Only reason they keep reappearing is because Author keeps making Li qishan step back(and putting his enemy on the same level) every time he's suppose to be stronger.
My first review, so go easy on me.<br /><br />Take groovy vibes, a western theme set in an eastern world, mix it all up with compelling characters and a zodiac motif, and you've got "Et Cetera." Mingchao wields her gun to take down her enemies.<br /><br />The author skillfully blends various cultures into the storyline, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. If you enjoy "Trigun," "Lupin III," or the concept of both Western and Eastern Zodiacs (which is surprisingly uncommon), this is perfect for you.<br /><br />I have nothing but positive things to say about this manga when recommending it to others. It could improve in every aspect, but stories like these pave the way for others to flourish.<br /><br />I worry this tale might be forgotten over time. Give it a try!
Et Cetera tells the story of a girl with aspirations of becoming a Hollywood starlet. To achieve her dream, she teams up with a dubious missionary and embarks on an adventure across the American West, armed with a magical gun inherited from her grandfather. This gun derives its power from the animals of the Chinese zodiac, altering its shots depending on the animals present. There's also a twin gun based on the Greco-Babylonian zodiac that functions similarly; both are typical elements of shonen narratives. After a few volumes, a crime syndicate from New York enters the scene, hunting for both guns, adding momentum and intensity to the story.
Baskerville is far from anyone's image of a missionary. With long hair, a penchant for cheating at cards, and an unholy fascination with Mingchao’s Eto gun, he defies traditional priestly expectations. Initially, I thought Mingchao, being a Daoist, might not recognize his unorthodoxy, but her trust in others stems from her assumption that people are who they claim to be—Benkate is another character she should scrutinize more closely. While some may find her naivety irritating, I find it endearing. Among the supporting characters, Fino and Alternate shine, whereas others like Benkate, Yaghi, and most villains remain underdeveloped. Nonetheless, they suit Nakazaki's narrative well.
The artwork is chaotic, characteristic of early-2000s shonen style. Mingchao is charming, yet many adult characters exhibit awkward proportions—women have snakelike torsos, and men's physiques are equally off-putting. The artist struggles with drawing bare torsos. The manga occasionally veers into ecchi territory, but these scenes feel natural within the story rather than forced.
I usually criticize historical inaccuracies, but Et Cetera includes a disclaimer noting that Hollywood didn't exist during the depicted era. A girl like Mingchao might aspire to act, just heading east to Broadway instead of west to Hollywood. This oversight is forgivable given the story's charm. However, certain short stories, like one about a boy and his mother neglecting to brand their cattle and then feigning surprise when they're claimed as mavericks, irk me. Mingchao rightly criticizes them for not "naming" their cows. The series' geography is confusing until a map appears in volume five, clarifying that the story doesn't solely unfold in California. Even with identified settings, a strong sense of place is lacking.
One aspect troubled me deeply, likely overlooked by average readers. In the second volume, Luriele, a young performer once a dancer, stops dancing after an accident supposedly permanently impairing her legs. Mingchao supports her desire to dance again, which seems fine until the revelation that Luriele's condition was purely psychological. Upon receiving sufficient motivation, she walks effortlessly without crutches, her muscles showing no signs of atrophy. This handling is ableist and problematic, and despite her minor role, I can't overlook it.
My criticisms mainly target the early story arc, where Mingchao and Baskerville wander the west, making issues more apparent. Once the syndicate enters, the narrative sharpens, becoming more engaging overall, though some penultimate-chapter revelations raise questions.
Don’t expect a serious Western or historical precision here, as this manga is wildly whimsical. Yet, Et Cetera offers enjoyable reading if taken lightly.
Popular Reviews
Overall, pretty good, however after a while mc gets nerfed and progress becomes quite slow.
Still, it was quite entertaining, 4/5.
Baskerville is far from anyone's image of a missionary. With long hair, a penchant for cheating at cards, and an unholy fascination with Mingchao’s Eto gun, he defies traditional priestly expectations. Initially, I thought Mingchao, being a Daoist, might not recognize his unorthodoxy, but her trust in others stems from her assumption that people are who they claim to be—Benkate is another character she should scrutinize more closely. While some may find her naivety irritating, I find it endearing. Among the supporting characters, Fino and Alternate shine, whereas others like Benkate, Yaghi, and most villains remain underdeveloped. Nonetheless, they suit Nakazaki's narrative well.
The artwork is chaotic, characteristic of early-2000s shonen style. Mingchao is charming, yet many adult characters exhibit awkward proportions—women have snakelike torsos, and men's physiques are equally off-putting. The artist struggles with drawing bare torsos. The manga occasionally veers into ecchi territory, but these scenes feel natural within the story rather than forced.
I usually criticize historical inaccuracies, but Et Cetera includes a disclaimer noting that Hollywood didn't exist during the depicted era. A girl like Mingchao might aspire to act, just heading east to Broadway instead of west to Hollywood. This oversight is forgivable given the story's charm. However, certain short stories, like one about a boy and his mother neglecting to brand their cattle and then feigning surprise when they're claimed as mavericks, irk me. Mingchao rightly criticizes them for not "naming" their cows. The series' geography is confusing until a map appears in volume five, clarifying that the story doesn't solely unfold in California. Even with identified settings, a strong sense of place is lacking.
One aspect troubled me deeply, likely overlooked by average readers. In the second volume, Luriele, a young performer once a dancer, stops dancing after an accident supposedly permanently impairing her legs. Mingchao supports her desire to dance again, which seems fine until the revelation that Luriele's condition was purely psychological. Upon receiving sufficient motivation, she walks effortlessly without crutches, her muscles showing no signs of atrophy. This handling is ableist and problematic, and despite her minor role, I can't overlook it.
My criticisms mainly target the early story arc, where Mingchao and Baskerville wander the west, making issues more apparent. Once the syndicate enters, the narrative sharpens, becoming more engaging overall, though some penultimate-chapter revelations raise questions.
Don’t expect a serious Western or historical precision here, as this manga is wildly whimsical. Yet, Et Cetera offers enjoyable reading if taken lightly.