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Apr 19, 2010
As a great fan of action-oriented manga's and especially those influenced by a martial art. I came across Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru. While excited by the gaze upon its genres and summary, was I eventually pleased to read this manga?
If there's anything that bothers me about this manga, it's the focus. Though it has the ability to grasp the reader and involve it with its action and dialogue. It does so only rarely. You have a story about a gymnast who, with a tough and flexible atletic body, somehow becomes involved with karate and the karate club. The story seems a little weird at first
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and doesn't seem all that interesting. Though when confronted with the first battle scene, much is visible about just how 'good' this manga is.
Battles are clean and followable, exciting and cool. The moves are right, and they put in plenty of fights to still the belly.
The problem however, like said before, is its focus. For some reason, though they have set everything up nicely, the manga just won't carry on as should. You have Minoru, the brave protagonist, and you have his friends. Yet the story focuses too much on the friends, leaving barely any space for Minoru to develop. It is known pretty quickly that he is keen on Karate and has potential. Yet after 50+ chapters pass, not much of this is actually accomplished nor fulfilled. It drifts on too much about new characters being introduced and the back-story about his friends. Surely one necessary for later developments. But one taking too long. I at least expect a growth after 50 chapters.
Though the pace in development is slow, it is surely present. And it will, regardless of how long it takes, eventually pull you in and show you the splendour of waiting for it to develop. In the end, maybe exactly the slow pace is what charms the excitement. That being said. The action is clean and nicely drawn. The art in general is pretty good. The characters are interesting. The manga is exciting and refreshing. The story a little bland, but good enough for a battle manga. There's comedy present to lighten the mood and tight battles to make you sit at the edge of your seat.
If I had the say in whether yes/no you should read this, then yes, read it. Especially if you like martial arts and/or battle-manga's.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 9, 2009
My oh my, what an enjoyable read this have been. It's a short experience, as the manga only has 14 chapters for you to enjoy. After 14 chapters of being in the Monster Hunter world, which would much more befittingly could be called 'Dragon Hunter', I have to say I am excitingly impressed!
If one thing is noticeable about Monster Hunter, then it is it's amazing artwork. I have not yet seen a scene in a chapter where no time was put in. The characters looks astonishing and some of the artwork when consisting of villages were a sight to behold as well. The monsters looks
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absolutely beautiful and really captures the viewer by it's details and shapes. It truly is a manga filled with magnificent artwork.
As far as the story goes, it's a little bland and especially seems rushed since there are only 14 short chapters for us to enjoy. However, it being based off the Monster Hunter games, it did a perfectly fine job sketching the concepts behind this o' so popular game and it's background and purpose. I wish the manga was longer, at least twice as long. So their growth, as well as upgrades and adventures, would be much longer and vivid than is now. There were some exceptional pieces of story work to be found in Monster Hunter; though it was not as well translated in just the short amounts of time it had. However, the story is still enjoyable, makes sense and is definitely enjoyable for any viewer.
Most of the enjoyment comes from it's splendid artwork. But besides that I have to admit that the characters in the story, which is typical for Mashima Hiro, are well explained, fun and and a nice sight to look at. Though the characters are quite stereotypical, as seen in Natsu (Fairy Tail) and Luffy (One Piece), it is still enjoyable since these characters bring a comedic spoof to the story like no others can. Which adds up to the tone and setting of this manga, since it managed to put violence and killing dragons to be a good thing in my book.
Overall this is a serialization worth mentioning, worth your time (heck, it's only 14 chapters long) and worth the read. I enjoyed it and finished it in one go, which took me about 1 - 2 hours. Just to give you an indication. So if you are up for it; give it a shot and you won't regret it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 8, 2009
If there's one thing I definitely did while watching Tonagura!... it was laugh. Throughout the story there has been so much going on in the comedy department; that I consider it a miracle if one does not enjoy this Anime.
However, does this Anime have more to offer than it's splendid comedy? Not as much in the story department. There is close to no story going on; and the story that does goes on is as typical as it can get, of course there is also -who wouldn't have guessed it- a child promise and childhood friend to be found.
