko Inoue’s illustrations have always been a highlight for me and I was always amazed of how he captured movements, the offensive and defensive stances to how the players penetrate the perimeter and score. He also doesn’t step back when it comes to capturing the players during competition. He fully includes detail of profuse sweating and the fatigue a player goes through from start to finish.

Overall, “Slam Dunk” is an enjoyable manga series and if you are a basketball fan, “Slam Dunk” is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

PSYREN Vol. 3 by Toshiaki Iwashiro (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 25, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Toshiaki Iwashiro’s “Psyren” is definitely one of the better manga series available in the U.S. that manages to combine an in-depth story, battle strategy with a great dose of in-your-face action! Definitely recommended!

MANGA TITLE: PSYREN Vol. 3

STORY AND ART BY: Toshiaki Iwashiro (岩代俊明)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on March 6, 2012

Dragon Ageha returns to the treacherous Psyren world, where he and his fellow players are instantly under attack. To survive, they’ll have to use every resource they can. But Ageha’s crew are showing signs of fever, meaning their psionic powers are awakening at the worst possible time!

“Bad-ass”! These are words I describe Toshiaki Iwashiro’s manga series “Psyren”.

The manga series which is featured in Japan on Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine (as well as the American edition) and is reminiscent of manga such as “Yu Yu Hakusho”, “Gantz” and “Bleach” is full of action as a group of high school students are whisked into a futuristic, apocalyptic version of Japan. The only way they can get back home is by reaching a gate, but between that gate and their starting point are monsters and things waiting to kill them.

“Psyren” Storyline

“Psyren” focuses on Ageha Yoshina, a high-school student who is known to take people’s money (10,000 yen) to provide his service and he will take care of their problem. Known for getting into fights and being a troublemaker, helping people is his good side and even at times not charging the pretty students at school for his services.

But not so supportive of his fighting is his older sister Fubuki, his guardian who is a pretty strong fighter herself and will not put up with him being late or getting in trouble.

One day, while Ageha is coming home, he hears a payphone ringing. He goes to answer it but hears nothing, but sees a phone card inside with the words “Psyren” but thinks nothing of it.

The following day, he sees his old former childhood friend Sakurako Amamiya coming into class and thinks about the old days when she was popular, friendly, social and caring. But now she’s anti-social, often coming to class with bruises and cuts and he can only wonder what is going on in her life.

Later in the day, he sees a few female students stealing her stuff and hiding it. As he goes to see what they have hidden, he realizes that the girls stole her wallet which has her “Psyren” card. As he goes to return it to her, she notices that she was frantic. As Ageha reminds her that for 10,000 yen ($100 bucks) he can help her, she cries out “Save Me” which startles him.

The following day, Sakurako had stopped showing up to school.

His friends tell him that Sakurako has been caught up with the whole “Psyren” legend and that there is a secret society and people have been disappearing. He also learns that for anyone with an unused Psyren card, people are willing to pay 5 million yen for one.

Worried about Sakurako, Ageha chooses to use the card and suddenly he is asked all these questions. The next day at school, men posing as police men are going after him, men who want his Psyren card. As he fights these men, the two are overpowering him and he runs away. While running away, his cell phone rings and while he is being chased, he disappears and ends up in an unknown location.

While he walks around the devastated area, he sees a giant caterpillar going after a man who screams for help. As Ageha goes to help, Sakurako with her sword comes out of nowhere and defeats it.

But Sakurako is very sick and before she faints in Ageha’s arms, she tells him that they need to clear the stage before they can get back home. And she asks him to please clear the stage with her.

As Ageha carries Sakurako, he seeks shelter in a building where people are gathered. He quickly realizes that the people gathering are a bunch of punks who have been wanting a Psyren card for the purpose of making money.

And within this group, each seem as if they will kill each other for the sake of making money.

When the phone rings, the group are told that they need to find a gate and everyone except Ageha and Sakurako go out and search for this gate. But when Sakurako awakens and finds out that everyone has headed towards a dangerous area, she fears that all of them will be slaughtered and feels that they need to be warned.

So, now Ageha and a sick Sakurako must hurry and get to the group before they are slaughtered. Will they make it in time?

Volume 3

In volume 3 of “Psyren”, Ageha, Hiryu and Sakurako are joined by two more members, Oboro Michizuki and Kabuto Kirisaki. As Oboro is out temporarily due to him developing his Psy power, an unknown being and a large worm is standing in their way of getting to the gate.

The unknown being appears to be the classmate and best friend of Hiryu Asaga who was whisked into the world of Psyren, but it is not known if he is the same person, as the guy that Hiryu knew was weak-minded and not a good fighter. The person that is awaiting them has a weapon that charges on Psy power and he is quite deadly.

