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Jun 7, 2021
As there are no reviews, allow me to offer more insight on what the Ice Wanderer has to offer.
These are short stories. Some based on a memoir, some from elsewhere. As the title suggests, it uses themes of nature and animals well, as Taniguchi has spent decades being familiar with how to draw and utilise these effectively in his manga. Some stories rely more heavily on these settings.
This book is quite unique, as the driving force behind these stories are, in my opinion, their atmosphere. Instead of stories where there may be lessons to be learned or important revelations to be had, this manga is
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different as it really just uses the consistently-paced writing and the highly accurate depiction of reality to place you in a world where you will likely appreciate everything it offers, even if after reading a particular story you may feel underwhelmed.
To elaborate, the reason why I gave this manga a 7 is because I felt enticed to keep on reading due to an atmosphere unlike anything else I've read. Also mainly because the presentation is so professionally done by Jiro Taniguchi, who is an expert.
Despite the satisfaction from the tense scenarios that may include life or death moments and the satisfaction of being so easily drawn into a beautifully serene world at times, I can't help but feel underwhelmed by some of the climaxes within some individual stories. Perhaps this is inherently due to these stories being short or my compatibility with these types of stories but still, I only rate it so highly because it is such a nice package that deserved to be finished.
So yes, I believe if you do have an interest in this manga after reading the synopsis, you should begin reading any of the six stories here. Hopefully you will also be inclined to keep reading to the end every time as I did.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 3, 2021
The opportunity for a man of Taniguchi's stature to create something of this quality will inherently be appreciated by someone who is passionate about creativity and the opportunity it can bless people with. However, your enjoyment of this particular manga could also be dependent on your familiarity with Taniguchi and his other works.
I do recommend being familiar with at least one other work that Taniguchi has made before reading this to enhance your experience to its potential.
What I valued from A Zoo in Winter was the very fact that this manga is a reflection of Taniguchi's early years as not only a mangaka, but
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a growing man. It portrays some very touching things that Taniguchi valued in his life. The joy and meaning that creating something can produce is displayed affectionately here.
I consider this manga not to be a piece of media targeted for someone's entertainment, but an invaluable display of life that one can ultimately appreciate and even learn from. This was something I realised from the very first chapter. However, I recognise that this isn't a memoir but still a work that is largely non-fiction (to my understanding). I think this fact works in its favor to a great extent.
There were many things I admired while reading this special manga. Many fine things that I won't spoil. However, the surrounding circumstances that this protagonist finds himself in breeds these wonderful moments. Whether this be a place of work that leaves dissatisfaction and ultimately disappointment, the circumstance of being away from family without consulting his absence and a personal highlight of mine where the protagonist is absorbed in a culture of art, freedom and elation. Moments like these are portrayed so beautifully and I recommend that if you do read up to this specific moment, you behold this moment with great consideration.
I understand that there are criticisms with this manga. Such as the critique some call "same-face syndrome". While I do agree that most faces do look alike, characters are still distinguished enough to create an impressionable character. By extension, the portrayal of emotion on these characters may seem to be desired. I may see that a character like the protagonist displays a melancholic face and sometimes it contextually makes sense but other times, I am not entirely clear what the motivation behind the emotion is. This is rare, however, and I could be at fault here not to sympathise. After all, I would like to believe that every panel in this manga was made with great consideration, as that is Taniguchi's craft and talent. To conclude, it certainly doesn't hinder my experience.
Another critique may be that some characters are underdeveloped. However, this again, I somewhat agree but also feel as if this isn't something that hinders the experience as I thought the manga was successful for following the protagonist so exclusively. If more development had occurred, perhaps it would have enhanced my experience, but in this case, I am someone not to criticise something that I already found to be very satisfactory to my own values.
A Zoo in Winter will be regarded as something very special and enriches my appreciation for Jiro Taniguchi. The message I found to be most prevalent throughout the manga would be that for someone who is inspired by a life enriched by creativity, know that the little developments and conviction gained from making mistakes is to be cherished as a professional, and a human being.
I hope that more people get to appreciate this manga for what it is and read this based on modest inspiration. For people unfamiliar with Taniguchi, I recommend starting somewhere else and considering this piece after. As for existing fans, it gives me great pleasure to know that you are most likely already considering this manga and I can affirm that it certainly is something to try, especially when reading the brilliant physical release.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 31, 2021
This manga is a 3 out of 10. It didn't do much wrong and it barely demonstrated it's value.
The aspect I find most disappointing is the lack of reasoning behind Miho's emotions. The inner monologue she has only proposes doubt by questioning her intentions and the author purposely avoids providing any specific reasoning behind her actions. There were some panels demonstrating Sei's messiness and lack of motivation to 'live' and how that bothers Miho. Along with the fact he is relying on her heavily regarding finances. Effective to an extent to demonstrate the motivation for her actions, rather than an explanation for her emotions.
