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Nov 21, 2024
YOU'LL FIND A LONGER AND MORE DETAILED REVIEW BELOW!
OVERALL THOUGHTS AND A VERY SUMMARIZED VERSION:
"We Did It" masterfully blends dark comedy, tension, and introspection in a story about friendship, guilt, and unintended consequences. The plot is paced perfectly, balancing absurd twists with emotional depth. Its characters are deeply developed, with their actions shaped by personal traumas and social environments, making their journeys believable and impactful. The humor is sharp and often used to explore heavy themes, while the art complements the tone with a gritty yet expressive style. Though some supporting characters and worldbuilding lack originality, the story's emotional resonance and satisfying conclusion make it
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a standout exploration of moral compromise and the weight of past actions.
Final Score: 8.6/10
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LONG REVIEW:
1. Plot
- Originality and Complexity (Score: 9):
"We Did It" presents a darkly comedic yet surprisingly nuanced premise, centered around a group of friends who unintentionally become accomplices in a crime. The blend of humor, absurdity, and mystery sets it apart, creating a unique narrative.
- Plot Progression (Score: 10):
The pacing of the story is perfectly balanced, weaving comedic relief with moments of tension and introspection. The narrative unfolds without ever feeling too rushed or slow, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout. The story’s unpredictable twists keep the reader on edge, though some of the plot developments might feel contrived. However, given the absurd tone of the manga, this is less of a flaw and more of a signature feature of the storytelling style, much like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
- Narrative Coherence (Score: 9):
Despite the comedic undertones, We Did It remains narratively coherent. The characters’ actions are consistently motivated by their personal histories, desires, and conflicts, which gives the story a grounded feel even within its absurd framework. The themes of guilt, societal expectations, and trauma are deeply woven into the narrative, adding depth and emotional weight.
2. Characters
- Character Development (Score: 10):
The main group of friends undergoes substantial growth, with their individual personalities and flaws coming to the forefront. The characters’ internal struggles, shaped by their pasts and social environments, make their decisions feel organic and justified. By the end, each character’s life perspective is believable, and their actions reflect the traumas, environments, and familial dynamics that shaped them. The author’s care in developing these characters results in a highly satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.
- Supporting Characters’ Relevance and Development (Score: 9):
The supporting characters play an essential role in enriching the narrative. Through glimpses into their pasts, flashbacks, and interactions, the manga explores their motivations, adding layers to the story. By the end, the characters’ actions and reactions are explained, making the narrative feel tightly woven. While most supporting characters are well-developed, a few seem antagonistic for unclear reasons, preventing this category from receiving a perfect score. A notable example of strong development is Ichihashi’s dynamic with the protagonist, Tobio, which is both introspective and engaging.
3. Art
- Technical Quality (Score: 8):
The art style does a great job of capturing the story's tone, blending humor and tension with a gritty and detailed approach. The visual quality is solid, effectively conveying the emotional weight of the narrative. However, some action scenes may be a bit chaotic at times, and the clarity of certain moments could be improved.
- Artistic Style (Score: 8):
The visual style is distinctive and complements the absurd yet grounded tone of the manga. Exaggerated facial expressions are used effectively to enhance comedic timing, and the overall art style suits the story’s themes. While the art is cohesive and appropriate, it doesn’t push boundaries or introduce anything groundbreaking compared to other works in the genre.
4. World building
- Depth and Consistency of the Fictional World (Score: 7):
The world building is relatively straightforward. The setting feels realistic, with environments ranging from schools to “suspicious” houses, grounding the story in a familiar social reality. However, the world lacks originality, drawing on common settings that have appeared in other stories. Despite this, the juxtaposition of ordinary life with the characters’ growing dilemmas adds a compelling layer to the narrative, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
5. Pacing
- Narrative Flow and Tension Balance (Score: 9):
The pacing is expertly handled, maintaining a consistent flow that keeps the reader engaged. Moments of high tension are effectively balanced with comedic interludes, ensuring that the narrative never feels too heavy or too light. The story almost always moves at the right pace, without losing momentum or stalling.
6. Themes
- Theme Exploration and Depth (Score: 10):
"We Did It" explores themes such as guilt, friendship, moral compromise, and the ripple effects of actions in a deep and nuanced manner. The characters’ personal struggles are closely tied to their environments, traumas, and backgrounds, with each decision reflecting these influences. For instance, Koyoi’s attachment to sex stems from a lack of familial presence, while Renko, the most "normal" character, is shaped by her stable family life and this applies to all the relevant characters. The humor in the story serves as a contrast to these heavy themes, making them more accessible and intensifying the emotional connection the reader has with the characters.
