Very good and detailed review. If I disagree on one thing it's probably the use of digital art on backgrounds. I find the antithesis between the characters and the detailed (to me) background very good. Still amazing review hope you do some more and you've freaking EARNED this sub
Yeah, I had a whole bit about how the backgrounds sometimes work (when there is snow for example) and how the whole thing is a bit subjective but I had to cut it for time. Also, thanks homeboi I try.
Great review man! Just wanted to quickly address the part about certain aspects "blinding" others to the manga's flaws. This is actually my favorite series of all time, and yes the characters are ultimately what holds it above all other series for me, but I think making blanket statements about the backgrounds or early volumes being BAD seems a little hyperbolic and/or just personal preference. I love the backgrounds especially because to me it gives the series a distict look where the character models really stand out, leading to even more focus being placed on them in each scene and contributing to how clear the action is portrayed over almost any other manga I can think of. I guess from my perspective I just initally viewed it as an inherent positive. And it also helps that it just differs from so many other manga that are filled with blank white space lol. I'll take a b&w photo over an infitie void any day. The first third of the series was also what hooked me into the series BECAUSE of how it's paced, but that's probably because of my interpretation of how this story felt like it should read. I really enjoyed the mini-arc structure, so I'd comeback every once in a while, read a little chunk of chapters that end with a complete story arc and always add a little to the main plot each time, rinse and repeat. I imagine blowing through the whole story in one go might throw off that cadence a bit, so this is subjective preference again. Anyway, just thought I'd share a different perspective. I just discovered your channel and I'm looking forward to more man!
I always genuinely love when people leave long comments, thanks for taking the time to write it out. You're right there is a certain charm in the first volumes and I wouldn't objectively consider them to be bad. It's just that compared to the rest of the series they stick out as not that polished. Also, completely agree with the photo over an infinite void I'm with that mindset as well. But still, things like Drifting Dragons exist, and honestly, since I experienced that I can't look at a manga background the same way. Anyhow, it's definitely a personal preference and from what I've read in this very comment section some people did even notice it. Maybe the first third was slightly too random for me as I was reading it. Now however when I reflect on it, everything happened for a reason and was okay. My real issue is that the manga left the food in the past. Which made it feel like a gimmick. If food was always present and thematically relevant (I know I made fun of the blood sausages but I actually loved that chp) then I would've loved every little break we take... but that's not the case. The manga just uses the food to poke the pacing in a "will it satisfying or not" way and then after a while, it just forgets about it. There is a chance I'm too harsh and since I've kept reading it has kept growing on me. So who knows maybe the end will hit me so hard that I'll reread it again just for myself and try to re-evaluate my view on it. Appreciate the different perspective my guy, thanks for the support too.
@@bakaboysclub Ok honestly, I feel you there. Vagabond sort of ruined all other backgrounds for me too lol. I'd usually prefer hand drawn if I had the choice, but I've also gotten so used to the photo technique in things like Tokyo Ghoul and Inio Asano's work that I guess I didn't give it a second thought. But yeah man, I appriciate your differing opinion too. I think hearing criticism for something you love and either seeing it through new frames or loving it even more should always be viewed as a win-win. Also, just gotta say your backlog for ~8 month old channel is damn impressive. I'm sure these take a good amount of time and effort to put out, aside from the reading itself. What made you want to start the channel?
@@zatalbert61 It's a few things but in short, I wanted to find a show about manga that announced what they would review/talk about a week or two in advance and I could place that in my day-to-day, sometimes read the manga, and if I feel like it watch their vid. All of that came from this dead channel Khantehnt. They talked about specific anime episodes in chunks and had a schedule so you could watch ahead of time. Back then I wasn't a huge anime fan (I'm still not) but it was such a fun dynamic and just a good time to watch something while on my lunch break at work and when I get home to listen to what these 2 smart funny dudes had to say about it. The show had a lot of production quality and a lot of soul, it was great. So that ended, there wasn't anything else like it, there wasn't all that much quality manga content... so I tried to fix both things and created this. My bad this was too long, love the positive view on criticism, keep it up homie.
@@bakaboysclub That's awesome man. Yeah I used to watch these guys on here, Uchuu Shelf and OnTheShelf, who did a collab podcast called Between the Shelves where they'd give a pretty lengthy heads up on what manga they'd be covering next, but I'm sure coordination/timing/life shit just throws a whole other wrench into things and it eventually fizzled out. Glad I've found something to fill the void! My cheeks are clenched for these upcoming May videos...
One of the best manga I’ve read. Truly a fun and wild romp. Zero idea abt your pacing and hunting rabbits issue. Total nonsense bro. I remember specifically thinking that I enjoyed the pacing and slice of life pit stops.
This is a pretty solid review. I think the criticism with Sofia's artificial importance, as well as the background and pacing issues are all warranted. Also, the score you gave it is pretty great too. Anything 8 above is already worth a read. Keep at it.
Idk why, maybe cus i have been reading berserk, but it took like a while for me to think about who sofia in golden kamuy was. I was thinking about Sonia from berserk for some reason
I still can't bring myself to open the last chp cuz I really warmed up to w time. Now w that said even after I read the ending I'd prob go back n read it again before forming another opinion. So I'm still w the "great but not amazing" mindset.
Very good and detailed review.
If I disagree on one thing it's probably the use of digital art on backgrounds. I find the antithesis between the characters and the detailed (to me) background very good. Still amazing review hope you do some more and you've freaking EARNED this sub
Yeah, I had a whole bit about how the backgrounds sometimes work (when there is snow for example) and how the whole thing is a bit subjective but I had to cut it for time. Also, thanks homeboi I try.
