First of all, the graphics are pretty clean in lines, and the characters are distinct from each other. The character designs are nice too.

In regards to the storytelling, so far it's not an epic shounen with a large plot behind everything (at least, that's what I'm seeing). It's a bit more of an adventure story with different arcs coming as long as there are a lot of people reading. But then again Mashima could be thinking of something, or hiding something, within each arc so who knows. He might pull off something really epic in the end. Also, there are some issues that have yet to be solved, but it seems like there's no progress going on, like the dragons' disappearance (one of the the main characters, Natsu, was trained by one).

So far, it seems the author is trying to expand on each character, as most of the arcs focus on one of the main characters and reveal their past. But at 112 chapters, this is quite slow... But, as things are going on in the latest arc, I'm guessing the "main arc", the story that's underneath everything, might come soon.

As for the plagiarism and comparison a lot of people are talking about, please remember that this is a shounen manga, and many of the characters, even main heroes, are (consciously or not) modeled after certain established type of heroes/secondary characters/antagonists. Style is pretty easy to pick up on if you've been working under a certain person for a long period of time.

Anyway, it's a pretty interesting series nonetheless, and it's worth giving a shot. Also, there are a lot of female characters that really kick ass.

... Last updated on September 14th, 2009, 1:33pm

Again another great concept yet no substance to back it up.
There's a lack of plot and the series definitely is not an episodic one.
I wonder when there actually will be a plot?

Hiro Mashima tries to foreshadow a great underlying conspiracy within the world yet does nothing to fully develop the world he has created.

Many people say this series is really similar to One Piece. Well I did my research and found out Hiro Mashiba was Oda's assistance before and he probably picked up some of Oda's style. I really enjoyed this manga as it lets readers imagine what life would be in a guild. This manga is funny, lots of action, and has likable characters.
As to sakirol's comment. This series is no where near One Piece. Its the generic manga style now. If you say Lucy = Nami just because shes the girl of the crew, then what bout Rukia or Orihime from Bleach? or Sakura from Naruto?

well, unlike the others who sees one piece in this manga.... i see monster hunter..
heck, does mashima hiro badly wants to write a manga 'bout MH.? ((well, he has one now))

this starts with the guild.... then request missions from the villagers... then the congalala.. or should i say balkan...

oh well, it has a story of its own... and is quite interestng... kewl characters X3

Almost to the point it can be called plagiarism. I'd pissed off if I was the author of One Piece. The characters look alike, have the same personalities (main girl=girl in crew...Main guy likes to eat meat like crazy=Luffy). The plots are quite similar too. Just replace the details and you have the same general plotline. I didn't like this quite frankly. It doesn't look like it's going anywhere and it's kind of repetitive.

I'll give you that the art is a pretty rip off, both are humor driven and that Natsu is one haircut away from getting sued for plagiarism but that's pretty much where it ends. The flow of the story is more episodic in that once an arc completes it's back to the base for business as usual rather than on to the next island. The Devil Fruit concept is replaced by "magic" but, since basically everyone reliant to the plot has magic and since for the most part there's nothing directly stopping anyone from using the same magic as someone else, relating the two would be unfair. Finally, with the exception of Natsu, none of the characters have a valid One Piece parallel. I've noticed a few people saying that Lucy is like Nami; would anyone like to explain why they think that? Nami generally serves as the voice of reason in One Piece and often bosses Luffy around. By contrast Lucy is generally meek and ends up being used by Natsu or otherwise picked on by other members of the cast. I'd say she's closer to filling Usopp's role.

As for how Fairy Tail stands on it's own, it's definitely still in a development stage. Reflecting on the first few arcs they're basically just thinly veiled back story under the guise of a mission in order to make the story feel like it's progressing when it actually hasn't even really started yet. Yes there is a slight amount of story that has been given to us in the first 100 chapters but currently the manga is still introducing us to the characters and the world more than anything else. That said, this next arc gives the impression that the story is about to take off, but we'll have to wait and see.

Bottom line, if you like One Piece you're probably already reading this. If you don't like One Piece it's probably because you have bad taste or you never gave it a chance. If the latter give this a try because it gives a similar experience but is more palatable due to faster pacing and prettier art.

I think this series is just getting warmed up. Sure the current arcs are a little slow but fans are sure to stick with it if they want to know more about Natsu and his search for the dragon guy who "raised" him. I just when it becomes an anime, that the producers wait a while until the manga gets most of the story out there first.

This is purely personal, some may enjoy it, but comedy stops being a vital part of the manga after I think about 20-30 chapters, at which point it's fighting for ideals, such as the value of family and friendship. The fighting never seems to appear intelligent or rational (by this I'm talking about HOW they fight), and when the comedy occasionally does pop up in chapters 30+, it always seems... How should I put this... "immature".

I guess different strokes for different folks, but for me personally, this was nothing but literally a Rave/One Piece ripoff, purely based off of the overall innocence/immaturity of the manga, along with the artstyle.

Also, please note that the first two chapters do NOT tell you the mood of the whole manga, but instead only the mood of the first 20~ or so chapters. After that the manga starts taking the "Do not hurt person xxxxx because they are my nakama, and if you take them away I will give you a punch!" route. I stopped at chapter 70, but I'm guessing soon to come was the angsty teenager looking for his father dragon arc. Blergh...

... Last updated on August 9th, 2008, 11:16am

This manga seems to suffer from a lack of direction. The opening arcs were fun because they only showed hints of a future storyline, which could go either way. But since the Tower arc we've been shown a glimpse of what this manga will be like once it does get serious. And it is not looking too hot. Retarded plot twists, rushed confrontations, you name it. There is still hope for it to turn around; but the author (just like in Rave) seems to go from one point to the next without really giving it much prior thought.

the first few chapters tells you the whole mood of this series. . . and if you're expecting more, you're an idiot. this ain't naruto with his techniques or Basara/Berserk with a deep deep storyline. nevertheless, i had fun reading it for the story that it is. it's fun.

still, im keeping an open mind. the author is holding back his trump card for later volumes.. . things might get interesting. . .