Shonen Jump ToC Rankings

Some of my friends complained that "Two on Ice" author should have stick to pair skating and making M Cs go solo for part of the story was a bad decigion. But I doubt it was the reason for its flop.

As for the new work of TR author. Apparently, he had more varied artsyle before and the new work reuses a lot of TR designes. Probably, its the editors dcision as they want to use TR fame to promote anew work.

Edited by Nachtwandler on Apr 15th 2024 at 3:31:16 AM

I'll reserve my judgement for Astro Royale. I didn't like the Tokyo Revengers anime at all, so I'm a bit wary of the author's new work.

Here is the ToC of the week, shared almost as soon as the information was available.

• The list starts with Kyokutou Necromance, the second series that will be published this serialization round, which as far as I have seen, is in average the one people are expecting the most, since the mix of positivity and negativity about Astro Royale (which gets it's traditional colour page) leaves it a bit lower (and not many seem to care about Cycle Biyori). Anyways, I'm curious to see what it can offer.

• So the popularity of Psychic Policeman Choujo seems to not be a fluke, considering it remains in a pretty high position. Maybe people missed having a comedy police manga in the Jump after Kochikame ended, and Choujo is filling that hole . At the very least I will say I found the latest chapter very funny, so hopefully there is more of that.

• This has been the lowest ranking in a while for Nue's Exorcist, and it makes me wonder if the latest action arc/fight wasn't well received. As far I know, over in Japan, the aspect of the series people like the most is the girls, so maybe having them appear more in "romcom-like" situations will let the series raise again.

• Finally, the last series that is ending for the serialization round is Shadow Eliminators, with a fast cancellation, since it's been the first series in a while that has been cancelled before publishing it's first volume. Thinking back, aside from some designs of the monsters, the series really didn't stand out early on. Maybe it should have followed the example of Nue, and had introduced some of the female fighters early on, since at least those had some reactions online .

Kyokuto Necromance: The characters felt a bit weak to me and the overall setting felt very close to JJK with some Shaman King mixed in. But it works for me, i´m curious how things will turn out and especially how it will differ from the aformentioned series. Also i loved the design of both "bonded" Shiryo

Astro: I´ll give it a few more weeks but so far this series isn´t grabbing me at all (said without bias, since i never read or watched anything from Tokyo Revengers)

RuriDragon: Well good luck with that, Ruri... Negai no Astro: Dealing with some of Shiou's men, who have hogged over resources in the Yotsurugi home... Nothing much apart from calling the powers Astro.
Choujou-Senpai: Ippongi to the Chinjuku Sakura Festival, where Keinain (CANINE, OHHHHH I GET HIS NAME NOW...) has her make sure Inukai (ahh so that explains the "inu" part of his name) doesn't go cringe. Unfortunately, with Choujou here due to the convenience store hun, this is gonna be hard. Continuity starts this mini-arc!
Kill Blue: YASSSS JUUZOU, GO AHEAD AND FUCKING END THIS HOT ASSHOLE ALREADY!!
Kagurabachi: Just when Hakuri was gonna meet with Chihiro to complete this plan, a wall comes between them. Hakuri then has to deal with his brother, and Chihiro has to deal with THE GUY THAT KILLED HIS FATHER...
Nue no Onmyouji: Congrats on completing stage 1 of training, Gakurou! Now good luck with stage 2...
Green Green Greens: YAAAAA NADESHIKO!!
Dear Anemone: Japanese lab data found in where Anemone was born...
FINAL: Ruirui Senki: And a future in a school festival with Yayoi as student body president, and him reuniting with Aoba. At least we have our duo by the end...
NEW: Kyokutou Necromance: Kaoru Uno lives with his grandmother Umeko. He lost his mom, and his dad left him with only a ring. Youji Amane, on the outside, is a novelist with a bits of reputation and controversy, but he's actually a necromancer and a friend of Kaoru's father. For a fateful encounter + an introfuction, it surely looks appealing, but who knows if this will last...

