Ranked #933

Katsu! (Manga)

I've read a lot of Mitsuru Adachi's works and Katsu! is among my favorites. Like most of his newer works, Adachi sets out to establish the main relationship from the start, and builds up this relationship throughout the series - it's even touching to know that both characters had feelings for each other before they became friends. Lots of Adachi's trademark humor, self-insertions, and a good tie-in to the sport gimmick (in this case, boxing). In addition, the antagonists/rivals are actually pretty decent guys, you don't root for them, but you don't hate them either - you want them to be successful in their lives as long as they don't steal the girl away from the boy.

Unfortunately, which is typical with Adachi, the ending is abrupt and leaves a lot of things hanging (particularly with side characters). But that doesn't spoil the overall work. read more

First thing to note is the disappointing character artwork. Yet, it didn't bother me. Not to mention that the environmental artwork is amazing, and it's easy to see what's going on too (which is rare for action manga who are more often confusing and sometimes hard to follow).

If you look behind the artwork of the characters you'll most likely find either a blank page, another manga page or... if it's digital: the back of your screen. But if you look behind the way the characters are drawn and actually read a few chapters, you won't even notice and after a while start liking the weird artwork.

So I wouldn't put down 'Art' as a negative; since it's not bad, plus it fits the manga fairly well. As far as characters and story go; there is plenty of development ging on. Which isn't so rare for a sports manga; they still need to improve right.

This is a sports manga about boxing; which is pretty much what it's about most of the time. A lot of revealing being done; lots and lots of boxing and boxing and sometims a little romance and some dry-in moments. You see, there aren't any 'blushing' and 'what should I do, I never talked to a girl before' moments in this manga, mainly since it's a boxing manga. But there is romantic development in between; though hard to notice since they never seem to be nervous or surprised about what's happening. I mean, the guy can watch porn in his room, be caught by his dad or anybody and reply with: "o, is that so" without worrying about it at all. Which is different, refreshing you might say. For once a different type of humor which in this manga's case worked out well.

Take a note though, there isn't much 'technical' about boxing revealed besides that two guys hit each other in a ring with some people looking impressed at it in this manga. Which is the only real negative point.

There aren't too many characters; especially considering it's 150+/- chapters. But the characters that do come into the picture are almost always the same in emotion and all that; so not much development there thoughout the story.

There is one thing I can tell you though, this manga entangles you. Mostly because you just ALWAYS have something to read/continue with at the end of a chapter. Since it's fun, you give in and do so. Before you know it, you already finished it (speaking out of experience). Most of the awesomeness is obviously caused by the mangaka Adachi Mitsure, a pure manga genius with lots of good work.

Don't worry about the picture looking lame or the first chapter not leaving a good impression artwork-wise. This manga is definitely worthwhile and a great read all throughout (not any filler-like pages/chapters too). I did feel the ending was rather rushed and would've loved for it to continued; which is a shame. The ending didn't give me a bad/unfinished feeling, rather, it did finish. But it still seemed a little rushed.

If you like sports/boxing, romance, dry-humor and/or something different yet good for a change; this is the manga for you! read more