MSR June 2020

 MSR June 2020

If you enjoy this monthly blog, I also put out bi-weekly animated film reviews and semi-regular manga reviews, among other content. Check out my Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/kyoukasuigetsu) and Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/kyoukasuigetsu) to support my endeavors. Thanks so much

Disclaimer: Scanlations and official sources both have a place in the community, but buy official manga volumes to support the author. If you can, also subscribe to Crunchyroll and/or Shonen Jump through Viz Media to read chapters nearly simultaneous with Japan. Most of the series covered can be found through legal means, so please encourage the industry that gives us what we love

4 new series will be coming out in June and early July. The first is by Kentaro Yabuki of Black Cat and To-LOVE-Ru fame, Ayakashi Triangle. A ninja exorcist, Matsuri Kazamaki, is turned into a girl by a powerful yokai Shirogane, who hopes to both prevent the romance between Matsuri and his childhood friend Suzu and also eventually consume the powerful life force of Suzu, a rare spiritual medium.

Magu-chan God of Destruction by Kei Kamiki is another attempt to fill the void left by KochiKame and others like Gintama, the story of a girl Ruru, finding a god of destruction that was previously sealed, but is weak after his release. Her friendship is such that he decides to stick around and possibly not be such a bad guy (though he still has an attitude that he’s superior), whacky hijinks ensuing overall

The last series for June (1 more to debut in July) is Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin by Ryuuhei Tamura (previously serialized Hungry Marie and Beelzebub before that). A tough and unconventional cop, Samejima, is reassigned to a far south area in Japan to investigate a case regarding a cult worshipping a sea god. The oracle, a young girl called Chako, is said to have been raised by a dolphin and her father, Orpheus, is, oddly enough, a human with a dolphin head, competing with Samejima to be a great cop, the two actually stopping a crime in spite of their less than subtle methods, Chako thinking they’ll be awesome together in keeping the city safe

Yuuna of the Haunted Hot Springs concluded, as well as The Promised Neverland this month, opening things up along with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s ending, for new series to try and fill those gaps 

And Guardian of the Witch, after only 19 chapters, slightly better than Zipman’s length, ended, though it felt far less rewarding, while Zipman’s focus was done a bit better

World Trigger 197

We get a brief recap of the three-way Rank War between Katori, Suwa and Nasu squad, Nasu occupying both squads by Hiura distracting them with sniping while Nasu uses her expert Shooter skills with Viper to whittle down the enemy. It becomes more constrained, each squad losing a member and Katori squad, learning from past mistakes, decides Rokuro should try to strategize. But Katori is left alone, using a new Trigger with wires that Rokuro suggested, the odds not in their favor so far.

Dr. Stone 153-156

The two kingdoms of science start squaring off, Stanley heading out to assassinate Taiju, while Senkuu sends Tsukasa, Hyoga, Ukyo and Suika to capture Xeno, planning to convert the Perseus into an aircraft carrier to get mobility in the skies

Stanley, along with other members Luna, Carlos and Max, move to have Luna infiltrate so they can snipe Taiju, while Tsukasa’s group thinks they need to find more info. Luna is welcomed onto the ship, Senkuu planning to get intel from her to send a message to Tsukasa and company.

Luna investigates, quickly discovering Taiju, though she’s thrown off her mission slightly as Senkuu, with Francois’ help, makes ice cream. And when Luna compliments Senkuu, she leaves a hint that makes Senkuu realize that Dr. Xeno is 1) a NASA scientist and 2) his science mentor from childhood

We learn about Senkuu getting education about science from Xeno, who even helps Senkuu get more equipment with NASA secrets to make rockets (like their credit card for such purchases that Senkuu’s dad has). But the two are split regarding what they would use their scientific knowledge for: either power or seeking more information about the world around them respectively.

