I read up to 9 volumes of Saike, loved it and now would wish to share my thoughts on it.
Saike Matashitemo does really well to connect us to the main character, appropriately named Saike. The first arc is really drama focused and shows Saike's emotions and growth as he deals with the pain of his childhood friend dying over and over and trying desperately with determination to save her. We get to know a lot about Saike, which gets us in his shoes and enhances the experience once the series becomes a battle shounen.
Yes, the series does become a battle shounen. I know it might feel non-indicative for the first arc to be about drama then have special power fights all of a sudden after that, however, this is the kind of series with some of everything in it. It's an action but it's far from being just action, there's some great humor and heart wrenching drama, which stays as an important part of the series even after the initial arc.
The fights in the series are very detail oriented and it's really interesting to see Saike analyze what went wrong in each of his loops in order to come up with some clever solution to defeat an opponent. Not only Saike but some of his allies sometimes have to deal with their own tactical battles, unable to rely on Saike's ability. Also, watching Saike proceed with determination, no matter the dangerous odds and how many loops it takes can be quite admirable.
The powers for each character are creative as well the strategies. Though not as advanced as Jojo(what is advanced as Jojo anyway?), it's one of those rare series where it's actually fun to think along with the characters in the fights about how they'll win and be impressed at whatever trick they use. Throughout all those fights in the 9 volumes, I think there's only been a two or so plot holes. However, it should only be a small problem in the midst of so many more engaging fights.
Throughout the series, even following the first arc, we learn a lot about Saike and there are a lot to love him for and relate to him about. Whether it be how he starts off apathetic and finds his purpose in life which he really dedicates himself to, how he can be a show off after adopting the hero role, his care for his friends, even the little things he happens to like. Though he's not exactly a normie like a lot of anime heroes seem to be nowadays, which may be an issue for a lot of normal people readers. Anyways, the way this story bonds us to Saike makes it all the more anxious when he must face his impending doom later. Speaking of which, the series does well to make clear the consequences when making dangerous choices.
Moving on, even though Saike doesn't have a huge roster of characters like most shounen, I'd say the ones there are are interesting and enjoyable enough, many of their antics will also make you laugh, especially Saike's allies. They have their own issues to deal with and develop as they befriend Saike, have some fun interactions as they mess around and grow in relationships.
From their deep bonds with Saike, it's touching to see how they're affected by his fate. Their different personalities also makes it interesting to see how they deal with different situations. There are a few moments when you'll find some of their actions to be quite irrational, however these are times when they're over emotional. It's natural as they're quite human.
The art style is cute and simple, so it might not be for you if you're into those super realistic looking manga with a lot of texture. I think the art works for the series however, Saike's cute design makes him all the more lovable for example. We also get some characters, usually villains, designed to be effectively intimidating too, just in general, the cast has a very creative variation in designs. My only personal problem with the art is that there are occasionally times when there aren't backgrounds, maybe that makes it too simple.
The pacing feels fine, we get enough time for the characters to interact and develop, the story to progress and none of the fights are too long. The way this manga sets up the atmosphere is decent and helps the drama. There are some creatively beautiful visuals used here and there.
If there is one big problem with the series however, I think many more characters should be recurring. It's mainly Saike's few friends who stick by him throughout the series. Most other characters fade out of the story after their arc is over, many of whom I believe have a lot of potential. There are a few surprise returns but those are a rare occasion. Hopefully, this area will be better later on.
So that's what I have to say about Saike. I think it's a great manga and my favorite new one that came out these last few years but following it feels lonely as I have little to nobody to ever talk to about it. It feels as though I'm off in a world completely separate from this one in a way. It's probably doing better in japan however, as it's still ongoing with at least 10 volumes in the making. But I do believe it deserves more love anyways. I think most people should be able to enjoy Saike as it's not only for action fans or drama fans, but if there are a kind of reader I'd recommend Saike to the most, I'd say ones who want a bit of everything would love it. Action, drama, comedy, supernatural, even nightmare fuel at some points. So that's it, I hope you'll enjoy this series as I do.
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