Watch You Turn Naughty

The storyline was unique and held my interest from start to finish. The characters were engaging and believable. As it's a one-shot, there was only enough space to develop three of them, but they were executed well.  

The artwork is excellent, exactly what you'd anticipate from Takeshi Obata.  

Based on the cover art, I expected the main character's mechanical arm to play a role in the story, but it was entirely overlooked. Yes, the "extra baggage" mentioned in the synopsis refers to something else entirely.  

It's a 49-page one-shot with impressive art, so I would suggest checking it out if you have a spare moment.  

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Hello Baby presents a straightforward narrative exploring how the gangster mindset can become the ultimate destroyer. The tale revolves around Kinya, grappling with the fallout of an unsuccessful hit and striving to reassert his masculinity. Alongside him are his loyal associate Taku and girlfriend Aya, all subscribing to the belief that true manhood is defined by being a killer.  

Kinya was tasked with eliminating a gang leader but lacked the resolve to carry it out. The situation escalates when Aya announces her pregnancy, plunging Kinya into inner conflict. He yearns to demonstrate his manhood yet desires to prevent his child from becoming the offspring of a murderer.  

Kinya falls prey to performative masculinity, feeling compelled to indulge in harmful actions to validate his worth. His minimal moral compass clashes with his longing for respect, culminating in an event that irrevocably alters his life.  

Takeshi Obata's artwork brims with vitality, boasting a vibrant punk/street-life aesthetic that harmonizes flawlessly with the story's ambiance. He might just be the ideal artist for this manga commission. Dive into Hello Baby for an authentic depiction of gang life.  

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Absolutely unique! You won't stumble upon a manga with such an identical plot anywhere else! It weaves a compelling narrative of misunderstandings, betrayal, confidence, and misconceptions that will leave you hooked from start to finish. The artwork is stunning, while the characters exude immense charm. Fashion and real-life scenarios are seamlessly integrated, fitting perfectly like a 'T.' This manga stands out for its meticulous detail and unwavering focus on character development, despite its brevity. Even though you're only introduced to this group of teenagers for one chapter, you instantly form a deep connection with them and develop genuine feelings towards each individual. You'll find yourself yelling at their errors, questioning, "Why? Whyyy?!" Get ready to bite your lip and steady your heartbeat, as this is going to be quite the turbulent journey.

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The story revolves around a "gang" that appears to receive a task to eliminate a man who seems like some kind of boss to me. The main character gets the opportunity to kill the target but ends up failing... Saying more might spoil the story, hahaha. Overall, it really kept me hooked! Honestly, coming from the artist of Death Note, the art is incredible, detailed, and amazing overall... BUT the storyline felt somewhat lacking and unsatisfying to me. It's a one-shot though, so it's never a waste to give it a try. <p>

Short review:  
This one-shot was a collaborative effort between two talented creators: art by Obata, Takeshi (known for Death Note, Hikaru no Go, Bakuman), and the story by Morita, Masanori (of Rookies fame). I found this combination intriguing, so I decided to give it a read. It's hard to put into words, but this one-shot was quite an experience. The artwork was stunningly beautiful, while the narrative delivered a deeply tragic tale of betrayal.  

While I can't speak for others, I personally enjoyed this one-shot immensely. Although the characters weren't extensively revealed or developed, the story felt like it had the potential to expand into a full series.  

Overall, I would rate it 8/10.  

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A brief yet excellent yakuza story.  

The protagonist appears to be either a newcomer or an independent yakuza seeking recognition as a clan member by carrying out a specific crime, but he fails in his mission, and thus the pursuit starts. He must flee with his friend and his pregnant girlfriend from the yakuza clan that ordered the botched hit.  

The narrative is strong, as are the characters, particularly considering how concise the manga is. The ending is astonishing.  

The artwork is fantastic (it effectively captures the adrenaline of the storyline). Great character design, especially for the two main characters.  

I only wish it could have gone on just a bit longer.

beautiful story

FANG NING? ... Fang yuan + Bai ning bing