But don't get me wrong; because even
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cliches like Tonagura can have plenty to offer. For one, it's visuals. It is drawn quite perverted as that is where most humor is based on. So then it is nothing more than your every day Harem/Comedy/Romance anime? So it indeed had nothing more to offer the viewer besides some boobies, panties, main character being knocked out and sexual harassment?
You see, the main character is a funny fellow who has the funniest of looks on his face when he sees nudity. Besides that, he is actually a pretty good guy.
The reason Tonagura stands out of being a generic harem, is because of this guy. He IS perverted, so when perverted things happen it is more than logical and probably one of the reasons I really enjoyed the series.
But of course, just a story with a pervert isn't an exciting one and definitely not one I, nor you, would like to check out. It's like an empty shell. But no worries there, Tonagura! is a 13 episodes having Anime that throws in enjoyment, but also a mediocre story, mediocre artwork and some drama. All that to wrap things up in a package called 'generic comedy/harem'. But take my words as an advice for this Anime when I say it differentiates itself from other comedy/harems by it's excellent use of comedy and character development. And that within the short limits of time (13 episodes) this Anime has made a remarkable memory in my mind.
Tonagura! is definitely worth the watch and has, besides humor, also a befitting story going on. Sure it does not stand out on a first look; but it sure as hell is worth your time. Because you know what, this Anime made me smile for days. And whenever I think back of this (same as I had with Midori no Hibi), I laugh. Because this Anime is the vivid laughter of ones day and will -will you decide to watch it- make you too enjoy it and all it's characters (especially the main character) and brighten your day.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 8, 2009
*Note: Despite still 'reading' as I am typing this, I know how the story will develop, have read later on chapters as well and know the in -and outs of this story more than any other.
A manga from the legendary Dragon Quest franchise. It's quite old -while typing this review- as of now; but is it still -and especially for in that time- worth the read?
Yeah, it is. But only if you like Dragon Quest and/or rpg stories with a typical set-up. Give me the chance to explain.
Dragon Quest Dai no Daibouken is a story revolving around a kid, destined to be 'a hero'. Which
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is stereotyping todays adventure RPG's. Kid is destined, gets a party, has loads of fights with bosses and eventually wants to save the world. These however are no spoilers, as it is obvious what formula this series is using right after the first few chapters.
As the story progresses; just like in RPG's, the hero obviously gains friends (a party) and discovers more about being a hero and vice versa.
So then why, if you do not like an RPG story, should you read Dai no Daibouken? To be honest, all in all the series ain't that spectacular. Hundreds of chapters for a reused formula (every saga is pretty much the same). Artwork isn't all that impressive, which is logical seeing how it's outdated. The framework is decent and NOT chaotic. Which makes things easier to read. So if you asked me as to 'why' to read this if not liking adventure RPG's, then I would say: "don't read it". Besides the adventures there isn't much this manga has to offer.
It's repetitive, can get boring and it's not all too exciting too. That's why it's, simple as that, only enjoyable for people that like Dragon Quest and/or adventure RPG's.
I myself have always liked Dragon Quest and therefore enjoyed every bit of this manga, which resembles not only the stories of Dragon Quest a lot, but also Dragonball in a way. Sure the artwork is outdated; but the development throughout the story is really well done.
But for anyone (I am becoming repetitive myself!) who likes Dragon Quest / RPG's, this is an enjoyable read. If so, definitely check Dragon Quest Dai no Daibouken out!
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jul 4, 2009
Before I start naming the 'buts', let me tell you what really intrigued me with Mushi Uta; the things that really had this series going for me.
For one, the animation. It's a 12 episodes long show, which is really short considering the amount of storytelling needing to be done. However, unlike many 12 episodes having Anime's, the animation quality wasn't bad and in fact one of this Anime's strong points. Action scenes were worked out nicely, coloring was nice and fitting, the animation was smooth and the backgrounds and effects looked particularly interesting enough.
Besides animation, the sounds are well done (though not exceptional) and the
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whole concept lurking behind this Anime is extremely good. To be honest, without knowing anything about this Anime I had a peek into the first episode. I ended up finishing it and a curious mini me inside me was triggered into watching more and more. The idea itself was great, the characters seemed perfect and the concept seemed worth it. Worth time that is.
