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:
Ichi the Witch (Cover & Lead Colour)
1 – Akane-banashi
2 – SAKAMOTO DAYS
Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi (Colour)
3 – Someone Hertz
4 – Me & Roboco
5 – Shinobi Undercover
6 – Roku’s House of Oddities
Dog Eat Dog World (GFC Oneshot No.2/Colour/47p) by Tanakura Jou
New – Graykeith: Translator Daemonica
7 – UNDER DOCTOR
New – The Ura Files
8 – Witch Watch
Animal Signal (Colour)
9 – Nue’s Exorcist
10 – Class 2-B Hero Destroyerz
11 – Kagurabachi
12 – HAL FORMULA
13 – Cannon Master
Quick Thoughts on the manga we read:
Kagurabachi – Chapter #133
Frog F: Yeah, Ibuki is a badass. I wasn’t expecting the one-sided rivalry with his brother, and now it looks like he and Shiba might be about to square off. A bit of a shorter chapter this week, though. Should we be concerned?
K Bug: Sibling rivalry.
Akane-Banashi – Chapter #224
Frog F: This manga is generational. What an insane chapter. Just Issho performing rakugo, with no outside commentary or audience thoughts interrupting it. The performance stands entirely on its own, and I was completely absorbed from start to finish. Akane-banashi is in a league of its own.
Ichi the Witch – Chapter #100
Frog F: Two years of Ichi the Witch! I’ve had my ups and downs with this series, but I’ve grown to really enjoy reading it each week. This current arc feels like the series is hitting its stride. I’m loving the focus on Kumugi, and the way the trial of Hakari gives everyone in Team Desscaras something meaningful to contribute has made it all the more enjoyable.
K Bug: The magic word.
Roku’s House of Oddities – Chapter #24
Frog F: This was a really cute chapter. It reminded me a little of the Japanese show Old Enough!, where young kids head out to run errands around town. It was nice to spend some time with two of the curses and see what they get up to without Roku around. Just a wholesome little adventure that put a smile on my face.
K Bug: A doll’s errand.
Someone Hertz – Chapter #51
Frog F: And so the school festival arc comes to a close. Seeing Mimei and Mizuo bond over their secret mystery broadcast was a lovely way to wrap things up, especially with the two texting each other from across the karaoke room. It looks like we’re heading into the next Listener Koshien now, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the radio show side of things.
Graykeith: Translator Daemonica – Chapter #4
Frog F: Another nice chapter of Graykeith that adds a little more depth to its world. The heartfelt story between the sea monk and the little girl showed just how much translation matters here, helping people understand one another and form connections that might otherwise never have been possible.
K Bug: Cry, an ocean.
Animal Signal – Chapter #16
Frog F: Unfortunately, I’m calling it a day with my weekly coverage of Animal Signal. It’s been a bit hit or miss, and while it isn’t terrible, I’ve found there just isn’t enough to talk about each week.
K Bug: Encore?
Cannon Master – Chapter #14
Frog F: As with Animal Signal, I’m also calling it a day with my coverage of Cannon Master. It feels increasingly clear that the series is heading towards cancellation, and it just isn’t holding my interest anymore.
K Bug: No good deed…
A look towards next issue:
Next Issue (#46):
Cover & Lead Colour Page: Shinobi Undercover
Colour Pages: Someone Hertz; UNDER DOCTOR; Banchoism (GFC Oneshot No. 3/47p) by Sai Koroko
Credit and thanks to Weekly Shonen Jump reddit for T.O.C.
All images belong to Shueisha.
