Hey guys,
Today's topic is a Manga Recommendation for "The Anime Realm Contest #2".
My Recommendation
I picked up Rave Master, this was my first manga to read and finish. I can confidently say that Rave Master is a commendable fantasy/adventure manga. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoy these genres. For reading a manga the first time, its kind of new specially if you are used to just watching anime. Thankfully, the first 100 chapters did not disappoint. The story is straightforward—a boy, Haru Glory, living happily with his sister on an island, gets entangled in a mission by a powerful old man wielding a unique weapon. Accompanied a bunch of quirky individuals ranging from a casino addicted and hot tempered girl, to a shivering snowman like "dog", its a great story to read for this holiday season. As the plot unfolds, it remains simple and easy to grasp, with delightful revelations along the way.
First Immersion
While the art didn't fully meet my expectations at the start, it's decent enough not to detract from the overall manga experience. And the art did get better which offset the kind of rough start. The characters, ranging from unique figures like Elie to humorous ones like Griff and bold personalities like Haru and Musica, all share an adventurous spirit. The villains, particularly the first major antagonist Gale Raregroove, add a layer of depth by revealing a good side beneath their tough exterior. If you already watch/read "Fairy Tail", you might find characters here have some similarities from it, with their looks and personalities.
Unfolding Story
The narrative delves into a world threatened by Dark Brings, 50 years prior, pushing the Rave Master of that time to shatter the Mother Dark Bring into five fragments. Peace was restored, but the impending collection of the Dark Brings necessitated a journey to gather the fragments. In the present day, Haru Glory, living on Garage Island, discovers Plue—a Rave Bearer—leading him to inherit the role of the Second Rave Master.
His mission: locate the remaining four Rave Stones and bring an ultimate end to Mother Dark Bring, Sinclaire. The narrative introduces various powers and beings like Silver Claimers, Elemental Mages, and Dragon Race, enhancing the overall appeal without compromising the storyline. Together with the usual comedic feel of a manga, it is also filled with emotionally touching moments just like in Fairy Tail which is always a big plus for me. Even a foe turned ally to fully sacrifice for the greater good.
Despite occasional flaws and an initial shaky art style, Rave Master evolves visually over time, culminating in an aesthetically pleasing conclusion. The story's well-paced, avoiding tedious stretches and ensuring a smooth flow in its fantasy setting. Romance is seamlessly integrated, with characters confessing their love throughout the series, a refreshing departure from some romance-centric manga.
In essence, Rave Master is a gripping tale of one man's quest to bring peace to the world and eradicate evil. It delivers a satisfying and conclusive ending, coupled with a well-executed romance. The characters' endearing qualities, improved artwork, and an engaging storyline make Rave Master an enjoyable and intriguing series. For those seeking a long, completed series, Rave Master stands out as a top choice—offering an excellent blend of adventure, romance, and an ultimately fulfilling narrative.
The Regret
Sadly, its anime is only 51 episodes long and I think is not even half way through the story. Hopefully it can be one of the anime to be remade in the near future and finish a great emotional and adventure filled story.
FAIR WARNING : DO NOT try to watch the english dub anime, I did not like the script at all.