But as part of the game, Ageha and friends must find a way to get to the gate and study their enemy. But if this unknown person is Hiryu’s best friend Tatsuo…the person he has been looking for all this time, will they need to kill him?

“Psyren” features the following characters:

Ageha Yoshina: The tough troublemaker in school who will help people with their problems for 10,000 yen. Although, he tends to not take money from pretty girls at his school. He lives with his sister Fubuki who is very tough on him. One day, while walking home, Ageha hears a payphone ringing and discovers a Psyren telephone card. Very good at fighting.

Sakurako Amamiya: She was once a popular, smiling, sociable student. Now she has become anti-social, no longer smiling and comes to school looking as if she was beaten up. One day, a group of girls steal her purse and inside is a psyren card. Fortunately, Ageha finds it but when he returns it to her, he tells her that if she needs him, he’ll be there…for 10,000 yen. Her request to Ageha was to save her.

Hiryu Asaga – One of the tough guys that Ageha meets when he enters the Psyren world. Hiryu has been searching for his friend and agrees to help Ageha, who saved his life in the Psyren world.

Oboro Mochizuki – One of the newer students whisked into Psyren and is developing his Psy powers. Will he be any use to Ageha, Hiryu and Sakurako?

Kabuto Kirisaki – One of the newer members in Psyren to join Ageha and friends, selfish unless it comes to helping a beautiful girl, Kabuto has not developed any Psy powers and is often left behind in battle.

Fubiki Yoshina – Ageha’s older sister and guardian. She is very strict with Ageha and doesn’t like him being late or getting into trouble. She is also a fighter.

Nemesis Q - A mysterious being that is sent from the future to find people worthy of using PSI and teaching them about the future and stop Psyren from occurring.

I know that when it comes to manga series, there are a bunch of stories about one brash young man who tends to get in trouble a lot in school but is also a person with a good heart and will protect the people that he cares about. It’s a typical storyline plot that we see from time-to-time in manga but “Psyren” is an intriguing concept.

I kind of liken the story to a series to “Yu Yu Hakusho” and “Bleach” meets “Gantz”…but the concept is a enjoyable and entertaining storyline as you have your strong-willed, troublesome protagonist Ageha Yoshina, concerned about his missing childhood friend, finds a mysterious card and whisked away in a new land where things look as if it has been devastated and sure enough, he finds his missing friend.

And the concept is that each time they are whisked away to this new land (which is future Japan), they must accomplish a goal and make it to the gate before they can return back home. Until the next round of Psyren begins.

With this third volume of “Psyren”, the story begins to focus on Hiryu Asaga as we get to know what kind of past that he had with his friend Tatsuo and that he was not exactly the strong guy that he is seen today. With the addition of two more members to the group, it’ll be quite interesting as Kabuto is more of the character that keeps running his mouth, while Oboro is the bishoujo character who may have a thing for Ageha.

But this third volume, like the previous two volumes of “Psyren” is full of action, maybe not as gory as volume 1 but we get to see more of what is going on in Psyren and also Nemesis Q and what he has done with some of the humans who have been defeated. But most importantly, we get to learn more about the “Enhance” power modes, a new development in Ageha’s power but also how Oboro’s power will help the team in the long run.

Overall, “Psyren” continues to get better and better with each volume and while it does have slight similarities to “Gantz”, “Bleach” and “Yu Yu Hakusho”, I’m really enjoying the series and Toshiaki Iwashiro’s ability to focus on the character’s development and the actual strategy of the game and each battle. Each volume, the story gets better and better and it’s becoming one of my favorite manga’s of 2012.

If you are looking for a well-written, very cool action-packed manga series, “Psyren” is highly recommended.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 38 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 25, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The battles to the death continue with the latest all-action volume of “Bleach”! Kira, Hisagi, Captain Komamura, Sui-Feng and Marechiyo Omaeda take on the Fracciones and it’s a battle to the death. Who will emerge victorious?

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 38

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: February 7, 2012

The Soul Reapers must guard the four pillars that are protecting Karakura Town from destruction at the hands of Aizen’s minions. Standing guard are assistant captains Yumichika, Kira, Hisagi and Ikkaku! But when Ikkaku goes down, will Karakura Town fall with him…?

The battle between the Soul Reapers and Arrancars continues in vol. 38 of Tite Kubo’s hit manga series “Bleach”!

For those who are not so familiar with “Bleach”, “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.

Last issue, “Bleach” vol. 37 featured the battles 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.

