Alpha's Greatest Desire

good story so fR.

I’m hooked!

How do you feel when a story, be it manga, anime, book, movie, etc., lingers with you long after it's over? There's a resonance in your mind and a vivid recollection of how those seemingly simple scenes profoundly affect you; it’s a... sensory journey. "Netsutai no Citron" is one such tale, an engrossing narrative that begins fluidly, introducing a world of sex and disorienting psychedelics known as "soda pop." Soma moves from scene to scene, seeking purpose amidst the jungles of Vietnam while attempting to break free from the town that binds him.

As the plot deepens, the blur of dreams and drugs crystallizes, transforming the story into something more: not just a boy chasing his next high but a coming-of-age saga. He navigates magic, gods, witches, destiny, freedom, and the conflict between individual and collective identity to defeat the rabbit and save March Town. Ironically, Soma learns that Mako, the witch, isn't manipulating him through magic or drugs—he is free to choose his path. Whether in March Town, Vietnam, or anywhere else, he can pursue his talents and share them with the world. This is the true enchantment of the work: Soma's liberation transcends location. To confront the rabbit, practice his art, and live authentically despite death's shadow makes his character arc deeply satisfying. He owes nothing to March Town, yet this is where he chooses to stand and fight.

This is what elevates this manga. It fearlessly tackles divisive or contentious themes, as the author unflinchingly crafts the narrative. The story delves deeper into the essence of freedom through feelings—the cool water slipping past your fingers, the cherished taste of a long-missed home-cooked meal, or the tropical heat radiating from the citron tree. These sensations and life experiences embody ultimate freedom. Just as Soma lived fully in a brief span, I believe Jiro Matsumoto wishes the same for us, wherever our journeys take us.<p>

Tropical Citron begins on a strong note, depicting the descent of bombs into a dense jungle before seamlessly transitioning to the fizzing interior of a glass of water placed in front of a TV screen displaying a mushroom cloud explosion.  

This manga is filled with many such remarkable transitions. The composition is masterful, with Matsumoto's signature black humor weaving through each panel. The comedic elements are perfectly juxtaposed, enhancing the narrative's flow.  

The story ventures into surreal territory, so much so that the appearance of a suited man with a horse's head—a recurring character from another Matsumoto work—feels entirely natural. Soma, our intrepid photographer protagonist, is determined to reach Vietnam, the epicenter of action, but instead finds himself tumbling down the rabbit hole, partly due to a literary nod and largely because of an overindulgence in Rabbit Juice.  

This highly addictive soda, described by one random character as "popular among lunatics and the young," transforms people into frothing-at-the-mouth addicts or slack-jawed zombies. It also distorts reality, leading characters on wild adventures pursued by psychopaths wielding sharp objects.  

Despite its chaotic nature, Tropical Citron eventually recovers a semblance of plot, driving it toward a satisfying climax and an emotionally resonant resolution. While the premise involving witchcraft and aliens might seem laughable, it serves merely as a device to keep the story moving. What truly matters in this manga is the journey—the distinctive art style, the world and culture it portrays, the quirky humor, and the bold 'wtf' factor. It’s a slapstick adventure featuring a cast of humorous misfits and numerous hilarious scenes, panels, and payoffs.  

Mako. The professor. Sorceresses. Rabbit Juice. Dimensional pockets. Jabberwocky. The old man. Soldiers. The Rabbit. Trash. Tempura. The Leica. Slaves. The Horse. A perfect world. Silver bullets. Revolution. Witches. The Hunter. Vietnam. Kittens. Dive into Tropical Citron to uncover these elements and more.  

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Netsutai no Citron is undoubtedly pretentious, yet it's not entirely terrible.  

The core themes this manga explores are highly controversial, with the concept of freedom being a significant one. In comparison to series like One Piece and Attack on Titan, both had more time to develop these themes and integrate them into their narratives. However, I believe Netsutai no Citron handles the theme better than One Piece, despite its numerous contradictions. The manga effectively portrays a dystopian-like setting and successfully highlights the downsides of such a society.  

One issue I encountered while reading this manga is its frequent depiction of intercourse. Although I anticipated a lot of it, many of the sex scenes felt unnecessary, even if some were somewhat relevant to the storyline. I’m not claiming all the scenes were meaningless, as some did illustrate the character's struggle with addiction to sex. Nonetheless, the excessive focus undermines the significance of intercourse, and there were moments where I cringed. While the art style didn't bother me personally, art enthusiasts might find it unappealing.  

In conclusion, it's not a terrible read, but you'll likely leave with more questions than answers. Sometimes that can be a good thing, but in this case, it falls short of being great.  

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Vice offers a hallucinatory journey drawing inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. Be prepared for some frustration in the initial chapters, as there's minimal explanation and it borders on nonsensical. Nevertheless, the payoff is worthwhile.<br /><br />Matsumoto's art style is both rough and lively, complementing his unconventional storytelling perfectly. It's worth noting that he has a habit of unnecessarily undressing his female characters, which might not appeal to everyone, though it doesn't seem to be done for gratuitous reasons.<br /><br />The dark humor and his knack for slapstick comedy blend well with the labyrinthine plot, ensuring it never becomes too mentally taxing. I mean, there's a dictator rabbit leading an army of witches, right?

Next! Waiting for next chap

more chaps pls