Each week we will be providing some thoughts on what we read in the latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. We also detail the T.O.C. (table of contents) for each issue and preview the following week’s issue.
This week’s table of contents order:
Roku’s House of Oddities (Debut/Cover/Lead Colour/54p) by Nakamura Atsushi
1 – Someone Hertz
2 – ONE PIECE
3 – Kagurabachi
4 – Me & Roboco
Ichi the Witch (Colour Page)
5 – Blue Box
6 – SAKAMOTO DAYS
Akane-banashi (Colour Page)
7 – UNDER DOCTOR
8 – Kinato’s Magic
Shinobi Undercover (Colour Page)
9 – Alien Headbutt
10 – Nue’s Exorcist
11 – Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi
12 – Himaten!
13 – Hero Girl and Demon Lord Call It Quits
14 – The Mage Next Door (Final Chapter)
Quick Thoughts on the manga we read:
One Piece – Chapter #1179
Frog F: Well that was certainly a crazy chapter. Imu has finally decided to enter the fray and shit is about to hit the fan. There is a lot to read into here with Imu’s actions and the reaction of the Five Elders. It really does feel like One Piece is truly heading into its final stretch now.
K Bug: Otherwise known as “Saint Imu Nerona and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”. I mean, the problems of the world aren’t solved, but it’s nice to see the Celestial Dragons on the backdoor for once.
Kagurabachi – Chapter #117
Frog F: And so the plot thickens. Everything we had assumed about the Seitei War seems to be being recontextualized here. Who’d have thought that Shiba was such a pivotal figure in the whole thing considering he never got any acclaim in the way the ‘hero’ Kunishige did. This chapter ruled. Bring on the Battle of Irishima.
K Bug: I’m not entirely sure the denizens of the mystery island understand the “peace” part of peace talks. Or how to ask for a favour. Or how not to do a murder. They do know how to put together a stylish furniture ensemble. That’s nice.
Ichi the Witch – Chapter #77
Frog F: Desscaras got Fake Luffy’d. Two intriguing dudes using magic tools rocked up. One is annoying, the other is kinda cool. Looks like the next story arc is setting into motion. I feel this series is kinda finding its groove at last.
K Bug: Identity theft is a serious crime, punishable by being restrained by a whip and having your magical hippopotamus absorbed by a pair of swords…apparently.
Kinato’s Magic – Chapter #10
Frog F: The unique fighting styles of Kinato’s Magic keep on rolling in with uhh.. kissing magic? Hey, I’m not complaining. This chapter took things to another gear. We got to meet some of the other guild masters and learn that there is a greater plot afoot. The villains introduction was intense and dripping with a sense of dread. Kinato pulled out a bit of a power up in the end of this chapter which may be a little too soon but also it was cool so I’ll let it slide. More of this please.
K Bug: Yo, Kinato’s got hands. Nice to see the support mage getting in on the action; not sure how you’re supposed to fight an opponent whose combat style is kissing, though.
Under Doctor – Chapter #11
Frog F: Still feel like Under Doctor has not found its groove yet as a manga. That said, this was a pretty cool chapter with hints of world building for the underworld of the series. This assassin guy is gonna end up being their mate isn’t he?
K Bug: An invincible assassin with steel muscles and iron bones? That guy should really see a doctor, you know, one he doesn’t punch through a wall.
Roku’s House of Oddities – Chapter #1 (Debut)
Frog F: A surprisingly original concept for a manga in Jump. The first chapter is solid. I wonder if this will be a gag/slice of life manga ala Witch Watch or if this will be a comedic/battle manga ala Reborn. Too early to say. That said I like the character designs. The story is simple but interesting enough. Good start. Title drop in final panel was kinda cringe but still I kinda dug it.
K Bug: Who amongst us hasn’t accidentally summoned five curses who are subsequently trapped in a contractual deadlock and forced to become roommates until they learn to cohabitate or uncover the dark mystery of their creation and thereby free their souls? Classic.
A look towards next week:
Next Issue (#20):
Cover & Lead Colour Page: Natsu to Mushikago (New Series/54p) by Satoushou Masayoshi
Colour Pages: Nue’s Exorcist; Shinobigoto; Roku’s House of Oddities (2nd Chapter/25p)
Absent: ONE PIECE
Credit and thanks to Weekly Shonen Jump reddit for T.O.C.
All images belong to Shueisha.
