The Music of Marie – Ch.02-04: Whereas the first episode served as the introduction of the general world and concepts of the Music of Marie, these chapters go more in-depth with their introductions. Settings based on Christianity are nothing new, but this still has something that I haven’t seen before. For one there is the creativity with which everything has been created, but the author really managed to create his own culture and religious folklore.
I am a Hero – Ch.02: This chapter was a bit hard to get through (which is also why I didn’t feel like checking out more chapters). It lost that interesting appeal of the first chapter and instead of that we get philosophical debates about manga. It was definitely building up to something, but it wasn’t really being interesting in the process, though the facial expressions still were pretty good.
A Lollipop or a Bullet – Ch.02-03: Whoa! This one really hit me; this was really well written. On one hand, the characters feel so real and down to earth and the dialogue has this focus on detail that gives the characters a ton of characters. And on the other hand it just keeps letting a ton of very heavy issues slide past. These chapters really got dark in their themes, yet it keeps this same light slice of life tone. That combination… oh boy. Talk about conveying emotions.
Hito Hitori Futari Ch.06-13: This was the first time in this project in which I got the “Just… one… more chapter…”-syndrome, as evidenced by the large amount of chapters I just went through in one sitting. The thing with this series is that it has so much heart, and these eight chapters yet again moved the story into a different direction, and this has turned into a really interesting premise. Later on a villain was introduced, and even though his characterization is not as good as Riyon and the President (also, this guy is definitely inspired by L), he actually needs to fully understand his victims for his powers to work, making this perfect for a character-study such as this one. On the downside, this was also the first time I managed to spot recycled frames. The non-recycled frames were still very expressive, though. Also, with this, I have reached all of the chapters that have been scanlated so far. AND DAMN THAT CLIFF-HANGER!
Psgels, I would recommend check out Team Medical Dragon, the character development and setting are great.
I remember wanting to pick up “A lollipop or a bullet” but then I saw that no new chapter has been translated since almost a year ago, and I don’t know Japanese to read the RAWs.
Yeah, I have it on my to-read list, but I’m disappointed at the lack of scanlations for such a short manga.
Just gonna reccomend the manga Cat Street for you to read!
“I am a Hero” is a manga that slowly builds up. I recommend you to keep going on because it really picks up. I really enjoy it because I am a fan of this type of genre. The survivor horror type. Someone mentioned “Team Medical Dragon” I also recommend it because it is a very read. Thanks for some of the reviews on the various mangas.
Agreed. Seriously psgels, keep reading it. It takes a while to get going, yeah, but the series hasn’t even shown it’s true colours yet. It’s a series that’s meant to be read by volumes more than chapters though I guess, but it’s fantastic, don’t dismiss it just because it starts a bit slow.
Re A Lollipop or a Bullet:
I am super happy that you like it, psgels! Hopefully this hidden gem finds more readers after being reviewed by you.
One thing I particularly love about this manga is the character of Nagisa. She is so fragile and innocent despite having this somewhat jaded and cynical outlook on life at the same time. People who are really poor are rare in manga and anime. I admire her for coping with circumstances and trying to lead a proper life like this. To me, the tragedy of her situation felt even more touching due to the fact that it is overshadowed by Mukuzo’s much more spectacular story. Nagisa is one of my all-time favourite characters.
I would also suggest to give up on IAH too fast, I am usually not into this genre at all, but this one is special.
And did you have a look at Takemitsu Zamurai already? If not do it now!!!
It should be “I would also suggest NOT to give up on IAH too fast” of course…
Oh god yes. Takemitsu Zamurai is fabulous.
seconding this, takimetsu zamurai is a very fitting example of where the unique artstyle fits perfectly with the storytelling method.
ooohhhhh i also love this manga!!! so good. the art and story goes so well together!
i second takemitsu zamurai – that was a very special manga!
i am a hero is only starting. the first volume is not like the rest at all. i think you should read seinen manga like this volume-wise.they tend to be slower paced.
oh and since everyone is giving out recs, may i recommend a 1 chapter short story: “love story killed”. from the author of saikano.
to be honest i’m wondering what your tastes wil turn out to be. you’re getting some good but also some ridiculous recommendations in my opinion. i know you want to get into manga quick, but all in all i don’t think it’s a good idea to read so many first chapters like this. read volume wise or stick with one series that you like and read it to the end. no need to rush like this.
anyway what do you think of manga right now? is it enjoyable?
Oh man this summer keeps on getting better.
two more recommendations, due to the fact that both of these are getting an anime adaptation.
first off is lychee hikari club, the story of group of murderous boys who pursue “beauty” and end up creating a robot to do their deeds. One volume
other one is aku no hana, the story of a boy being blackmailed by the lone wolf of the class.
both works can be arguably “not appropriate” for animation oddly (lychee club has a decent ammount of guro and nudity, while aku no hana has a decent amount of profanity)
Seconding Lychee. I think the anime version coming out this fall is going to be a short-episode gag-comedy, so reading the actual manga beforehand might help with ‘getting’ it. (same mangaka as Music of Marie)
@Kirsten: Ah damn, just random skits for lychee manga? Figures really, no way that was appropriate for tv. I’ll still watch it though cause I love the manga.
Hito Hitori Futari related, well this is the problem you will most likely encounter again, at least it’s nowhere near the situation of A Lollipop or a Bullet, which hasn’t gotten a new release in 327 days(according to mangaupdates) and who knows if it will ever be completed in english, I for one would never start such a manga, no matter how good it’s supposed to be.
Jesus Christ, just review a single volume of something. I say this in general, but also especially because the entirety of volume 1 of I Am A Hero is just build up for when shit hits the fan.
also wanted to recommend several other works,
Blame! from Tsutomu Nihei, who is known for his artistic cyberpunk works
also dorohedoro, a story about a lizard searching for a magic user. mystery comedy?
ALSO… TIME FOR MORE IKUHARA~!
penguinbear.com
Psgels heres chapter 14 of hito hitori : http://www.mangahere.com/manga/hito_hitori_futari/c014/