Fist of the North Star Half 14 affords Kenshiro essentially the most attention-grabbing set of villains of the post-Raoh period by digging into a well-recognized bag of methods.
This e-book, virtually greater than another e-book, has divided me about how to consider the occasions. It is equal components new concepts and the identical outdated, acquainted and distinctive concepts. The web impact is optimistic – I actually loved this installment after the mud settled – however it may be laborious to shake the lingering feeling that it is too secure and too samey in the case of plot developments and the brand new villains that Kenshiro faces. However as soon as I begin to remorse the sensation of repetitive parts, I can not assist however deal with what number of new ideas and story beats are being proven whereas nonetheless delivering the nice artwork and unparalleled violence that defines the sequence.
For higher and for worse, Buronson And Tetsuo Hara return to the idea of brothers as villains. The Hokuto Ryoken house owners Han, Hyoh and Kaioh turn into a counterpart to the drama of the Hokuto Shinken brothers. Han is the quick risk initially of the e-book, with Kenshiro persevering with his combat towards Han. However Hyoh and Kaioh emerge as pseudo-replacements for Toki and Raoh, serving as older brother figures (actually and figuratively) for Kenshiro to beat.
That is the place I am combined on the execution on this part. There is no such thing as a query that this is likely one of the foremost defining themes of Fist of the North Star is drama amongst brothers surrounded by martial arts. So not solely is it anticipated that we’ll draw from this supply, however it’s additionally one of many choices that audiences will seemingly resonate with, as that is an enormous a part of what has made the sequence such a phenomenon. On the similar time, it is laborious to know whether or not this looks like a inventive new twist on outdated themes or only a repeat of issues that labored earlier than. Are you able to recreate the magic of the connection between Kenshiro, Raoh, Toki and Jagi? Or does the try to have lightning strike twice instantly result in comparisons with the superior storyline we noticed earlier than? I nonetheless have not absolutely answered these questions for myself, and from chapter to chapter I really feel my temper altering as as to if this was the suitable path to take.
One factor that I believe is a particular enchancment is the introduction of the grasp Jukei. Jukei is the oldest trainer of the Hokuto Ryoken type and serves because the counterpart to Ryuken, who educated the Hokuto Shinken brothers. The attention-grabbing factor about Jukei is that he has much more arc than Ryuken. Positive, we explored a few of Ryuken’s previous by way of flashbacks, however he by no means actually stood out as a compelling character. At all times extra of an archetype than a character, Ryuken served because the grasp of martial arts, whereas Kenshiro, Raoh and the others discovered themselves in a extra dramatic state of affairs. He was the steady basis that allowed the extra diverse personalities below his care to flourish and be distinctive.
Jukei is rather more fascinating to study. His drive to grasp Hokuto Ryoken’s combating type, his descent into demonic rage, the tragic homicide of his household and lack of management – it is fascinating stuff. Jukei’s struggles and regrets colour our understanding of the Hokuto Ryoken type and make it stand out in ways in which earlier kinds haven’t. Most combating kinds within the sequence targeted on what they do to the opponent, however now Hokuto Ryoken has an emotional dimension the place energy shouldn’t be the issue. As a substitute, it comes with a value: the power to regulate oneself.
It is not all optimistic with Jukei and the Ryoken college. Hyoh represents my combined emotions in regards to the e-book’s plot. Hyoh is Kenshiro’s older brother by blood, and within the basic custom of pulp storytelling, he doesn’t keep in mind these occasions attributable to amnesia. This amnesia was brought on by Jukei sealing his recollections. It is laborious to purchase into this setup or discover all of it that interesting. Nonetheless, it makes for a terrific dramatic scene with Jukei combating Hyoh to get him to launch his true recollections of Kenshiro and a few dramatic flashback sequences from Hyoh’s perspective. Nonetheless, it has shaken the sensation that we needed to have one other brother in any respect prices and we’re doing every thing we will to discover a option to make him related to Kenshiro.
Kaioh at the least stands out as a villain at this stage. He is not that attention-grabbing as a fighter, however he has a cool presence on the web page with the absolutely armored look. The best way the armor breaks and adjustments throughout battle additionally seems to be nice, and he is one of many few villains who sticks round as a result of he is laborious to kill – a rarity towards Kenshiro.
One space I’ve by no means dabbled in is artwork. It’s, in a phrase, superb. Tetsuo Hara has solely gotten higher because the sequence has progressed and this clearly exhibits on this quantity. In addition to the standard violent martial arts and heavy metallic character designs, in these chapters I’d say: Tetsuo Hara exhibits his desire for backgrounds. There are some really breathtaking panorama images, from piles of bones to otherworldly landscapes and unusual structure. The land of the Asura feels fully unfamiliar, however nonetheless retains the core aesthetic of the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
All in all, I’m optimistic about this quantity. Lastly even a considerably combined one Fist of the North Star quantity nonetheless ranks as top-of-the-line manga you will get. There isn’t any doubt that the sequence leans on its strengths. When it really works, it really works flawlessly. However a few of these parts are beginning to crack attributable to overuse.