In vol. 38, the battles continue but also concludes with soul reaper Kira Izuru vs. the bird-like Fracciones named Abirama fight to the death. Meanwhile, Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr takes on King Barragan’s Fracciones Findorr Calius. As Madarame Ikkaku continues to fight Poww, he gets some help from Captain Komamura and Tetsu-Zaemon.

And now King Barragan Luisenbarn has sent his great Fracciones to fight to the death against the soul reapers!

With this latest volume, it’s an all out war. Unlike vol. 38, which split up the storyline to include Ichigo, this volume is all about the battles between the soul reapers and the Fracciones. The first half is about one-on-battles involving Kira and Hisagi, while the second half features an all out war.

The storyline is centered around battles and because it’s an all-action storyline and the war is against Fracciones that are humongous, a lot of the panels are action-based and one can go through this latest volume quite quickly.

As always, the artwork by Tite Kubo is fantastic but for those who prefer more story versus all-action, especially for those who want to see Ichigo and friends may be disappointed as Ichigo and others are not featured. This latest volume is about the fighting, the battles and is action-driven. No deep storyline, more about explanation of tactics, introductions to bankai and name-calling. And thus, this volume can be read rather quickly.

But for those who are familiar with “Bleach”, especially the anime series with episodes that focus solely on action, will find this latest volume quite appealing. Personally, I enjoyed the fact that Tite Kubo focuses on other characters and explores their development and their powers with this latest volume. Some of these characters have been rather idle, and while we have seen them fight, we have never seen some of these soul reapers put everything on the line as they battle to the death.

So, for fans of the soul reapers, especially for those who want to see more of Kira, Hisagi, Captain Komamura, Sui-Feng and Marechiyo Omaeda in action, these characters are the main focus of vol. 38.

Overall, all-action, less story may not be to everyone’s taste, especially if a manga volume can be read too quickly, but for those who have invested this much time into the “Bleach” series and love the action, then I have no doubt in my mind that you will enjoy “Bleach” Vol. 38.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

RIN-NE Volume 8 by Rumiko Takahashi (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 22, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Popular mangaka Rumiko Takahashi (“Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku”, “Ranma 1/2″, “Inuyasha” and many more) continues the ghost/spirit-busting fun with her latest manga series “RIN-NE”. Definitely a manga series worth checking out! Highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: RINE-NE Vol. 8

STORY AND ART BY: Story and art by Rumiko Takahashi

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Teen

Released: March 6, 2012

Rinne finds himself acting as a mentor for the shinigami Shoma, an elementary school student from the afterlife. Although Shoma is supposed to be learning how to help spirits pass on, he only wants to go after the biggest evil spirits he can find – despite the fact that he’s never done it before! The devil Masato offers Shoma an easy road to success, but can Rinne show the young shinigami the right path?

Rumiko Takashi, probably the most well-known mangaka in the world is back with a new manga titled “RIN-NE” (known in Japan as “Kyoukai no RINNE”) and is currently published in Japan in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday and now available in the US courtesy of Viz Media’s new imprint “Shonen Sunday”.

Known for popular hit manga (and anime series based from her manga) such as “Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku”, “Ranma 1/2″ , “One Pound Gospel”, “Mermaid Scar”, “Inuyasha” and many more titles.

In “RIN-NE” , we are introduced to a high school teenager named Sakura Mamiya. What we know about her is that when she was a little girl, she saw a ring in the sky and an older woman. Flash forward over a decade later and we learn that what Sakura saw was a ghost and now a high school teenager, her ability so see ghost is quite uncanny.

One day during class, she sees for the first time, a boy named Rinne Rokudo who has been absent from his class for a long time. Rinne finally started to appear in class one day, but despite the teacher starts calling out his name, everyone acts as if he’s not there. Sakura finds that quite odd because he’s there, yet no one can see him. He’s not a ghost? So, she’s trying to figure out why everyone is behaving so oddly?

Eventually, Rinne Rokudo learns that Sakura has the ability to see ghosts and as the two begin to talk, he tells her that he is in the world of the living and his job is to make sure that he makes the dead and their ghosts rest in peace.

A ghost that constantly follows Sakura on her way to school then asks her who is the guy. And to her surprise, Rokudo answers the ghost and telling it that he needs to rest in peace.

Rinne tells her that he is sort of a “shinagami” (death spirit) and then he hypnotizes her after she sees him bringing a stuck spirit and sending them off. Thinking that she will not remember anything at all, somehow the hypnotism doesn’t work and Sakura remembers everything.

So both become partners in taking on spirits that are stuck in the world of the living (especially those haunting the school and the students) and sending them off.

