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This will be a review of the first volume.
Unfortunately while this story has interesting elements and a refreshing perspective, it suffers from being overly dry and over reliant on an abundance of traits better realised in other series.
I don’t like to be overly critical unnecessarily so I’ll start with the character of Sasaki, who provides a unique perspective in that he isn’t entirely interesting. It’s not a negative in this case as I enjoyed for the most part his middle aged mindset and pragmatic approach to what was happening to him. He never gets too high or low and his desire for a ... comfortable and stress free life is quite relatable. It is however his interactions with others that drag this story down.
My first major criticism is about the developments in the normal world. I will not spoil it but at about the halfway point in the novel, things become more fantastical and feel out of left field. I’m sure it will get further development in later volumes but I don’t find myself very much interested and don’t think it fits into the story well. It isn’t so much the fantasy element in itself that bothered me but the way it is introduced and how it is not very well explained. If this ties into the magic of the other world then I’ll take back this criticism but for now I see no evidence that it wasn’t just some random plot development that didn’t do much for the character of Sasaki or the story.
The other part of this novel is the isekai part and even there it lacks in too many areas. The world building is bare bones and the characters so far don’t provide much in the way of character to keep me invested. Their interactions with Sasaki all follow a similar level of deference and it is largely devoid of any happenings that challenge Sasaki. It isn’t till the end where a possible thread of conflict is hinted at but even then it seems to resolve itself rather quickly.
One final point that I see brought up is that female characters are only represented in this story as underaged girls whose features or cuteness are their primary feature. None offer anything much to the first volume and I see their role following similar trajectories seen in other light novels.
I realise this is only the first novel and is probably structured to set the stage for events to come but in spite of the meaty size of this volume, its flavour is rather bland. The meatier parts that I enjoyed were surrounded by too much fat that I felt too hard to chew on. What had potential to serve Kobe beef instead served up chuck steak.

This manga has the potential to do for ice hockey what Slam Dunk did for basketball and Haikyuu did for volleyball. It employs a familiar zero to hero arc but it executes it with the confidence of a supreme figure skater going into a triple axel. It contains humorous beats without dumbing down the relate-ability and humanity of the characters and employs a steady pace magnifying the world, the characters and the intricacies of the sport for those unfamiliar.

First praise I give is to the art style, which I characterise as clean and shows both the fluidity of skating and the brutality of the contact ... in hockey. I don’t need A level art in my sports series but whenever I read something that can convey the speed and the hustling nature of competition a series is better served for it. Of course without a deep knowledge of the game the art can only score a series up to a few points. Fortunately in the action presented so far the mangaka has proven their knowledge and done so without burdening anyone not familiar with the game.

In Rou we have a fantastic protagonist, who follows in the footsteps of similar prodigious idiots, but has enough personality to distinguish himself. His background makes the journey into ice hockey more believable with the moves he is able to pull off. We have conflict set up with his family and teammates and we have a good idea where the series is going.

With all these aspects combined, Dogsred is a must read. It packs action and humour and pathos into a well structured story and scores nines to tens across the board as the best new sports series to hit the shelves.

Too long have I been waiting for a good rugby series. Even longer I’ll have to wait.
My issues so far do not necessarily come from a predictable zero to hero origin story. Nor is the aged humour a concerning aspect. Even with my general knowledge of the game, I wasn’t even put off by the idiots guide explanation to the sport. No, what troubles me most about it is what I often let slide in many other series. The art.
It lacks a refinement and minimises the massive impacts that occur in a match. It forgoes showcasing sequences of movement with too much standard ... panelling that doesn’t illustrate the full extent of what happens on a field. I’m not expecting Inoue level of art quality but I want something cool and powerful much like what is delivered in Blue Lock. Rugby is both tough and rugged and open and free and the action is not reflected so far in the art of the series.
While I said I was primarily unbothered by the series explanation of the game, I feel it does a poor job introducing newcomers to the sport. It follows an idiot protagonist, which isn’t in itself bad but is uninspired, and does little to nothing in its early parts to allow an investment in his journey. I understand his character is mostly a gag but the fact he is already so much stronger than characters that we’ve been told to be the best in the world really lowers the stakes of the series.
There are aspects of this series that offer potential but are undeveloped. The laissez-faire management of the team and the unmotivated players provide a platform for the team to really come together and tackle the challenges presented. But so far we know nothing about anyone outside of a couple and even the two characters we know something about, we know not enough to empathise with their involvement in the team and the sport.
I want to give the author some time to iron things out and present an exciting plot and story arc for its characters but so far the pacing is very haphazard and the story beats better applied in other stories. For now rugby rumble is not worth your time if you’re looking for the next Haikyuu or Ace of Diamond. It lacks the heart that those series have and the stylisation that brings the sport to life.

