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.
The Promised Neverland Chapter 153: Coward
Story by: Kaiu Shirai
Art by: Posuka Demizu
Translation: Satsuki Yamashita
Lettering: Mark McMurray
Review Haiku:
Norman says “Too late”
Ray calls the white kettle black
Emma does her best
What I liked: Norman, Ray, and Emma have come a long way from Grace Field House, and this chapter did a great job showing how all of them have grown. It really made me realize how much I want things to work out for these guys.
What I didn’t like: With that I also realized that Ray has become somewhat of a third wheel in the series. At the beginning, he was presented as the edgy, Sasuke-like character who was only behind Norman, intelligence-wise. Over the series he lost his edge, and just became the guy who’s not as smart as Norman. I hope Shirai has a plan for him, and not the “Sacrificial death” role either.
Bottom line: This was a well written chapter, and the series is maintaining perfect balance of in-the-moment drama, and anticipation for answers to the underlying questions and mysteries.
My Hero Academia No. 245 – Rise to Action
By Kohei Horikoshi
Translation: Caleb Cook
Lettering: John Hunt
Review Haiku:
Get it, Endeavor?
Trouble is brewing, heroes
You keep it up, Hawks.
What I liked: I’m already a big fan of Endeavor’s side kicks, they’ve got infectious enthusiasm and ambition. Hawks and Endeavor are such a great pair, I hope this arc focuses on them.
What I didn’t like: Just a little nitpick, but I could’ve used a few less panels filled with filler Meta-Liberation text.
Bottom line: It’s going to be interesting to see where they go from here. My bet is that by the time this arc is over, Tomura bites the dust. Then after that All For One comes back to be the final obstacle Midoriya has to face, capping at around 600 chapters total. You heard it here first.
One Piece Chapter 958: The Promised Port
By Eiichiro Oda
Translation: Stephen Paul
Lettering: Vanessa Satone
Review Haiku:
A twenty-year quest
Nine red scabbards undertook
Comes to a head here
**I can’t really talk about this one without mentioning specific plot details so if you haven’t read the chapter, I’d maybe skip this one for now.**
What I liked: Oda is in top form here. Right off the bat he slaps us with a peek at Rodgers crew, which is always a treat, and let’s us in on some info leading us to believe that there’s an even greater secret hidden in Wano. That being said, the real highlight is scene at Tokage Port. First we get a look at the widespread jubilation in the Flower Capital, followed by a map panel letting us know we’re checking in a Udon, and a couple panels of storm clouds. Then we turned the page right into a gut punch. You can feel the despair seeping off the page. You can hear kin’emon’s desperate cries. There’s a reason One Piece has lasted 20 years, and it’s on full display here.
What I didn’t like: We have to wait two weeks for the next chapter. I understand the necessity, but it still hurts.
Bottom line: It’s difficult to have a chapter make such a huge impact on it’s own. There just isn’t that much room within 18-19 pages, so usually they are “part 2/3s,” with one or two chapters directly setting them up. This was the beginning of act three of wano. This is the set up chapter. My hat is off to Oda, and I can’t wait to see more.
Dr. Stone Z=124: Invention of Gods and Devils
Story by Riichiro Inagaki, Art by Boichi
Translation: Caleb Cook
Lettering: Steve Dutro
Review Haiku:
An old friend returns
Anti-Moz weapon acquired
Stone weapon, you’re next!
What I liked: This was a classic Dr. Stone chapter, filled with science, engineering, and schemes. But what sets it apart, is the more serious tone with which it’s carried out. As technology progresses, the better life can be, but the danger that comes with it also increases.
What I didn’t like: They’re hiding out right? So making a ton of noise doesn’t really make sense. Normally I wouldn’t call stuff like this out, but Dr. Stone relies on accuracy, and this seems like a misstep to me.
Bottom line: Looks like they’re about ready to make the attempt to grab the stone weapon. Can’t wait!
We Never Learn Question 130: Sometimes a Genius Still Struggles with [ X ]
Review Haiku:
Sensei’s Test Kitchen
Tidying Up With Sensei
Sensei marathon!
What I liked: Furuhashi picking up on all the Yugia/Sensei stuff was great. They actually managed to do the “Heroine can’t cook” cliche and make it entertaining.
What I didn’t like: I thought it was close to the end with all that talk about final exams, but I guess they’re going to drag it on a little longer. I’m not saying that I don’t like the series, but does it really need to be 200+ chapters?
Bottom line: Not a bad chapter, but a little underwhelming after reading all the fantastic chapters before it.
Beast Children Chapter 19: What’s Lacking
By Kento Terasaka
Translation: Christine Dashiell
Lettering: Mark McMurray
Review Haiku:
It turns out Shin rules
What is it he was lacking?
Either way he’s back.
