Blood Lad

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Dude I have to say this is my second by far most favorite manga I've read!

I highly recommend this manga if you're looking for the following -

1.High Comedy
2.Other Anime references (DBZ)
3.Very detailed characters with their motives.
4.Love rivalry
5.Sad moments
6.When the main character is heavenly estimated
...

cons -

1. I think the manga was to short I'd love it if it got like a nice special
2.The sister needed more attention I feel as if she was more stronger than she seemed. Just wasn't given the opportunity to show that power off.

Overall -



this one a chance I re-read this manga 3 times its so good! Please give this one a chance! HF READING!

This manga had enormous potential and was actually very enjoyable up until the last fights when it just turned bad. It's a classic example of manga that completely fail to write a good ending and in the end you'll be left disappointed that the story ended the way it did.

The story is very straightforward and enjoyable enough, but it also feels a bit too rushed in terms of pacing. It's pretty much straight to the point which is both a strength and a weakness. However as already stated the ending is mediocre at best and I think I would have liked the series a ... lot more if I hadn't read the ending at all.

As far as characters go they are also pretty great up until the last fights. What I mean by this is that what you can consider the two main characters in Staz and Wolf have essentially everything they've been through made void by how useless they are in the end which doesn't sit right with me. Due to the ending it feels like the character development completely stopped or even as much as declined.

As far as the combat goes it was also pretty good up until the last fights and especially the last fight was just complete garbage and honestly I wish I could erase it from my mind. In the end you're sitting there waiting for an epic fight of sorts to break out but it never happens, there's no real climax for the reader, just bitter disappointment.

If you wish to read this manga I recommend not reading the last couple of volumes as you'll just end up disappointed. Apart from the ending the manga is pretty good though with a relatively good story, combat and comedy.

Blood Lad presents a whimsical premise within the supernatural realm but falls short in delivering a satisfying experience due to its reliance on otaku pandering. Despite showcasing promising elements, the manga is plagued by significant narrative and character flaws, along with an overemphasis on generic otaku tropes.

One of the most prominent issues with Blood Lad is its fragmented storytelling. The manga struggles to establish a cohesive narrative structure, opting instead for episodic arcs that often lack a strong connection to the overarching plot. This disjointedness not only disrupts the flow of the story but also hampers the development of a compelling narrative arc. As a ... result, readers are left feeling detached and disconnected from the world the manga attempts to construct.

Furthermore, Blood Lad succumbs to excessive otaku pandering by heavily relying on overused tropes that appeal to the otaku demographic. The manga incorporates familiar elements such as the 'otaku protagonist' archetype, embodied by Staz, the vampire with a preference for manga over blood. While this concept initially presents an intriguing premise, it quickly becomes evident that the manga fails to explore the potential conflicts and complexities that could arise from this unique trait. Instead, Staz's otaku nature is used as a shallow gimmick, reducing his character to a mere vessel for otaku wish-fulfillment rather than a fully realised and relatable individual.

The overemphasis on otaku pandering extends to the humour in Blood Lad as well. The comedy predominantly relies on repetitive gags and predictable otaku referential humour, catering to a specific audience without offering significant innovation or depth. This approach detracts from the potential for genuine wit and cleverness that could have elevated the manga's humor. By frequently resorting to generic self-deprecating otaku humour, Blood Lad fails to broaden its appeal beyond a niche readership.

Although Staz's otaku nature is meant to be a defining aspect of his character, it is disappointingly underutilised throughout the manga. The supporting characters also often conform to familiar tropes, lacking depth and genuine growth. This reliance on pre-existing character archetypes prevents the manga from delivering compelling and unique character arcs that would have added depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Despite these flaws, Blood Lad manages to capture the essence of silly supernatural adventures reminiscent of series like Soul Eater. The manga infuses its narrative with whimsy and humour, resulting in an entertaining read. The world-building, while not as intricate as some other supernatural manga, still creates an engaging backdrop for the story. The presence of demons, vampires, and mystical creatures offers ample opportunities for comedic situations and imaginative scenarios.

The artwork in Blood Lad, while remaining mediocre, possesses a certain charm that contributes to the overall experience. The character designs exhibit visually distinct features and unique quirks that enhance the manga's silly nature. Protagonist Staz, with his laid-back and nonchalant attitude, embodies the manga's carefree spirit, and the interactions between the characters, their comedic banter, and exaggerated expressions further contribute to the manga's overall appeal.

However, Blood Lad falls short in exploring the supernatural realm in a profound and engaging manner. The manga introduces various supernatural creatures and realms but fails to fully flesh them out or delve into their intricacies. Many of these elements merely serve as backdrops or convenient plot devices, further diminishing the potential for rich world-building and immersive storytelling.

Blood Lad offers an entertaining blend of unapologetic fanservice and a lighthearted approach to supernatural storytelling. While its heavy reliance on otaku elements and fragmented storytelling hinder its potential, the manga's execution of fanservice, presented in a playful and visually appealing manner, adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Its reminiscent nature, akin to Atsushi Ookubo's silly and whimsical series like Soul Eater and Fire Force, further enhances its appeal. Nonetheless, the inconsistent storytelling and occasional prioritisation of fanservice over character and narrative depth are notable drawbacks.