Buyuden

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Probably the only one where I will give it an even rating across the board but I think this is accurate.

The story is actually quite cool, being a fan of boxing myself it was nice seeing a newer boxing manga because they are rare. Aside from the ending which I didn't like, the only other aspect of this that I disliked was how literal they made the techniques. For instance they would make it so the MC struggled against an enemy that he could easily defeat only to have him win after 'figuring out' something he already knew, or they had the MC pretend ... the be bad only to show that he is good. It was kind of ridiculous in that regard.

The art was basic, you could see what was happening and feelings were properly portrayed through the expressions so that is good. I just don't particularly enjoy the art style itself.

Other than the things I mentioned about the MC pretending to be bad, he was a really likeable character who had great character progression, same as most other relevant side characters. I didn't like that Moka was chubby though, I liked it even less when they kept making her give up on her weight loss.

I won't spoil the end of the story for you but it was seriously a letdown.

First of all, sorry for my bad english and forgive me for any grammar errors.

Well, I'll write this review in a general perspective of the piece. Buyuden is a normal boxing manga. It has all the elements of a shounen/martial arts: A typical highschool boy gets to know some way that might make him stronger, and this simple desire is what keeps him moving forward.

But this had some new points that I have never seen in any boxing/martial arts manga. Well, the first one is that Take Isamu, the protagonist, wants to learn boxing only because he met a cute girl (Kaname Moka) ... that pratices it, an so he has this sole motivation to introduce himself in the world of boxing.

Second point, the fights. They're not as emotional, tecnical, strategic and epic as Hajime no Ippo's fights. They're pretty simple and very fast. But the point here it's the results. The main pugilists struggle A LOT to defeat an oponent, and don't win the fights very often. They have to think fast, know their own weaknesses and punch under the adrenaline and pressure of a boxing match. They can't win with their motivations and willpower only. That is a strong point for creating realistic fights. Perhaps the strongest point in this manga.

The art is good, especially in the fights. From the beginning to the end, it doesn't change much.

Now to the weak points. Although the story is interesting in the beginning, it walks in the same path as any shounen manga. Take Isamu only continues in the world of boxing for the desire of becoming stronger, even if he says that he does so to "Complete Moka's dream".

The characters... well, they're not very developed. They do change, but it's nothing gradual and slow like Holyland. It's a bit unreal, but it doesn't mess up the story.

For conclusion: This is not similar to Hajime no Ippo, and neither to Holyland. This is Buyuden. It's not a unique manga, but it has it's differences with other shounen/sports/martial arts. I had a good time reading it, as a boxing fan myself.

My advice is: Are you a boxing/martial arts fan? Are you looking for some refresing reading? Do you just want to see some fast punching fights? Them Buyuden is for you, give it a shot.

Are you looking for a unique manga? Are you not a fan of boxing/martial arts? Are you looking for a manga with a strong story? Them, don't waste time reading it.

Save yourself from a heartbreak as this manga has a rushed ending that may enrage you.

This manga had a lot of potential, but there wasn't a lot of character development later into the manga. The pacing is a bit off and we didn't grow with any of the other characters besides the lead. I felt like the main girl wasn't truly necessary to the story later on. Now that I think about it, none of the supporting characters really has enough time to grow on a reader and appear to simply be there. I can't criticize the move to much as the series was ... axed. Maybe it didn't appeal to people or couldn't stand up against the top sports mangas out there like Hajime no Ippo.

However, this manga is still a good sports manga to read. Just don't go expecting a good ending as the series ends with 134 chapters. I like the two lead characters but the way the girl ends up kind of disheartens me as a storyteller.