Given the end of the first arc and the innumerable reviews of unjustifiable slander, I feel it appropriate to provide a bit of perspective.
This is one of the strongest starts to a series we’ve seen in a while. It manages to balance action and exposition, character and plot very well, never feeling rushed or lagging. So far we have a good sense of the stakes and the consequences. Even though the world building is still somewhat undeveloped, the scope is present and the potential is there to be explored in time. The power system has enough complexity to make it intriguing without feeling unnecessarily ... convoluted. It employs a simple means, which is actually to its credit, and demonstrates the scale that can add intensity to future encounters.
The characters so far have enough of a presence, either through their art or character, that is strong enough on its own to carry the momentum of the series.
Do not allow the distraction of outside noise to influence your appreciation of what has been presented so far. It takes genuine skill to pull off what these eighteen chapters have been able to pull off so far, setting the stage for even bigger and more impactful moments. It’s action is top tier, backed by clean art and some truly memorable panels. It’s action is breathed to life with character development and plot implications that demonstrates it isn’t action for action sake. It has a story to tell and is one that will reach beyond the modern shonen devices we’ve seen before and truly leave its mark.

This is a review of the first volume for those contemplating getting into the series. Infinite Dendrogram is a well translated series with the author’s solid grasp of JRPG mechanics and lore that doesn’t resort to clone tactics of death in real life consequence or fantastical transportation to another world. It solidly places the reader into the mind of someone immersed in a ultra realistic video game experience. The only gripe I hold so far is that I wished it conveyed the feeling and presence of actual battle with enemies and the emotional and physical toll virtual reality gaming can have. Having never played virtual ... reality games myself, I can only imagine the simulated act of killing someone would feel a lot different to regular video game simulation.

Compared to many other series I’ve read, this one reads a lot better. Whether it’s credit to the translator or author or both, it makes reading it less of a chore. The series does run the risks of the stakes feeling quite low in comparison to other series but its collection of characters do enough in this first volume to get the reader invested in their journeys and interested in their progression. Learning who they are in and out of the game (in future volumes) would help inform on the actions they take in the game and will further grow our investment in the story. I see a lot of potential in the world of the game with its array of distinct areas and the NPC characters who exhibit real human traits. The divergence from their in game personas and real life personalities is something I look forward delving into.

This is a refreshing read in a minefield of poorly translated wish fulfilment fantasy that overcomplicate in world building and under-develop in character. This series might not grab the attention like others with its twists and turns and subversion of genre but it sticks the landing in the execution of the author’s vision. It promises an epic fantasy adventure but doesn’t inflate the odds or try to be something it isn’t. With deeper character development and establishment of a goal to be reached that goes beyond just finishing the game, this series would ascend into the realm of must read. For now it is highly recommended for those looking for a more grounded representation of VRMMO.

I’ve come to think of manga as fast food fiction. I don’t say that to cheapen its value but to recognise it for its vast appeal. It exists as a form that I consider will transcend into a new age of storytelling, particularly in the west. In that sense I want to highlight that the qualities that make a series good are the same as what makes a good fast food experience. Dandadan is one such series.

Something valued highly when dining on fast food is the speed of service. And it is the same here. Dandadan delivers a very readable experience with crisp art, ... uncluttered by exposition. It had me going through its chapters quickly while still filling its pages with a deliciously satisfying story. Wholesome character beats break up the action and convey some of the most realistic depictions of teenage experience. The action moves at a fast pace without feeling rushed and is conveyed through the mangaka’s confidence in his art.

Often times the first bite of a hamburger or any such fast food is the best and I have to say the start of this series is very strong too. It introduces its characters with immediate impact and establishes early a rooting interest in them. The side accompaniments of a fast food meal can also determine how well regarded it is and I have to say the supporting cast of this series hold their own too. Characters partake in humorous interactions with each other, while remaining true to themselves and retaining a likeability as we learn more about them. They serve to prop up our main two protagonists, while still being appealing in and of their own right.

