I really really like this story a lot, it honestly made me quite sad. Just some of the things were too much for me, and I have been unable to continue reading just because I'm afraid of what nightmares may befall the poor boys

I was confused and disappointed at first. I mean, this manga was kinda hardcore to the max, right? But somehow I never got any sense of 'maturity' from it. Then I realized that it's because the author executed and dealt with those hardcore stuffs in a childish, forced way. The principles were naive, nothing was thought-provoking, the dialogues were cheesy. And all the friendship thing. Too mushy. Imagine Fairy-Tail-kind-of friendship in a dark seinen universe. It would be unrealistic in a very annoying way and totally out of place.

Then the characters. The premise was pretty good; children that committed crimes at postwar era. It could explore any deeper, or anywhere, but children that accused for the crimes that either they didn't do, forced/manipulated/tricked to do, or did for a noble reason. I couldn't help but felt like the mangaka really loved his characters and he wanted us to love them in a way he loved them. Like I was forced to shout 'cool!' a la young boys' reaction to digimon's transformation. Now that's not a good start for character development. Not to mention they are preachy. Actually the whole manga reek of 'in-your-face' preaches; no room for discussion. And the villains were just plain evil. They act like pawns that only moves and breaths to make our main character suffer. How about the deep, dark, fascinating grey area of human nature? Nay.

Lastly the art. The way the author draw emotional scenes was a bit... over the top? It bothered me. I don't want to be told THAT BOLDLY that it was the time to feel sad or emotional.

I'm dropping this. Five for the idea, one for the art.

... Last updated on December 16th, 2013, 8:12pm

What kind of recommendation is that?! It's closer to Ashita no Joe but even harder. These aren't stories of psychos out to get theirs. This is about kids that find themselves in difficult positions they had no choice in. And then growing up from there.

Everyone's given it a good recommendation, and I will too. I haven't yet found the words to express whats so good about it. Guess everything just adds up. Try it.

Man I LOVE this manga/anime! It's one of the best for sure. Very tragic but touching (in a way) series. It's about the strong of power of friendship; yea very corny sounding but that's really the central idea and its extremely well portrayed! The plot and themes are pretty heavy so this is NOT a series you want to read if you want a super cute warm hearted story. It's VERY depressing but one of the best mangas I've ever read! DEFINITLY read this manga! (ps the anime is pretty good too!)

I didn't know much about the author or artist. It's interesting to know about that. I just started reading the manga since I've just started watching he anime that was released this month and I'm already at volume 20. This has to be the best seinen I've ever read. It touched me and it has to be one of the best stories I've read this year.

... Last updated on May 24th, 2010, 8:39pm

If you like shamo then this is a must for you : ) , the main story is great and really makes you curious about what would happen later on, I hope it goes well and doesn't get boring

Only read the first chapter(as thats all thats released atm), but i really love what i read. Just like the first few volumes of Shamo it's some depressing ****^^ Can't wait for the next release =))~

[edit by mod,edited for language]