Wakaranai

 

Although only two or three pages shy of Ken Akamatsu’s usual output (apparently owing to some medical issue), this chapter felt extremely short. I still felt like I’d only just started reading when I stumbled onto the final page. Perhaps it flew by because there’s wasn’t a lot of dialogue to digest, only what could be squeezed in between impressive shots of Rakan and Fate going at it. But I think it seemed so short mainly because it was so enthralling and because it left me hungry for more. I’m usually a fan of cliffhangers. The type of cliffhanger that puts the heroes in mortal but predictable danger, I can handle. But throwing in a huge revelation and new mysterious plot twist so quickly only to leave us right on the brink of having it all explained, is just plain evil. The thrills of the epic clash between the nefarious Fate and indestructible Rakkan come fast and furiously, only to evaporate into a mindfuck scene in which Fate reveals he has the power to bend and form reality to his will, by proxy of the still very much alive Lifemaker. Not only was it a gripping experience seeing Rakan, in peak badass form, deliver a beatdown on the previously untouchable Fate, but it was almost more so seeing him in a state of disarray and concern. I wouldn’t go ahead and say he came across as scared here, but Fate’s unlimited power has triggered a moment of anxiousness, which, for Jack Rakan, is a big deal.

Well, until then, the fight was pretty damn awesome. The whole time we’ve been getting the flashback I’ve been praying for a glimpse of this battle, and now it finally came! Fittingly, it’s some of the best action we’ve seen in a while, a close-quarters, frenzied melee between two titans of the magical world. Jack Rakan proved his worth, clearly taking charge of the fight before Fate turned the tables with his power. He drove himself through a mass-dagger attack of Fate’s, in his usual ‘Tank’ style of play, to land a direct hit, a crippling Rakan punch. Fate might say he’s trying to “save the world”, but his methods up till this point certainly warrant a good punishing strike from Rakan! And as to the truth behind his goal, it seems as though we’re heading towards having that angle explored within the next few chapters! This has got me really excited because the character of Fate, his motivations and perspective, have always been one of the most intriguing components of the Negima for me, and it’s been shrouded in mystery for too long! Knowing who or what drives him should make him a more compelling foe for Negi.

In typical Negima style, this chapter has raised more tantalizing questions than it has even hinted at answers. But the next chapter holds great promise for some explaining to be done. What exactly is this key Fate suddenly wields? Is that truly the Mage of the Beginning, really alive and unharmed from his past run-in with Nagi? Just what does Fate mean by his comments on the world being an illusion, and how does this all fit in with the grand plan he supports? It would seem that, using what he describes as the power to destroy and create worlds, ‘Rewrite’, he intends to do just that to the magical world. But the key question then becomes why?

This was a really fascinating chapter, even if it didn’t provide the usual mix of entertainment Negima is known for, with only the odd glimpse of a cute girl, and no humour of fanservice whatsoever. But the sheer importance of the events that transpired and the plot development that is about to be given, make this a pivotal and exciting chapter. Rakan was totally awesome. May he survive this encounter!

It’s that time again! Released alongside the special edition of volume 28 of Ken Akamatsu’s contemporary manga masterpiece, Mahou Sensei Negima, comes the second OAD episode in the ‘Another World’ series, unleashing a massive shockwave of ecchi and awesome. At the moment I type this, the raw isn’t yet widely available, but investigating the comments and pictures shared by fans and proud owners of the new release reveals a good picture of what to expect, and gives a good look at all the sexy extras crammed into the package.

The pictures used in this post were obtained from the sites listed at the bottom of this page.
 

 
 

The primary attraction of this release is the next installment in the anime adaptation of Negima we’ve always wanted! Okay, maybe not the animated Negima we’ve dreamed of, but this new slew of OADs being released by SHAFT far outshine all previous attempts at converting Akamatsu’s fantastic manga, in both quality and faithfulness. This OAD episode clearly continues on right where the last one left off – Negi and the rest of his posse have been separated and disparately strewn across the vast Magical World after their gateport clash with villain, Fate Averuncus. It would appear that this episode only manages to cover the stories of Chachamaru and Chiisame fending for themselves in the fantasy wilderness and eventually being reunited with Negi.

