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Sakamoto Days is definitely one of the few manga that can get away with it because it already has a pretty gritty and sketchy style. I appreciate that Yuto Suzuki(finally looked it up again) always focuses on maximizing the FEEL of a panel. It's not necessarily about perfect art, it's about cool angles and poses, breathtaking action shots, and weighty moments that you let linger. I feel like if Undead Unluck suddenly looked like that, it would be really jarring

Akane-banashi #207-208 Yeah, that was a great performance, and the realization that this is the first time she's been able to properly go all out with no restrictions hit hard. Even if Kaisei Ani-san wins, the way the pompous crowd went from not giving a fuck to treating Akane like a legend was so nice to see. Was also nice to see Kaisei seem somewhat unsettled for the first time in the most recent chapter. It almost made me have sympathy for him enough to cheer him on to win Sakamoto Days #261 I'm not sure if the last couple pages were intentionally sketchy or if dude ran out of time, but it still worked for the kind of style he does. Also thought the idea that Tanabata used his guitar to recreate the exact same pitch frequency as any given attack was a pretty cool concept. I don't have perfect pitch, so I could never lol

One of these days maybe I'll catch back up on the Witch Watch manga Akane-banashi was great as usual. I predict she won't beat Kaisei, but based on Issho's reaction, she's gonna get what she wants anyway. Something I loved about the newest Sakamoto Days is the way everyone was talking about how Shin influenced them, and the brother assassin dude saying "Shin must be some guy," kind of cemented that he's already living up to Sakamoto's legacy..I thought it was a really touching moment, knowing how much that means to Shin.

You're probably only a couple chapters away from one of the coolest fights in the series. When I saw the anime episode, my jaw was dropped for like 3 minutes lol I'm on Chapter 28 now, so I'm catching up!

Man, I'm up to Chapter 17 in Black Clover now and the art and paneling is out of this world. The anime has some stellar episodes with great animation, but as a whole it does NOT do the manga justice

The most recent Spy x Family was pretty hilarious. Maybe the first chapter in a while where some of the last few pages had me giggling out loud while waiting to pick up sushi Sakamoto Days #257 Akane-banashi #204

Oh man, I honestly love the Black Clover anime. It's like...not the most original, but it has pretty incredible pacing and the characters are so endearing. I've actually been playing around with going through the manga so I can actually finish it, so maybe I'll try to catch up with you 🤔

Ok, been a bit quiet from me in here, though I'm caught up on my usuals now other than some of what happened this week, but I had to comment on Kurumizawa #18 I've also been reading the new series Haunted Peak. I'm not 100% how I feel about it yet, I think the chapters sometimes leave off on awkward spots, but I'm pretty intrigued to find out what the heart of the mystery is

Hell has frozen over

Have you been keeping up with Spy x Family? I just read the last few chapters that's been covering the TV Studio arc and it's been a blast honestly. The idea that Yor, Loid, and Yuri can't do what they'd normally do (sneak off and save the day) because they're worried one of the other two will catch them/will worry about them is such a clever twist on the usual formula.

I kind of expected Kurumizawa would be a short run as is, so I'm not expecting much more than like 3-5 chapters at this point unless the plot thickens in a way that warrants continuation. It seems pretty clear that "Kurumizawa" has his reasons for what he's doing (seemingly something to do with the medical procedure his love interest is going through), and I'm betting he didn't kill his old ghostwriter like it seems. So I can maybe see a world where they work it out or something, but still feels like it can wrap up pretty satisfyingly in the next few chapters. Short and sweet, very interesting and suddenly very tense as it gets to the climax. Can't complain about that.

Been a bit behind on most stuff so haven't had the chance to really respond Finished Elusive Samurai a few weeks ago. I'm so glad you convinced me to pick this back up after the first few chapters because it was been one of the best rides I've been on since I've gotten properly into reading manga. A surprisingly deep and heartbreakingly touching series that seems shallow at first but really flourishes the deeper you go. An excellent ending that wrapped everything up well from character development standpoint (as obviously they were a bit hamstrung by history, so had to make the most of what it meant for the characters to be effective). I also loved the tidbit at the end where we got to see them doing shit in hell, and the concept that most humans end up there for the smallest of transgressions. And now that I'm reading your post about it, seems like you pretty much said the same thing lol I think I'm gonna binge Chainsaw Man soon to get that wrapped up. I know the ending was pretty universally panned on Twitter, so it got me curious to get back into it. Plus, I think the story is easier to digest when you binge the chapters instead of going week to week. I have been caught up on Kurumizawa's Folly and just read the most recent chapter, and I did NOT expect the full thriller turn, but I am all for it. Things got really tense real quick and now I'm just like "what the fuck's gonna happen next?"

