"The Manga that Will Save Manga" - A Look at Prison School (Manga Recommendation)

I don't usually read ecchi manga... Typically, they are convoluted of mostly hijinks, wardrobe failures, convenient panty shots, sexual innuendos that are haphazardly constructed, and some sexually proactive positions that come across as strange and mindless. If I wanted to get my dick rock solid, I'd rather opt for dedicated porn. For these reasons I've never really gravitated towards shows such as To-Love-Ru and High School DxD. It's just not my thing....until something changed a bit in the ecchi game.

Enter Kangoku Gakuen or as we Americans like to call it, Prison School. This manga started back in 2011 and has been on-going since with a weekly release schedule for chapters. I was recommended this manga by a couple of people and I was a bit skeptical at first. But after giving it a shot, I can say without a doubt that Prison School is comedy genius and I love it dearly! So what happens in a manga whose story revolves around an all-girl high school that recently allowed for boys to attend the school as well? The answer lies in five boys and utter chaos.

Prison School shines in how its comedy is utilized. Mangaka Akira Hiramoto's writing is fucking comedy gold. The characters in this manga feel equal parts real and unbelievable at the same time. Unlike other ecchi manga, Prison's School's characters are actually interesting and fleshed out. Their quirks are what make you come back for more. You can't help but sympathize with them as you slowly learn more and more about their personalities. Prison School pulls no punches in just how ridiculous certain events in the story can get as well as how down right stupid these children can be. Yet, Hiramoto does it all in a way that feels smart, clever, and genuinely enjoyable. Prison School is the first manga that I've ever read where I found myself actually laughing out loud. 

As for its ecchi elements, Hiramoto approaches sexual humor in an interesting way. Most of the sexual humor is depicted in an exploratory manner, which in itself is different from other ecchi. Most of the characters in this manga have never had much luck or opportunities to experience/enjoy any form of relationship with the opposite sex. Hell, most of the women in the story think that men are just brainless creatures programmed to copulate with the opposite sex on sight. As such, readers are presented sexual humor in a way in which the characters really don't know what the hell they are doing or even what's going on. Thus, the sexual humor in this manga does not leave a bad taste in your mouth. The characters are only beginning to learn about the opposite sex, lending to the ecchi elements feeling believable and un-cliche; even when things get unbelievably insane. This approach was genius and ties in cleverly with the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and personality traits of our cast of young hooligans.  

Artwork:

It can't go without being mentioned! Hiramoto's artwork in Prison School is amazing! I honestly would never have expected this master tier of art style ever being employed in a comedy/ecchi manga of all things! Hiramoto's grasp of detail, character design, and shading is stunning. There are times throughout the manga where the characters honestly look like photographs and not drawings. Prison School's writing already had me sold, but the amazing artwork only bolsters the experience to a greater level. I'm beyond impressed with the quality of work that Hiramoto is able to put out on a weekly basis. Someone give this man a medal!

Final Thoughts:

Prison School is unlike any comedy I've ever read. It's smart, real, and has a lot of heart behind it. While I honestly believe that it will mostly appeal to a male audience, I whole heartedly extend my recommendation of this manga to all readers. There's something to enjoy here for everyone; be it un-cliche sexual humor, well written characters, or even tear-jerking speeches about asses. Prison School is a manga that's changing up the game and it isn't stopping any time soon! I highly recommend giving it a chance! By the way, it's anime adaptation which is starting either this week or next is soon to be upon us! Here's to hoping it won't be censored up to hell...

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day! 

-Nights Off

Manga Review/Recommendation: Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund

Historical texts and records of western European history are as ubiquitous across the world as restaurants and educational facilities. Growing up in Miami, Florida I often enjoyed learning about world history (particularly European history) whenever it was taught. I certainly found it a lot more interesting than the superfluous amount of courses focused on U.S. history. As such, when I eventually began my obsession with anime and manga, I always gravitated towards series or mangas that depicted European history or delved into the genre of dark fantasy. Some of my favorites include: Vinland Saga, Berserk, Historie, and Shut Hell. As such, I recently encountered another manga that delves into the same genre. Depicting 14th century Switzerland rather accurately is Mitsuhisa Kuji's Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund. I wish to present you all a review/recommendation for this series that is starting to get more attention.