More about the characters before I start ranting on and on about the concept. The visuals (designs) are, just like the animation, pretty good. It's not exceptional or really interesting; but it fits in with the story that's being told and therefore is pretty likeable. Especially likeable is the main character who seems like the perfect 'badass'. He wears goggles, is an assassin and besides that, is the strongest guy around! I mean, no more wimps as lead characters, finally a strong guy! At least, so I thought. However, let me get back to the concepts.
The concept was great, the characters had potential. Then where did it go wrong? Wrong you say? Yes, because somewhere in time Mushi Uta lost my interest -and besides that- wrongfully used the potential I saw in it that much earlier.
Let me clarify. For starters, the 'badass' main character was put into 'development', a forced development by that. The creators figured it was his time to develop; thus they made him develop. It was so wrong! All of a sudden Mr. Perfect Assassin turned into a wimp! It's cool and all if he starts getting emotions, but why did he turn weak again? Why did he get ill? And I'm not trying to spoil things here, but he really did turn weaker towards the middle/end. Which is a shame.
Besides that, there is a love triangle going on which -in my honest opinion- isn't adding anything to the story. It's like making a mixture of coke light and coke. I mean, what's the point really?
Of course the concept isn't consisting of just one character. But it's consisting of it's story and how the story develops (alongside it's characters).
Things seemed rushed towards the middle/end. Even an unneeded addition of a love story was added. What the f, this is an action packed fantasy story, and you are adding a love triangle. Wake up call please? Besides that the story gained an uninteresting plot twist. The idea of bugs (where the story is about) turned chaotic and plain weird as the story progressed. Unnecessary scenes were inserted and more than once have I been tempted to just 'STOP' the player and start doing something that I do like.
For that reason, just the feeling of wanting to 'STOP' something -despite being well animated- is more than enough reason for me to tell you to warn you.
It's not that bad an Anime really, heck you might even like it. But for me, it's a 12 episodes long Anime that needed more episodes, a renewal of it's complete story and it seems like I wasted time watching 51 episodes of something unenjoyable while it's only 12 episodes long.
To me, it's not worth more than a 6. But seeing how crappy some Anime I rated a 6 are, and seeing how it did have loads of potential (especially earlier episodes)... I'm giving it a 7.
The genres are mostly action/drama, in a fantasy world setting.
It's 12 episodes long. Most enjoyment I had with this was from it's first episode; after learning about it's concept. Least enjoyment I had with this Anime was probably in one of the middle episodes or ending episode.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Apr 8, 2009
To be completely fair; this manga was quite the fast paced sucker. It's only 11 chapters long, and after having finished it I am certain that next week I will have completely forgotten this manga and it's title.
It's not that it's not entertaining; it's more so that it's rushed, unfinished, confusing and tries to make every genre fit in perfectly; which it doesn't.
There's is a lot of nudeness being thrown around together with monstrous fellows creeping around. The whole setting is supposed to be gore, shocking and ecchi; with themes like rape and nudity in between a lot.
However, in my opinion the setting failed. Because
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it was all so rushed; the gore wasn't shocking and the story wasn't well explained. Explained, exactly... most things were confusing as hell. It's like seeing an apple three, knowing it's an apple three, but it for some random reason just not being an apple three but a building in stead. See what I'm getting at, it just doesn't make sense. I don't mean that the art is hard to describe or that it's hard to make things out of it. It is more so that scenes are so fast and drastic, that before you put your finger on it and understand what's going on, the next scene is already nearing it's end. In this same pace, this fast and confusing pace, the 11 chapters are finished before you realize it. Only for it be forever forgotten after. Which is a shame, I didn't particularly disliked this manga and it's setting.
But the lack of explanation and development is inexcusable, and therefor I can't say I really have an opinion about this manga. It's like watching a full length two hour movie, sleep through it for over an hour and then in the end after waking up saying it sucks. That's the feeling I get Yakuza Girl, even though I did finish through it completely. It is too biased, fast, confusing, lacks too much and there is no real connection with any of the characters as they all did not develop much. Neither did the characters get any introduction; so you only remember every character by face.