7. Emotional Impact
- Emotional Response and Impactful Moments (Score: 7):
While "We Did It" skillfully balances humor and emotion, some of the emotional beats feel rushed. The comedic elements land effectively, but the emotional moments sometimes lack the depth they could have achieved. Despite this, the story still elicits a strong emotional reaction, particularly in its more introspective and dramatic moments.
8. Enjoyment (Score: 7):
The manga provides an enjoyable reading experience, mixing humor, action, and emotional depth in a way that keeps the reader hooked. The absurdities and twists keep things fresh and unpredictable, making it a fun ride from start to finish. However, some of the emotional moments and pacing choices maybe too fast might detract slightly from overall enjoyment, preventing it from reaching a higher score in this category.
9. Conclusion
- Reader Satisfaction and Arc Resolution (Score: 9):
The conclusion of We Did It is highly satisfying, with the main plot threads being tied up while still leaving certain aspects open for interpretation. The characters are left profoundly affected by their experiences, and the manga successfully portrays how past traumas and societal norms continue to influence their lives, even after the story ends. This ambiguity regarding their futures adds a layer of realism, making the ending feel earned and emotionally resonant.
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Final Score: 8.6/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Aug 20, 2024
YOU'LL FIND A LONGER AND MORE DETAILED REVIEW BELOW!
OVERALL THOUGHTS AND A VERY SUMMARIZED VERSION:
Dragon Ball remains a foundational work in shonen manga, known for its high-energy battles, memorable characters, and engaging plot. While it may not be the most complex or intricately crafted narrative, its impact and excitement make it essential for genre fans. Despite its flaws, including underdeveloped elements and a weaker final saga, Dragon Ball’s legacy as a pioneering manga series is firmly established.
Akira Toriyama's original plan for the series was promising, but the pressure from Shueisha to extend the story led to the Buu saga’s shortcomings. As a result, the final
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arc fell short of the series' previous quality and coherence. Unfortunately, like Akira Toriyama, we too were let down by the series' final arc, f!"k Sueisha.
The potential for an AMAZING satisfying conclusion, particularly with Gohan's promising role, was overshadowed by the issues in the Buu saga.
Final Score: 7.8
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LONG REVIEW:
1. Plot
- Originality and Complexity (Score: 8):
Dragon Ball was revolutionary in its time, introducing and popularizing many tropes now common in shonen anime and manga. It expertly mixes martial arts, adventure, and humor into a straightforward yet engaging narrative.
The journey to collect the Dragon Balls and the progression to cosmic-level conflicts are iconic. Despite its simplicity and the lack of intricate plot twists, Dragon Ball laid the groundwork for many conventions of the genre.
Some elements, such as the origin of the sacred water that defeated Demon King Piccolo or the process of creating Senzu Beans, could have been better explored, which might have added more depth and complexity.
- Plot Progression (Score: 8):
The series starts as a gag manga but evolves into a compelling story with a balance of training, tournaments, and grand battles, maintaining audience interest with escalating stakes.
Early on, the plot can be predictable, but it improves significantly as it develops, particularly from the Demon King Piccolo saga to the Cell saga. The twist revealing Goku and Piccolo as aliens paved the way for the Namek arc and beyond, showcasing a cohesive narrative. The connection of Dr. Gero to the Red Ribbon Army is a brilliant touch, highlighting Toriyama's skillful weaving of plot elements.
While the Saiyan, Frieza, and Cell sagas in special are well-structured, the Buu saga, marred by Shueisha’s pressure and a noticeable decline in quality, disrupts the otherwise solid progression.
- Narrative Coherence (Score: 6):
Dragon Ball maintains a generally consistent narrative, especially in its early arcs.
The universe's rules, like ki, are well-established. However, as the series progresses, some elements strain these rules. Issues like the mysterious origin of the sacred water and inconsistencies in the Piccolo arc undermine narrative coherence and plot holes. The Buu arc, in particular, suffers from this, likely due to its rushed production. The series' original intended conclusion after the Cell saga would have offered a more satisfying end.
2. Characters
- Character Development (Score: 7):
Goku’s evolution from a naive child to a powerful warrior is central and iconic, focusing more on power progression than emotional depth.
