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Reviewed by Michael Aronson “Takashi “Taka” Momoshiro battles the mysterious Kabaji of Hyotei Academy. Taka unleashes a brutal two-handed “Hadokyu” (wave surge shot), which Kabaji dishes right back. Unbeknownst to Taka, Kabaji’s special talent is his ability to mimic shots with accuracy and ease. Meanwhile, Sadaharu’s honesty and keen eye for detail becomes Seishun’s downfall when he volunteers that his winning smash was actually out. Can Seishun Academy afford another loss?” Prince of Tennis and Dragon Ball Z? Not so dissimilar. In DBZ, characters do battle by launching fireballs at each other; in PoT, characters do battle by launching white-hot tennis balls at each other. In DBZ, a moment between attacks can last forever; in PoT, a moment between volleys can last forever. In DBZ, gaudily-dressed aliens gloat to one another about their rising power levels between quests to hunt down magical balls. PoT . . . thankfully has none of that. This being my first volume, I’m at a bit of a loss as to identify the roles of each character, but that hardly makes a difference in appreciating the intensity of the match between Taka and Kabaji. Revving up the stakes of a tennis match to that of a high-octane power play between the two titans of the tennis court is an exaggeration of the game that takes worthwhile liberties of its fictional format. Watching tennis on TV can put me to sleep in minutes, so I’m glad Konomi opted to play fast and loose with reality. However, the characters do push themselves to realistic limits, and the result of their match is both logical and inspired. But this one wily match is pretty much it for volume sixteen. There isn’t a great sense of characterization or drama through external situations. What you see on the court is what you get. I’m expecting a little more from the next volume. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
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