Edited by thuse on Apr 21st 2024 at 8:59:49 PM

All right, time for some weekly thoughts:

• Kyokuto Necromance: So, this is defitively a me problem, but having read in a preview that the series was fantasy gave me some expectations, and then it actually being a supernatural action series is making me not really like the series at the moment. Listing a positive and a negative, similar to what Samaldin x2, the two main characters didn't stand out to me, feeling similar to other characters in the genre; but in the other hand, the stands (which I wonder if including the word a panel before the main character's appears was intentional by the trasnlator or not) or Shiryo are cool looking and I'm interested in learning more about them.

• Astro Royale: The series is still ok, but I feel skipping ahead 2 weeks while having the protagonist in a coma, which meant not showing the immediate aftermath of the meteor, was already losing some of the potential the series had to do interesting things with the setting.

• Roboco and Psychic Policeman: Justa couple of soft laughs this week.

• Dear Anemone: Asumi (I think that is her name) acting like a goober makes me like her, but the hints about the mystery of the series are more confusing than anything.

• Witch Watch: If Momochi was already "ara ara", now her mother takes it to the next level, reaching dangerous levels of mom-ness . Also, this has to be the first time some using "thicc" (sic) as a negative.

• Shadow Eliminators: Finally, the series that says goodbye this week. The final chapter is a nice wrap-up (with a hint of "and the adventure continues"), so instead I will mention that I felt the main characters needed some more "hooks" early on to catch the attention of readers, a common problem in cancelled series. Interesting side-characters can help (I will remember Togami (paperbag girl) longer than the rest of teh cast), but either they didn't get enough attention or got introduced too late.

I'm sorry to Fusai Naba-sensei, but Kyokuto Necromance is even weaker than Aliens Area, especially since it's following the same "exorcists vs ghosts" template as JJK and Nue's Exorcist.

Astro Royale is also somewhat boilerplate so far.

Sakamoto Days: Legitimately sweating bullets with Akao-Uzuki, Nagumo and Sakamoto going up against the elder samurai.

Eh, Kyokuto Necromance is more generic than Aliens Area, but I'd argue it's put together better

Sure I can agree with that. Either way I don't think the improved execution of Necromance makes up for how generic it is, and I will maintain Aliens Area is overall more interesting going by their first chapters.

Hello to whoever reads this, now is ToC time:

• For starters, an important reminder than next issue will be a combined issue, meaning next week there won't be new chapters. So keep that in mind. I will also remind the fact that the new final series of the batch "Cycle Biyori" won't begin until issue 24 (over 2 weeks from posting this).

• The author of Psychic Policeman must have some grade-A blackmail material over whoever is in charge of the ToC, looking at that consistent string of excellent placements .

• The (other) two new series keep going through their starting phase, and I wonder if the following chapters will show more interesting elements of them.

• Aside from that, the only thing of note is the very low placement of Nue, but who knows if it's a sign of the series losing presence on the magazine, or just a temporary event.

Edited by Shadow-Whisperer on Apr 25th 2024 at 8:23:11 AM

I'm kind of surprised that Anenome is so low. Its art is extremely strong and the tension is thicker any of the other new releases.

Giving my honest opinion, the art is the only strong point of Dear Anemone, since I haven't found characters to be engaging enough to care about their survival (girl A has been funny lately, so at least there is that). Plus, the mystery, and the story in general, have been presented in an odd way, so things that should be grand revelations and leaving the reader wanting for more instead just leave me saying "Huh?".

Also, going off topic, I now realize your profile picture is from the Red Ranger Isekai (don't remember the exact name), which is a very cool series and I hope it gets an anime adaptation.

I thought Dear Anemone's storyboarding was fairly weak, and did a poor job of selling the action

Yeah, have to agree that Dear Anemone has had pretty weak storytelling, wasting a lot of the intrigue of the early chapters (which were already iffy anyway).

I’m more surprised by Psychic Policeman doing so well, but I’ve long accepted I do not have an eye for gag manga. I don’t like Roboco at all and it’s a hit hahaha.

