Monday, January 24, 2011

2nd Manga Recommendation: "SWOT"

For manga aficionados and beginners alike... 


allow Matt Clark to suggest.....



 SWOT
 a japanese comic
written and illustrated by Sugita Naoya

This hilarious fighting manga is a cult classic.  Cancelled after only twenty chapters, SWOT is a prime example of stories that were never given the chance to show their true potential, a common tragedy in the manga industry (see Double Arts, Silvery Crow, and Busou Renkin).  

THE STORY

Manabizaki Kyou is a swot (swot: n. a student who studies assiduously, esp. to the exclusion ofother activities or interests; grind.).  His dream of going into space keeps his nose glued to his books.  In the hope of eventual acceptance to Tokyo University, Kyou transfers to a supposedly prestigious academy... only to find this new school overrun with battle-crazy delinquents and gangs.  Much to the delinquents' surprise, Kyou is actually very strong.  He'll beat out  anyone who interferes in his studies, drawing more attention than he expected.

WHAT'S TO LOVE

SWOT's twenty chapters are full of gags, perverse humor, action, and a cast of memorable characters.  Despite the short life of the series, a lot happens between beginning and end - and the end is quite satisfying.  It's a light-hearted series.. and a nice change of pace from the darker stories that I have and will present.

-MAECA

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