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Show-ha Shoten! 

Author: Akinari Asakura (writer), and Takeshi Obata (artist)

Volumes: 3 English and 6 Japanese (Ongoing at 24 chapters)

Publisher: Shonen Jump [click HERE for digital chapters]

First of all HAPPY BDAY TO ME! I’m now 34 as of today!

Second of all… first place goes to Show-Ha Shoten! Illustrated by Death Note’s Takeshi Obata, and written by Akinari Asakura. Not to repeat this a third time, but the top 3 are interchangeable, but the latest events with comedy duo, Broken Glass Slippers’ backstory and recent performance put this series to the top of my list almost immediately.

Broken Glass Slipper aren’t the main focus though, The comedy duo that the story is primarily focused on “One Way Ticket to the Top” comprises, Azemichi Shijimi, and Taiyo Higashikata on a bumpy, emotional, yet fun (funny even) journey. Just goes to show you though, that this is a story that understands for great protagonists to truly stand out, they need opposition from an equally amazing set of rivals and general secondary characters.

Every month I’ll open up a chapter and i’ll be blown away by just how much love and care is present in each one. Honestly I often feel like I’m actually watching the performances rather than simply reading about them, and although I initially had fears about anybody even attempting to make a great story in this genre, I honestly think Akinari Asakura really knows his comedy with near encyclopaedic detail, brought to life by Takeshi Obata’s brilliant and expressive style.

I never would have thought about it at the time, but comedy might actually be a secret strength of Obata’s, as now that I have time to reflect on just how great he is at character expressions and overall tone/ mood. For example; when the audience laughs at a certain volume or a certain way, it’s like I can hear it, and despite performances being mere snapshots it’s like I can actually see it beat for beat.

I don’t want to say too much else about it, but if you had to try just one new series out in the new year, please make it one of the top 3 listed at least! I promise you, you can’t go wrong!