A lot of people are a bit worried about the fact that the OAD is going so slowly, and I have to admit that it’s kind of unusual that they spent so much time working on fairly unimportant chapters such as these when there’s so many more chapters to plow through before they catch up to the manga. But luckily, I really, really enjoyed these chapters from the manga. Having the girls isolated from their leader and champion was a new experience. Especially in the case of Chiisame, where you really got a feel for her vulnerability as a regular human thrown into this dangerous new world. My main disappointment rests with the fact that they didn’t include the lovely Setsuna/Asuna bathing scene, which was simultaneously hot and cute in the way it showed their friendship. That’s for next time I guess (OR ELESE!).

The thing that no one should be complaining about is the fact that they kept in the fap-worthy fanservice from the manga totally unaltered or uncensored!! KITTA!! We get some awesomely dirty tentacle rape for poor Chiisame-san (she just wanted a normal net-idol life and now she’s been violated by a slimy fantasy creature ;_;), and the first extra-erotic “charging” scene between Negi and Chachamaru. The orgasmic charging session looks pretty exciting, although Chachamaru saves up her greatest climax for pactio foreplay later on. I think Negi needs to charge up some of the other girls, if you know what I mean. Chachamaru is probably the only sexually satisfied character in the whole manga!
 
 

 
 

 
 

As before the disc comes with an audio commentary, and also features some neat character design art, shown below.

 

 
 
Per tradition, the limited edition release of the manga has received an enticing erotic upgrade. As far as I’m concerned, nothing can beat the sheer nosebleed-inducing hotness of the Setsuna-stripping that graced the civer of volume 25, but this is also kind of nice. I’ll never say no to Yue fanservice.

 
 
This time the packaging is hotter than ever though, featuring a swimsuit-clad Setsuna and Konoka in a shy and super erotic pose! ❤❤

 
 
The bonus rare item this time is a nice-quality Negi card that will be part of a set of 27 pactio cards:
 

 
 
Overall, it seems that Ken Akamatsu and his publishers/marketers have really been doing their fans justice with these OAD and limited edition releases. Not many manga get great releases such as these. As for the content of the OAD, I’ll have to wait a bit longer before I can truly judge, but it looks to be a wholesome intake of win that should satisfy most fanboys! The timing of this release was also good because it will help keep the enthusiasm flowing as Ken Akamatsu takes an unprecedented several-week break. But there’s also some bad news. Apparently we’ll be waiting till May next year before the next OAD. May! COME ON …

And I still wish Del-Ray would get their game on and help captivate their American audiences with extras and releases like this. I am damned positive that a good number of Negima fans, including me, would pay extra for limited edition goodness.

 
 

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Everybody loves fanart .. when it’s good. Fortunately, for anime fans there are hordes of Japanese fans out there with the talented and dedication to bring us some great art of our favourite characters, pairings and persuasions. The relatively new online service Pixiv has been a really great resource for artists to share their creations and for fans to enjoy them, but not all western fans have the patience to navigate the Japanese and create an account there or the time to sift through it. With these posts I’ll attempt to post my picks for all the anime/manga I’m interested in weekly. Hopefully someone might find this useful or enjoyable!

Note: Gathering these images I’m of coursed bias towards my favourite characters and moe persuasions, but if anyone would like me to keep a look out for a specific character, pairing or theme (if it’s for one of the things I’m watching), just ask!

 
 

Continue reading Fanart Digest #6

 

This was another great chapter! Ken’s on a roll now, once again he’s put together a chapter that I have nothing to complain about. Although my stubborn concerns about the time he’s left the real Asuna’s story hanging without revisiting it at all, and the fact that the recent focus on Negi and his father’s past have sidelined the rest of his vast cast. This centralization on Negi has taken its toll on the characterization of some of the girls (such as Nodoka’s apparent lack of angst over her friend’s memory wipe – which betrays the profoundness of the friendship that we’ve seen in the past), and has also wounded the tone of the manga. Although I *really* love the epic story behind Negima, I also really love the cute girls and ecchi appeal that it originally kicked off with. The moe characters have really captured my heart, so Ken Akamatsu should be careful to maintain all the elements that were behind the ascent of this manga to popularity, because I know I’m not the only one. Don’t forget the nudity and the youthful , maiden love stories! Every so often you just have to yearn for the days when you could discuss Asuna wearing bear panties rather than the master-plan of a corrupt senate. Well, I’ll hold on until this recent rush of plot development stops for a breather, as this latest rush of exposition and history has been a lot of fun in its own way, and it’d be a shame to cut things off too early because right now it really feels like we’re on the brink of everything clicking together and making sense.

