Dead Rock

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

I'd say I'm a pretty big fan of Hiro Mashima's stuff, even though I know he's not exactly known for mind-blowing stories. But I really dig his art style, which is why I've been following his work for a while now. Gotta be upfront about my bias here.

So, I've checked out almost the first 10 chapters of his latest manga, and I gotta admit, Mashima hasn't really switched things up much in terms of storytelling. That's where he kinda falls short. Still, I'd recommend giving this manga a shot because it's set in a pretty different place compared to what he usually writes about.

A shonen ... manga with a school life angle? Yeah, but it's not your typical school. The characters are super creative, and the designs are on point. Plus, there's an antagonist right from the get-go, which gives the main character some clear goals to work towards.

The art is still top-notch, although I gotta mention that since this is Mashima's 3rd ongoing manga, some chapters might have slightly simplify designs.

Overall, I'd give this manga a 7 out of 10 for now. It feels kinda like more of the same, but that's typical for Mashima. He doesn't do bad or terrible stories, just ones that are okay or pretty good. So, if you're into his style or just looking for something fun to read, give it a shot.

This is fantastic manga!! that first chapter was hype af!!!
The story is very unique in a way with different realms and worlds, and I really enjoyed it.
The art style similar to FT and EZ but still unique in its own way.
This shows mashima can go really dark if he wants to. The protagonist is sort of like an anti-hero and doesn't seem to f*ck around!!!
Great show overall, def recommend.

This is fantastic manga!! that first chapter was hype af!!!
The story is very unique in a way with different realms and worlds, and I really enjoyed it.
The art style similar to FT and EZ but still unique ... in its own way.
This shows mashima can go really dark if he wants to. The protagonist is sort of like an anti-hero and doesn't seem to f*ck around!!!
Great show overall, def recommend.

The cover looked pretty boring, but after taking a look inside on the publisher’s site, it did seem quite cool actually, so I checked it out.

I was gonna say the style reminds me a lot of Fairy Tail and One Piece, but Hiro Mashima is literally the mangaka of Fairy Tail, so yeah...
If you like FT or OP, you’ll love this too, probably. I, on the other hand, have never been intrigued by those 2 franchises, and this manga shows why. The art is great and I love how diverse everyone’s appearance is, but that’s about it.
Personalities of everyone are incredibly ... flat, there’s no real plot except constant fighting, and the main goal is something as basic as killing the ruler/god of the world. Protagonist has the most plain MC-energy, someone who would’ve died in the first page if he were a side character. But he’s not. So while the side characters are all more interesting (my favs are Chako, Frey and Mikoto (these two're unhinged, I love them)), he steals the focus with his lameness. Or may get a harem because he’s from a rare species. Nothing intriguing.

I was so bored most of the time. Wanted to give it a chance tho, trying to figure out where exactly the hype comes from, but again shows that I don’t understand mainstream hype.
But of course – it ends on a cliffhanger. I’m not really interested in following this story, though I do wanna know what happens... ugh. Although it’s quite self-explainable how it’ll continue and end.

Maybe I’ll check out volume 2 someday, maybe not. It’s definitely not in my priority list, though. If you’re gonna do the most basic dungeon academy plot for the perverted male gaze, at least give it some originality. Like a queer twist or a disability rep or something. Not chewing the same old heteronormative & neurotypical gum over and over again. (Well, I guess perverted men don't need more than that.)

~

Thanks to Kodansha for offering an eARC on Netgalley.

-06.04.25