For an axed manga: you will become either noticeable for being gone too soon (Phantom Seer and Red Hood), it was the series that was made before the mangaka found their footing (Oumagadoki Zoo and Zombiepowder), or you're so infamous you become a meme (U19 and Do Retry)
My favorite part of the whole U19 club meme is that it gained ground partially because one of the characters in the spread looks exactly like the protagonist of Ole Golazo. Like, it was that coincidence that caused the U19 meme to flourish, and you can see that in how all the edits of the initial image keep Ole Golazo's spot.
I get why it’s called U19, but it’s still funny that it got canceled in under 17 chapters. Honestly, the premise is kind of hilarious when you think about it-most of the characters are underage and super-powered, basically like the teenagers from Kids Next Door but with an intense hatred for adults. Bonus points for the fact that these teens wear battle-ready armor and randomly become ninjas for some reason. It’s like someone mashed up KND with a shonen trope generator and just ran with it.
I didn't read this manga for myself (and perhaps that's for the best), but I'd like to share my thoughts from what I've seen. I'll say this about Yuki Kimura: His writing seems insufferable, but his art is impressive. From looking at his pages, I would probably say his drawing ability is the best part of U19 from a technical perspective. I like how he can distinguish his character designs, even if some of them are a little over the top. It shows that he has the ability to create unique/stand-out characters that won't like another in the same story. Compositionally, I think he has good paneling skills as well. He appears to have at least a decent understanding of what moments require more dynamic presentations from speed lines to splash pages. As for his writing, I definitely agree with this feeling like a badly written YA novel, but not in concept. I think the world-building of this manga comes from a rather interesting place; feeling almost Orwellian in its premise. I can think of 2 things that could have possibly improved the story: 1) Having a better tone. I feel like there are too many ridiculous things in this manga to have this dystopian world as a backdrop. Granted, some manga like JoJo, I think do a better job at balancing elements like this. However, that's because they know when to tell a joke, and when something has to be taken seriously. U19 doesn't. 2) Have this be a seinen manga. The concept of U19, specifically its world, feels too complex for a shonen manga. I don't doubt being able to tell a story like this in a shonen manga, but I think part of what really hampered this series was having to play into the tropes of a typical shonen battle manga. I think by having this as a seinen manga instead, it could allow for better fleshing-out of the setting, the ability to have a more serious tone, less ridiculous elements, and being able to handle its topics more maturely. Additionally, you could still have a young protagonist in the story as some seinen manga already do, so you get to keep that aspect. I'm not saying to get rid of the humor completely, especially since it could provide some relief for a much heavier story. Just keep the humor to moments where it's most appropriate. One last thing I'll mention is how I think Kimura could succeed going forward. I do hope he continues creating manga, as he clearly as the skill and potential. I think the best way he could succeed would be if he collaborates with a story writer. Even if he doesn't want to draw someone else's story, I think by having an experienced story writer to help him out with fleshing-out his concepts into a more cohesive narrative, he could end up making something rather intriguing. Kinda like how Naoki Urasawa has collaborated with other writers for some of his stories. I feel like one could make that same suggestion with other mangakas with axed manga with good premises and bad execution, but Kimura is one that I feel could benefit from it the most given the nature of his concepts and his (in my opinion) lackluster execution. That, possibly in tandem with my suggestions on the writing, could allow for Yuji Kimura thee potential to create a truly fascinating and unique manga. Or at least, one that isn't under 19 chapters. Sorry for the length, but I hope it's a good insight.
I think the problem with a lot of what you've said is that it wouldn't be like anything like U19 or Kimura's style, like its definitely a way to "fix u19" but that hampers the intended vision and at that point why not make something else entirely tbh. Also not sure that it being a seinen would do anything since plenty of Shonen manga can adopt more serious tones and tackle subject matter thats darker and Seinen manga can be just as if not more silly than Shonen manga. I do hope they keep making manga, it looks like theyve done some assistant work here and there though assigning a writer is never something I really agree with, it doesn't really help you just paint over problems and stop the artist from making something unique, id rather see Kimura struggle and find out what does work for him even if what we get are a lot of fumbles. Thanks for the reply though you definitely bring up some interesting points.
Fair enough. I wasn't sure it would be fully agreeable, but I understand. Perhaps I should have explained it better. I just felt the attempted themes were largely mitigated by how the tropes were implemented. If those elements were absent, I think the story could have done better. I only suggested a seinen approach to provide a means to have a better tone, but I do think it could have worked well as a shonen with better handling. As for the writing, that definitely deserved better explanation. Don't get me wrong; I think it would be great if they could improve their quality of writing, but it seems they're still struggling with that. Ideally, they should continue to improve, but unless there's some substantial adjustments in the writing or they do something like what I suggested, I doubt we may see another series from them for a while. I honestly am kinda interested in what Kimura may do next, as I think he has the potential to create a multi-faceted manga. If it's on their own merits, that would be great, but from where it stands, that may not be for a while. I appreciate your feedback, and I apologize it may not have come off as I intended. Thanks.
