With One Piece out for a breather, there goes one of my regular titles. I was hoping for translations for Fullmetal Alchemist c.85, Psyren c.30, and Nodame Cantabile c.125. Alas, I was to be disappointed. Maybe this coming week. I was about to add Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles in this week’s roster, but the chapter was blah.

So less manga doodles today, dear readers. Plus, I’ve been busy. Too busy with a reading marathon that my eyes threaten to dry out. Thank gawd for Refresh.

Since I am merely filling up space with nonsensical ramblings (because of the lack of titles), I need to shut up now.

And on to the program. School Rumble goes back to funny; Inoue shows off her spine of steel in Bleach; Code Breaker exhibits potential awesomeness; and Double Arts makes me slightly weepy.

Fillerish blabberings after the jump.

School Rumble c.281

From attempted murder to a one-hundred-eighty degree turn. We leave behind the Eri-nonsense and focus on Yakumo, thankyouverymuch.

Yes, people. Harima will be residing with Yakumo. And of course, epic romance will bloom. And no, you may not argue with me.

With that, I forgive you Mr. Kobayashi. I’ve called off the hit.

P.S. SR reverts back to its usual gags.

Bleach c.317

For all of Inoue’s ditsy-like ways, I can never hold her in contempt. She is loyal, courageous, and oh-so-adorable. And she kicks some ass too. True, she pines for Ichigo. But hey, nobody’s perfect.

Relief coupled with sadness was her response to her friends’ reaction to her plight. She acknowledges the ties that binds them: a deep, loyal friendship.

After a string of flashback, Bleach forges ahead. While war draws near, Ichigo&co chooses to protect friendships.

Code: Breaker c.5

How do you describe Code Breaker?

Hm.

Blurring the lines of black and white, it is a fascinating statement of morality in human world, questioning the acceptability of what is evil. In some ways, CB’s lead character reminds me of the Jeff Lindsay’s awesomely creepifying Dexter. In Dexter, the main character hunts serial killers. And he does so with relish. Although highly unacceptable in a ‘moral society’, readers do not feel pity to his ‘victims’. His ‘victims’, after all, are deviants of the society, not placed in the same order as ‘innocents’. It is a wonderful play in morality. And so does Code Breaker.

I’m keeping an eye on this young series, especially coming from Akimine Kamijyo.

Double Arts c.16

Focusing on a minor character, Double Arts highlights the tragic life of being a “Sister”. A touching chapter of life, sacrifice, and generosity. Can we weigh one life against hundreds?

Sister Heine, after treating a patient, begins to exhibit the final stages of the Troy disease. In this moment, she realizes a nagging ’selfishness’ tucked away in her core. Despite her protestations, she wants to fulfill her heart’s dream. Of painting. Of living. She realizes the stark reality of death.

Sister Heines’ fate hovers between two endings. The next chapter shall tell it all.

Despite its tag as an action/adventure series, Double Arts wrenches out philosophical questions that are way over my head. I might not understand. But me, likey.

~~

P.S. Quick note for Midnight Secretary c.17&18. WTF is wrong with this heroine? Workhorse, lover, and food, all in one nifty package. I used to be amused with this series, but the novelty has worn off. The treatment to the heroine is pretty much a call back to the historical romance of the 80s. Horrific. Yet, still I read.