Now even with my strong recommendation I can’t ignore the slight concerns I hold for this serie’s future, having caught up with it. Just like how the sluggish feeling you get after eating a fast food meal doesn’t stop you from craving it again, so too does my uneasy worries not blemish this series so far. While fully invested in the romantic subplot of the series I feel more progress and clarity would make it a stronger read. There is only so much misunderstandings and awkwardness that a long running series can pull before we demand more concrete results. Finally, the story too thus far has followed a villain of the week format for the most part and it would serve the story well to pinpoint us in a destination that we hope to work towards.

Even with these small reservations aside, Dandadan is a series I know doubt see growing in its popularity. It balances, humour, slice of life and action fantasy very well, maintained primarily through its strong character leads and equally strong supporting cast. It’s a series that will have you salivating for more as you read and craving the next taste of it, soon after you’re full. It is a perfect example of fast food fiction as it constantly delivers no matter the mood or setting. You will truly get your money’s worth with this series.

Given the numerous critiques of this series of late I feel I should provide a defense for anyone conflicted or swayed as I often am by the negative. It is often the case the more mainstream these Shōnen series become the more contrarian voices arise. Their feedback can be both valid but all too overblown in their appraisal.

What Jujutsu Kaisen presents is a story unafraid to tread into the darker spaces that its themes and subject matter indicate. Those of similar ilk in the Shōnen category will approach death with but a toe but Jujutsu Kaisen dives right in like Yuji into a domain. ... The consequence of death is not by itself indicative of a great series but signifies the maturity in its handling of its story and themes. In this world the suffering that our cast of characters experience registers with us as readers as we connect them to the place in which they exist. And its impact is as wide ranging as it is in our world and the responses to it develop as the characters do. The story from its early chapters has never wavered in this regard.

Battle manga run the risk of inconsistent pacing, rushed story beats and action over substance. I won’t pretend Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t commit these in its storytelling, but even in its imperfections there is a consistent commitment to entertainment and character. Pacing doesn’t swing too much in either direction and the benefit of the doubt has already been established by the time it comes into any question. By the conclusion of the Shibuya Incident Arc there should be no doubt to the quality that this series can produce. You may have heard of these chapters as the peak of the manga and they are testament to the author’s skill in delivering an arc emotionally resonant while faithful to the weekly format that confines its storytelling.

Even in its most convoluted of moments the series never forgets what it is and that is to its credit. It can at times border the edges of being too smart for its own good with panels of exposition, but never goes over into territory of Dark Continent Hunter x Hunter, and doesn’t drag the story to a snails pace. The stakes are raised in each subsequent arc, the battles more consequential and the development of its characters is more and more profound along the spectrum of despairing and hopeful. Complaints toward the story’s direction are but the incendiary speech of backseat drivers to the navigational capabilities of the driver behind the wheel. A lot may be ironed out with the anime but it could very well be that the situation that our current cast is faced mirrors the nature of its storytelling. I’m not prepared to reduce the series as a whole to the heap for an arguable decline from the heights it established with the previous arc.

No matter your background and experience with stories along the same vein, Jujutsu Kaisen deserves the respect it’s earned. It exists in a space of sameness and offers enough differentiation to be viewed as one of the eminent series of the current age. Its assorted cast feature relatable traits to appeal in some way, no matter how small, to the reader, the story is focused enough that interest is sustained even along its bumpy detours, and its world and system has depth that fuels debate amongst its readers. There is more than enough juice left in this series that new readers can get on board and be hopeful in the journey that this series will take you.

This is far from being a bad series; one that doesn’t deserve an outpouring of negative reaction in any way. In truth, it blends comedy and action, stakes and insanity in a hyperactive but solid story. It contains a sweet supportive relationship at the core, much better handled than a catalogue of past and present Jump stories that handle such couplings with either immaturity or passivity.

Moments of Taiyo’s and Mutsumi’s declarations of love for each other move me enough to hope the best for their futures. Could we have more evidence for why they feel the way they do? Sure, but it’s not a ... black mark on the series as a whole to say there is no depth of feeling there. What ultimately keeps this series from being one I wholeheartedly endorse is ironically its inability to commit to its moments. Subjectively, action with humour is a better ratio than comedy with violence.