Current series I hope don’t get U19ed: Ichi the Witch: big fan of the author(same one as Welcome to Demon School Iruma) the art is gorgeous(I’d expect no less from the artist of Act Age) and I feel like it has the most potential when it comes to the series that premiered this year. Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi: is it another exorcist manga? Yes. Does it do anything different with the concept? Not really for the most part. Is the art and action surprisingly high quality? Heck yes. Is the MC endearing? Actually yes. Shinobi Undercover: This one is a bit personal because I had a soft spot for the author’s previous series(Candy Flurry), but I feel like the art and story telling has really improved since their last work. I also feel like it can possibly be a nice successor once Yozakura Family ends. Yokai Buster Murakami: I just think this one’s funny, that about sums it up.
Really hope so to tbh! Though I think Ichi is very safe from getting a U19, Murakami and Kiyoshi are to by virtue of how close they are to 19 chapters, like Murakami will get chapter 19 tomorrow so its passed it! Shinobi Undercover could though but its a lot of fun so I hope it doesnt!
The image not found bit for the girl getting a personality had me laughing out loud but I don’t remember anything about this manga so I can’t justify it
To be honest I’ve seen worse. Having goofy or sexual themes isn’t a death sentence but it’s execution. The plot itself sounds less convoluted than “Hitman Reborn” so I just think it didn’t have clever enough writing to sustain it like most cut SJ series. I do think calling your power system “Lobito” is cringe, should’ve called it “hope,””dreams,””determination” or something.
As someone who has to explain their own unpopular Jump takes from time to time, I'm really interested in what Andrew wrote. It sounds like a lot of passion went into it, and that's great to see for a U19'd series (pardon the pun)! Will you or Andrew be posting a link to that somewhere? Am I dumb and missed it in the description?
Ohhh sorry, I knew I forgot something but I've just added it to the description! Here's a link to it though! docs.google.com/document/d/11_rv-1yBISoNlqkuJCklOY7KkFV5mrJ3KLclvMQ7vOM/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0
Sorry, no tengo ganas de escribir en inglés hoy 😅 solo diré que robaré el término U19 club, creo que no existe un equivalente en español. Great video, and this manga was really strange, wasn't it?
The premise strikes me as a non ecchi Shimoneta (which is a series I like but had issues with) which had no idea where it wanted to go. There are for sure decent stories about toppling a corrupt and unfair system but this is very much not one of them. I will say the art was alright but yeah those giant text dumps are not very conductive to an enjoyable read. I feel there are worse manga titles out there but honestly none come to mind immediately. On a positive note adore your editing. Lots of great music (which I'm thrilled gets credited as it plays in case I'm unfamiliar) along with great inserts from other media.
Shimoneta definitely is similar and it's over the top elements work well since it's more gag focused, that's a fun comparison tbh! Also thank you for complimenting my editing! I try to keep it engaging enough even though it's not super flashy and I use the vids to subtly share cool video game soundtracks tbh haha
The first time i read this my reaction was "this is Kids Next Door meets X-Men", everything about U19 is horrible and the only good thing about it are the edits for axed manga.
I'm gonna be different here I liked this Manga I thought it was decent enough mostly cause I liked the Premise reminded me of Kids Next Door one of my favorite CN shows
For an axed manga: you will become either noticeable for being gone too soon (Phantom Seer and Red Hood), it was the series that was made before the mangaka found their footing (Oumagadoki Zoo and Zombiepowder), or you're so infamous you become a meme (U19 and Do Retry)
I have made you read this useless message and what you get its that its Under 19 words.
My favorite part of the whole U19 club meme is that it gained ground partially because one of the characters in the spread looks exactly like the protagonist of Ole Golazo. Like, it was that coincidence that caused the U19 meme to flourish, and you can see that in how all the edits of the initial image keep Ole Golazo's spot.
It's such a funny little detail which I initially had in the script but cut since the video was getting too long
Imagine failing so hard that your name becomes a synonymous for getting axed in under 19 chapter
Yuuup that's pretty much it's deal
I get why it’s called U19, but it’s still funny that it got canceled in under 17 chapters. Honestly, the premise is kind of hilarious when you think about it-most of the characters are underage and super-powered, basically like the teenagers from Kids Next Door but with an intense hatred for adults. Bonus points for the fact that these teens wear battle-ready armor and randomly become ninjas for some reason. It’s like someone mashed up KND with a shonen trope generator and just ran with it.
