Skipping formalities and whatnot: doctor Kenzo Tenma I’m deeply in love with you!
I can already see why Monster is hailed as one of the best psychologSkipping formalities and whatnot: doctor Kenzo Tenma I’m deeply in love with you!
I can already see why Monster is hailed as one of the best psychological thriller mangas of all time. This was an outstanding first volume, and I’m so glad I’ve avoided spoilers for this many years, preserving every bit of shock value possible aside from what our dear killer looks like. I’ve been itching to read this ever since I came across a snippet of the anime (the scene where Tenma is trying to snipe a certain someone in a lecture hall) and am as expected, awestruck by how good this already is.
Sending one request into the universe while I’m still at the beginning: Kenzo Tenma please don’t experience a downward spiral over the course of the series where you slowly lose your mind <3 (it’s inevitable isn’t it…)...more
**spoiler alert** I feel like a harrowed soldier at the end of a battle. After losing my mind over every reveal in this series, I've finally reached t**spoiler alert** I feel like a harrowed soldier at the end of a battle. After losing my mind over every reveal in this series, I've finally reached the most infamous plot twist in Death Note. I was spoiled regarding (view spoiler)[L's death (hide spoiler)] many years ago, yet the circumstance of how it occured still managed to shock me reading it now. I've been consistently impressed with this series, and despite the tragedy, I'd say this is easily another high point in what is one of the greatest manga of all time.
I'm really curious as to how Near and Mello will play a role in the last few volumes. Their designs are awesome, and their unique personalities come off really strong for such brief appearances so far....more
The Yotsuba arc was beginning to seem like a low point in this series for me, but the last few developments (view spoiler)[Matsuda broadcasting Kira'sThe Yotsuba arc was beginning to seem like a low point in this series for me, but the last few developments (view spoiler)[Matsuda broadcasting Kira's identity, and Higuchi frantically trying to find his name/kill him (hide spoiler)] have changed that right around, making this arguably my favourite part of Death Note so far. Misa proved herself an intelligent ally with all the information she was able to extract, and Light's plan unfolded brilliantly despite his memory loss.
This was by far the most intense volume yet. I was stressed and worried for way too many people's immediate survival. Everything is coming together in an extremely climactic way; I gotta know what happens next!
I think Misa is a lot more likeable in the manga than she is in the anime; her constant pestering of Light adds a bit of humour to the story while alsI think Misa is a lot more likeable in the manga than she is in the anime; her constant pestering of Light adds a bit of humour to the story while also piling onto the already tense plot. She's a girlboss (but at what cost...?)
I'm nearing the point where I stopped watching this anime, and with such a consistently engaging storyline, I'm beyond eager to see where things will go. With Death Note being such a popular franchise, its not surprising that I've been spoiled for some of the major plot points (view spoiler)[like L's death (hide spoiler)], but I'm nonetheless excited to find out how those circumstances come about. Another pretty much perfect volume, I'm really loving this series!!...more
Simultaneously the most beautiful and horrifying volume yet. It’s a marvel how Muira has maintained such phenomenal storytelling alongside the continuSimultaneously the most beautiful and horrifying volume yet. It’s a marvel how Muira has maintained such phenomenal storytelling alongside the continuously evolving development of so many nuanced characters, without things ever letting up. Every single volume of this series has me in awe.
I was sick to my stomach with repulsion at what happened to Charlotte in this volume; she’s always been so sweet, and though it was obvious something bad would happen to her, I expected the worst of it to come directly from the hands of Griffith. What actually happened was hard to read, especially knowing Guts has similar trauma. Muira, I hate you and love you…
Everything was made up for by Casca and Guts…. we can all scream “finally!” and hope these two heal together, before more bad things inevitably start to happen. The love between them was so palpable in those last few scenes.
As usual, I’m inclined to call this the best volume yet. (I basically do this during every review of Berserk…. I know….) Muira is a brilliant mangaka....more
The famous Guts versus Griffith rivalry is finally beginning.... I assume things'll get even bloodier from here on out.
Despite all the lead-up to it, The famous Guts versus Griffith rivalry is finally beginning.... I assume things'll get even bloodier from here on out.