Additionally, the
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inclusion of Miho's ex fails to provide any meaningful context as to why she might prefer him to Sei. A passing comment was made in a conversation that she is only with him because of how she used to feel with him. This could indicate, simply, that Miho's ex is a fancy and Sei is truly a romance. But it is disappointing how unconfident I am making that statement. However, examples like these are too subtle to make each chapter valuable and like I said before, only in the last chapter; the very last pages, does technique like this effectively pay off.
"When Sei smiles, I smile".
So in the final pages, it is slightly satisfying. She found what matters and who matters. That's all. She had to do what she had to do throughout the manga so if you are still willing to invest 20-30 minutes into her journey then do it.
To sum it up, the manga has little value until the very last pages with few exceptions in between. The conclusion is fulfilling to the extent that it does a barely acceptable job of applying resolution to an established relationship despite the lack of reasoning we are almost never exposed to which is the deciding factor in my rating of a 3 out of 10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jun 5, 2020
There comes a point where you just have to sit up straight and think to yourself if what you are watching is worth it. Taiho Shichau zo is one of those shows. Unfortunately.
Coming from the OVA's, I was extremely optimistic. The 4 episodes it offered were very effective at creating a wholesome series of episodes focused on the police and their work. Take the second episode, as an example, how it captured the sincere and kind personalities of the protagonists and how qualified as people they are to be in public service. Going into the TV series, I had hoped that the OVA's potential was
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to be fulfilled in the upcoming series. However, I have had to drop it due to such disappointment.
The TV series is fun. Created because it is fun. Adapted from it's source material because it is (presumably) a fun manga. However, I feel that this show has too many aspects that I consider to be unfulfilling or just plain unfunny. I have dropped it at episode 27.
I can only recommend the OVA's. Then view the first two episodes to see if these satisfy you. Take note that these two episodes may be the weakest episodes but they should be judged even with that in mind. The disappointing nature I found these episodes to be had foreshadowed the feeling for later episodes. Only did I not realise this until later.
To elaborate, a lot of the show is downright trite and predictable. To describe the second episode, an inspector comes and everyone is panicking because they aren't prepared and so the inspector discovers this and isn't impressed. Until suddenly (!) an emergency that will prove the honesty and wholesome nature of the cast is presented and he says with satisfaction that "they are good officers". Are predictable episodes like this worth it? Haven't I seen things like this in media dozens of times already? Is this the result of the potential I saw from the OVA's? I am not shaming it's age, but I question the incentive to watch the series for those who want to watch this.
The relationship of Ken and Miyuki is unnecessarily stubborn. It is almost insulting how the OVA can advance such a great relationship organically in just one episode than in the TV series where that progress just seems to have been thrown out of the window. For a reason that is shallow and unauthentic I can only assume. These repeated scenarios that make Miyuki get upset because there is doubt to Ken's faith or where it isn't her getting affection from Ken is so poorly done and is just childish and terrible. Additionally, the process of the protagonist putting Ken into a position where he can confess and then ultimately failing is frustrating on many levels as well. It is such a destructive technique that hurts to watch and I do not look forward to how the direction goes no matter the result.
However, their relationship is only a small portion of what I didn't like from the show. The show puts effort into the use of motor vehicles and the engineering behind them which is fine. In fact, it really helps the show have more of an identity.
On the other hand, in cases where the protagonists are maneuvering in impossible ways to find a bomb to defuse or scaling a collapsing building... there are many situations where it just isn't realistic ans is absurd. Although, in the very first few minutes of the OVA this is demonstrated that impractical things will happen just for the sake of it. In this case, could you just chalk it up to being 'anime'? What are my expectations in these cases? Is it ok for impossible realities to exist for the sake of the episode?
It isn't just driving where things can get nonsensical. Things like people conveniently being in the right (or wrong) place at the right time is a big one. Movement and actions performed is another. Even the backstories of characters can be unbelievably stupid. For example, a narcissistic police officer has a grudge for another officer because she supposedly went through life getting top grades and achieving things like a perfect score at the shooting range because of... could you guess... luck! All of it. Just luck. So she tries to out do her for the whole episode and she thinks she wins but then the other person gets commended in a more wholesome way. It does show how you can be a successful police officer in both ways so it isn't all bad. Is it okay to use these impossible situations to make a slightly wholesome point at the end? I don't know. All I know is, I don't know what I want from this show so I think maybe I have just been watching the wrong show for me.
To sum it up. Specific episodes are fun but there is too much here that, in my opinion is disappointing or just offensively not worthwhile. It's hard to describe but I hope people can look past my criticisms of the show and enjoy it for what it is. I would have loved the show 7 years ago when I were a lot more naive and easy-going. Not that you would have to be naive to enjoy the show. However, the direction taken after the OVA's is what disappoints me the most and I can only recommend this show if you want something older but with flair and if you don't mind anime and it's familiar tropes and triteness.