I didn't read this manga for myself (and perhaps that's for the best), but I'd like to share my thoughts from what I've seen.
I'll say this about Yuki Kimura: His writing seems insufferable, but his art is impressive. From looking at his pages, I would probably say his drawing ability is the best part of U19 from a technical perspective. I like how he can distinguish his character designs, even if some of them are a little over the top. It shows that he has the ability to create unique/stand-out characters that won't like another in the same story. Compositionally, I think he has good paneling skills as well. He appears to have at least a decent understanding of what moments require more dynamic presentations from speed lines to splash pages.
As for his writing, I definitely agree with this feeling like a badly written YA novel, but not in concept. I think the world-building of this manga comes from a rather interesting place; feeling almost Orwellian in its premise. I can think of 2 things that could have possibly improved the story:
1) Having a better tone. I feel like there are too many ridiculous things in this manga to have this dystopian world as a backdrop. Granted, some manga like JoJo, I think do a better job at balancing elements like this. However, that's because they know when to tell a joke, and when something has to be taken seriously. U19 doesn't.
2) Have this be a seinen manga. The concept of U19, specifically its world, feels too complex for a shonen manga. I don't doubt being able to tell a story like this in a shonen manga, but I think part of what really hampered this series was having to play into the tropes of a typical shonen battle manga. I think by having this as a seinen manga instead, it could allow for better fleshing-out of the setting, the ability to have a more serious tone, less ridiculous elements, and being able to handle its topics more maturely. Additionally, you could still have a young protagonist in the story as some seinen manga already do, so you get to keep that aspect. I'm not saying to get rid of the humor completely, especially since it could provide some relief for a much heavier story. Just keep the humor to moments where it's most appropriate.
One last thing I'll mention is how I think Kimura could succeed going forward. I do hope he continues creating manga, as he clearly as the skill and potential. I think the best way he could succeed would be if he collaborates with a story writer. Even if he doesn't want to draw someone else's story, I think by having an experienced story writer to help him out with fleshing-out his concepts into a more cohesive narrative, he could end up making something rather intriguing. Kinda like how Naoki Urasawa has collaborated with other writers for some of his stories. I feel like one could make that same suggestion with other mangakas with axed manga with good premises and bad execution, but Kimura is one that I feel could benefit from it the most given the nature of his concepts and his (in my opinion) lackluster execution. That, possibly in tandem with my suggestions on the writing, could allow for Yuji Kimura thee potential to create a truly fascinating and unique manga.
Or at least, one that isn't under 19 chapters.
Sorry for the length, but I hope it's a good insight.
I think the problem with a lot of what you've said is that it wouldn't be like anything like U19 or Kimura's style, like its definitely a way to "fix u19" but that hampers the intended vision and at that point why not make something else entirely tbh. Also not sure that it being a seinen would do anything since plenty of Shonen manga can adopt more serious tones and tackle subject matter thats darker and Seinen manga can be just as if not more silly than Shonen manga.
I do hope they keep making manga, it looks like theyve done some assistant work here and there though assigning a writer is never something I really agree with, it doesn't really help you just paint over problems and stop the artist from making something unique, id rather see Kimura struggle and find out what does work for him even if what we get are a lot of fumbles. Thanks for the reply though you definitely bring up some interesting points.
Fair enough. I wasn't sure it would be fully agreeable, but I understand. Perhaps I should have explained it better.
I just felt the attempted themes were largely mitigated by how the tropes were implemented. If those elements were absent, I think the story could have done better. I only suggested a seinen approach to provide a means to have a better tone, but I do think it could have worked well as a shonen with better handling.
As for the writing, that definitely deserved better explanation. Don't get me wrong; I think it would be great if they could improve their quality of writing, but it seems they're still struggling with that. Ideally, they should continue to improve, but unless there's some substantial adjustments in the writing or they do something like what I suggested, I doubt we may see another series from them for a while. I honestly am kinda interested in what Kimura may do next, as I think he has the potential to create a multi-faceted manga. If it's on their own merits, that would be great, but from where it stands, that may not be for a while.
I appreciate your feedback, and I apologize it may not have come off as I intended. Thanks.
Current series I hope don’t get U19ed:
Ichi the Witch: big fan of the author(same one as Welcome to Demon School Iruma) the art is gorgeous(I’d expect no less from the artist of Act Age) and I feel like it has the most potential when it comes to the series that premiered this year.
Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi: is it another exorcist manga? Yes. Does it do anything different with the concept? Not really for the most part. Is the art and action surprisingly high quality? Heck yes. Is the MC endearing? Actually yes.