I finally got up to Akane-banashi #187 after being behind for a little over a month, and I absolutely love the way Kaisei is characterized. We finally got a glimpse into his personal feelings and he's actually a really nice, likeable guy - but fundamentally driven by the opposite means around Shiguma's Art, so can't truly be friends with Akane. At least not as artists. Very excited to catch up on this God of Death training arc Once I catch up on Akane-banashi, I think I'm gonna force myself to start 2 of the new series(catching up on Gonron Egg and either Someone Hertz or Kingdom) and then gonna read Under Doctor and check that out, because the first few pages and the art REALLY intrigued me I didn't read this one just because I'm not normally a sports fan so I usually need someone telling me it's great to check it out, but I'm still mad about Martial Master Asumi. It's weird because it kinda felt like it was a series destined for cancellation, but also felt like it had so much quality and potential to be huge if given the chance. There was another couple I know we both got pretty attached to that was cut pretty early. Hunter's Guild was disappointing. Still haven't checked out anymore of Otr of the Flame which could maybe be good, but I was kinda meh on the first chapter

Ahh, so it looks like Tokiyuki doesn't want to allow Takauji to have his head or make him commit suicide or submission. I fully dig that! Excited to see how it all plays out. Loved the most recent Sakamoto Days. Trapping Uzuki in a mirror house is so simple but makes sense with Takamura's personality. Classic Sakamoto action panels in this one

God, Elusive Samurai #234 is so bittersweet. It almost feels like, "what was it all for?" In a good way narratively, it's just such a bitter pill to swallow. Almost would have been less a kick in the balls for Tokiyuki to die by his disease. It's amazing how quickly you can blaze through multiple chapters of Sakamoto Days and how nicely it flows that way. Was behind for a while but got caught up this morning and I'm still in awe of how the action is laid out. Have to imagine we're setting up for the final fight finally. At least for Uzuki. Loved the Spy x Family mini chapter on Schlag and it explains so much about her. I love that we got to see another side of her these last few chapters and that she's not just some one-dimensional villain. That said, I get the feeling this incident with Henderson is about to lead to the State Police cracking down on Eden and getting closer to finding Twilight. I'm intrigued. Still gotta catch up on the newest series. I've read a couple first chapters but need to get further

Finally read the first chapter of Gonron Egg today and I already love it. Incredible art style and paneling, unique character design, and a fine enough plot to follow, though I expect that to get a bit deeper as the chapters move on Also, the new Kurumizawa?! Hoo boy, can't wait to see what happens next

Spy x Family #124 I love that this is somehow connected to the Haunted Schoolhouse chapter instead of just being random. It's a great way to make a one-off, short, seemingly contained story into something that feels like a deeper part of the world. Definitely rooting for Anya and Henderson, though part of me kind of feels like he might stay retired after this? Elusive Samurai Happy to see Kojiro get the girl finally(even though it was obvious to happen quite a long time ago). And goddamn, 226 was a highlight when it comes to the graphic violence. Just seeing Kojiro and homeboy literally slicing everyone and everything in half, up that final panel when he ALMOST killed Takauji. I also was touched by seeing Yoritsugu fully embrace Tokiyuki in the most recent chapter. Ready and not ready for the end

I didn't really get the chance to talk about the way Takauji has been portrayed in the last 20 or so chapters of Elusive Samurai. The one where he killed Tadayoshi was legit unsettling. Where the pages were talking about how he bowed to the will of his brother and the other members of the court before he starting eating the manga panel and changing history. Same thing with #223 where he's trying to convince us he's the good guy and keeps telling us to turn the page. Just incredible art direction and really plays on the way they had already been breaking the fourth wall since the early chapters. With #224, I think this is probably the actual end. And what a brutal kill if so. Either way, I feel like this has been one of the most satisfying final stretches of all the manga we've been reading lately. Funny how I went from having mixed feelings to becoming one of my Top 3.

Kurumizawa's Folly #7 This was a good chapter. I get the sense this will be a shorter form series, and I was curious how long they'd push off Hata finding out the truth. I low-key think he's gonna have some, "I don't care because I've never gotten this opportunity" response, but I hope it comes after he confronts Kurumizawa about it first Sakamoto Days is impressive in how it always finds a way to escalate the stakes. Something tells me they're still gonna have to bring Sakamoto to the JCC and deal with things there.