The story focuses mainly on the two main characters love; which by the way, isn't all that bad. It was quite romantic and probably the best this manga has to offer. But yet again this too lacked. It's like they didn't know each other; they just love each other out of impulse. Well, his feelings towards her at least. She, Akari, however had been through some developments and actually changed/developed throughout the end. But despite the authors effort, it is still an empty shell; their romance, that is.
The ending was just like the overall story rushed; I still don't really get what's going on or what their reasonings are. Sure it is explained, it just doesn't make much sense.
I wouldn't advice this manga to anyone, neither would I tell you not to read it. It's short, it's ok and you pass time with it. If possible though, find a different manga to read. This manga is especially recommended to people who like gore fighting scenes and/or sexual content/nudity. There is a lot of nudity going on; such as nipples showing in almost every chapter. There isn't much sexual content however; to my idea there have been a few near rapes and two sex involvements/scenes in this manga; though not shown in more than one or two shots. I'm not sure however, I wasn't clear on the pictures shown in the manga. Yet again, confusing. However, ecchi/gore likers/lovers should probably be able to read through these 11 chapters like crazy while enjoying a boob in every chapter being thrown at them (you perhaps?).
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Mar 18, 2009
First thing to note is the disappointing character artwork. Yet, it didn't bother me. Not to mention that the environmental artwork is amazing, and it's easy to see what's going on too (which is rare for action manga who are more often confusing and sometimes hard to follow).
If you look behind the artwork of the characters you'll most likely find either a blank page, another manga page or... if it's digital: the back of your screen. But if you look behind the way the characters are drawn and actually read a few chapters, you won't even notice and after a while start liking the weird
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artwork.
So I wouldn't put down 'Art' as a negative; since it's not bad, plus it fits the manga fairly well. As far as characters and story go; there is plenty of development ging on. Which isn't so rare for a sports manga; they still need to improve right.
This is a sports manga about boxing; which is pretty much what it's about most of the time. A lot of revealing being done; lots and lots of boxing and boxing and sometims a little romance and some dry-in moments. You see, there aren't any 'blushing' and 'what should I do, I never talked to a girl before' moments in this manga, mainly since it's a boxing manga. But there is romantic development in between; though hard to notice since they never seem to be nervous or surprised about what's happening. I mean, the guy can watch porn in his room, be caught by his dad or anybody and reply with: "o, is that so" without worrying about it at all. Which is different, refreshing you might say. For once a different type of humor which in this manga's case worked out well.
Take a note though, there isn't much 'technical' about boxing revealed besides that two guys hit each other in a ring with some people looking impressed at it in this manga. Which is the only real negative point.
There aren't too many characters; especially considering it's 150+/- chapters. But the characters that do come into the picture are almost always the same in emotion and all that; so not much development there thoughout the story.
There is one thing I can tell you though, this manga entangles you. Mostly because you just ALWAYS have something to read/continue with at the end of a chapter. Since it's fun, you give in and do so. Before you know it, you already finished it (speaking out of experience). Most of the awesomeness is obviously caused by the mangaka Adachi Mitsure, a pure manga genius with lots of good work.
Don't worry about the picture looking lame or the first chapter not leaving a good impression artwork-wise. This manga is definitely worthwhile and a great read all throughout (not any filler-like pages/chapters too). I did feel the ending was rather rushed and would've loved for it to continued; which is a shame. The ending didn't give me a bad/unfinished feeling, rather, it did finish. But it still seemed a little rushed.
If you like sports/boxing, romance, dry-humor and/or something different yet good for a change; this is the manga for you!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 13, 2009
It's basically a game of guessing. If you guess right, you survive. If you guess wrong, you'll die. Now, this isn't just a game for children. It required hard thinking and strong determination.
The intention of this Manga is to make it's readers doubt and think. The manga wants us to think alongside, to guess who the killer truly is. And of course, we as the readers succumb to this feeling and guess.
However, this is where my first disappointment came into the picture.
There are varieties of personalities and character present to make the manga interesting. All it needed was more doubt among themselves; more drama, more
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twists as in who the killer might truly be alongside many given hints we would only realize later.