Joining the two is a black cat named Rokumon (who is contracted to help Rinne with his work) and along the way, they get some help from a young exorcist named Tsubasa Jumonji and also help from Rinne’s grandmother Tamako. But meanwhile, a demon named Masato , who has a grudge against Rinne has been trying to cause trouble.

In volume 8 of “RIN-NE”, training for the Shinigami children begins and the students of Shinigami elementary schools must do a homestay in the human world and practice sending spirits off to rest in peace. All these children need to do is earn 50 points and it seems quite easy as they just have to focus on goldfish, birds and animals, but for fifth grader Shoma, he has to stay with Rinne during his homestay and he has no intention of sending things off that are easy.

Being the hard-headed shingami kid that he is, he wants to focus on real evil spirits which are worth 50 points. But these are the evil spirits that Rinne, goes after. Yet Shoma thinks he is up to it!

But there are right ways of doing things and incorrect ways of doing things and because Shoma is so hard-headed, he would rather not listen to Rinne and listen to the demon Masato, in which Shoma thinks that Masato is trying to help him.

What will happen when Shoma finds out that Masato is an evil demon that is trying to cause him problems?

Also, included are more stories involving Rinne and Sakura working together, and also Ageha making her appearance once again and try to get close to Rinne.

For anyone who has read manga series from Rumiko Takashi, one thing that she excels at is creating many characters but also doing a great job in character development. These characters are not one-shot, they tend to re-appear throughout a series and have some importance to a story arc.

And with “RIN-NE”, Rumiko introduces us to the child shinigami Shoma. And for many manga series that Rumiko has created, the child character has played a major part in a series. From Ten of “Urusei Yatsura”, Shippo of “Inuyasha” and even Kentaro of “Maison Ikkoku”, the child character tends to bring a child-like perspective to the manga series but also some trouble.

While the manga series does have Rokumon the human/black cat, she introduces another young character. This time, a fifth grade shingami named Shoma who needs to collect 50 points during his homestay with Rinne but he’s a kid who likes to do things his way and doesn’t like older people telling him what to do. Needless to say, it gets him in a bit of trouble.

Also, prevalent in Rumiko Takashi anime series is the “love triangle” or often a harem aspect. While Sakura and Rinne work together, Ageha looks at Sakura as her rival in terms of getting closer to Rinne. So, once again we see Ageha doing all she can in order to get close with Rinne. But the problem is that wherever Rinne goes, Sakura and others will also follow.

And we are also given two fun and enjoyable chapters as Rinne and Sakura work together to help a ghost haunting the home economics classrooom and also a story about a haunted scarf.

So far, “RIN-NE” has been a fantastic, fun and enjoyable series thus far. The chapters are fun and no deep storylines that have shown up yet. If anything, the manga has been about introducing newer characters to the series but also focusing on the working relationship between Rinne and Sakura.

In some way, the two characters sort of remind of Inuyasha and Kagome (the two main protagonists of the series), although Sakura doesn’t have that hot of a temper like Kagome and it’s way to early to show if there are any signs of future romance between the two.

But for now, “RIN-NE” is a lighthearted manga series that is easily accessible to fans who enjoy ghost/spirit hunting action and that enjoyable Rumiko Takahashi humor and her beautiful illustrations. Definitely a series worth reading!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

The Earl and the Fairy vol. 1 by Mizue Tani, Ayuko (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 12, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Delightful, captivating and featuring beautiful artwork, Ayuko’s manga adaptation of Mizue Tani’s light novel series “The Earl and the Fairy” is an intriguing storyline that makes readers craving for more! An enjoyable first volume and I can’t wait for vol. 2!

MANGA TITLE: The Earl and the Fairy Vol. 1 (伯爵と妖精/Hakushaku to Yosei Aitsu wa Yuga Na Dalakuto)

STORY AND ART BY: Mizue Tani, Ayuko

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shojo Beat

RATED: T for Teen

RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2012

Edgar Ashenbert claims to be descended from the human ruler of the fairy kingdom, and he urgently needs Lydia’s help to find and claim his birthright, the legendary sword of the Blue Knight Earl. Things will never be the same for Lydia as she is pulled into a dangerous quest against dark forces!

In 2008, the light novel series “Hakushaku to Yosei” (The Earl and the Fairy) was created by Mizue Tani and was serialized into a manga series for Cobalt Magazine by Ayuko.

The series proved to be popular as Shueisha released two drama CD’s and also began serializing the manga series for “The Margaret”. And not long after, the series received an anime adaptation plus a visual novel for the Sony PS2.

And now the series receives its American debut in March 2012 courtesy of Viz Media as part of their Shojo Beat imprint.