Vegeta stands out for as my personal favorite: his significant development, transitioning from villain to hero, bringing the saiyans past and adding Goku some layers too, inserting complexity to the narrative makes him an amazing character.
Even so, character growth often takes a backseat to action, limiting deeper exploration.
- Supporting Characters’ Relevance and Development (Score: 7):
Dragon Ball features a rich supporting cast, including Piccolo, Gohan, Muten Roshi and Krillin, who play crucial roles.
However, as the series progresses and power levels rise, many supporting characters become sidelined.
Krillin, once a key ally, becomes less relevant. Muten Roshi has a good conclusion in Demon King Piccolo's saga, leaving the planet to the new generation. Piccolo's role diminishes in the later arc but it's balanced because of Kami fusion which makes him more of an analytical than a fighter, I guess, Gohan's potential is wasted after the Cell saga.
These missed opportunities in character development prevent the supporting cast from fully realizing their potential, and as you can see, many of these issues arise from the Buu saga, even Krillin has a decent role in the Cell saga with his interactions with Android 18, but he has virtually none in the Buu saga.
3. Art
- Technical Quality (Score: 8):
Akira Toriyama's art is distinctive and dynamic, effectively capturing the energy of the battles. Character designs are simple yet recognizable, and the choreography of fight scenes is clear and engaging, really really good choreography.
The art is less detailed than some modern manga but excels in clarity and expressiveness.
The use of double-page spreads is limited, which is a shame becauseone of the manga's best moments occur when this technique is employed. Nowadays, we know that double-page spreads are highly effective for impactful moments. Perhaps it wasn't very common at the time, but the overall art quality remains high, with excellent panel composition.
- Artistic Style (Score: 7):
Toriyama’s style is visually appealing and influential, shaping the look of future shonen series.
Exaggerated expressions, vibrant energy blasts, and dynamic poses contribute to a unique and recognizable aesthetic. The simplicity of the art, though charming, may feel less intricate compared to modern manga standards. This may be a matter of personal preference or familiarity with more elaborate contemporary styles.
4. Worldbuilding
- Depth and Consistency of the Fictional World (Score: 8):
Dragon Ball features a diverse world with unique locations like Capsule Corporation, Namek, and the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. The introduction of alien races, deities, and other realms adds depth.
However, many aspects of the world remain underexplored, with a focus predominantly on Earth. Techniques like Instant Transmission and fusion are learned off-screen, missing opportunities to explore these other locales in detail.
5. Pacing
- Narrative Flow and Tension Balance (Score: 9):
Pacing in Dragon Ball varies, with some arcs flowing well while others, such as the tournaments, can feel a bit repetitive, specially the Tenshinhan one, maybe the worst pacing in the series imo.
The series generally balances action with downtime effectively, allowing character development and story progression.
Unlike the anime, which suffers from pacing issues, the manga maintains a brisk pace.
6. Theme
- Theme Exploration and Depth (Score: 6):
The central themes of Dragon Ball—friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement—are prevalent but not deeply explored. The series touches on themes like destiny and the nature of power but remains focused on action and adventure.
The thematic exploration supports the series' goals but lacks the complexity or philosophical depth seen in some other works.
7. Emotional Impact
- Emotional Response and Impactful Moments (Score: 8):
Dragon Ball features many memorable and emotionally impactful moments, such as Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation and Vegeta’s sacrifice against Majin Buu.
These scenes resonate with the audience and highlight the series' ability to connect emotionally despite its focus on action. Moments like Gohan’s transformation during the Cell Games demonstrate how the series blends action with emotional depth.
8. Enjoyment (Score: 9)
Dragon Ball excels in delivering pure entertainment. Its high-energy battles, iconic transformations, and moments of humor create a deeply engaging experience. The series’ ability to balance lighthearted moments with intense drama ensures consistent excitement. Even with its narrative flaws, Dragon Ball’s charm and action-packed storytelling make it a thrilling read that keeps fans coming back for more.
Adding to this is the nostalgia factor, as Dragon Ball holds a special place in my heart. Iconic moments like Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation or Vegeta’s redemption evoke a sense of excitement that defined my childhood.
9. Conclusion
- Reader Satisfaction and Arc Resolution (Score: 7):
The series concludes its arcs satisfactorily, though some storylines and characters could have been further developed.
The arcs in general leave a lasting impression and with good flow for the next one, but the Buu saga’s decline in quality affects overall satisfaction.
