This Week's Issue! - May 12, 2014

SJ Podcast pusher and SJ Editor Urian Brown gives his take on this week's issue.
By May 12, 2014

 

Cover
art by Naoshi Komi
Is this a Shonen Jump cover, or a 60's album cover? Introducing the Nise-Coys! Yeah, I don't think I'm cut out to be a 60s rock-n-roll producer, but I am cut out to write about Weekly Shonen Jump covers, and this is a really nice one. And it seems like we're doing more and more Nisekoi covers. Is this a reflection of its growing popularity or a scarcity of art from other series? I'll never tell! 

Nisekoi
by Naoshi Komi
Wowzers, what an opening color page of Raku's childhood friend, Yui. Though Yui's quite the looker, Raku's a bit irritated with her, since she can be a bit...clingy. She sleeps in his futon, fixes his bed hair and teases him to no end. But there's a good reason behind it...she's lost her family. Feeling a bit sorry for her, Raku decides to stop being so hard on her. But will this just encourage the feelings of love she holds for him? 

All You Need is Kill
story by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, storyboards by Ryosuke Takeuchi, character designs by Yoshitoshi ABe, art by Takeshi Obata
Keiji's and Rika's tender moment is cut short when a massive squad of mimics invade the base! This is something totally new and not a part of the time loops. Have the mimics caught on to their unique situations? Will this change the tide of war?

Toriko
by Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro
Toriko and crew are facing some of their strangest enemies yet, and that is saying something in this manga. Weird floating faces of men who seem to be made of tofu? Normally, tofu is really healthy, but nothing is normal in the Gourmet World! 

Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign
story by Takaya Kagami, art by Yamato Yamamoto, storyboards by Daisuke Furuya
It's training day for Yuichiro! So far he's been able to get by with his speed and determination, but that's not going to be enough to rescue his friend and fight the vampire nobles. But in order to become stronger, he'll have to survive the training! Plus, more of Guren's spotty past is revealed and his dirty laundry smells particularily bad to Shinoa. I have to say, I really like Guren. I love complex characters that have dark and mysterious pasts. It makes them so much more intriguing than the pure hero types. 

One Piece
by Eiichiro Oda
Doflamingo's dastardly plan of putting bounties on the Straw Hats to turn the island of Dressrosa against them, seems to be working! And he's upped the ante by paying out bigger rewards for the more dangerous crew members. But you'll never guess who ends up with the biggest bounty of all! I'll give you a clue—the guy who would least want it! 

Naruto
by Masashi Kishimoto
With his hand firmly impaled in Obito's chest, Madara reveals some mind-blowing facts about his master plan. A plan that's stretched back further than anyone imagined, especially Obito. Meanwhile, Kakashi and the original Cell Number 7 prepare themselves for the final onslaught! 

One-Punch Man
story by ONE, art by Yusuke Murata
Special One-Punch Man bonus chapter! It's short, but sweet. And you'll get to learn a little more about Master Bang.

Bleach
by Tite Kubo
The unbelievable fight between Kenpachi and Gremmy has finally ended! But before he goes, Gremmy has some parting words for Kenpachi. 

World Trigger
by Daisuke Ashihara
The battle continues! This has become one of the longest and most complicated battles in recent Weekly Shonen Jump history. And it shows no sign of stopping, or even slowing down for that fact. While both sides have managed to surprise one another again and again, it seems the invading Neighbors are finally figuring out this assault is more than they bargained for. Will they pull out?

Stealth Symphony
story by Ryohgo Narita, art by Yoichi Amano 
It looks like the hostage/human-trafficking situation has been resolved. And although Jig didn't do a lot, he's managed to impress his newfound comrades. But there's more to this situation than meets the eye...

Blue Exorcist
by Kazue Kato
If you've ever thought, "Man, I wish there was a whole chapter devoted to Konekomaru," then you are in luck! He's on his own and facing a terrifying zombie that is seemingly immortal. While he's great as a stategist in a group, does he have what it takes to survive on his own? 

Extras: Nisekoi Japanese editor interview, Naruto Shippuden: Comic-Con Exclusive feature, Fanimecon announcement, Yoshiki Classical Manga feature, Nihongo Lesson, Author Comments. 

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by Urian Brown