Seems like the scanlations have stopped completely, which is a shame because this manga captures my interest. I wanna know what happens in the rest of the story. Not that anything much happens, but the dynamic between characters are intriguing enough for me to want to keep reading. This manga is an embodiment of slice-of-life, the plot is light (maybe deceptively so?) but it is driven forward by character development and interaction. On the other hand though, I don't know why it has "Sports" as one of the genre because whatever ping pong that's in it are minimal so far though it seems that the sport will play a larger role in this manga from what I can see as of ch. 23. Guess I'll never know *shrugs*

It's a shame because like I said, it's an engaging manga in a slow, slice-of-lifey, not-over-the-top kinda way.

But I gotta say I'm all for this manga. It is a damn good read.

Ping pong is just a hobby for these characters. They mostly play it because the manager is a big hobbyist.

Like A.Pineapple said, there is mainly a love triangle but the cross dresser also likes the gangster, completely. In my opinion, there's no way he'd fall for natsuki, since he's 100 percent gay. But he's come to care for her, like a big sis, and even said he'd adopt her if worst came to past.

G-17 said that the gangster is a lesser character for not being a cool cliche and instead he's a more rounded character. It's really not a flaw. He's aware that she doesn't see him in a romantic light and it really is a little sad that he likes her.

The cool thing about rubber seven though, is that it never drowns in its sadder or dramatic elements. It has a slice of life feel. And no one's gotten melodramatic. I can't seem to find the words to describe it, instead I'll let you know that this manga isn't depressing and doesn't have a downer tone.

... Last updated on August 15th, 2011, 6:33am

JHax9999, I would tend to disagree. The story is very well done. Yes, the romance between Munenori (the gangster, who, for all intents and purposes is a joke [which only adds to his character]), is kinda sad, what makes it all the more interesting is how he himself acknowledges how sad it is. There is also a huge love polygon going on between a good portion of the characters. It's even hinted that Su (the gay cross dresser), might fall for Natsuki. I don't know, I'm fairly terrible at voicing my opinion due to the fact that my thoughts are in a jumble, but I personally think the story is amazing and has some depth. Only thing that makes me sad is that it's so hard to find a translator for it since it's a seinen manga (edit: Our translator is back!). So the releases are slow for you guys, and slow for me as well

... Last updated on April 17th, 2008, 8:36pm

POSSIBLE SPOILERS!

This manga has a very somber tone... its a lil weird, a lil odd. I can't quite find my footing with it yet. so 7/10 for now

Edit: I am on chapter 16...and this is NOT a sports manga. I thought it was (what with ping-pong being mentioned) but pingpong is actually a very insignificant part of the story from what I've read so far. Some people (like me) are bound to be disappointed. So far, they've only played ping-pong a few times through all these chapters, and the matches were quick...lasting 2 pages at most.

The mobster is a joke. The mobster, who should have been mysterious, dark and cool, is no more than a lonely convenient-store owner with a lotila complex, and plays ping-pong. It's just sad that he likes a 16yr old girl, even though he’s in his 30s. The only “woman” who is in love with him is a gay cross-dresser (who, I’m beginning to favor above the others for simply the fact that she/he has a personality). For the sake of romance, I can be open-minded about age differences, but his boring looks and bland/uninteresting personality is just such a turn off. No young girl would fall for such a papa-like demeanor. He is so pathetic. Thank god he is not the male lead. I think the high school kid is, since nasuki comes alive when she is with him, and barely even talk when she is with mobster-guy, which I wouldn’t blame her.

It's such a pity… the art is so clean and neat, but the storyline is boring... the characters are boring. I noticed “comedy” was part of the genre for this manga… I didn’t laugh even once… not once!

The setup of the story was interesting enough, but the flatline execution of the plot killed it. There is NO-noteworthy-CONFLICT... and conflict helps make a good story... it also helps built and develop characters. Unfortunately, for all 2 volumes, all they do is work at the convenient store, and awkwardly coexist amongst each other. Some things that happened seems completely irrelevant...like the events that resulted in the date between that really tall high-school graduate and nasuki... what was that all about? Where’s the meaning in all that?

-I'm sorry, I'm sorry… there might actually be some small drama in here... for instance: nasuki hates her mom; her mom was the love interest of mobster-guy once upon a time (though he just kinda played ping-pong with her and had a small crush on her, nothing too deep). And, though a few people are “in love” with nasuki, I don’t even know if what they have even qualify as a love triangle...

Since someone said the story picks up after volume 2, I'm going to give it another chance and keep reading... hopefully, I won't be disappointed. My rating as of now: 5/10

... Last updated on January 10th, 2008, 4:23am

This manga is genius. A mobster who plays ping-pong! How do you even come up with that. All the main characters are engaging in their own, unique way.

The manga does hint at some dark undertones, but these haven't completely surfaced yet with the first two volumes. The scanlators do a great job but I wish they would hurry up with the releases.

One of my current favourites!

a wonderful series with some serious drama at times. pretty damn good

Finally! A manga about Ping Pong. I was getting bored of reading lame-o mangas like Prince of Tennis (P.O.T. LMAO).

I must thank Blah for scanlating such a wonderful series, with such awesome characterization. The characters are engaging, mysterious, and all out funny. Being interested in ping-pong, that mobster automatically became my favorite character. Hope Blah continues to scanlate this awesome series.

It's really hard to just describe what I feel towards this manga. Maybe it's one of regret, maybe it's one of fondness. I guess when it comes down to it, I don't regret reading it.