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jasper_a's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The Dark Tournament!!
rereader33's review against another edition
2.0
Okay folks, time for a rant regarding my least favorite character in the series, Yukina. Here we go.
One of things I appreciate about Togashi is, for the most part, he created a fun and fierce group of female characters. Even they can't always protect themselves to the bitter end, they still do what they can to get themselves out of a dire situation. And then there's Yukina, the literal definition of a damsel in distress.
Now, I want to make it clear that I don't hold any animosity to the damsel in distress trope simply because there are times when women and girls are held hostage and there's nothing they can do or that doing something could make their situation worse. My problem with Yukina is that she's CAPABLE of doing something but CHOOSES not to.
To illustrate my point, let's go back to volume 2 of the series. Keiko agrees to go with Dai, a thug, in order to protect her friends. When Dai tries to attack her, even though readers don't see what happened, it's implied that Dai had to knock her unconscious because she refused to back down. May I remind everyone that Keiko has NO POWERS and average human strength while Yukina HAS POWERS and could use them to her advantage if she tried. Back to Yukina's story, Yukina at NO POINT is shown or otherwise implied to have tried to escape, and when one of Tarukane's guards tries to help her, SHE HESITATES. Yes, it's obvious she was concerned about the guard's well-being, but the fact that she's not jumping at the opportunity to be rescued and never makes an attempt to leave on her own after being TORTURED FOR FIVE YEARS, it becomes increasingly clear that she's simply a damsel in distress and that's the extent of her character. I want to make it clear that I am not unsympathetic to what Yukina has gone through; no person should ever be put through what she has and it's awful. However, that doesn't change the fact that she just waits for someone else to rescue her and by extension puts others in danger.
That's all I really want to say. As happy as I am that the Dark Tournament arc has started, I had to drag through the Rescue Yukina arc and it left a sour taste in my mouth. Anyways, my favorite arc has started and I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite fights again.
One of things I appreciate about Togashi is, for the most part, he created a fun and fierce group of female characters. Even they can't always protect themselves to the bitter end, they still do what they can to get themselves out of a dire situation. And then there's Yukina, the literal definition of a damsel in distress.
Now, I want to make it clear that I don't hold any animosity to the damsel in distress trope simply because there are times when women and girls are held hostage and there's nothing they can do or that doing something could make their situation worse. My problem with Yukina is that she's CAPABLE of doing something but CHOOSES not to.
To illustrate my point, let's go back to volume 2 of the series. Keiko agrees to go with Dai, a thug, in order to protect her friends. When Dai tries to attack her, even though readers don't see what happened, it's implied that Dai had to knock her unconscious because she refused to back down. May I remind everyone that Keiko has NO POWERS and average human strength while Yukina HAS POWERS and could use them to her advantage if she tried. Back to Yukina's story, Yukina at NO POINT is shown or otherwise implied to have tried to escape, and when one of Tarukane's guards tries to help her, SHE HESITATES. Yes, it's obvious she was concerned about the guard's well-being, but the fact that she's not jumping at the opportunity to be rescued and never makes an attempt to leave on her own after being TORTURED FOR FIVE YEARS, it becomes increasingly clear that she's simply a damsel in distress and that's the extent of her character. I want to make it clear that I am not unsympathetic to what Yukina has gone through; no person should ever be put through what she has and it's awful. However, that doesn't change the fact that she just waits for someone else to rescue her and by extension puts others in danger.
That's all I really want to say. As happy as I am that the Dark Tournament arc has started, I had to drag through the Rescue Yukina arc and it left a sour taste in my mouth. Anyways, my favorite arc has started and I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite fights again.
kiara_seoul's review against another edition
It’s considered one of the greatest tournaments arcs in anime/manga. Let’s see why.
It’s time for The Dark Tournament Arc!
It’s also pretty sad that this where Yoshihiro Togashi’s many health problems start cropping up. No doubt one reason having to pump out manga constantly. I’m really glad he’s been taking breaks and hiatuses!
It’s time for The Dark Tournament Arc!
It’s also pretty sad that this where Yoshihiro Togashi’s many health problems start cropping up. No doubt one reason having to pump out manga constantly. I’m really glad he’s been taking breaks and hiatuses!
caitschiffer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
irobarte's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
perazo's review against another edition
3.0
I knew that guy looked familiar! It’s the baddie from the tournament saga, which begins at the end of this volume! This arc is where I first started reading the manga back in the early US Shonen Jump days, and I’m excited to continue it. I dropped a star due to a poorly dated transphobia scene, which is never cool.
rouge_red's review against another edition
adventurous
3.25
New objective- rescue Yukina, a demon girl who's been kidnapped. She has the ability to cry precious stones and one Gonzo Tarukane is eager to make more money.
- Yusuke had promised before to let Keiko in on all the dangerous stuff he has to do...and he actually does this.
- Botan trying to tell Keiko just enough to keep her in the loop without compromising her safety.
- Kuwabara in love.
- She's Hiei's half sister. But she's not aware of this information.
- Meet the Toguro brothers. One's big and strong and increase buffness. While the other brother is small enough to sit on his shoulder...and can turn into t a flesh sword??
- You need to put a cap on betting, bro. (ie. Sakyo)
- There's some dated scenes featuring a character named Miyuki. Fortunately (at least in the anime), Hunter X Hunter has Kalluto, and he seems to be doing fine.
- Hiei not killing Tarukane is character development.
Next up- the dark tournament time
- the boys are improving very quickly and I like that even though Yusuke is the main character and he's giving MC energy, we never leave Kuwabara behind.
- Yusuke's mom, Keiko and Kuwabara's sister go to watch the tournament. I suppose Koenma (in human form looks like a teenager...but he's still sporting the pacifier!) and Botan can protect them??
- Fight or die
- Yusuke showing up in his nice boy hair! (Along with Genkai.)
- Hiei tests out Yusuke. Heh. And acknowledges his power.
- Nap time.
- Yoyos with stars on 'em. Controlled with aura...
On a separate note, I didn't realize that Togashi has been suffering with his illness since January 1991. He mentions this at the beginning bit where he previously wrote about funny "what if's". He talks about having to draw while lying down. I'm just grateful that he's still been going all this time and creating the work that he's been able to.
mk4_naka's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wisecraic's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0