*This piece will be 95% spoiler free* 

Story:

Written and drawn by female magaka Mitsuhisa Kuji, (ex-assistant of Kentaro Miura -mangaka famous for Berserk-) Wolfsmund tells the story of the real life, St. Gotthard Pass. St. Gotthard Pass is a mountain pass in the Alps that connects northern and southern Switzerland. The pass itself lies between the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, and Goschenen in the German-speaking canton of Uri. Here lies a gate/fortress that is feared by all whom seek to pass through it. The locals have deemed it "Wolfsmund," (German for "Wolf's Maw) for the many people that notoriously lose their lives here under the strict rule of the evil and sadistic Lord magistrate, Wolfram. Ruling over Wolfmund under the authority of the arch duke of Austria, Wolfram is cantankerous and mild-tempered all at once; lending to the evil persona that consents to the dozens of executions that occur amongst those trying to travel through the pass. Lacking in clemency or humanity, Wolfram's terror has fostered a deep hatred amongst a group known as the Alliance of the Three River Cantons whom seek to conquer Wolsfmund and execute Wolfram in order to win their independence.

Taking place during the dark ages, this manga really sets itself apart from others like it in how Kuji rarely depicts a happy ending for her characters. She pulls no punches in displaying just how brutal and inhuman the Middle Ages really were. As such, if you cannot take a story that is dark and refrains from excoriating historical depictions of mankind's cruelty, than this manga may not be for you. Wolfsmund's story is not only historically accurate but even sells you on its legitimacy by exemplifying disparate methods of warfare that were in fact utilized during these times. I know I certainly learned a thing or two about European warfare just by reading this manga. Kuji is a maven of this time period as she truly captures the feel and authenticity of the Middle Ages. While there is only one true main character (and even then an argument can be made against this), I recommend taking the same approach to this manga as you would watching HBO's hit series Game of Thrones; do not get attached to any character! If you are a fan of historical fiction that depicts ancient warfare, this manga will certainly resonate with you as it did I. 

Artwork:

Overall, Kuji's artwork is polished enough to effectively communicate this manga's dark story. While Kuji's artwork isn't breathtakingly amazing or anything that stands apart from other mangas I've read, she does have noticeable skill when it comes to drawing castles, buildings, and towns. Kuji is also skilled at drawing maps on some pages that serve to bolster reader's understandings of the geological features near and around the events taking place in the story. The maps feel accurate and only strengthen the historical authenticity found throughout the manga, while allowing for new and creative perspectives of the events unfolding. I would postulate that Kuji spent countless hours doing research in order to make sure that her artwork would be able to accurately depict 14th century Europe. It's also worth noting that Kuji is very skilled in drawing intense moments of fighting; particularly when a page focuses on one to two characters. Her drawing style fantastically depicts what the characters are feeling from their facial expressions alone. This in itself is commendable and appreciated. 

Characters:

Wilhelm Tell

Wilhelm Tell is the local hero of the Alliance of the Three River Cantons. He's an expert at traversing mountainous terrain and is a skilled warrior. Tell's character serves to set up much of the characterization that his son Walter receives in the story, while serving as a symbol of hope for the people who wish to overthrow Wolfram. 

Walter Tell 

For all intensive purposes, Walter is this manga's main protagonist. He is the son of the legendary Wilhelm Tell and serves as a vital part of the Alliance of the Three River Cantons. Walter has observed Wolfram's evil firsthand and only wishes to seize control of Wolfsmund. Employing all the skills he learned from his father, Tell is a young leader that is slowly being fostered to become a war hero. 

Grete

Grete is a mysterious and beautiful woman who works as a mistress at the local brothel. She lives in the very town where Wolfsmund is located and plays a secretive role as a member of the Alliance of the Three River Cnatons. 

Wolfram

The cruel and sadistic man that rules Wolfsmund. He will not think twice to execute or punish anyone passing through his gate that seems suspicious. Wolfram is the manga's main antagonist that serves to display just how evil and cruel the Middle Ages really were. 

Duke Leopold

A feudal lord from Austria who is in charge of the Swiss occupation. Wolfram answers to him and is allowed to pursue his monstrous craft, under his authority. 

Hilde "The Ripper of Schwyz"

An ally and member of the Alliance of the Three River Cantons. Hilde is a farmer turned warrior, as a result of the cruelty she had experienced as a child. She specializes in a unique fighting style that utilizes farm equipment, employing dual scythes as her weapons of choice. This has earned her the nickname, "The Ripper of Schwyz." She's a badass!