We Never Learn 161-164

Fumino still struggles with her feelings for Nariyuki, wanting things to stay like they are now where he’s helping her because of the injury, but also feeling like she’s being selfish for exploiting his kindness. The awkwardness continues, washing her hair after getting a smoothie splashed on it showing how Fumino still wants Nariyuki to take care of her, really liking that part of him

When Uruka and Rizu come over to make Valentine’s chocolate, Fumino manages to hide Yuiga away, Nariyuki considerate and trying to not hear anything, since he thinks it’s just a girl meeting. But Uruka and Rizu both admit they have people they love, Uruka planning to confess, which only drives home to Fumino that her time with Nariyuki that’s so special will end eventually

On Valentine’s Day, Fumino is hesitant to give her chocolate to Nariyuki, since Rizu and Uruka both gave theirs and she wants to support them. But her love wins out, still trying to say they’re just obligation chocolates when Nariyuki gets them out of the river. His complimenting them and how much work she put into making the chocolate pushes Fumino to lie about her leg healing, supposedly only a week or so until the cast would be removed.

Fumino and Nariyuki discuss how his dad was amazing and also that he doesn’t need to try and be exactly like him. But Fumino’s encouragement seems too forward and she continues to act as if they’re in a normal student/tutor relationship. When Nariyuki nearly says he wants to support Fumino in the future even when they part, Uruka appears, confessing after Fumino leaves. And she thinks this is punishment for lying about her ankle, sad that she missed her chance to confess.

My Hero Academia 274-276

Deku and Bakugou, realizing that Shigaraki is pursuing One For All, goes elsewhere, trying to draw Shigaraki away, who’s able to endure even Endeavor’s heat, realizing he has the Quirks that All For One stockpiled for his successor.

Shigaraki pursues Deku and Bakugou, the other Heroes trying to keep them safe, like Gran Torino pulling Deku out of harm’s way when Shigaraki approaches, Aizawa saving Ryukyu from Shigaraki’s Decay to face off against the Villain.

Gran Torino tells Deku he and Katsuki need to stay away and let the other Heroes handle Shigaraki since he’s so mobile and powerful, even able to move effectively without the use of most of his Quirks negated by Aizawa. But Deku and Bakugou decide to attack, Aizawa’s sentiment about helping the young heroes accepted, but they want to do something as well.

Fire Force 219-222

Shinra and Iris discuss what’s been happening, 2nd and 3rd Generations becoming more powerful and spontaneous human combustion occurring more often. But the oddest thing is that Iris, seemingly always having had some very weak pyrokinetic powers, reveals she can manifest a tiny flame. But she also confides in Shinra that she’s been questioning her identity, Shinra remembering a mysterious woman connected to the Amaterasu reactor.

After Hibana and Licht speculate about the relation of Adolla to the events and why the doppelgangers cause spontaneous human combustion, we learn more from Obi as he talks to Shinra about things. There are 5 pillars, and 5 giant Infernals appeared as well, the other 4 taken out in the interim. When Shinra’s dream comes up, Obi mentions that Shinmon had a dream, where he remembered training under the previous head, Hibachi

Shinmon’s dream concludes, telling Konrou about it and commenting how he could never beat his father, who said Shinmon always was hiding in the shadow of the moonlight and not able to advance in the fighting style as Hibachi did. Haumea is experiencing a collective consciousness, seemingly related to Adolla and Joker has a vision of Adolla, a Demon Infernal ready to appear

Company 1, their captain now Huo Yan after Burns’ death, fight 3 Infernals that appear, all able to talk, though they’re behaving oddly. And then a Demon Infernal appears, making the fight much more difficult, as Benimaru seems to sense this

One Piece 981-983

While Luffy, Kid, Killer and Zoro distract everyone as best they can, the Tobi Roppo continue looking for Yamato, while the samurai split up to attempt a pincer attack on Kaidou. The Big Mom Pirates try to go up the waterfall again, but Marco appears, knocking them back down and we see the Whitebeard Pirates are gathering up as well.

