Manga 48257 Shuujin Riku

Shuujin Riku was a major manga on my list. With 38 volumes, it's a pretty quick read. The reason? Much of the manga is excellent, and it's hard to stop. You've probably guessed it from these few words, but yes: the manga is really very good.

The manga shines in a variety of ways, but the one that stands out for me is the character development. The work is made up of a panel of really excellent characters. The author, Shinobu Seguchi, has taken great care to develop each character introduced in the story. Whether in the foreground or secondary, each person has a role ... to play. This contributes to the solid plot. I also found that the characters had really excellent interactions with each other, and that the dialogue had a huge impact on the story's apprehension. In the course of the story, we witness all kinds of moments that take us from laughter to tears. I really enjoyed seeing these moments of brotherhood between prisoners, and seeing real relationships being forged. It's unusual in more recent manga.

I was talking earlier about the plot. I found it rather original. It's quite modern when it comes to the prison environment, but also in political manga. It's a sort of hybrid between underground and dramatic manga. The author's timing is perfect, and the story progresses at just the right pace. If you take the time to read the manga, I think you'll come to a conclusion similar to mine: the narrative is perfectly conducted and there's little room for chance. You can feel that a lot of work has gone into the plot.

On a technical level, the author's style is interesting. He perfectly idealizes important moments, both in the drama and in the action and doesn't hesitate to use original devices to best describe the action. The way it's divided up also offers some interesting ideas. One point that did bother me though, was the last few volumes. He let himself go a bit and I didn't really like the facial expressions of some of the characters.

Speaking of the last few volumes, that's the black spot of the manga for me. It's a shame, because I felt that the ending wasn't at all up to the standard it had previously offered. By way of analogy, a balloon would have been much more convincing and iconic than the last two volumes. To avoid spoilers, I'll leave you with this.

However, I think it's still a very good manga and a major piece of prison manga. The first part of the manga is excellent, with no down-time and no concessions. There are some intense moments, particularly with the character of Renoma, which I won't soon forget. I really think the manga deserves a little more attention, as it's refreshing in many ways and takes an interesting approach. It's a far cry from binary shonens and phony plot devices.

Thanks to the author for proposing this kind of story. Take the time to have a look at this work if you get the chance.

**Spoiler FREE**

Story :

1-2 clichés here and there, quickly faded by an outstanding narration. You follow the journey of Riku a 13 years old boy sent to prison for something he did not do.
You can imagine the hell he is about to live in there, stuck with thousands of savages Zangief looking guys. It reminds me of the 1st season of Prison Break. That beautiful concept of a diversity of prisoners, from smart to geeky to straight up flesh aficionados. Toss in an escape plan ans some dirty law enforcers and you get a story that let you want more book after ... book.

Art :

Majestic, the drawing is very good, but there is a special touch brought to the emotions of the characters I feel. You can absolutely tell what's going on in their minds by just enjoying the art. The environments are well detailed and while the story takes place in the prison for a while, you clearly feel in there. No scenery looks like another you can feel the atmosphere pages after pages. Faces are so well drawn and filled with emotions, I've rarely had this feeling.

Characters :

Every single character has a story, and boy there are many... not only you can relate to some, but the pace and timing you learn about the past of a character is brought in a clever way.
At first I was wondering how they could introduce a 13 years old boy to the prison life without it being too weird. You often forget that the hero is that young, by the way he talks, acts and thinks, but there are some smart reminders here and there that let you remind that this little kid is as tough and young as it can get, while never be too unreal. ( a bit sometimes tho ^^).
He makes friends and foes that you PRO ably recognize if your entourage, the power of the writing here is surreal.

Enjoyment :

Pretty subjective topic. I've read 8 volumes in one sitting if that can give you a clue.

Overall :

A solid 10 out of 10 for what I consider a masterpiece.
I never get bored, every pages you learn something, you feel something.
From the incredible emotions that are thrown at you by the majestic art.
To the brilliant narration. You are in there for a treat. I can certainly tell you to shy away from an okay Manga, but boy don't you dare ditching this one.

Okay, only 9 volumes in and this is already a hidden gem. This manga is a masterpiece. Everything about it is just awesome. If you haven't read it I would definitely recommend.

The protagonist is just incredible. Riku is in my top 10 greatest manga protagonist. A simple yet sufficient protagonsit.

The caracters also do the trick. I went falling in love with Renoma Sasaki as a caracter. This is the incarnation of GIGACHAD. Nothing more to add.

The manga takles themes like Justice, Freedom or Society/Capitalism on an individual scale and it does in a good way.

100% suggest to read this while listening to guilty gear' ... OST to have the time of your life.