Angel Densetsu

First and foremost, I adored this manga. It is utterly remarkable in every conceivable way. There's no other way to describe this masterpiece. My journey with it began when I stumbled upon recommendations on an anime forum. Typically, I'm skeptical about what others deem "good"—99% of the time, I find their picks unimpressive or incomprehensible. Angel Densetsu, however, is a unique case. Initially, I expected it to be a clichéd disaster that somehow managed to hold my attention. But it did more than that; it captivated me so profoundly that I felt compelled to write this review.

The story stands out as one of the most fluid and coherent narratives within its genre—a blend of comedy, romance, and tough-guy antics. The manga masterfully integrates these elements into a harmonious whole. While primarily following Kitano, the protagonist, it also intricately weaves the lives of all characters as Kitano's journey unfolds. Every character was endearing, each bringing memorable moments that I find myself rereading repeatedly. One standout scene was the introduction of Kitano's father to Ryoko’s and Ikuno’s fathers—an absolute riot that ranks among the top 20 funniest moments for me.

The artwork was commendable—neither overly flashy nor lacking in substance, fitting the tone perfectly. I rated it a 9 because occasionally, some details seemed slightly off, but honestly, art isn't something I prioritize unless it significantly impacts the storytelling. The characters were genuinely wonderful. You develop a deep affection for each one, rooting for their success. They mesh together seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're right there with Kitano and his friends or Takehisa during his fights against rival schoolmates.

This manga has brought me countless laughs that will undoubtedly stay with me forever. Seriously, I cannot emphasize this enough. This manga is extraordinary. In conclusion, I found this to be an exceptional piece of work. I read extensively during my downtime at work, and I can confidently say that this manga is a fantastic story with incredible characters. If you seek a manga that will make you laugh aloud, feel happier, and eagerly anticipate the next chapter, then Angel Densetsu is for you.

I never imagined I'd actually finish this manga. I usually don't enjoy long ones. Initially, my reaction was "the art is so... meh." That impression was largely due to the off-putting cover. However, once you dive into the story, you gradually get accustomed to the artwork and realize it's not bad at all.

This manga is incredibly funny, filled with plenty of action and battles. It has quickly become one of my favorites so far.

This manga was fantastic; the storyline unfolds at an excellent pace, and just as it begins to feel somewhat repetitive, you find yourself in the final arc. The artwork may require some adjustment if you're not accustomed to late 80s or early 90s manga styles. I would strongly recommend this manga to anyone who appreciates narratives where action and comedy intertwine, complemented by a touch of romance. It's my favorite manga by a long shot.

I've read this manga twice in total. Honestly, the second time I picked it up, just one page was enough to hook me until I finished all 84 chapters within a day or two. This is truly one of the most amazing works I have encountered, even though it can be somewhat fictional and exaggerated at times due to some unexplained feats.

[Story:8]

This manga stands out because, as the mangaka mentioned in the last few pages of the final chapter, you should view it not as "Angel Densetsu" but rather as characters living their lives in Heikaku town. Thus, even after the manga ends, the characters continue to live on... in our hearts.

Primarily focused on school life, slice-of-life, drama, romance, and more, what struck me during my second reading was how much I empathized with the main character Kitano Seiichirou. It felt quite realistic, especially regarding discrimination. The message that if you work hard to understand people, eventually others will understand you, even if you face severe discrimination like Kitano, resonated with me.

A downside is the lack of detail about Kitano's past, which only got slightly revealed near the end as a side story, along with rushed explanations of his skills and some hurried character development in the final chapters.

[Art:8]

The art in the early chapters was inconsistent, especially for Kitano. However, most backgrounds, characters, and action scenes were well-drawn. Notably, the art style used is REALISTIC, not typical manga style, which enhances its realism.

[Character:9]

The characters were mostly consistent, and their interactions were golden. While there were some archetypes, overall, they felt original and fun. A unique aspect is the contrast between characters' comedy styles, differentiating it from similar series like Yankee-kun to Megane-chan.

Kitano's character design is one of the most original ever. His looks might remind you of various stereotypes related to discrimination, but it's his and others' reactions that make him special. Despite inconsistencies, such as him learning to speak properly after the first few chapters, it still remains hilarious.