Final Thoughts/Score:

Wolfsmund is a fantastic manga grounded in historical fiction. It tells the whole and full truth of what it was really like to live during this time in European history. Already 6 volumes and 23 chapters in, this manga is off to a very good start. I honestly expect nothing but greatness in future chapters/volumes. As such I'm giving Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund an 8.5/10. Kuji had a fantastic mentor in Kentaro Miura to derive influence from. I can't wait to see just how far her work as mangaka will go. I high recommend this manga to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or fantastic depictions of war. Wolfsmund is a brutal but accurate look into 14th century Europe, a subject that is rarely covered in manga. 

I'm Nights Off and as always: thank you reading and have a wonderful day. 

-Nights Off

My Top 10 Personal Favorite Video Games of All Time

In celebration of E3, I decided to make a list of my personal top 10 favorite video games of all time. I know this isn't anime or manga related, but I thought it would be fun. That being said, I've made this particular list countless times and it always manages to change every time. However, I truly feel that this particular list is the most accurate I'm gonna get. Anyways without further delay, let's begin with some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

-League of Legends

-Berserk: Millennium Falcon Hen Seima Senko no Sho

-Tetris 

-Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

-Psi Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy

-Dead Space 2

And now for the top 10:

10.) Excitebike 

9.) Nier

8.) Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne 

7.) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

6.) Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening 

5.) Final Fantasy IX 

4.) Bomberman Series (Mainly: Saturn Bomberman, Super Bomberman, Bomberman Hero)

3.) Psychonauts 

2.) Shadow of the Colossus 

1.) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 

-Nights Off

Dorohedoro Chapter 134 Review

(image taken from http://dorohedoroclub.tumblr.com/ follow them for more Dorohedoro!)

I am the head of the family. It is now my turn to save them... Never thought I'd ever hear En say something like this. En displayed a bit of compassion towards his companions this chapter and I love it! For a man as stern, pompous, and selfish as En, it is truly wonderful to see that he is capable of genuine affection and care towards his compatriots. Anyways, hello everyone I'm Nights Off here to bring you a chapter 134 review of my favorite manga of all time, Dorohedoro!

After a bit of a wait, Hayashida has finally delivered a chapter that has begun to advance the plot. In the beginning of the chapter, En comes to realize all the hell and work his family has done for him in order to bring him back to life. He discovers that they used their own body parts in order to utilize Turkey's magic to make an Ebisu doll all for the sake of his resurrection. This touches En deeply, driving him forward to go and protect his precious family. This makes me really excited as we may get to see En vs Devil Kai part 2. With someone with magic as versatile as En's, I really feel he'd be the perfect person to go toe to toe with Devil Kai. As such, En's development as a character over time--even though he's been mia for quite a while--has culminated into something prolifically satisfying in this chapter. I really can't wait to see what Hayashida holds in store next for our mushroom mafia boss. With Dokuga leading Ebisu and En towards "the last three mushrooms" in this chapter, we may see the fated confrontation! Lastly, I think its quite funny that En got to see Shou's face for the first time lying on the ground, only to dismiss it as nothing important. 

The next part of this chapter goes back to showing us what is going on with Kiman/Aikawa, Risu, and Dr. Kasukabe. Here they encounter a carbon copy of Hole and the Hungry Bug (Nikaido's restaurant) that has physically manifested itself before them. Confusing both Risu and Dr. Kasukabe, Kaiman/Aikawa affirms that all they are seeing are simply replicas grafted from his shared memory with "that thing" (Devil Kai). This leads to a shocking discovery in the chapter! For the first time in this manga, Kaiman/Aikawa reveals that his true identity is that of the human boy Ai Coleman! We all speculated this and figured that Kiaman was probably Ai, but to hear it from the horses mouth is really cool and exciting. Aikawa/Kaiman also reveals to Risu that during his time as Aikawa at the magical institute with Risu, he legitimately believed he had become a magic user. With the fact that Aikawa/Kaiman is currently aware of what Devil Kai is doing and the fact that he mentions they have "shared memories," this only leads me to believe that Ai, Kaiman, Kai, Aikawa, etc. were all aware of each other's existences and actions the entire time! All of them were being controlled by the Kai personality in order to become the ultimate magic user. They all have been used and now we as readers are about to get a lot of answers behind the grand mystery of Kaiman's true identity. The chapter ends with Aikawa/Kaiman/Ai confirming Dr. Kasukabe's words, "It all started...the day you fell into the lake of refuse." 

We are about to get some answers to questions we've had for so long and I can't tell you how drastically excited I am for the next chapter! Again I reiterate from my last review: I really cannot wait to see just how Q Hayashida intends to end this brilliant story. Thank you reading as always and have a wonderful day! 

-Nights Off