I've been curious about it just because the art looks cool and really good sports manga/anime tend to be incredible. I'll put it in my "must-read" pile Such a satisfying arc for Akane-banashi. They did a good job of instilling doubt and making you feel like Akane truly had to reach a new level of Rakugo to be able to overcome her rivals, what with her failing the first time she tried to win without making people laugh and wrecking herself in the process. Really enjoyed #180 with Karashi and Hikaru reflecting on where they're at in comparison to Akane, and actually getting to see all the rivals hanging out and enjoying it! I also absolutely love the way Karashi has developed, and felt his performance was my favorite of this competition. I'm caught up on the rest, will comment later

I've been wanting to yap about manga for months now but you and I are like the only two that still post and follow most of the SJ stuff so I held a lot in. Yeah, Kaiju No. 8's ending was like not as disappointing as a cancelled series ending but felt like there could have maybe been more. Though to be fair the way that final Kaiju escalated I kinda wondered where they go from there. I was pretty happy with Show-Ha Shoten's ending and really happy we got to see a glimpse of what was going on after the competition. Also really enjoyed that Shijima got the girl morally but still had the growth moment of her having a boyfriend. Subverted the cliche some. I'm glad you've gotten into Witch Watch! I really liked the first 20 or so chapters and I assumed it would have been cancelled long ago, but it's still going strong! I've converted to watching the anime at this point, but it's such a treat. Elusive, Sakamoto, and Akane-banashi continue reigning as my Top 3 and have all had me hooked the last few months. I think Akane-banashi might be my #1, but these are the three I usually jump to read first. I'm anime-only on DanDaDan beyond the first couple issues so I'm still in the throes of quality. Guess I'll have to see if it peters out for me over time. I also keep having Chainsaw Man really behind and even though it's not a LOT of issues to catch up on with it's release schedule, I always completely forget what the fuck is going on before I go in, and then often am confused even when I do. Still can't help but love seeing whatever wacky shit goes on with it I've honestly been slacking on a lot of the newer series, but a good few of them (like Someone Hertz) look super appealing to me. I was curious about Otr of the Flame because it was the same artist as Hunter's Guild which we really liked, but the first chapter didn't really grab me the same

And Undead Unluck finished a couple Sundays ago. Very satisfying ending. Doesn't try to do too much or be too confusing, so arguably safe, but honestly, it just feels so right after everything that happens. Loved this manga so much. It's dripping with charm and just pulls you into the emotions of the characters. And they did such a great job with the last couple chapters. I can't wait to see the rest of it animated.

Haven't seen b in a minute and not sure anyone else has been following, but Beat & Motion had it's last chapter last week. Honestly I expected it to end quite a few chapters ago and would have been satisfied as is, so I felt it ended at a good point. Wasn't much else to develop without making drama for the sake of drama. Really love the way they portrayed Nico and Tatsuhiko's relationship. The final chapter is absolutely stunning and gorgeous, and love that there's minimal dialogue. Great work, I hope it gets animated some day, but honestly the manga format just captures such a unique beauty I'm not sure would hit the same as a cartoon.

I'm still alive, and I've read some stuff and haven't read others. I started teaching recently and it's consumed a lot of my energy lol. I've been keeping up with Hakutaku. Has keeper potential for me at the moment. I finally read the last couple chapters of Dragon Ball Super. Beast Form is kind of an obnoxious design, but it was really cool and fun and surprisingly fresh to see Gohan spar with Goku, Vegeta, Broly, Goten, and Trunks. I assume we're probably only gonna get like one more arc with Black Frieza, but I'd love if they squeezed in one more that focused on Gohan et Al as the heroes, maybe even giving Vegeta the final victory, before we get the expected final showdown between Goku and Frieza. I guess we'll see. All I know is I hope the manga-only arcs get animated at some point. I've also caught up on Sakamoto Days. I'm curious to see if Shin goes through with killing the prison dude. It's kind of a shame but also such a nice change of pace from the usual "Villain turned Hero" character arc where they become squeaky clean after joining the hero. @dr. b have your been mostly up to date with everything?

A little behind on some stuff. Might try to catch up a bit today. But I wanted to shout out one of the newest series Hakutaku. Third chapter dropped today, I really liked the first two chapters. It's about becoming a video game coder. Good art, very interesting characters, and it feels like it has the right level of charm and style as all the best anti-battle shonen. Hard to say if it'll hold up, but it hasn't disappointed yet. I think once I get caught up on the last couple rounds of the usual series, I'm finally gonna move to the second chapter of Kagurabachi and burn through that.