Skip Beat!: Dedication

It’s no stranger to Skip Beat! manga readers that the series’ most consistent theme throughout its 219 chapters thus far is dedication. Even in the anime aired in 2008, the characters’ dedication to things around them is very apparent. They’re committed to the tasks given to them, no matter how tough they are, and they’re doing so with single-mindedness to deliver sheer quality. Given that Skip Beat! is set on the entertainment world, I suppose their very careers’ success is dependent of their level of commitment.

Since I started reading Skip Beat! some time back in 2009, I was never shy about my amazement at the main characters Mogami Kyoko and Tsuruga Ren‘s dedication to their acting. In many occasions, both characters overcame adversities to deliver quality work. But it doesn’t just stop there. If I reflect back the chapters I read all these years, it’s clear that the series’ many characters remain dedicated in many aspects of their lives.

From Anime To Manga

I’m primarily an anime watcher. For the lack of a proper word, let’s use the word “watcher” for now. To further elaborate, I’m more inclined to watch the anime of any titles as long as there’s an anime version of it. I’ll be more than happy to skip reading the manga, playing the visual novel or reading the light novel. In that respect, yes, I’m more of an anime person. For readers who have been following this blog for a long time would come to realize this. After all, I mentioned it several times.

So, for me to transition from the anime to actually reading manga takes a lot of work. At least, the anime must do the original work justice. This means what was translated into an anime isn’t too far off the original work. Majority of the characteristics are still there and whatever emotions are properly conveyed through animated work.

Aftermath Of A Manga’s End

Several weeks have passed since the world of manga bid farewell to the much popular series Naruto. And several weeks before that, my friends and I bid farewell to another of our favorite series Kuroko no Basuke. In other words, we’ve spent a lot of days these past few months “chasing” the weekly chapter. We would eagerly and anxiously waiting for the release of the translated chapters. Worst part is, the translators seem to delay the release of the last few chapters on many occasions.

For us, we would greet each other each morning to with either “Kuroko still not yet release.” or “Naruto not yet out”. And then we’ll go on with our work while periodically check for possible updates. On a “bad” day, we would end the day with the same sigh. Figuratively speaking, of course.

And Naruto Ends…

In a fast paced world, this post might come a bit late. Last week, the popular shounen series Naruto has come to an end. For me personally, it’s a mixture of sadness and excitement. Sad, because the title that introduced me to the world of anime ended. Excited, because I’m finally seeing the ending of a much treasured series.

Before I delve any further to what I thought about the series itself, here’s a summary I got from Wikipedia.

A giant, powerful fox known as the Nine-Tails attacks the ninja village Konoha, killing many people. In response, the leader of Konoha – the Fourth Hokage – seals the fox inside his newborn son Naruto Uzumaki at the cost of his life. The Konoha community thinks that Naruto is the Nine-Tails itself and often ridicules him throughout most of his childhood.

Favorite Kimi Ni Todoke Chapter So Far

I just read the most recent chapter of Kimi ni Todoke yesterday, which is Chapter 74. It’s good as usual and did enough to satisfy my monthly dose of the series. With that, in all 74 chapters of Kimi ni Todoke I read so far, my favorite chapter is still the 50th chapter – You’re Too Loud.

Oddly enough, the chapter has nothing to do with whatever’s going on in Kazehaya & Sawako, Chizu & Ryu or Ayane & Kento’s relationships. In short, it has nothing to do with romantic relationships. It’s about Chizu and Ayane, and how their friendship begun.

The Guessing Game

With Naruto’s and Bleach’s manga taking surprising (for some) turns and whatnot, my friends are starting up all sorts of discussions trying to determine the story behind all those revelations and more. What they’ll do is try to recall as much information as they can and then begin to make theories of their own. Basically, what they’re trying to do is to uncover the truth before the answer is revealed by the author of the series.

It was all fun at first, but I’m beginning to feel tired after a while. No, it’s not because my theories are always wrong (which they are ALWAYS wrong). But I no longer see the reason behind what I call as “The Guessing Game”.

Kimi ni Todoke Manga: Volume 6

Chizu is surprised by the sudden homecoming of Toru, Ryu’s older brother and her childhood crush. But old habits die hard when Chizu can’t seem to get enough courage to declare her love. But this is the one time Chizu won’t be able to count on Ryu to be supportive of her – not when he wants her for himself!

– Summary of Kimi ni Todoke 6

Kimi ni Todoke Manga: Volume 5

Sawako finally realizes that her feelings for Kazehaya are more than just admiration. But this novice in love has a lot to learn about romance. Not that Chizu can help her out any – she’s got enough worries of her own to deal with! Can either of these shy girls take the next step towards a real relationship?

– Summary of Kimi ni Todoke 5

Kimi ni Todoke Manga: Volume 4

Kurumi’s got it all – looks, popularity and friends. But underneath Kurumi’s friendly exterior is a manipulative girl who’ll do anythign to get what she wants! And she wants Kazehaya! Will Kurumi’s plotting drive Kazehaya and Sawako apart, or will it instead draw them even closer together?

– Summary of Kimi ni Todoke 4

Kimi ni Todoke Manga: Volume 3

Sadako finally becomes friends with her classmates, instead of scaring them off. Even Kurumi, the cutest girl in school, wants to be her friend. But will this new friendship make Sadako realize that her feeligns for Kazehaya might be more than just friendly?

 – Summary of Kimi ni Todoke Volume 3