Episodic slice of life moments don’t so much fertilise character than stabilise what we already know. Arcs of intense action move the story forward but are often convoluted in exposition and invariably blossom into clashes of supernatural-scientific powers. It’s not that their isn’t value in the outcomes of these sequences but the gratification isn’t always felt. The landing isn’t as smooth as one would expect but in the end we do arrive at our next destination and are still eager to see what’s ahead.

Mission Yozakura Family has all the qualities of a must read series. Loveable characters, a sweet relationship we root for, stakes that are upped as we go along. And yet it falls short of hitting the mark at times in its precarious balance of comedy/slice of life/action, not always striking emotional resonance beats along with engrossing battles where the outcome is much too predictable. In the end, unfortunately, like any flower, it will have its moment in the sun, beautiful and appreciated then wilt and die and most likely forgotten and replaced with the next one out of the bunch.

Some series stay with you as its themes reach a place deep inside you; some connect you to a place in time you long to return to. Then there are series like Sakamoto Days that go beyond feeling and nostalgia and hit you like an assassin’s bullet in the head. Its approach may be linear, but still unexpected.

Sakamoto Days follows a premise ultimately uncomplicated; as easy to grasp as the handle of a gun, but so often abused or mishandled by authors of lesser skill. We have in the rounded and soft spoken Sakamoto a lead whose presence encapsulates the special qualities of this ... manga. He is understated and yet possesses room to grow. His design simple, initially played for comedy, but is all the more cooler for what he pulls off in the series. What is more badass than a grizzled Liam Neeson or hardened Keanu Reeves taking on assassin after assassin? Well, how about an overweight family man whose vow to not kill adds an extra element of spectacle to his encounters. Sakamoto may be a man of few words but this story is all the louder and clearer in what it achieves because of it.

Cool character designs partnered with art that is fluid, fast and easy to read should not be easily dismissed for the service it provides the narrative. It moves at a brisk pace, playing to its strengths in its choreography of movement. It moves me beyond a twisted plot and speaks to my basic desire for my life to be lead simply. And with a certain amount of coolness. Why does it need something profound to say when what it’s saying is isn’t this a heck of a fun ride. And it is, no matter how you slice it.

I look forward to a future where the anime has propelled this series into the stratosphere of timeless works. I even envision a live action that would work better than any adaptation of manga to date. This series is coming like an assassin’s bullet, ready to silence those that don’t believe in it. It’s prepared to send a message: welcome to the new age of Shōnen jump.

Chainsaw Man is the black coffee of Shōnen series. It is grounded and raw and without the saccharine additives that makes many of Jump’s series palatable for younger readers. It’s bitterness might deter many from appreciating its offering right away but over time many who once found it distasteful will realise its quality and those who had the tongue for it in the first place will say, ‘see this is what real coffee should be.’

Initially I couldn’t get past my shock of seeing this series featured alongside other Jump stalwarts. It departs so much from the safe and tested tropes. Sure it features of many ... of the same qualities that allow it a place on the shelf such as a teenage protagonist, destructive battles and resurrections with a fantastical imaginative world.
Dig a little though and you’ll also see a young protagonist more real in his depiction than many others in the same genre. Yes he’s goal oriented like the others. But his purpose is more relatable to real life teenage boys than becoming some king of whatever. Yes the battles are brutal and over the top but unlike many in jump’s lineup they don’t overstay their welcome. Sure death can be but a small inconvenience as often seen in other series where it is either only seen in flashback or shown as something just needed to be overcome. But in Chainsaw Man you feel that resurrection often also comes with despair and a true sense of loss for the character. It doesn’t result in some renewed declaration of will and power but with bitter consequences that affect the character’s emotional well-being. And finally yeah sure this is a landscape where devils and monsters exist, but often the biggest threat in this series isn’t some enormous blob of demonic creation but the very people who look and talk and think like you.

One final point of appreciation I have for this series and I think might be overlooked is the author’s respect for the medium. Many series in the same vein don’t trust the reader with visual imagery alone and must fill their panels with bloated and unnecessary words. Chainsaw Man however allows the characters and the world to come to breathe on its own. It’s often perfected in a lot more seinen series but amongst its peers in the Shōnen category it stands out even more.

I look forward to continuing this series and seeing the transformation of the characters and the developments made in the story. It’s a series that deserves its place as one of the most influential of its time and I welcome more people to either try it again or see for yourself the pure and great taste that is this black coffee series.