“The Earl and the Fairy” is set in Victorian England and there is fear because a blonde serial murderer responsible for killing over a hundred people is on the loose. We see a short scene of a young blonde man with a gun at a laboratory at Gotham Research Institute who is looking for the Phantom Star Sapphire, also known as the “Merrow Star”. He has a doctor at gunpoint and the doctor tells him he will need the help from a fairy doctor.

But does one exist?

This leads us to a location near Edinburgh, Scotland. This is where a fairy doctor named Lydia Carlton resides.

Unfortunately, no one in town believes in fairy doctors but Lydia believes in them, since her mother was also one and she also has a fairy named Nico (who has the presence of a normal cat) keeping her company. Meanwhile, Lydia receives a letter from her father who wants her to visit him in London.

While she is excited to go, Nico is worried because of the serial murder on the loose. But Lydia, who is quite naive, thinks that no one will want to hurt her because she is broke.

As she arrives to the port, she is greeted by a Mr. Huxley who is waiting for her. Lydia is surprised someone is there to greet her, but as she joins Huxley into the ship, as she plans to unpack in her bedroom, she hears a noise from her closet.

Inside is a man with dark hair, he tells Lydia that Huxley is the ringleader for a band of criminals and now they are on his ship. If he is found, they will kill him.

Lydia doesn’t believe the man but when she tells Huxley that she heard a noise from her closet, immediately Huxley and his men begin scouring her room for the man hiding in the closet. But quickly, the man grabs Lydia’s hand and the two escape from the ship.

The next morning, she wakes up to find out the man with the dark hair is actually blonde. He introduces himself to be Edgar Ashenbert, Earl Ibrazel and with him are his two servants, Ermine (a woman) and Raven (a man).

Lydia feels that she has been abducted by the Earl and immediately, the two are to meet with the Marquess and Marchioness Eugen of Denmark.

While she observes the Earl during dinner, he begins talking about how he is a descendant of the Blue Knight, a Knight who swore fealty to Edward I and was featured in the novel by F. Brown. In the book, fairy servants faithfully attended to him and while the guests at dinner think that the Earl is just joking as they don’t believe fairies are real, Lydia starts to share her opinion.

For someone who is a fairy doctor, Lydia tells everyone that the Blue Knight is the lord of the Fairy Realm. Why can they believe the Blue Knight is real but not believe in fairies?

As Lydia wants to know why she is being held captive by the Earl, he explains to her that he is in search of the sword hidden by Julius Ashenbert 300 years ago. The sword would prove his lineage but unfortunately, only his ancestors were able to see fairies, he cannot.

He goes on to explain that Huxley is just looking for the star sapphire that adorns the blade and that Huxley has been trying to eliminate him. While the Earl is trying to find the sword before he does in order to establish his rights as a descendant of the Blue Knight.

Meanwhile, the police are looking for this serial murderer who looks a lot like the Earl. But the only way one can find out if he is the serial killer is by looking at a tattoo imprinted on his tongue.

Because Lydia is not sure who to believe, she decides to take the job in order to help the Earl find the sword but not for his sake, mainly because she wants to make sure an impostor does not take control of the sword and also, because she needs the money.

But what if this charismatic man ends up being the feared serial killer?

For one, it revolves around the purest of hearts, the protagonist Lydia, a fairy doctor, who decides to take on a job as a hired employee by the Earl to find a sword that was once owned by the legendary Blue Knight.

As the Earl tells Lydia that he is the descendant of the Blue Knight and wants to prove his lineage, the reader is also aware that there is a serial killer on the loose, who has similar characteristics as the Earl. Can the Earl be a serial killer?

Meanwhile, Lydia knows that she is wanted because she is a fairy doctor and because she has lived her life encountering people who don’t believe in fairies, now her abilities are needed but who’s side is right?

So far, the first volume of “The Earl and the Fairy” shows great potential. With the few characters, including the mysterious servants of the Earl, I wonder how the adventures of Lydia and the Earl will go as the story continues.

For now, they live their lives similar to fugitives on the run, but in this case, trying to escape from Huxley and his men, who want the Earl dead.

So, for the first volume, manga fans who love bishojo characters and a storyline that has a good balance of humor, darkness but also possible romantic comedy elements, I can only look forward to seeing how things turn out for vol. 2.

As for the manga series, although I have not read Mizue Tani’s original light novels, nor have I watched the anime series, I enjoyed the artwork and overall adaptation by Ayuko. Characters are well-drawn, cities and environments are also created nicely and for the most part, the artwork compliments the story with efficacy.

Overall, “The Earl and the Fairy” is an enjoyable start for the manga series and I look forward to vol. 2. Recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

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

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

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

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