Astro Royale has been meh too

Edited by fillerdude on Apr 25th 2024 at 11:07:44 AM

Choujou-Senpai: Inukai living up to his name... Also, Yorushika fans, you have been recognized!
Kyokutou Necromance: Kaoru's test of character... Nothing else here...
Kagurabachi: Center Color! Chihiro confronting his father's killer as the Rakusaichi develops above... LEZZ GOOOOO CHIHIRO!! Next issue, Center Color!!
Negai no Astro: Hibaru and Terasu arguing on how to deal with the brothers to the point of settling with fists in the dojo where they used to train together. Terasu proposed fighting fire with fire, bringing guns, but Hibaru didn't like that... Hibaru ended up getting his way. Now, off to Ikebukuro to settle shiit with the 10th brother: Kuran. This is gonna get pretty episodic...
Kill Blue: The fight between Juuzou and Youichirou ends with Juuzou 1-upping Youichirou, but just as Juuzou went and rescued Noren and the rest, Youichirou ended up escaping. Until they meet again, I guess, but for now, all is calm...
Green Green Greens: The tournament continues... HOLY SHIT OUGA...
Nue no Onmyouji: Well that was a sudden way to start training... Also, shippers are gonna love this (I think)...
Dear Anemone: Jellyfish...

Ok, a bit later but now I will share some thoughts about this weeks chapters.

• Both Astro Royale and Necromancer had chapters that didn't resonate with me, and have lowered my expectations for the series. Hopefully things improve, with the introduction of an interesting female character being something both series could do.

• Dear Anemone attempted to be funnier this week, which I felt it was a bit overdone, but it's something that could have helped earlier on, since it helps flesh out the characters. Knowing the series is very unlikely to survive for long, makes me a bit sad characters Jellyfish-girl won't have a lot of time to shine, since less common animals have a lot of potential to be explored.

• Witch Watch, Roboco and Psychic Policeman all made me laugh, and thats is enough.

• Greens: Now I realize I would probably like this series more if Oga was the main character, since I feel more invested in her than on Haku (the fact I know her name but I had to search for the Haku is telling to me).

• I will make use of the fact this thread sometimes is also about Jump+ to mention that You and I Are Polar Opposites has been great, and the latest chapter left me with a goofy smile that lasted for a while.

Edited by Shadow-Whisperer on Apr 29th 2024 at 7:58:25 AM

While there are no new chapters this week, I do have some info about the early sales from this month's volumes.

• Kagurabachi sold really well, since it actually rose a couple places from the day before.

• 3 series that have already finished their run had some volumes, and placements are what you would expect from Cipher and MMA (still sad about this one), if you followed the performance from those series.

• Shadow Eliminator ranking lower than the above series shows the higher-ups of the magazine knew the series had low chances of performing well, so the decision of cancelling it before vol. 1 seems understandable.

• However, seeing that Greens is ranking even lower than Shadow Eliminators, is a very poor sign for its survival, considering it was already struggling in the ToC.

Are Kagurabachi and Nue no Exorcist actually good? I think they might be safe from the axe now so I was going to read them. The art for the former though is kind of trash so I was curious.

Well, if you want to read one of the newer Jump series which has sales numbers that show promise (and likely won't be cancelled soon), the best choice you have is Kill Blue. Of course, that is just my opinion.

Now, strictly speaking about Kagurabachi and Nue, I would call both series decent, but each has strong points and weak points which are going be key for you to decide if you will like them or not.

• Kagurabachi's strong points are it's art (which considering you called it trash may be a warning side for you) specially during action scenes, which have some neat battle choreography enhanced by panelling that makes the battles dynamic. On the other hand, the writing for the characters is, for the most part, servicible and could even be seen as bland, moving the story along between fights.
  • It woiuld be remiss of me to not point out that the latest chapter finally did something different with the main character, suggesting the author may improve on this weakness. Finally, the humour hasn't hit at all, so the story is better when it isn't trying to include comedy (probably something I care more than most).

• In the case of Nue, the series is trying to be both an action series and a harem comedy, with the later side being included (or maybe it was planned but it got got more focus later on) due to the popularity of the female characters. While Nue is an average action series which has been improving (the latest fight is better than early ones), it's actually on the harem comedy elements that the series has distinguished itself from the rest of the magazine, with some funny moments which have helped developing the characters (mostly the girls).
  • However, those elements can be divisive, so it will depend on your particular preferences if their inclusiooon make the series better or worse. They work for me, so I end up liking this series more than Kagurabachi.