Personality-wise, most characters fulfilled their roles well, except perhaps Takehisa and Ogisu, who faded out in several chapters.

[Enjoyment:10]

I'm looking forward to a third read soon :D.

[Overall:9]

Words struggle to describe how funny this manga series is. It's unfortunate it only got a 2-episode OVA. It's a pity it wasn't recognized enough; I believe it's a great read for those facing discrimination or wanting to learn more about it. The comedy derived from discrimination might seem sad at times, but its exaggeration makes it bittersweet.

A genuinely enjoyable and humorous manga, though I encountered some issues with certain characters who were overly exaggerated and occasionally irritating. There were a few short arcs within the manga that seemed to drag on slightly too long, focusing excessively on characters who weren't particularly interesting.

The artwork is generally satisfactory, featuring a somewhat classic manga style that improves as the story progresses. The majority of the manga, however, was much more engaging, boasting several incredibly funny chapters. It also occasionally offered a fairly solid romantic subplot, which compensated for the less appealing moments. Overall, it was a very good read.

This is my first time writing a review, but no manga could be more fitting for this debut. My overall rating is a 7. So why is this on my favorites list?

The story isn't anything special. It follows an underdog rejected by society due to its judgmental and shallow nature. The main character isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, yet he possesses unbelievable strength... which he never uses! In fact, he's the best person ever, with a soul and intentions as pure as snow.

The art style takes some getting used to. I almost quit reading just because of it.

The characterization is decent but nothing extraordinary.

But...

The overall enjoyment is off the charts—10 out of 10, or even 100 if I could. I've read this manga several times, and every single time, I end up laughing uncontrollably. I rarely laugh at manga; sometimes I might chuckle, but Angel Densetsu had me screaming with laughter, not just the first time I read it.

Conclusion: If you're looking for something light-hearted that will brighten your day and make you cry tears of sincere laughter, this is the one. Everything is so predictable, yet you still find yourself laughing. The story and the goodness of the main character are heartwarming and will leave you feeling a bit lighter in your day. :)

"Never judge a book by its cover."

This common saying couldn't be truer when it comes to the Action, Comedy-oriented gag manga with a touch of Romance, Angel Densetsu.

In today's society, appearance often dictates how one is judged and treated. Enter Seiichirou Kitano, a young boy who has just moved to a new town with his loving parents, optimistic about starting at a new high school. On paper, Kitano is an exemplary student; he boasts excellent grades, perfect attendance, and would even help the elderly cross the street. However, one glance at his face sends people fleeing in terror, as if they are staring at the devil himself. Thus, this young "devil" must navigate life filled with misunderstandings, providing readers with endless amusement. And amusing, this manga surely is.

From misinterpreting his good deeds as acts of evil to thugs assuming he's as tough as he looks, this manga thrives on hilarious misunderstandings. The structure of Angel Densetsu is challenging to define because it's episodic, as any gag manga should be, yet it surprisingly offers overarching progression—both in story and characters. Events lead from one chapter to the next, maintaining an oddly episodic feel. It's quite an odd yet appealing combination.

The same can be said for the characters, who are both odd and appealing. Take Kitano, with his eerie appearance and perception of his surroundings; you can't help but like him. Other characters receive almost as much attention, but some may entertain while others might annoy or frustrate the reader.

For a gag manga of its time, the artwork does an excellent job achieving what the mangaka intended: creating a lively world with uniquely designed characters without going overboard. Notably, the artwork improves significantly from chapter 1 to completion. It was fascinating to watch the artist, who later created the Shounen Jump hit Claymore, evolve in style and technique.

I initially judged Angel Densetsu by its cover, expecting tired jokes that would bore me. Instead, I found it surprisingly entertaining. As the story progressed, it began giving off vibes similar to the old show/movie The Adam's Family. While I wouldn't claim it's the funniest manga around, nor recommend everyone read it, the humor eventually begins to wear thin. However, the mangaka notices this and changes things up, ultimately for the better. Overall, despite its fair share of issues, this odd gag manga remains enjoyable to read. For a manga serialized for several years, it was impressive to see improvements in comedy, story, and artwork.