The following are brief reviews on this week’s Weekly Shonen Jump chapters that are released in the US (that I’m caught up on) via Viz’s Shonen Jump app. I make an effort to keep spoilers to a minimum and they can be read before, or after you read the chapter.
**This week’s entry was a little short (and super late) and I apologize, it was a weird week and I’m still not used to this whole writer thing. If anyone is reading this know that I appreciate it and will try harder going forward. Thank you!**
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Chapter 19: Whatever it Takes!!!
Story by Masashi Kishimoto
Art by Akira Okubo
Translation: Stephen Paul
Lettering: Snir Aharon
Haiku Review:
Hachimaru duels
Mysterious shadow looms
A double knockout?!!
What I liked: This was a well executed training chapter. We get a peek at Hachimaru’s strength as well as more details concerning the characters’ personalities.
What I didn’t like: One of the cool things about this series is the meticulously detailed backdrops. A lot of white, but plenty of circuitry and personality to fill it. This chapter however, left a lot to be desired, background wise.
Bottom Line: Well written chapter, but the art was a bit lacking.
One Piece Chapter 956: Big News
By Eiichiro Oda
Translation: Stephen Paul
Lettering: Vanessa Satone
Haiku Review:
Crazy stuff’s happening
Top Secret Special Force, “SWORD”
“Big News” Morgans rules
What I liked: This was a thiccccc chapter. So much cool stuff happened I don’t know where to begin.
What I didn’t like: As much as they revealed, I feel like they still left us hanging on so much.
Bottom Line: Not much to say except for this was another great chapter. Keep it up Oda!
Dr. Stone Z=122: Brain-Battle Puzzle Pieces
Story by Riichiro Inagaki, Art by Boichi
Translation: Caleb Cook
Lettering: Steve Dutro
Haiku Review:
Taiju’s a shy boi
Realizations are made
Chrome is BACK baby!
What I liked: I’m glad my boy Chrome is back, he’s one of my favs.
What I didn’t like: The “Big Reveal” that this whole chapter basically led up to was a little anticlimactic, and it was kind of a slow chapter overall.
Bottom Line: Not a bad chapter by any means, but for Dr. Stone it didn’t quite hit the mark.
Mission: Yozakura Family Mission 5: Hostage
By Hitsuji Gondaira
Translation and Lettering: Pinkie-Chan
Haiku Review:
Kidnapped so quickly
Taiyo did an alright job
Let’s go more training.
What I liked: The momentum in this chapter was awesome. I could really see the movement on the page, panel to panel. All the movements felt so natural too, like “Yeah, this is for sure what a spy would do in this situation.” The action is so moment to moment I swear it felt almost animated.
What I didn’t like: I’m not a big fan of Kyoichiro yet, but I hope he grows on me.
Bottom Line: So far I’m really enjoying this series. It’s a pleasure to read.
Mitama Security: Spirit Busters code 4 / His Classmate Is a Spear Wielder
By Tsurun Hatomune
Translation: Amanda Haley
Lettering: Rina Mapa
Haiku Review:
Spirits are lined up
Mitama has met his match
Rena sighs deeply
What I liked: The new character compliments Mitama well. And while that means Rena Haze’s straight-woman duties have doubled, she handled it in stride and was just as charming as ever.
What I didn’t like: While throughout the chapter, things were fairly humorous, there weren’t any gut-busters, which was disappointing.
Bottom Line: I still can’t get enough of the Rena Haze character. She is the main thing holding this series together.