However I did not notice any hints at all when the conclusion came. Besides that, the conclusion just didn't make much logical sense and wasn't hinted at all. It's like writing a story and suddenly deciding AT THE END of it to decide a killer by coin flip; and then think about what you could use as possible 'hints'. I mean, it was just mind blowing retarded.
The manga itself is fairly interesting though. It gets you thinking; it gets you on the edge of your seat, it keeps you want to read more to eventually see who the killer is and it absolutely gives you 'what the heck?' moments. The 'what the heck' moments are especially fun considering the somewhat gore story.
However, I wasn't engrossed by it. In fact, I think this manga could have put in 'that' much more into it to make it more enjoyable. I just expected more hints, more confusion and more chaos among the survivors.
But the amount of 'people' was low to begin with and was soon changed into even 'less' people. Which is a disappointment all in all; since the personalities weren't used to their max potential. Not to mention that in and around the middle of the manga things are already being revealed; which takes away tension. Besides that, around chapter 10 I already doubted how the manga was going to continue from that point forward due to a lack of material.
Besides all the flaws I've pointed out; the manga is quite good and enjoyable. It has a sharp setting and sticks to it correctly. So if you like a little tension, some gore and people being locked up in a basement. Then this manga is one for you.
Of course you could also just like horror/drama, which is also a good reason. Whatever fits your taste. If you enjoy a manga that, just like I pointed out, has more hints/confusion to it that actually is worth your brain's thinking, you might want to check out another manga. But still, like I said a few times before, this manga isn't quite as bad as I might make it seem. Especially since it's only 20 chapters in total; which is quite the quick read. Just don't expect too much from it and don't start it if your into romance/comedy.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 22, 2008
I'm going to keep this short and clear so it'll become not only my shortest review, but also a review that gets to the point.
This Anime, no matter how I look at it, wasn't enjoyable at all. The animation is so-so, the sounds are so-so, the story sucks and the characters are especially mediocre to poorly done. You see, I don't get how an Anime like this deserves high ratings since it has nothing that really compliments it.
It has a slow build-up, tends to look like fillers, are boring and doesn't get you into it all. The first episode was decent; and it did get
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me to watch it till the end.
But the more I got to the end.. the worse it got.
I can't recommend this to anyone. However, it seems the other reviewers did like this sort of Anime and gave it quite the high rating. Thus, it seems it is enjoyable to some; maybe you too. But in my opinion; don't watch this. If you want a romance/comedy to follow through; stick to different ones. Because this one, it's not so good.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Dec 22, 2008
GONZO sure started off very nicely with this release. The first episode was hilarious and had so little; yet so much to do with what has later to come.
Truly; it made me want to look at episode 2 with more heart and NEED of this Anime.
However, the more the episodes went on, the more disappointing it'll become.
I don't know what GONZO was trying to do; but a lot of stuff later in the series starts to get quite confusing and doesn't really add up to anything.
I see this happen in a lot of Anime; they try to complicate their stories more by confusing the viewer.
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But the only thing they are doing is putting unnecessary effort into unnecessary scenes. If only they'd put in more thought to the story and followed up from where they started, it would've been better.
However, it is what it is, so lets keep it that way. The Anime as it is, isn't flawless, by far. But it is enjoyable, however.
The characters are just like the story; not that big a deal. Quite typical for Anime, and sort of predictable. The story was unpredictable; due to it being confusing. But the characters, not as much.
The best part of this Anime is it's continual feel. At one point it is mystical and fantasy-based. At the other point it tends more towards action or drama. Some scenes really look like RPG's, while other scenes tend more towards a different type of action.
All in all, the Tower of Druaga - The Aegis of Uruk, has a lot to offer. Maybe a bit too much; seeing how it's better to stick to one vibe in stead of many.
However, let's skip complaining and enjoy the show. Since it still was quite enjoyable and has nearly flawless animation. The sounds were pretty good and there is a certain amount of development in between. So yes, it is definitely enjoyable if you look beside the flaws that is the story.
There will be a second season of this Anime; let's just hope GONZO makes up for it; so it'll become just like this one, but then without flaws.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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