Look Back and Goodbye, Eri are both one-shots and quite good.
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The Manga Thread: Unlimited
- Thread starter WisteriaHysteria
- Start date
I think there's a whole fucking SUBGENRE that's basically the opposite of shit like happy tree friends.
Where like, the setting is this shitty suckass world where everything and everyone sucks and anyone can be brutally murdered at any moment but it's also super cute and hashtag relatable and everybody just sort of rolls with how much everything sucks.
And I find it.... annoying. Like really annoying. Just a nonstarter for me. That's part of why I bounced really hard off dorodowhatthefuckever.
(The other part was the weird oh no this brain damaged 11 year old can't put on her fetish gear you'd better do it for her. Turned it off and never turned it back on.)
Chainsawman had definite shades of that, but it also had enough action and charm and weird shit that I was able to power through it and the result was... fine. I guess.
Where like, the setting is this shitty suckass world where everything and everyone sucks and anyone can be brutally murdered at any moment but it's also super cute and hashtag relatable and everybody just sort of rolls with how much everything sucks.
And I find it.... annoying. Like really annoying. Just a nonstarter for me. That's part of why I bounced really hard off dorodowhatthefuckever.
(The other part was the weird oh no this brain damaged 11 year old can't put on her fetish gear you'd better do it for her. Turned it off and never turned it back on.)
Chainsawman had definite shades of that, but it also had enough action and charm and weird shit that I was able to power through it and the result was... fine. I guess.
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Oh I also shotgunned that mango where every virgin male over 18 FUCKING DIES IMMEDIATELY.
It's weird that a comic that stops every few minutes to make philosophical statements on the nature of sexuality can't really come up with any stance beyond "Dam wouldn't that be fucked up lol."
It's weird that a comic that stops every few minutes to make philosophical statements on the nature of sexuality can't really come up with any stance beyond "Dam wouldn't that be fucked up lol."
I don't read BL for myself, but I read a lot of it for work, and man. BL tropes are just really weird sometimes.
I mean. My job is reading manga for errors, so
You’re not wrong
FelixSH
(He/Him)
After learning that Hunter x Hunter is not on hiatus anymore, I decided to reread the whole thing. What a weird Shonen manga. I'm not that familiar with genre tropes, but I fekt like, especially during the Chimera Ant arc, the half that dealt with the ants and the king, was't even Shonen anymore. Him slowly becoming more empathetic for humans, while playing with the blind girl, and getting attached to her, was just really fascinating. Every time the story talked about how some of the ants remembered parts of being human, it felt very heavy and sad. It's great.
And then we get to the start of the Lost Continent, or however it's called, and what happened to humans who went there, and I suddenly got strong Junji Ito vibes.
There is more (Gons and Killuas friendship, how there are always systems with cool rules and edgecases,...), but these are the things that are mainly on my mind right now.
And then we get to the start of the Lost Continent, or however it's called, and what happened to humans who went there, and I suddenly got strong Junji Ito vibes.
There is more (Gons and Killuas friendship, how there are always systems with cool rules and edgecases,...), but these are the things that are mainly on my mind right now.
It’s back on hiatus already, I think!
FelixSH
(He/Him)
I thought they are just not releasing chapters weekly, but that the author was still working on them? So, instead of a weekly release, we would get them in random intervals, whenever they are done?
Oh well, it's a shame, but Togashis health is more important. I'm glad he at least can just take a break, when he needs one.
Oh well, it's a shame, but Togashis health is more important. I'm glad he at least can just take a break, when he needs one.
I think you likely just mean different things by "hiatus."
"Hiatus" used to mean, "it is not currently publishing weekly chapters in Shonen Jump." (Usually a translation of 連載休止, which refers to a break in serialization, not a break in Togashi working on it.)
In December, they announced that they will never try to publish weekly chapters in Shonen Jump ever again and will instead present future chapters in some other format, to be determined.
So, you could say that it's no longer on "hiatus" in the original sense of the term, because they gave up on even attempting to do that. But you could also say that it's now permanently on "hiatus" in the original sense of the term, because it's still not publishing weekly chapters and never will.
"Hiatus" used to mean, "it is not currently publishing weekly chapters in Shonen Jump." (Usually a translation of 連載休止, which refers to a break in serialization, not a break in Togashi working on it.)
In December, they announced that they will never try to publish weekly chapters in Shonen Jump ever again and will instead present future chapters in some other format, to be determined.