Reviewer’s Rating: 2
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May 18, 2020
Reading Dragon Ball in 2020. What made me read it? To start a series that has more than over 500 chapters is sometimes not easy. However, I gave in to the wondrous reputation that Dragon Ball has and I live more fulfilled as a result.
I really mean that. Dragon Ball isn't just another shounen series. At least for me, the series develops a 'weight' that increases with every arc. Perhaps that applies to a lot of manga. However, with my initial interest in DB being based around it's reputation (not to be mistaken for popularity), I feel a compounding satisfaction that only heightens with every
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arc.
I would like to elaborate on that 'weight' Dragon Ball has. To do that, I would like to talk about Goku. It's his nature that is what makes this manga so worthwhile. Goku has always had innate strength, but he always strives to be the best person he can be, even if it isn't necessarily to defeat someone else. It is beautiful how Toriyama has portrayed this. This is explored greater in the manga so I would rather recommend you to find out for yourself but to put it simply... Dragon Ball starts with Goku, but ends with everyone...
Too vague!?
Ultimately, there is a reason that my rating isn't higher than a 7. It isn't that Dragon Ball lacked anything specific. In my opinion, it's success is also what makes it 'fail'. Arguably, there isn't much more to take away other than it is a story about redemption. It isn't by coincidence that enemies may be more friend than foe as the story progresses. That's the formula. Goku's tales are worth the reader's time.
Ideally, in retrospect, it is a 10/10. An experience equates to it's reputation has no reason NOT to be a 10/10, surely? Realistically, there are manga that provoke more from the reader in many different ways, regardless of whether they are shounen manga or not.
I would have more deeply valued this series had I read it as I was growing up. So I would recommend you start Dragon Ball as early as you can. Perhaps if you do complete the manga, you might conclude it was just numerous drawn out battles of who has the highest power level. Because it is. Until it isn't. There are many things to value here. Either way, if you do start reading, even if you only make it to the end of the second volume, I hope you can agree that it was worth reading up until wherever you may stop.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 30, 2020
A somewhat surprisingly contained story with talented art to support it. I felt that a side story or two possibly had more value than the main story but that doesn't mean the story wasn't gratifying. However, if you are pressed for time or you are indifferent to Levi but want slightly more Shingeki no Kyojin, I could recommend you to wiki the story and instead read the final interaction between Levi and Erwin. That may seem snide but I genuinely believe that it is applicable to many or most Shingeki no Kyojin fans.
Basically, this is a complementary manga to the world of Shingeki no
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Kyojin but offers too little information on Levi's origins and lacks exposition and commentary to such a unique world. The supporting characters are only there for that exact purpose; to carry the story forward. Interactions involving the supporting cast are basic and only towards the very end, in my opinion, do they contribute anything of value to the narrative which happens to reinforce Levi's resolve.
Commendation has to be credited to the author and artist for creating a successful spin-off which surely was a difficult task. Without my research, Hajime Isayama's editor must've done his best to capture and communicate his mangaka's vision to the author's of this spin-off. Despite the barrier of making something inside another's fictional property. Hikaru Suruga's art was highly consistent and has great talent but suffers ultimately just from the fact that he isn't Isayama. Perhaps this applies to other areas too but there is no point discussing what could've been better had Isayama made this.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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May 17, 2019
I finished Bebop and didn't dislike it. How I would describe Bebop is that the world they have made is one of the most 'lived-in' of all anime that I have watched. You may recognise it's age with it being a late 90's series but the detail, environments, animation are all superb. With the animation, it just goes above the standard you would normally expect. Spike's combat, Ed's unorthodox and springy movements are full of character, really charming stuff. Voice acting is generally great too.
Anyway, I would rather state why I find the anime as a whole to be underwhelming. Yes I went in with
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higher expectations than normal as it is such a renowned series. Everyone has a story, which is great. These stories are described well to the viewer. This establishes the characters well. However, this is it. I know the characters and I like watching them do their thing but on the other hand, the show only gives so much for me to care about the characters to an extent. I don't prefer Bebop because it is generally ambiguous and favors episodic adventures that don't make me invested as much as an over-arching story would be. I know it isn't really fair as a review but still.
Spike versus Vicious doesn't feel fulfilling. I know why they are going at each other but all of their encounters don't feel powerful or tense. A lot of their encounters are mostly to showcase the brilliant animation and direction, but the impact of these showdowns really doesn't feel profound.
It is great to discover who the cast are and spectate their mischief, all with beautiful art and animation but without proper motivation that could invest my interest further, it is only a seven out of ten.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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