Nekomamushi meets up with Marco, while Denjiro captures Sasaki of the Tobi Roppo, heading in deeper to the mansion. Usopp and Chopper flee from Big Mom and Prometheus finds Shinobu, Nami and Carrot, trying to get revenge for Zeus. And Luffy meets up with Ulti and Page One elsewhere

Nami, Shinobu and Carrot continue to flee from Big Mom, Prometheus chasing them as well, while Zolo runs into Gifters and Momonosuke’s imminent execution is set up. Luffy clashes with Ulti and Page One, their Ancient Zoan Dinosaur Devil Fruits a mild challenge. But then someone bursts in, revealed to be Yamato, Kaidou’s son, who wants to help Luffy

Black Clover 253-255

Noelle, with Loropechika’s help, manages to keep up even as Vanica utilizes her Devil power, maxing out around 70%. Mimosa also keeps fighting, the two remembering how they’re doing this to keep the Heart Kingdom’s Queen safe as well. Nero appears, using her Sealing Magic to imprison Vanica

Nero’s Seal is turned back on her by Megicula’s power, the devil even cursing Undine. But Noelle still pushes forward, avoiding lethal damage from Vanica’s Blood magic and stabbing the Dark Triad member again

Vanica still manages to resist Noelle’s point blank Sea Dragon’s Roar and realizes Noelle is connected to Acier, taking Loropechika hostage and leaving while also setting off curse bombs in her Dark Disciples. Elsewhere, Dante plans to show his true power to Yami with the damage he’s taken, still not using his full abilities yet

MSR May 2020

If you enjoy this monthly blog, I also put out bi-weekly animated film reviews and semi-regular manga reviews, among other content. Check out my Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/kyoukasuigetsu) and Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/kyoukasuigetsu) to support my endeavors. Thanks so much

Disclaimer: Scanlations and official sources both have a place in the community, but buy official manga volumes to support the author. If you can, also subscribe to Crunchyroll and/or Shonen Jump through Viz Media to read chapters nearly simultaneous with Japan. Most of the series covered can be found through legal means, so please encourage the industry that gives us what we love

Last new series for a few months is Time Paradox Ghost Writer (again just written in Engrish, oddly enough) by Tsunehiro Date (of Cross Account) as the artist and Kenji Ichima as the writer. An aspiring mangaka, dealing with rejection of his storyboards, has lightning strike his house and an issue of Shonen Jump from 10 years in the future inspires him to write something that gets approved, but it’s actually the idea of a 17 year old girl who will eventually release it, but now there’s a time paradox of sorts with the story being released now unbeknownst to her

Kimetsu no Yaiba has concluded, though there supposedly is a short spin off series planned (distinct from Seven Deadly Sins likely continuing the story that was sort of left open)

World Trigger 196

We get a recap of the match between Tamakoma, Ikoma, Yuba and Ninomiya squads, showing how Tamakoma had to deal with adversity, but Chika’s split decision near the end, as well as Hyuse’s sacrificial play to distract from Osamu’s plans, was what allowed them to win in the end. And the final match of the B-Rank Wars is between Nasu, Katori and Suwa squads, to be focused on next time

Dr. Stone 149-152

Senkuu’s group is attacked by someone with a machine gun, having lured them upstream with the promise of finding the golden dent corn. The conflict begins anew with another antagonist, this time in America

With some calcium carbide, Senkuu has Kirisame throw the mixture at the plane, stalling the engine. The pilot manages to escape, in contact with a scientist on Senkuu’s level, showing that there’s another group like his in America. Senkuu and company retrieve the crashed plane to refurbish later

Tsukasa suggests they pursue the tracks of the plane’s pilot, Gen, Chrome and Kohaku going as a group. Gen, having a plan, goes off separately to infiltrate the kingdom, discovering the corn field and other amazing things that have been developed by this new faction, led by Dr. Xeno, Stanley Snyder the ex-military pilot in his employ. To keep Senkuu safe, Gen, managing to convince them he’s trustworthy, tells them that Taiju is the scientist that rules them.

Dr. Xeno manages to contact the group through their radio, Chrome and Kohaku communicating the situation beforehand but trying to keep things to a minimum. Taiju engages with Xeno, but brings up the revival fluid briefly, which Xeno’s group doesn’t have, smaller in number since they don’t have it to revive more people from stone, only those who came about with nitric acid like Taiju or Senkuu in their group. With the threat of another air attack, Senkuu suggests they revamp the Perseus to get an airstrip for the plane they plan to fix.