What I liked: Shin is a great mentor figure. He’s skilled, he thinks things through, and he uses everything as a teaching moment. Can’t wait to see more of him
What I didn’t like: I was a little confused about the “What’s lacking” part of it. Hopefully it’s touched on next week, because if it was answered this week, I missed it.
Bottom line: Still solid, and it’s got potential, but it’s going to have to step it up if it wants to reach legendary status.
Chainsaw Man Chapter 41: Before the Storm
By Tatsuki Fujimoto
Translation: Amanda Haley
Lettering: Sabrina Heep
Review Haiku:
Bad call, Makima
Aki’s no people person
Watch out Chainsaw Man!
What I liked: Aki’s new partner brings in some interesting possibilities. Them figuring out their issues is going to make for great content. On the other hand I’m dreading (in a good way) the outcome of Denki’s new relationship.
What I didn’t like: Aki’s giving up cigs, which is bad because this series needs at least one smoker. Sorry I don’t make the rules.
Bottom line: Whatever happens, the next chapter should be a doozy.
Tokyo Shinobi Squad Chapter 18: The Domain of Death
Story by Yuki Tanaka
Art by Kento Matsuura
Translation: Nathan A Collins
Lettering: Brandon Bovia
Review Haiku:
They were Terrorists?!?
Here lies the Domain of Death
Jin won’t let that stand
What I liked: There were a few really detailed and well drawn illustrations that stood out.
What I didn’t like: These last few encounters have felt increasingly flat. I like most of these characters on a surface level. They have cool designs, the first dimension of their characters where good, but there has yet to be anything beyond that. On top of that is a world that is becoming less and less believable. The premise that the concept of shinobi is a secret in this technologically advanced world of crime is ridiculous. Especially since they don’t even try to hide their shinobi skills. Also, now there’s an entire district in the city that’s made up solely of terrorists? and Jin, a guy in the upper echelon of underground society, has never even heard of it? Pretty sloppy world building if you ask me.
Bottom line: I had high hopes for this one right away, but it feels more and more like it’s going to share ne0;lation‘s fate.
Mission: Yozakura Family Mission 7: Surprise Attack, Part 1
By Hitsuji Gondaira
Translation and Lettering: Pinkie-Chan
Review Haiku:
They found Mutsumi
Five trucks for as many spies
Will things be so clean?
What I liked: More of the quick, snappy action that this series does so well. Everything they do is made to look super cool.
What I didn’t like: I’m still not a huge fan of the electric gun. It feels kind of cop-outish to me, but it’s not a terrible idea when I think about it. Maybe I’ll get used to it.
Bottom line: Next week I think we’re in for a sick one-on-one fight. Get hype.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Chapter 21: Shining White Blade
Story by Masashi Kishimoto
Art by Akira Okubo
Translation: Stephen Paul
Lettering: Snir Aharon
Review Haiku:
He had good instincts
but got ahead of himself
and received a duel
What I liked: The banter at the beginning was pretty good. Also I love characters like the duo that shows up halfway through.
What I didn’t like: They talk about heroism like it’s currency to be acquired, and I think that takes pretty much all the weight out of it. Also the whole samurai/princess system feels cheap. It would be interesting narrative-wise if it took a monumental effort to find each other, and the story was from both their perspectives as they move on their own paths to find each other, or something like that. But so far things have basically gone how they are supposed to, with little conflict. Hachimaru is supposed to be a hero, he wants to be a hero, and he becomes a hero, without much struggle. Hachimaru is supposed to find his princess and protect her, and he finds his princess and is gung-ho about protecting her, without much struggle.
Bottom line: The world is set up to be pure black and white. There are good guys who protect their princess’s and defeat the bad guys. If Kishimoto doesn’t start subverting that pretty quick, this is going to be one boring series.
Mitama Security: Spirit Busters code 6 / Tempting Tapioca
By Tsurun Hatomune
Translation: Amanda Haley
Lettering: Rina Mapa
Review Haiku:
Tapi Tapi ya
Tapi yam Tapi yay, Just
buy the bubble tea.
What I liked: We’re learning more about Mitama, he’s not as one dimensional as he seems.
What I didn’t like: This chapter was overall a little flat compared to previous chapters.
Bottom line: Even if it wasn’t their best effort, I was still entertained.
Black Clover Page 223: The Agrippa Family
By Yūki Tabata
Translation: Taylor Engel
Lettering: Annaliese Christman
Review Haiku:
A creepy household
a family to be feared??
Gordon’s past revealed!!
What I liked: I’ve always thought Gordon was an underutilized character, so I’m glad to see him getting his share of the spotlight.
What I didn’t like: This was a good chapter, but nothing about it made it great.
Bottom line: It seems like this series is finally starting to move again. Tabat should take lessons from Oda on how to transition after a big arc, because it’s been rough.
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