So, you could say that it's no longer on "hiatus" in the original sense of the term, because they gave up on even attempting to do that. But you could also say that it's now permanently on "hiatus" in the original sense of the term, because it's still not publishing weekly chapters and never will.
R.R. Bigman
Coolest Guy
I sort of wish Togashi would have stopped the manga after the Election Arc. A bunch of big plot threads would have been left dangling, but the biggest ones had been completed at that point.
You thought correctly because it absolutely does, but in this specific case it's been used to translate "pause in serialization," creating the current ambiguity. The "pause in serialization" is now over, because serialization itself is over.
In either case, the basic situation seems to be more or less the same—he's working on it as much as he can, and it will be published in some format once there's enough to show. The only thing that's really ruled out is another announcement from Jump saying the "pause in serialization" is over, followed by anther announcement soon after saying the "pause in serialization" has resumed.
Yeah this time around it was a short run of a few chapters. Whatever they decide to do later, that's what I meant by on hiatus: not currently publishing, but also not over or canceled.
FelixSH
(He/Him)
I'm nearly done with Hunter x Hunter now. While I like the arc, I started to glance over some of the long, long exposition. It's just so in-detail, that I will not remember all of it, it's just too much. Still, it's a fun arc, and will probably take forever (looks like we might be at the halfway point, maybe?). I guess that happens, if you introduce, what, four new factions and over ten new, important characters.
I know, genres are always kinda vague, but this has long ago stopped being shonen, right? I mean, I don't really know what the word exactly means, but since that Battle Tower arc, there have been nearly no battles (except for a handful, but there are long parts without any real fighitng), powerscaling isn't really a thing, and just...the Election arc and the Succession War now are something completely different, it seems to me. Generally, it seems since the Chimera Ant arc, this is less about these four, formerly main characters, and more how Togashi wants to simply tell different stories that happen in the world of HxH. And sure, we had Gon and Killua as focal points during the Chimera Ant saga, plus some very interesting development, but they shared the time a lot with other characters. There is a lot of stuff they never had contact with - thinking of everything that was about Meruem. Did they even see him?
The Succession War especially feels like some completely different story, where Kurapika is just one of the many, many players. And the only reason why he is here, is because it makes it a bit easier, as we already know him.
I know, genres are always kinda vague, but this has long ago stopped being shonen, right? I mean, I don't really know what the word exactly means, but since that Battle Tower arc, there have been nearly no battles (except for a handful, but there are long parts without any real fighitng), powerscaling isn't really a thing, and just...the Election arc and the Succession War now are something completely different, it seems to me. Generally, it seems since the Chimera Ant arc, this is less about these four, formerly main characters, and more how Togashi wants to simply tell different stories that happen in the world of HxH. And sure, we had Gon and Killua as focal points during the Chimera Ant saga, plus some very interesting development, but they shared the time a lot with other characters. There is a lot of stuff they never had contact with - thinking of everything that was about Meruem. Did they even see him?
The Succession War especially feels like some completely different story, where Kurapika is just one of the many, many players. And the only reason why he is here, is because it makes it a bit easier, as we already know him.
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
I mean, shounen, like shoujo, is a demographic. But it is sometimes treated like a genre because they often house a very specific set of genres; action (particularly "battlers", like Dragonball), sports, comedy, detective stories and romance are among the big ones. It also invites some very specific themes like the value of hard work and friendship. But sometimes there are series that break the mold or go a bit different, like slice of life series, horror series (though most horror shounen as of late have been of the action variety, at least that I'm away of) and series about being a creative. And some series start as one genre and continue into another; Kinnikuman famously started out as a gag manga that became more of an action series as it went on. But I think shounen is synonymous with a formula. It just doesn't have to be it. Hunter X Hunter is still a shounen series but it is also one that allows itself to branch out and not be hemmed in. Similarly, there are other popular battle manga that don't do power scaling (Jojo started that way and kind of stopped, mostly focusing on using wits to escape a dangerous situation than relying on a new power-up). It should be noted that Level E is also a Togashi-penned shounen series that didn't fit into the conventional boxes. But it is still that.
All the same, I know what you mean. I do use shounen for a shorthand for a certain kind of tone when watching an anime. But just because it doesn't fit in with what is most associated with a demographic doesn't mean it isn't for that demographic (and, I mean, I feel like those magazines have as many old readers as kid readers).
I am pretty sure what Togashi really wants to be is a game designer, because his stuff is just soooo much about rules for how powers work.