Despite all the lead-up to it, I was still pretty surprised by how readily Guts up-and-left the Band of the Hawks for some greater purpose—to become 'equals' and whatnot. I'm continually impressed with how little filler there is within Berserk. Every volume is important, intense and completely stunning visually. Here's to hoping that Guts and Casca finally work something out.... (a possibility mostly thanks to Judeau, the best wingman)...more
Miura is doing his damnedest to ensure that I love Griffith before his supposed betrayal comes around. The additional backstory we got surrounding himMiura is doing his damnedest to ensure that I love Griffith before his supposed betrayal comes around. The additional backstory we got surrounding him and Casca was really important in terms of understanding their motivations, making this another of my favourite Berserk volumes (I feel like I say that about every volume.... this series is just so good).
Casca and Guts bonding never fails to warm my heart, as well as the Band of the Hawk continuing to call Casca 'big sis'! As usual, the action took my breath away; Guts taking out nearly 100 soldiers on his own was insanely cool. I can't wait to see the continuation of the battle against the Purple Rhino knights, especially with Casca leading her own portion of the army into the castle while Guts fights the opposing captain to protect Griffith....more
It’s no wonder Death Note often gets called the greatest psychological thriller of all time. This is only the beginning, yet the rivalry between antihIt’s no wonder Death Note often gets called the greatest psychological thriller of all time. This is only the beginning, yet the rivalry between antihero Light Yagami and the mysterious task force detective L is already unbelievably well-developed. The way their dynamic plays out is brilliant; when one makes a seemingly monumental step towards victory, the other is already right back on their trail. It’s obvious why this series is a classic amongst anime & manga fangs, since it handles thriller tropes in ways I’ve never before seen executed in fiction.
A few years ago, I got about halfway through this anime. I never ended up finishing it, though Raye Penbar and Naomi Misora were—in my opinion—cause for some of the most memorable scenes from this franchise. The subway doors closing just as Raye figures it all out? Chills. And Naomi is briefly such an awesome threat against Light, it’s really sad to see her gone so soon. Either way, this was a fantastic volume. I can’t wait to finally read this series through and discover all that’s so beloved about Death Note!...more
I’m pretty sure every single volume of Orange has made me cry. The friendship between these six students warms my heart so much, and Takano’s message I’m pretty sure every single volume of Orange has made me cry. The friendship between these six students warms my heart so much, and Takano’s message about suicide prevention as well as cherishing your friends is so beautiful. The time jumps were a bit more confusing in this volume, but it was all worth it to get a glimpse of the future after their high school days. I love Suwa and Kakeru’s friendship to pieces, so seeing Suwa hurt and reflect upon what he could’ve done differently even years after Kakeru’s passing was crushing. It was nice to finally see bits of how Suwa and Naho ended up together, too! That boy has sacrificed so much for the happiness of his friends, he deserves the world <3...more
The world doesn’t deserve Suwa. Those last few pages were devastating to me, especially after finding out Suwa knows the future, and is continuing to bThe world doesn’t deserve Suwa. Those last few pages were devastating to me, especially after finding out Suwa knows the future, and is continuing to be selfless in order to save his friend at all costs....more
THE CHILDHOOD BACKSTORY ☹️ (I’m in shambles) Worick teaching himself sign language as a kid so Nic—being deaf—wouldn’t have to rely solely on reading lTHE CHILDHOOD BACKSTORY ☹️ (I’m in shambles) Worick teaching himself sign language as a kid so Nic—being deaf—wouldn’t have to rely solely on reading lips?? How am I supposed to cope with this, they are so precious.
This was easily the best volume so far; no foreshadowing could have prepared me for the event that shattered their easy friendship as kids. I can't wait to see how the future storyline progresses, knowing what happened in their past....more
When my friend recommended Orange to me, warning that it would be “kind of sad” I hardly expected to be crying during the first volume….
The whole concWhen my friend recommended Orange to me, warning that it would be “kind of sad” I hardly expected to be crying during the first volume….
The whole concept of knowing the future (and knowing something tragic will happen) while having the potential to change those events?? So good. I sincerely hope this series won’t smash my heart into little pieces, but I loved this first volume so intensely that I’m in for the ride, regardless.
