Bakuman season 2 ~ final thoughts

Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi are Ashirogi Muto.

Yay, it’s finally over! No, a third season of Bakuman has been announced. Honestly the second season showed significant improvement over the first season in several ways. First, it had some great dramatic moments, second, it didn’t waste as much time on the romances, third, the artwork was definitely improved, and finally, it ended strong. If the series had been more consistently like episode 25, I would probably say this was a pretty good series. Unfortunately Bakuman hasn’t demonstrated the ability to consistently string together entertaining episodes.

When it is good, it is very interesting, because the premise is so unique, and people have told me that the arc that recently ended was some of the weakest material in the manga, so I guess I understand why a third season is forthcoming. I also think it is a positive thing for J.C. Staff to be working on, because it is so unlike their other shows, which have a tendency to be formulaic. I just can’t feel excited about a third season.

Bakuman season 2 episode 6 ~ you can’t draw manga if you’re dead

Mashiro would rather die than give up on his dream.

Shounen powers ACTIVATE! Episode 6 of Bakuman’s second season brings us perhaps the most shounen episode of this franchise yet. Mashiro has collapsed from the strain, and for some reason the quack doctor thinks removing part of his liver will help. Mashiro refuses to stop drawing, however. Even if it kills him, even if he loses the love of his life, he will continue to draw manga. In particular he is working on a color spread, which gives us another chance to check out his art tools — this time some nice color markers.

Bakuman season 2 (eps 1 – 3) ~ an ambition to die for

Being professional manga-ka is serious business.

This is a first impression of season 2 of Bakuman. For an introduction to the series concept, see my first impression of the first season. I was somewhat negative in my final thoughts on the first season, so I wanted to give the new season a chance to make its case (and stand or fall on its own merits). To sum it up, the first three episodes of season two has focussed on the stronger aspects of the story, without completely overcoming the first season’s weaknesses. If you loved the first season, then season two is a great continuation. For those who felt disappointed that the first season dragged, and spent too much time on the romance between Mashiro and Azuki, the second season has, so far, avoided this particular pitfall. I still think the artwork is uneven and not up to the standards of J.C. Staff, but with this stronger storyline, perhaps the second season can finally deliver.

Bakuman 22 – what was the point of this exercise?

In episode 22, everyone gets together -- for no particular reason.

Bakuman is heading towards its climax, which looks like it will be the battle for the Golden Future Cup. I can’t say I love this show, but I am attracted to some aspects of it. On occasion, it has captured the intensity and drive that a good shounen story should present. The drive to be #1 at something is the core of the generic shounen story, and Bakuman manages to present that struggle in a novel arena — the world of professional manga artists. On the other hand, there is something thin about both the story and the presentation. I won’t dwell on the disappointing visuals, except to say that I find it ironic that a show that is in part about the art of illustration should be so flat, awkward, and generally uninteresting to look at. The story itself has also fallen flat at times. What follows is my reaction to what (did not) happen in episode 22.

Bakuman 5 – effort

Liquid inspiration.

In episode 5 of Bakuman, our budding mangaka dedicate their Summer vacation to creating their first manuscript. After several weeks of hard work, little sleep, and fast food they are ready to call the editorial office to show someone the results.

Bakuman 4 – tools of the trade

And so it begins.

Bakuman episode 4 covers the essential tools illustrators use to create the manuscript from a name. No, I don’t even care about the other stuff.

Bakuman 3 – unspoken affection

 

We finally get to enter Ji-san's studio.

 

Last week Bakuman left us with a pseudo-cliff-hanger. As episode 3 begins, our aspiring mangaka enter the studio left to Saiko by his late uncle. We get a little bit of manga industry lore, and the episode is rounded out by addressing some background issues. It all adds up to putting the lads on the path to making manga. These first three episodes add up to three days storytime, so the pacing actually feels pretty good so far.

Bakuman 2 – things start moving!

This episode ended with some great energy.

Bakuman episode 2 really picks up the momentum, and left me excited to see what happens next.

Bakuman 1 – first impression

In Bakuman, two Japanese middle-schoolers set out to become great manga-kas. This was only the first episode of a two cours series, so there isn’t a lot to go on yet. I make some quick observations regardless.

Fall 2010 Plans

I never write up comprehensive previews of upcoming seasons (let alone with a quill pen), I like to leave that sort of thing to those more knowledgeable, so take a look at the Star-Crossed Anime Review, for a thoughtful and comprehensive write up of the season. For those more visually oriented, He Who Propels the Cart Forward has prepared a chart for at-a-glance consultation. Instead I merely want to convey my plans regarding Fall 2010 anime viewing/blogging.

First the shows I’ll be blogging:

1. Arakawa Under the Bridge X Bridge. The first season was very fun and I’m hoping this second season will deal directly with the lingering question of Nino’s background (mental stability).
2. Hakuouki 2. Historical drama with fantasy extras. The Shinsengumi have retreated from Kyoto at the start of the Boshin War.
3. Bakuman. I’ve been looking forward to this since Sapphire Pyro recommended it as a story about people pursuing a career.

These shows didn’t make the above list because three shows is enough, but did show potential:

• Iron Man. Definitely will be reading reviews as they come out in hopes that this turns out well.
• Kuragehime. I’m behind on my Noitamina series. I’m working on a Paradise Kiss review, and after that I want to pick up Tatami Galaxy again, so this one is going to have to wait.
• Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru. I like the girl in love with mystery angle, but am burnt out on maid cafes.