So let me give you Toriko's main Pros & Cons:
Pros
+ World Building
This is where Toriko has an obvious advantage over the typical battle shounens. The sheer scale and diversity of the planet in which the story is set is awesome!.
+ Battles
The fights in Toriko highlight the "battle" in being a battle shounen. More often than not, in head to head fights there are no holds barred. Characters just don't give a flying F about themselves during battle and risk it all - not going into any spoilers here, but manga readers will understand which greatly improves the intensity of each fight.
The added gore helps too, SO Much helpful than the anime version which never does it Justice Despite getting the push by the crossover with Dbz and One Piece in an anime special earlier.
Sometimes overlooked, but the author does manage to describe characters abilities and their concepts, giving a better understanding of the situation where things maybe seem a bit messy at first glance.
+Plot Twists
Admittedly Shima's story does deliver some impressive and unforeseeable events which leave the reader completely bemused.
+ Sheer Power
What I like a lot is The strength of some of the characters in this series can make the jaw drop...
Not to mention the creativity of some abilities are unique in its own way for a shounen its like a influence of Hokuto no ken, Dbz and Asura's wrath (Yes I mention Asura's wrath the video game in terms of all the Beasts and creatures called gohma that asura fights against,) Anyways what I will say is that The power scheme within this manga series is Damn Good.
Cons
- Slow Starter
The first 25-50 chapters of Toriko are rather vague as to what the series wants to achieve. The premise of being in a Gourmet Age where food (quality food) is the most valuable asset, and only capable hunters can procure the higher quality ingredients doesn't motivate the story until later on- where Acacia's full course is introduced. Only when all the heavenly King's are introduced fully does the story's momentum pick up.
- Story-telling
Throughout the manga, especially in the earlier chapters, the story seems a little inconsistent, jumping from an epic, well foreshadowed battle to consecutive chapters of extensive dialogue which serves little purpose. The latter has been rare as of late, and it does seem like Shima has improved in this area greatly.
- Lack-luster characters
Hate to admit it, but it's true. Some of the characters, relatively speaking, are as bland as a slice of bread despite how their personality come across. Not trying to be harsh but I think they could be better Just saiyan.
Overall: Major stuff happen much Later on and let me tell you It gets even more Crazier. The Manga has so much going for it than the anime itself. All-in-all, I'd say give it a go especially if you are keen on it, again it might not be for everyone but for a battle shounen its up there along side Hokuto No ken, Dbz, one piece, Jojo Bizarre adventure Etc.
