If the community grows to a size as large as the manga subreddit, my guess is that it'll take on similar characteristics - that's the nature of manga in its current state and culture. It'll only be different if conscious effort is put in to moderate the content and direction of discussions that take place here.

I suppose the good thing here is that it's like we're starting on a clean slate, and we can actually steer this instance in the direction we want it to go, at least for now.

It's upsetting that the subs for media as broad as television and books and movies can hold substantial discussions and for the most part feel like a proper forum, while r/manga just made me feel like I was perpetually stuck in some corner of a sleazy bookstore dedicated to horny boys and men.

That's not to say that there weren't good conversations and recommendations to be found. I spent a good bunch of my time on that sub because the hidden gems were worth digging through the dirt to find. I'm just hoping the things I see and read here will be more palatable.

Azumanga Daioh is where it's at!

It hasn't been years but I wonder what Yuuji Kaku could have done with Ayashimon were he given the chance to tell that story in full. It had no time in Jump to lay the groundwork, but the Yakuza Yokai setting oozed style.

Ginka and Glüna was another series that was taken from us before its time. I think it suffered by being a little more cartoonish and straight edge in its storytelling in a time when Jump readers seem to be into more dramatic and edgy themes.

What other media do you consume? Books, movies? Any genres you enjoy? Any favourite piece of literature? I think I speak on behalf of most manga enthusiasts when I say we'd be more than happy to help you add more manga to that to-read list!

I chanced upon this unassuming series by the name of Haraiso Days. The art's a little dated, but that just adds to the charm, and this story just exudes charm! It's cosy and endearing, it's mellow and melancholic. I highly recommend this little gem if you're looking for a good seinen slice-of-life to indulge in.

This, Akane-banashi and Polar Opposites give me so much hope for Shounen manga.

Yeah, this one's a gem.

If you're talking about the dota subreddit, nothing significant as far as I know, just a gradual decline in the quality of conversations going on over there that was made really apparent once I took a break from that sub.

Honestly, it felt like this series had lost a little momentum before these past few chapters, but the tension and pace has really ramped up again, especially with Hikaru's performance! I love what has been done with her character - there's no personal spite or malice directed at Akane or anyone else, just a drive to prove to oneself the limits of one's ability and ambition, and the same goes for the rest of the contestants. No doubt whoever wins this competition, everyone partaking of it leaves the venue enriched by the Rakugo they get to experience. I'm very excited to see the climax of this arc.

Have you read Mousou Telepathy by any chance?

I quite liked the awkward flow in their conversation. Interested to see where this goes.

Wow, they really decided to drop a nerf patch on the meta heroes and items in the middle of DreamLeague. Games later will be interesting.

Shout-out to my American EMS brothers and sisters! May the patients you pick up have relatively manageable mangled limbs!

Agreed on your second point - how did these things happen in an international tournament involving large amounts of prize money in the first place? And was this something that other TOs had successfully prevented, that the current one dropped the ball on? Or was this always a security and integrity lapse that existed and that we've only just spotted, which would imply the possibility of this happening in previous tournaments or even the DPC without being detected? They can't ALL be THAT incompetent, right...?

About the penalty that BB received, I'd be fine with it if it didn't seem like it was pulled out from thin air, but it does so it irks me a little. Again, just a lack of prep that makes the officials look incompetent, and really doesn't inspire confidence in the state of future tournaments.

Nothing much to add, I just wanna say DAMN, MangaRock, now that's a throwback.

It's been awhile since I've had the time and motivation to read manga, and even more since I've written about it, but I'm in the mood to procrastinate so here's something I've re-binged recently:

Ore no Himekutsu o Haite Kure is about a skilled shoemaker struggling with a foot fetish and a chance encounter with a high school girl who wants a special pair of shoes restored.

That's right, there's romantic tension involving an age gap. No, it's not erotica (but it is ecchi). No doubt about it, the subject and context are straight up taboo, but I ended up adoring this little series that seems to have never appeared on anybody's radar. It's an uncomplicated story - the set-ups are straightforward, the characters aren't convoluted, the twists and conclusion are almost predictable - and it makes for a very mellow and pleasant read.

I really, REALLY don't like romance stories with age gaps - many of them involve the older party knowingly manipulating the younger one, or just making irresponsible decisions as the adult in the situation - but I've a soft spot for this one and how benign and tender this story turned out. I've read it several times since its serialization and I'm glad to say it hasn't lost its charm.

If I had a say, I'd hope for MORE manhwa and manhua, to add to the variety of content and discussion that we get here. The manga subreddit in its current state is so homogeneous and stale, it's an absolute slog to find anything remotely unique or noteworthy there, and I've been a bit burnt out by manga as a result.

DUGONG DUGONG

I'd read this... If it had some proper translations. This looks worse than some MTL stuff out there, and this was published on the official app??

It's 5am, and I've stayed up all night watching games. Was it worth it? HOLY SHIT YES IT WAS! I haven't been this hyped since the LiquidvThunder match and that 1hp infest play by Matu! Incredible day of dotes!