Sucks about Space Bros. That's a good time of a comic. I watched the entire anime and am curious how the comic will end. There doesn't really seem to be any real alternatives other than buying the volumes as they come out, or piracy.
I've been reading Witch Watch. It's not anything amazing, or even something I can recommend. But I like the author (Guy started out as an assistant on Gintama; his other works are SKET Dance and Astra: Lost in Space). Best/simplest way I can sum it up is that it's half Kiki's Delivery Service, half Ranma 1/2.
So far it's good comfort food. It's not too serious and is pretty amusing. I'm a fan of the author's sense of humor which relies on classic Manzai Duo tropes and pop culture references so some stuff might not click with everyone, but it's fun. The author also does a pretty good job of throwing in some genuine pathos and heavy drama as monotony breakers/texture adders as well to his stories so it's hard to get bored. And the characters he writes are generally pretty likable and charming I think. I'm about 10% into the comic, very looking forward to the rest and hope it's as good as his previous works.
I've been reading Witch Watch. It's not anything amazing, or even something I can recommend. But I like the author (Guy started out as an assistant on Gintama; his other works are SKET Dance and Astra: Lost in Space). Best/simplest way I can sum it up is that it's half Kiki's Delivery Service, half Ranma 1/2.
It follows a rather ditzy teenage witch in training, who is going out into the world to practice her magic. But her mother is a fortune teller and forecasts doom for her daughter, so she employs her childhood friend (who is an Oni) as a live-in guard for her while she goes to school. Another childhood friend (A Tengu) just showed up as another bodyguard. There's a lot of humor, some faux love triangles, supernatural fights, and some mild horniness. (Pretty tame for a Shounen Jump comic, but it's there.)
One thing I noticed this time through is that it's probably the second most Christian thing I've ever read that wasn't sold in a church bookstore. Second only to The Boxer.
The idea of forgiveness and the fact that as long as you're alive you have the choice to do the right thing is everpresent. Even at the very end, genocidal maniac Knives has the chance to quit his shit and do something worth doing before passing away, and shockingly he actually takes it.
It's also a very goofy comic. Even when shit gets serious it's not afraid to just go "fuck it have some silly sight gags." The first thing it does after Wolfwood's Gut-wrenching death is a scene where Vash and Livio go full gremlin mode over dinner. It's a comic that knows when to be serious and when to be funny, and that's important.
I initially started rereading it because I wanted to have my shit straight before trying Stampede, but honestly I'm just glad I read it for it's own sake. It's A wonderful comic, and it deserves to be remembered.
The idea of forgiveness and the fact that as long as you're alive you have the choice to do the right thing is everpresent. Even at the very end, genocidal maniac Knives has the chance to quit his shit and do something worth doing before passing away, and shockingly he actually takes it.
It's also a very goofy comic. Even when shit gets serious it's not afraid to just go "fuck it have some silly sight gags." The first thing it does after Wolfwood's Gut-wrenching death is a scene where Vash and Livio go full gremlin mode over dinner. It's a comic that knows when to be serious and when to be funny, and that's important.
I initially started rereading it because I wanted to have my shit straight before trying Stampede, but honestly I'm just glad I read it for it's own sake. It's A wonderful comic, and it deserves to be remembered.
I have been greatly enjoying The Dragon, The Hero, and The Courier, a thoroughly-researched comedy about a grumpy medieval mail carrier by an artist with the pen name Gregorius Yamada. Although it's very much in a fantasy setting, it examines in meticulous detail (for the purposes of jokes, naturally) the actual social and political dynamics of the middle ages in Europe, setting it far apart from the rest of the genre: even as it still indulges in easily-understood plot devices like elves, wizards, and experience points, the central theme is based on the emergence of the precursors to the modern concepts of civil service and rational government. Yes, in an unhybridized comedy. Never seen anything like it. Check it out if you get the chance. It's unlicensed so you'll probably have to pirate it.
Isekai is the hot genre these days, to the point of cliche, but I says there's only one worth taking seriously: The Ideal Sponger Life. It starts with a really gratuitous sex scene, but just ignore that; it's about twice as explicit as it ever gets anywhere. As far as I can tell, they doubted that the series' true premise would have appeal in the market without tricking readers into thinking that it's a steamy romance. And I can't blame them, because it takes a while to get around to revealing that the title of the series is a complete lie.