Suwa is such a sweetheart, it’s obvious that he likes Naho and is still willing to help her get with Kakeru!! Since the future storyline confirms that Naho and Suwa have a child together, I’m so anxious to see how that will change, if they save Kakeru. I’m already so emotionally invested in this series, it’s crazy....more
I cannot believe what I’ve just witnessed. Time to close my eyes and pretend nothing bad ever happened (I’ve been emotionally crippled). Literally how I cannot believe what I’ve just witnessed. Time to close my eyes and pretend nothing bad ever happened (I’ve been emotionally crippled). Literally how does one recover from this??
I was already certain this volume was my favourite by the first half, which was unbearably wholesome with its focus on the family dynamic between Aki, Denji and Power. I was unspeakably proud of Denji's character development and seeing him *finally* discover platonic love (that little arc was beauuuutifully done). I should've realized things were about to get bad, but I never expected the second half of this volume to mark the saddest part of this story yet.Chainsaw Man has the tendency not to take itself seriously, with banter to lighten even the darkest of moments, so I was shocked to see such a depressingly somber end to this volume. Fujimoto absolutely destroyed my tear ducts, so now I can cry alongside the early fans!!...more
Medieval fantasy is my jam, meaning it was incredibly pleasing to finally start Berserk. I’m really impressed with how strong of an opening this volumMedieval fantasy is my jam, meaning it was incredibly pleasing to finally start Berserk. I’m really impressed with how strong of an opening this volume was: perfectly gritty feel, with a badass storyline from the get-go. Guts immediately won me over as a protagonist, fighting fiercely while the brooding mystery of his past hung tauntingly over my head. That kind of writing makes me want to stick around for the long run.
And then we have the thing I feel most strongly about: PUCK!!! Never in a million years would I have guessed Berserk would be the manga to include a fairy companion to the mc, but here we are. The second I first laid eyes on that little elf/fairy, I was done. He is so cute!! The comedic relief and banter Puck has with Guts never fails to make me smile. This first volume surpassed my expectations greatly!...more
Having the fate of the world determined in a subway station is insane…. and I absolutely fucking love it.
Gege Akumtani does a spectacular job conveyinHaving the fate of the world determined in a subway station is insane…. and I absolutely fucking love it.
Gege Akumtani does a spectacular job conveying the seemingly unfathomable scope of Gojo’s power in this volume. Readers were always told that Gojo was the strongest jujutsu sorcerer on earth, but it isn’t until now that we are made to understand just how vital he is to the survival of the human race against curses and curse users. The Shibuya Incident arc is—as promised—stressful....more
I was played so hard by Reze, it’s not even funny. A bomb devil did provide a ton of exhilarating action sequences though, making this another super eI was played so hard by Reze, it’s not even funny. A bomb devil did provide a ton of exhilarating action sequences though, making this another super entertaining volume. I’m definitely at the point where I can confidently proclaim my love for this cast (particularly Aki, Beam, and Angel Devil) and so almost every chapter keeps me on my toes, curious to see their fate unravel. Chainsaw Man keeps getting better!!...more
Denji and Reze’s budding relationship is winning me over SO easily. Someone who speaks up about how shitty his situation is, and genuinely likes him fDenji and Reze’s budding relationship is winning me over SO easily. Someone who speaks up about how shitty his situation is, and genuinely likes him for him? I’m sold. (If he runs back to Makima I’m ending it all).
Notable mentions: BEAM IS SO CUTE!! He looks up to Denji so much, it’s impossible not to love that golden retriever attitude. Also, Angel Devil and Aki’s reluctant-ally dynamic is so great!
Update: I started the next volume and the level of clownery I’m experiencing is insane because (view spoiler)[OF COURSE REZE WAS TRYING TO KILL HIM (hide spoiler)]...more
Two entire volumes of Geto and Gojo backstory??? We are being spoiled, truly. I swear I’ve said the last few volumes were my favourite, but I lied yetTwo entire volumes of Geto and Gojo backstory??? We are being spoiled, truly. I swear I’ve said the last few volumes were my favourite, but I lied yet again because this one was damn near perfect. The fights were incredible (especially Gojo vs. Toji), and can we talk about Gojo taking care of young Megumi?? Lord, my heart is in shambles....more