Unlike the last handful of chapters, we happily got to visit four different ‘scenes’ this episode. Rather than being stuck solely with Godel, Negi and his chosen accomplices, we also got to see the reactions of the other girls at the ball, as they watched on through a weird Sayo-chan ghost-video-feed. I thought the logic behind her ability to transmit video like that felt a bit silly (because it makes her and other ghosts absurdly useful), but it was a good excuse to catch up with the girls. A bit of femininity to balance Negi’s manly predicament! Ku-fei was cute letting on at her inability to work out the plot of what they just watched. Paru, however, was as sharp as always, explaining the story online to everyone in a clear and concise fashion. Speaking of sharp, Yue finally got to do what she does best – being perceptive and wielding her powers of analysis. I really like the fact that she drew a conclusion from the flashback reel that others didn’t – the significance of Negi in terms of the royal bloodline – which stretches all the way back to the first mage – the daughter of the ‘creator’. A lot of people have been complaining about Negi’s ability to blast ahead of other characters who’ve spent their lives training, surpassing them with a hero-tier power level at the young age of 10. If you consider that he is a descendant of this revered bloodline, (not to mention the benefactor of the unstoppable Thousand Master’s genes), then this makes a lot more sense.

We don’t really know her origins, potential, or purpose yet, but Asuna’s role as the Twilight Imperial Princess is now an undeniably factor in this saga’s story. I’m really intrigued by this side of the story now. I’m especially curious to know exactly who sealed Asuna’s memories, enabling her to live an ‘ordinary’ life, and to see just how having her memories returned by Fate will change her. How will Asuna feel knowing she’s linked to the fall of Ostia and maybe even the potential destruction of the magic world? What I really love though is, looking back, you can really get a sense of all the hints and allusion Ken Akamatsu threw into even the earliest of chapters. Back then, when Asuna’s “amazing” magic-cancelling abilities were mentioned, or the vague suggestions that she might be some kind of princess, I doubt many of us could have foreseen just how significant those points would ultimately become. The way in which this story has evolved is truly impressive. I really liked fake-Asuna’s reaction to the revelation that she’s the Twilight Imperial Princess. Actually, on the subject of Asuna, due to her reduced role lately I’ve really been missing her. I guess I never really appreciated what her hard-headed, stubborn and strong-willed attitude bought to the table until it was gone.

On the manly front, we also FINALLY got a glimpse of the showdown between Rakan and Fate, which has clearly been a clash of titans – between two of the most powerful warrior who ever lived. Rakan seems to be holding his own, but Fate has no confidently proclaimed that his ultimate victory is assured. And that he’s now about to defeat the undefeatable, unsurpassable JACK RAKAN. I’ve heard people mention that Rakan is getting death flags here. Personally, I have a lot faith in the brokenness of JACK RAKAN, and I’ll believe Fate when I see it. I doubt Jack will be killed (this is Negima, after all), but even if he is humiliatingly crushed I will shed a tear.

Although it didn’t nearly have the wow-factor or dramatic impact of last chapter, this chapter gets my seal of approval for advancing things on a number of fronts and really consolidating the story so far. Because this chapter took so long to get scanlated (again), the preview pics have actually been out for chapter 271 for a while. The next chapter looks like it has some big revelations in store as it follows through on the Rakan/Fate battle, including an appearance by the not-so-dead Mage of the Beginning. More and more, it looks like the great tale than Ala Rubra faced was never really resolved at all and has now cycled back around to Negi and his own crew to tackle.