I will finish this post by repeating this is just my opinion, and I would like to read the thoughts of others about this series.

My thoughts on those two series:

Kagurabachi is a story of vengeance, but while the protagonist Rokuro has a burning grudge, he's outwardly calm and collected. He's pragmatic, as are his enemies. If you enjoy shonen for fights where both sides actually seem competent and intelligent, then it's worth checking out. If you need more meat in between the killing (e.g. lighthearted moments and character building) you probably won't enjoy it as much, as it's still working on those.

Nue's Exorcist is ostensibly another entry in the sorta saturated "exorcists battling spirits" category, but unlike its kin the main draw are rhe female character designs and the romcom antics. Heavy YMMV on this one— Japan LOVES it, meanwhile I've found it middling to decent (though it's been improving on the comedy front).

It's unfortunate Greens is ranking so low. It's legitimately a great, introspective sports manga, but I guess it's not exciting enough for JUMP.

Up until last week, you'd have had my full endorsement that Kagurabachi is a solidly planned manga. It defines characters, mechanics, and goals quickly and executed its first arc's themes with surprising elegance. I can't guarantee the rest of the manga will live up to the first arc, but I can see it absolutely nailed both the initial antagonist and the way his worldviews clashed and affected the protagonist.

I will Kagurabachi is completely protagonist-centric so far and I feel it'll continue that until the end of its run. If you're not interested in Chihiro's growing understanding of his father's works and the impact they had on others, that's a deal-breaker for you.

Last week also had a sudden and hasty introduction of the final antagonist, which has me a little worried about the pacing going forward, which is why I'm more reluctant to recommend that I'd have been two weeks earlier.

My guess is that Greens has been too slow, since the series took its time to let the protagonist grow from zero, so I feel many dropped the series before he stepped into a real golf course.

You said a very important point, Kagurabachi depends on how much you enjoy Chihiro and his journey. In my case, his tale of vengance hasn't clicked with me, which is the main reason I find the whole experience as decent at best.

I do find interesting how the latest chapter made you feel a little more negatively about the series, while in my case it did the opposite, since it felt like a promise of something different. This is why I enjoy learning different opinions and perspectives.

Kill Blue isn't really up my ally. I like super power fantasy action heavy shounen. Its why I also don't follow Sakamoto Days despite it, ostensibly, being the best series currently serialized in WSJ.

I've only seen the art for Kagurabachi that's been posted on this very wiki and it looks barely better than ONE's lazy chickenscratch art for the original One Punch Man. If it works better in action panels then that's alright I guess.

The art in Nue no Exorcist looks a lot better but the way everyone describes it here makes it sound like its To-Love-Ru instead of an action shounen and that's not exactly what I'm looking for. I actually am looking for a solid action shounen to replace the wet fart that Jujutsu Kaisen has become.

Ah, that's a solid point. Definitely in the "wait and see" camp regarding the introduction of that bigshot villain.

Yeah... the series took its time to develop the MC, and did so with finesse. Unfortunately it was not enough.

... I like Kagurabachi's art. A bit muddy at times, but far, far from OPM chickenscratch.

However if you don't enjoy Sakamoto Days, you probably won't dig Kagurabachi.

Nue is subpar as a battle shonen. Its popularity hinges on the romcom elements.

Edited by fillerdude on May 5th 2024 at 9:41:22 AM

Hmm, Sakamoto Days at one point becomes fights between super-humans, with most villins having some kind of trick/technique/style that is functionally a superpower. So maybe give it a try (again? I'm not sure if you have read some of the series or if you are have only heard stuff about the series).

Aside from that, I would recomend Undead Unluck (which I personally believe is the best non-veteran series currently on the magazine), but I think I remember you mentioning before that you no longer read the series, so I'm out of ideas inside the magazine. Maybe try Dandadan, since it's weekly on Jump+, and it's also great as an action series.