Despite this, the series’ conclusion is generally positive, though it falls short of its full potential due to rushed elements and missed opportunities.
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Final Score: 7.8
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Aug 12, 2024
YOU'LL FIND A LONGER AND MORE DETAILED REVIEW BELOW!
OVERALL THOUGHTS AND A VERY SUMMARIZED VERSION:
Hell's Paradise shines in several aspects, particularly with its well-developed characters and the island.
With an original story that blends intense action and philosophical reflections, it's a highly recommended read for those who enjoy complex/emotionally charged narratives, some mystery and action.
With amazing battles/action and an excellent power-system.
Final Score: 8.7
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LONG REVIEW:
1. Plot
- Originality and Complexity (Score: 9):
Hell's Paradise offers a unique premise, blending ninjas, samurais, and a deadly island filled with supernatural dangers.
The quest for the elixir of immortality is gripping, and the inclusion of the "power of Tao" it's a very good power system with almost zero plot holes, and adds a philosophical and spiritual layer to the story giving it depth beyond the action.
What sets it apart is how the combat system requires characters to undergo introspection and personal growth to unlock their full potential, placing the author from the outset under the 'obligation' to develop the characters and write them well.
- Plot Progression (Score: 9):
The story progresses in an engaging way, with well-timed twists that keep the reader hooked.
The balance between action and plot development is well-maintained, ensuring consistent interest from beginning to end.
- Narrative Coherence (Score: 9):
The narrative remains solid and consistent within the world created.
The characters act in ways that align with their motivations, and the universe’s rules (like the Tao) are respected, giving the story a cohesive feel, although I encountered a super super minor discrepancy or perhaps a small inconsistency with Tao, but nothing too serious or that detracts from the experience.
2. Characters
- Character Development (Score: 9):
Gabimaru and Sagiri are complex characters with well-developed emotional arcs that depend on one another.
They grow throughout the story, facing internal struggles and becoming stronger and more complete individuals.
Their relationship is layered and evolves naturally, making it captivating to follow.
- Supporting Characters’ Relevance and Development (Score: 9):
The supporting characters are not sidelined; each has their own story and reason for being on the island.
They contribute significantly to the plot and have their own moments of spotlight, making the world richer and more engaging.
3. Art
- Technical Quality (Score: 8):
While the art in Hell's Paradise is detailed and expressive, capturing the brutal and dark from the story tone with the use of heavy black and a lot of contrast, there are moments where the action sequences become difficult to follow.
The chaotic nature of some fight scenes can make it challenging for the reader to fully grasp what's happening, which slightly detracts from the overall experience.
- Artistic Style (Score: 8):
The artistic style is strong and fitting for the series, with a unique visual identity that matches the dark and intense atmosphere. However, there are works out there that deliver a more polished or innovative artistic approach, which makes the art in Hell's Paradise really good and solid but not perfect.
4. Worldbuilding
- Depth and Consistency of the Fictional World (Score: 9):
The island in Hell's Paradise is filled with mysteries and dangers, with its own mythology that is gradually revealed.
The author does an excellent job building the island and the villains.
There could have been a deeper dive into some of the lore, they talk a lot about Iwagakure, China and even Japan but we saw almost nothing of it.
5. Pacing
- Narrative Flow and Tension Balance (Score: 8):
The pacing is mostly well-handled, with action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat and quieter moments that allow for character development.
However, there are points where the story slows down a bit.
6. Theme
- Theme Exploration and Depth (Score: 9):
The manga touches on heavy themes like redemption, the meaning of life, and the struggle between life and death.
These themes are explored in an interesting way, especially with the concept of Tao, which has huge potential for complex philosophies.
7. Emotional Impact
- Emotional Response and Impactful Moments (Score: 8):
Hell's Paradise connects emotionally with the reader, particularly through the personal dilemmas and sacrifices the characters face.
There are several genuinely touching moments that stick with you, showing that the manga goes beyond action and really resonates on an emotional level.
8. Enjoyment (Score: 9):
Reading Hell's Paradise is an immersive experience. It's combination of action, mystery, and philosophical depth keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The battles are intense and creative, bolstered by a well-designed power system, and the emotional arcs of the characters add an extra layer of engagement. The mix of stunning visuals, rich lore, and thematic depth makes Hell's Paradise a manga that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
9. Conclusion
- Reader Satisfaction and Arc Resolution (Score: 9):
The conclusion is satisfying and ties up most of the story arcs well.
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Final Score: 8.7
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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