Everybody loves fanart .. when it’s good. Fortunately, for anime fans there are hordes of Japanese fans out there with the talented and dedication to bring us some great art of our favourite characters, pairings and persuasions. The relatively new online service Pixiv has been a really great resource for artists to share their creations and for fans to enjoy them, but not all western fans have the patience to navigate the Japanese and create an account there or the time to sift through it. With these posts I’ll attempt to post my picks for all the anime/manga I’m interested in weekly. Hopefully someone might find this useful or enjoyable!

Note: Gathering these images I’m of coursed bias towards my favourite characters and moe persuasions, but if anyone would like me to keep a look out for a specific character, pairing or theme (if it’s for one of the things I’m watching), just ask!

Continue reading Fanart Digest #5

 

I don’t know if I’ve ever read a chapter of a manga that was this breath-taking. The second part of what’s now known as the ALA RUBRA SAGA comes to a powerful and spirited conclusion as Nagi and his band of heroes pull off the inevitable and the impossible: a last-minute rescue of the defamed Queen Arika from certain death on the day of her execution. Although I’m happy to admit this was a simple and predictable fantasy-fairytale ending – the heroes showing up and saving the day for the cause of justice and love, and the typical setup of the knight in shining armor rescuing the beautiful princess. But with amazing artwork, impeccable timing, and intimate dialogue, Ken Akamatsu pulled it off with a sense of awe, passion and romanticism that, for me at least, defines the perfect story climax. And to think, this is just the end of a flashback sequence. If things work out well, the culmination of the present day plot, with its vast complexity and characters we’ve come to love over years of the manga, should be truly mind-blowing! This grandiose chapter had it all and it was so amazing that I’m not even in the mood to make the usual complaint about not having seen some of the characters for too long!

Although the other members of ALA RUBRA had a fleeting moment of badassery in the limelight, this was primarily a chapter about the love story between Nagi and Arika. But even if we only get see them for a brief moment, after getting to know their deeds through this flashback, every time they appear I just have to cheer. Rakan’s appearance was just perfect, and his arrogant dismissal of his opponent’s armies on behalf of his untouchable team was just about as hot-blooded and GAR as this manga has so far been. In terms of our two stars, I actually found their dialogue together this chapter really poignant, sweet and funny. Prior to this chapter I never really cared much for the pairing, but their romantic reunion here was just executed so well that they finally clicked and I felt their great chemistry. Nagi was so cool here that my respect for him has greatly increased - I can see why Arika would fall for him (hell, I even understand why all the girls of the magical world fangirl over him)! And Arika was just so adorable as the smitten but stubborn damsel, swept from death by her knight. I just loved how she couldn’t confess properly, despite the utmost chivalry with which Nagi gave her the chance. Although I have to say I was relieved when Nagi headbutted her to break up her “why did you save me you crazy fool?” tirade. I’m starting to think it’d be great to see a bit of a spinoff manga set in the magical world with these guys..

I don’t really have a lot to say about this chapter because it didn’t deal with the intricacies of the plot and didn’t give me anything to complain about! The only thing of interest beyond the tale of the Queen of Calamity is the fact that this chapter gives a proper background for Godel, explaining his methods. Clearly, despite using subversive methods to achieve his goals, that we wouldn’t normally attribute to a hero, he is an ally of Negi’s who wants justice for the senate’s persecution of Arika. Brilliant fantasy imagery, probably the strongest dose of romance Negima has ever delivered, and great entertainment – this is why I love Negima!
 

 

This is a really exciting chapter because it really feels like that we’re finally teetering on the brink of a major plot revelation. We’re not there yet, but pretty soon this manga is going to deliver a real answer to some of the burning questions behind the vast and convoluted story. Until now, and that includes this chapter, Ken Akamatsu has demonstrated an amazing ability to expand and complicate the epic story behind the history of the magic world, the past of Nagi and comrades, and Negi-and-cohort’s present struggle against enigmatic Fate. With every flashback he manages to raise new questions and ambiguities but, and this is the thing that really impresses me about his storytelling ability, it never feels like he’s going off on a tangent or unnecessarily trying to drag it out. Every time he adds new mysteries to the story he also inches the separate threads every closer to making sense as a single, coherent body. Over the course of the magic world arc we’ve gradually been able to focus in on a few key holes in the plot, questions that would link everything together and which, even now, threaten to put a crushing spin on the story. When a true revelation is dropped it should be really satisfying.