The Ideal Sponger Life is a fantasy political drama in which the prince consort, despite his lack of formal authority, faces a series of situations that he must navigate through delicate intrigue and mannerly conduct. Maybe national interests are jeopardized, maybe ambitious courtiers are trying to undermine the throne, maybe somebody's scheme would interfere with his happy marriage to his hot wife, to whom he is utterly loyal. He has a secret weapon, however: his social perspective and moral values as a fundamentally decent modern Japanese man means that would-be rivals in feudal high society simply cannot get a read on him or anticipate his moves. In other words, his isekai cheat ability is being a feminist.
What's interesting about it to me is that it's a reconstruction or inversion of other-world tropes. What kind of society would summon someone from another dimension to be the prince? One in which the queen has a precarious claim to her title, such that any of her other suitors would effectively usurp her given such a tie. And under circumstances like those, naturally there'll be no way he can avoid getting involved. It takes pains to legitimize the act of the summoning itself and exploring the mentality, rather than just glossing over what the heck he's even doing here. His dim recollection of modern technology doesn't revolutionize society or upset the balance of power, because that's not how technology works - it turns out that the material and economic preconditions are far more important than the theory underlying Some Gizmo - but he does help to accelerate research into a strategic material (glass, because of magic). Japanese food doesn't even come up, but he does make a bit of a splash by "inventing" some novel liquors. There's a parade of pretty girls to put in pretty dresses on the volume covers, but rather than being a "harem" situation they're more like the minibosses in a battle manga, since they're more or less openly trying to secure the diplomatic advantages that a royal concubine might grab, and he's just not interested. He's a total wife guy. I promise you will say "That guy sure loves his wife."
It's slow, but it's not a "slow life." It's a fish-out-of-water everyman using his modernity to win, but not because he's superior, merely because he's different, and clever enough to use that difference to his advantage. It's not a power fantasy, although it is a fantasy about having power. It's not wish fulfillment, although it is broadly pleasant and satisfying to read. Anyway, consider it recommended by me, your pal.
The Ideal Sponger Life is a fantasy political drama in which the prince consort, despite his lack of formal authority, faces a series of situations that he must navigate through delicate intrigue and mannerly conduct. Maybe national interests are jeopardized, maybe ambitious courtiers are trying to undermine the throne, maybe somebody's scheme would interfere with his happy marriage to his hot wife, to whom he is utterly loyal. He has a secret weapon, however: his social perspective and moral values as a fundamentally decent modern Japanese man means that would-be rivals in feudal high society simply cannot get a read on him or anticipate his moves. In other words, his isekai cheat ability is being a feminist.
What's interesting about it to me is that it's a reconstruction or inversion of other-world tropes. What kind of society would summon someone from another dimension to be the prince? One in which the queen has a precarious claim to her title, such that any of her other suitors would effectively usurp her given such a tie. And under circumstances like those, naturally there'll be no way he can avoid getting involved. It takes pains to legitimize the act of the summoning itself and exploring the mentality, rather than just glossing over what the heck he's even doing here. His dim recollection of modern technology doesn't revolutionize society or upset the balance of power, because that's not how technology works - it turns out that the material and economic preconditions are far more important than the theory underlying Some Gizmo - but he does help to accelerate research into a strategic material (glass, because of magic). Japanese food doesn't even come up, but he does make a bit of a splash by "inventing" some novel liquors. There's a parade of pretty girls to put in pretty dresses on the volume covers, but rather than being a "harem" situation they're more like the minibosses in a battle manga, since they're more or less openly trying to secure the diplomatic advantages that a royal concubine might grab, and he's just not interested. He's a total wife guy. I promise you will say "That guy sure loves his wife."
It's slow, but it's not a "slow life." It's a fish-out-of-water everyman using his modernity to win, but not because he's superior, merely because he's different, and clever enough to use that difference to his advantage. It's not a power fantasy, although it is a fantasy about having power. It's not wish fulfillment, although it is broadly pleasant and satisfying to read. Anyway, consider it recommended by me, your pal.
Violentvixen
(She/Her)
I went back through this thread and both of your posts caught my eye as this sounded really cool. It turned out Heterogenia Linguistico is available on Google Play books, so I was able to use all my credit from surveys to buy the first two. I really like it and will be picking up the other two.
Anyone got the goods on the Ghost in the Shell manga? The original Dark Horse trade was 117 pages and supposedly censored (excised lesbian sex scene?). Dark Horse later published an uncensored second addition that's a whopping 368 pages. Kodansha's version is also this length. I'm guessing they didn't censor out 200+ pages if content, so what's the deal?
Anyone know why the later editions are substantially longer?
Anyone know why the later editions are substantially longer?