I love Golden Kamuy
Great review man! Just wanted to quickly address the part about certain aspects "blinding" others to the manga's flaws. This is actually my favorite series of all time, and yes the characters are ultimately what holds it above all other series for me, but I think making blanket statements about the backgrounds or early volumes being BAD seems a little hyperbolic and/or just personal preference.
I love the backgrounds especially because to me it gives the series a distict look where the character models really stand out, leading to even more focus being placed on them in each scene and contributing to how clear the action is portrayed over almost any other manga I can think of. I guess from my perspective I just initally viewed it as an inherent positive. And it also helps that it just differs from so many other manga that are filled with blank white space lol. I'll take a b&w photo over an infitie void any day.
The first third of the series was also what hooked me into the series BECAUSE of how it's paced, but that's probably because of my interpretation of how this story felt like it should read. I really enjoyed the mini-arc structure, so I'd comeback every once in a while, read a little chunk of chapters that end with a complete story arc and always add a little to the main plot each time, rinse and repeat. I imagine blowing through the whole story in one go might throw off that cadence a bit, so this is subjective preference again.
Anyway, just thought I'd share a different perspective. I just discovered your channel and I'm looking forward to more man!
I always genuinely love when people leave long comments, thanks for taking the time to write it out.
You're right there is a certain charm in the first volumes and I wouldn't objectively consider them to be bad. It's just that compared to the rest of the series they stick out as not that polished.
Also, completely agree with the photo over an infinite void I'm with that mindset as well. But still, things like Drifting Dragons exist, and honestly, since I experienced that I can't look at a manga background the same way. Anyhow, it's definitely a personal preference and from what I've read in this very comment section some people did even notice it.
Maybe the first third was slightly too random for me as I was reading it. Now however when I reflect on it, everything happened for a reason and was okay. My real issue is that the manga left the food in the past. Which made it feel like a gimmick. If food was always present and thematically relevant (I know I made fun of the blood sausages but I actually loved that chp) then I would've loved every little break we take... but that's not the case. The manga just uses the food to poke the pacing in a "will it satisfying or not" way and then after a while, it just forgets about it.
There is a chance I'm too harsh and since I've kept reading it has kept growing on me. So who knows maybe the end will hit me so hard that I'll reread it again just for myself and try to re-evaluate my view on it.
Appreciate the different perspective my guy, thanks for the support too.
@@bakaboysclub Ok honestly, I feel you there. Vagabond sort of ruined all other backgrounds for me too lol. I'd usually prefer hand drawn if I had the choice, but I've also gotten so used to the photo technique in things like Tokyo Ghoul and Inio Asano's work that I guess I didn't give it a second thought.
But yeah man, I appriciate your differing opinion too. I think hearing criticism for something you love and either seeing it through new frames or loving it even more should always be viewed as a win-win.
Also, just gotta say your backlog for ~8 month old channel is damn impressive. I'm sure these take a good amount of time and effort to put out, aside from the reading itself. What made you want to start the channel?
@@zatalbert61 It's a few things but in short, I wanted to find a show about manga that announced what they would review/talk about a week or two in advance and I could place that in my day-to-day, sometimes read the manga, and if I feel like it watch their vid.
All of that came from this dead channel Khantehnt. They talked about specific anime episodes in chunks and had a schedule so you could watch ahead of time. Back then I wasn't a huge anime fan (I'm still not) but it was such a fun dynamic and just a good time to watch something while on my lunch break at work and when I get home to listen to what these 2 smart funny dudes had to say about it. The show had a lot of production quality and a lot of soul, it was great.
So that ended, there wasn't anything else like it, there wasn't all that much quality manga content... so I tried to fix both things and created this. My bad this was too long, love the positive view on criticism, keep it up homie.
@@bakaboysclub That's awesome man. Yeah I used to watch these guys on here, Uchuu Shelf and OnTheShelf, who did a collab podcast called Between the Shelves where they'd give a pretty lengthy heads up on what manga they'd be covering next, but I'm sure coordination/timing/life shit just throws a whole other wrench into things and it eventually fizzled out. Glad I've found something to fill the void! My cheeks are clenched for these upcoming May videos...
One of the best manga I’ve read. Truly a fun and wild romp.
Zero idea abt your pacing and hunting rabbits issue. Total nonsense bro. I remember specifically thinking that I enjoyed the pacing and slice of life pit stops.
some of the pages shown are too recent. try not to spoil.
and scanlator notes too lmao. xD you're not supposed to show them.
Nice review dude! Golden Kamuy is one of my favorites, and the most recent chapters have been crazy.
PFF my dude the latest chapters have been amazing that's what tipped over things to a 9.
This is a pretty solid review. I think the criticism with Sofia's artificial importance, as well as the background and pacing issues are all warranted. Also, the score you gave it is pretty great too. Anything 8 above is already worth a read. Keep at it.
Idk why, maybe cus i have been reading berserk, but it took like a while for me to think about who sofia in golden kamuy was. I was thinking about Sonia from berserk for some reason
as always great review to a great manga
take care of yourself buddy
If it weren't for you I never would've noticed the background lol and i'm an artist myself. Really love the content!
Yeah it's one of those things that once you start noticing you can't go back, but again not a huge deal breaker. Also ayy thx for the support.
I know it's only been 2 months but has any of your opinions changed now that the series has ended?
I still can't bring myself to open the last chp cuz I really warmed up to w time. Now w that said even after I read the ending I'd prob go back n read it again before forming another opinion.
So I'm still w the "great but not amazing" mindset.
Let me guess, im pretty sure the special video wil talk about any one of these manga : Aot, Berserk or maybe Demon slayer?
Nah if it was any of those I'd hype it up a lil bit... it's just special ;)
good