There’s not a lot to talk about in this chapter other than the plot. There’s little in the way of golden moe moments or fanservice highlights. It’s one of those chapters with a deeper tone than your average Negima fare, which is usually the mark of a Nagi flashback chapter. This chapter initially felt like it was actually explaining things, but by the end of it I realise it had left me much more confused than ever before (and I had to go back and reread it to try and extract sense out of every snippet of dialogue). For 18 pages worth, Ken Akamatsu really packs in a hell of a lot of conflicting motivations and moral dilemmas. Now that the Megalo Mesembria Senate has entered into the mix Negima has gained a new edge of intrigue and espionage. This chapter is our best look into princess/Queen Arika’s perspective yet, and it’s a very interesting world of politics and warfare. Compared to the (from what we’ve seen) simple masculine heroics of Nagi and ALA RUBRA, Arika’s decisions as her kingdom’s leader are fascinating in a more intellectual way. We don’t really know specifics yet but this chapter suggests that:

Arika made a decision that would partially save her kingdom, but which would bring ruin shortly after. In other words, she gained time in which she could evacuate as many citizens as possible from the sky-plateaus. We know now that she knew a disaster was coming and that she decided to take responsibility for it, giving her the title “Queen of Calamity”. I like the idea that she made an honourable sacrifice, and the idea that the Megalo Mesembria Senate was behind the scenes even back then, pulling strings, is even more interesting.

The most confusing element to the chapter was the death of Zect and his dialogue with Negi.

It is impossible for a hero of war to shape the future.
In the end you were unable to change anything.
I suggest that you ask yourself now, is humanity worth throwing away your own life to save?
Humanity is beyond saving .. hero, know my 2006 years of despair. Farewell.

Zect has had very little mention but the fact that Nagi calls him master suggests he had some kind of significance. His death and final words are kind of mysterious. Was he really a traitor/villain-in-disguise or was he possessed by something or someone to deliver that message to Nagi. What does he mean when he says Nagi was unable to change anything? The chapter casts doubt on the triumph of Ala Rubra on that day - things went a little too smoothly and here we have someone saying that they failed. By throwing away his life, I wonder if Zect is referring to what’s happened to Nagi - the reason he disappeared. I really hope the next chapter explains what happened here a little better because it’s the most confusing part of the chapter. Interestingly, Ku:nel seemed to know the circumstances behind Zect’s “passing away” and stopped Nagi from sharing. There’s definitely some important piece to the puzzle that’s missing here (as usual!).

Other than the plot, we got some nice character development for Arika and a good look at her relationship with Nagi. There’s some pretty funny flirting between the two of them, and talk of eloping. Given their older age compared with Negi and his companions, their relationship is a bit more mature (especially from Arika’s side of things), and there’s this real sense of drama between them. They are drawn together but pulled apart, Arika’s sense of duty to her country is torn by her love for her knight. It’s really compelling, and I can’t wait for the next chapter. Maybe Negima’s present-day romantic stories will eventually develop to be as interesting as this. I suppose we can’t forget to mention the reference to Asuna in this chapter too. Her past is still somewhat mysterious but a lot of it can be inferred from the many comments about her that have been made. Here it says she was sealed using the power of the entire fleet. It seems she is the cause of the disaster that will soon unfold and brand Arika the Queen of Calamity. Her magic negation powers really fit in well with this. Again, the answer to this whole thing feels like it’s on the tip of my tongue but I can’t quite say it..

I was rereading an earlier volume today (vo,ume 6), published by UK company “Tanoshimi”, and in the translation notes it has an interesting interpretation of Fate’s name:

Fate Averruncus
The name of the “white-haired youth”. The roman god of aversion, “Averruncus” is said to help in avoiding calamity, while also bringing forth good fortune. In other references, Averruncus is known as the God of childbirth.

His name certainly has some interesting connotations! It really reinforces the theory that Fate actually has goals that aren’t explicitly evil. He is likely trying to save humanity in some fashion. Whether that’s destroying one dimension to preserve another, or something else entirely remains to be seen. I’m going to go crazy if some of the answers to this massive plot aren’t shared soon!