Shinobi Undercover: This one is a bit personal because I had a soft spot for the author’s previous series(Candy Flurry), but I feel like the art and story telling has really improved since their last work. I also feel like it can possibly be a nice successor once Yozakura Family ends.
Yokai Buster Murakami: I just think this one’s funny, that about sums it up.
Really hope so to tbh! Though I think Ichi is very safe from getting a U19, Murakami and Kiyoshi are to by virtue of how close they are to 19 chapters, like Murakami will get chapter 19 tomorrow so its passed it!
Shinobi Undercover could though but its a lot of fun so I hope it doesnt!
The image not found bit for the girl getting a personality had me laughing out loud but I don’t remember anything about this manga so I can’t justify it
To be honest I’ve seen worse. Having goofy or sexual themes isn’t a death sentence but it’s execution. The plot itself sounds less convoluted than “Hitman Reborn” so I just think it didn’t have clever enough writing to sustain it like most cut SJ series. I do think calling your power system “Lobito” is cringe, should’ve called it “hope,””dreams,””determination” or something.
As someone who has to explain their own unpopular Jump takes from time to time, I'm really interested in what Andrew wrote. It sounds like a lot of passion went into it, and that's great to see for a U19'd series (pardon the pun)! Will you or Andrew be posting a link to that somewhere? Am I dumb and missed it in the description?
Ohhh sorry, I knew I forgot something but I've just added it to the description! Here's a link to it though!
docs.google.com/document/d/11_rv-1yBISoNlqkuJCklOY7KkFV5mrJ3KLclvMQ7vOM/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0
This like kids next door without the self awareness and the tung and check tone
20:01 me actively doing finger guns at the screen seeing my comment
The sheer cringe of the first couple chapters needs to be studied in a lab
Sorry, no tengo ganas de escribir en inglés hoy 😅 solo diré que robaré el término U19 club, creo que no existe un equivalente en español.
Great video, and this manga was really strange, wasn't it?
All that segment involving Chris did was want me to go through Agravity Boys (it legit had me laughing for several minutes on end)
Ahaha I was more trying to cringe people out but wanting to check out Agravity boys is a good outcome!
The premise strikes me as a non ecchi Shimoneta (which is a series I like but had issues with) which had no idea where it wanted to go. There are for sure decent stories about toppling a corrupt and unfair system but this is very much not one of them. I will say the art was alright but yeah those giant text dumps are not very conductive to an enjoyable read. I feel there are worse manga titles out there but honestly none come to mind immediately.
On a positive note adore your editing. Lots of great music (which I'm thrilled gets credited as it plays in case I'm unfamiliar) along with great inserts from other media.
Shimoneta definitely is similar and it's over the top elements work well since it's more gag focused, that's a fun comparison tbh!
Also thank you for complimenting my editing! I try to keep it engaging enough even though it's not super flashy and I use the vids to subtly share cool video game soundtracks tbh haha
“U19” is just a generic version of “Kill La Kill…”
Kindaa? Idk if generic is the right word but U19 could have learnt a thing or two from KLKL for sure!
The first time i read this my reaction was "this is Kids Next Door meets X-Men", everything about U19 is horrible and the only good thing about it are the edits for axed manga.
I have only heard memes about this series before and it sounds like that is pretty representative of the series.
This setup and power system makes me think of etchy games specifically RPG games
Ah, s it's Codename: Kids Next Door as a dystopian YA novel
I never watched it much growing up but so many people say it's the exact same haha
Where may i find the doc link?
Should be the first link in the description!
I can write a better premise than this.
Hm, maybe expectations on both ends played into it but I‘d rather read this again than Phantom Seer.
Woahh fr? Hmmm I'm not sure I would but everyone's different haga
I'm gonna be different here
I liked this Manga I thought it was decent enough mostly cause I liked the Premise reminded me of Kids Next Door one of my favorite CN shows
Make a video on Golem Hearts...
A good series that people need to know
Golem Hearts would be a fun one to do for sure!!
@@TrentinArt looking forward to it
Ohh now i get the u19 gag... anyway it does have pretty art, sounds painful, wonder if id dislike it as much as the cutie honey manga..
Cringe for God of Cringe.
What can i say, i guess im a sucker for edge
Why is half of the plot a store-brand ntr manga?!
Sounds like a real trainwreck
yay its here!
So its edgy kids next door?
Kinda yeah!
Man Trentinart did not like U19
It's not very good sadly haha
Axe files?
Yup, it's a play on "The X Files" which is one of my favourite shows but instead I talk about Axed/Cancelled manga