We Never Learn 157-160

Sawako opens up to her parents about how she misses them being a family, Rizu confronting Nariyuki about how he seems to hide that he’s lonely, moving forward their relationship more

Yuiga and Rizu help Mafuyu bring packages to school after taking a walk to get out of their hot apartment, the AC unit needing repairs. Afterwards, they go through the school and reminisce about the past, Rizu telling Nariyuki how she always watched him, learning more about how he behaved over the year they were student and tutor. The pair then admit their feelings, Nariyuki unable to deny that he loves Rizu

Rizu’s arc concludes as she and Nariyuki kiss again, fireworks exploding. We learn that Misao, having been revealed to Sawako and Rizu, has now passed on, truly satisfied with helping the people around her be happy. Next will be Fumino’s arc.

We begin Fumino’s arc as she thinks about her feelings for Nariyuki, but how she also wants to help Rizu and Uruka. The day of the national university entrance exam, Nariyuki almost slips again (thanks to the same dog), but Fumino stops him, falling and spraining her leg instead. Afterwards, Nariyuki, feeling responsible, asks Reiji to stay and help Fumino study for the second exam and also assist her while she’s recovering, which she agrees to reluctantly.

My Hero Academia 270-273

Ujiko reveals more about All For One and how the doctor’s Quirk, Life Force, is what’s allowed All For One to live as long as he has, Ujiko’s own Quirk a copy of the original that he gave to his master. And also, All For One gave his own Quirk to his successor, using a copy of it

Tokoyami manages to save Hawks, Dabi’s Quirk such that he can’t use it at full power in successive bursts, Dark Shadow helping Tokoyami narrowly escape the blast. Geten is pushing back the pro Heroes, telling the MLA to focus their attacks and stop the Hero force. And Gigantomachia stands up, recognizing All For One’s scent, likely from Shigaraki

Shigaraki’s Decay spreads through the hospital, destroying everything, even killing Heroes in the process. Deku, helping with the evacuation, recognizes the danger, using 45% of One For All’s power, trying to stop the spread of the Decay as best he can

The Heroes continue to try and evacuate as many people as they can, Shigaraki contacting Gigantomachia to start his rampage and realizing that he can control his Decay Quirk better now, but also that the anti-Quirk drugs were mostly destroyed. Endeavor attacks Shigaraki, while Himiko, enraged at Twice’s death, starts trying to kill as many Heroes as she can, Mt. Lady seemingly attacking her.

Fire Force 217-218

Shinra learns that he was seemingly “possessed” by another personality for the last 3 months, behaving erratically, dying his hair white, getting tattoos, even assaulting Iris, like he blacked out in a dissociation or such, Arthur seemingly able to determine immediately that Shinra had returned when he awoke recently

Arthur and Shinra discuss the possibility that his doppelganger from Adolla had taken him over for the last 3 months, linking in behavior to how people characterized him as a demon after his mother and brother were both thought dead and he their murderer.

One Piece 979-980

Kaidou tasks the Tobi Roppo with finding his son before he makes an announcement near the end of the celebrations on Onigashima, while the forces seeking to take down Kaidou and Orochi converge, Luffy happening to get dangerously close to the party, angered by someone insulting oshiruko, reminded of Tama

Zoro finds Luffy, the two pushing through the party, but Apoo recognizes them and attacks, Zoro fleeing with Luffy in tow as Kidd attacks Apoo, furious at his betrayal to serve Kaidou.

Black Clover 249-252

Leopold, using a massive array that he builds up while managing to endure the attacks of Dark Disciple Sivoir’s Eye Magic (different from Marie’s Eye Magic), blasts the Spade Kingdom soldier with a massive blast of True Flame Magic

Charmy defeats the Dark Disciple Halbet’s Hair Magic by unleashing her dwarf magic again, expanding it with a rune array so that it functions like a technique from Toriko almost, preparing the magic like ingredients, devastating Halbet’s Devil enhanced magic.

Vanica appears before Loropechika, Noelle and Mimosa, reviving the Dark Disciple defeated by Mimosa, Megicula’s curse power letting her do so for the others as well, turning the tables on our heroes.

Loropechika realizes the plans of the Dark Triad after learning that they’re pursuing World Tree and Dark Magic, combining her Mana Zone and Array to weaken Vanica’s Blood Magic and enhance Noelle’s Valkyrie Armor, but even that doesn’t seem to faze Vanica much.