Year in Review
While thinking back on the year, I decided to sum up manga of the past year through various categories.
Most Entertaining Manga of the Year: It was a toss-up between Kuroshitsuji and Kobato since both were consistently good each month. In the end I decided on Kuroshitsuji because I really loved the arc that took up most of the year and I ended up adoring Charles Grey who was introduced during the arc.
Worst Manga of the Year (That I'm Still Reading for Some Reason): This was another toss-up category between Naruto and Katekyou Hitman Reborn. Naruto has bored me since the part with Naruto's mother ended (I liked that part and want more of his parents) and KHR has been crap for a while. Originally I was going to go with Naruto but over the last few weeks my decision became clear, Katekyou Hitman Reborn. I thought the TYL arc went on way too long, but this latest arc is even worst. I'd gladly have the TYL arc back if it meant that the current one would end next week.
Biggest Surprise of the Year: Bleach for actually being good again! If I had been doing this the last few years, Bleach would have won the category for worst manga every year. The only reason why I never stopped reading it was because it only takes a minute out of my day to read it each week. But now I'm enjoying Bleach again.
Cutest Manga of the Year: Kobato because it's simply an adorable series.
Most Disappointing Manga of the Year: xxxHolic Once upon a time xxxHolic was a really great series, but now, nothing ever happens in it. The news that it's not ending in February like originally reported leaves me slightly depressed because I think it should end now before things get worst.
Most Anticipated Manga of 2011: Gate 7. I loved the preview chapter and can't wait for the series to officially begin. The CLAMP fandom has been pretty dead lately so hopefully Gate 7 goes over well with the fans.
Best New Manga: I'm not counting Gate 7 even though the teaser chapter was released this year since it officially starts next year. So I'm going with Magnolia by Naked Ape. I love the artwork that Naked Ape does and was simply thrilled when I saw that they started a new series.
Most Improved Manga of the Year: I was tempted to pick Bleach again since the series certainly has improved, but instead I'm going with Skip Beat since I care about it more than Bleach, but I also came closer to dropping it (since scanlations for Bleach are easier to find). I was really frustrated with the series at the beginning of the year since even though I like the Beagle I hated the never-ending Valentine's Day arc. I didn't think an arc that long was necessarily to get across that Sho is still an asshole. But then the arc with the Heel siblings started which evolved into the current stuff on Ren's past and I fell in love with the story all over again since it seems like there is finally going to be some progress in Kyoko's and Ren's relationship.
Manga with the Best Group of Characters: Pandora Hearts since I can't think of a character I dislike. Plus it has a really big cast full of plenty male and female characters.
Best Moment of the Year: This pick might be odd since it was my most disappointing manga of the year, but xxxHolic for that bonus chapter where Syaoran, Kurogane, Fay and Mokona arrived at Watanuki's shop for a visit. It was so nice seeing them all again and learning that they would soon see again Sakura.
Most Entertaining Manga of the Year: It was a toss-up between Kuroshitsuji and Kobato since both were consistently good each month. In the end I decided on Kuroshitsuji because I really loved the arc that took up most of the year and I ended up adoring Charles Grey who was introduced during the arc.
Worst Manga of the Year (That I'm Still Reading for Some Reason): This was another toss-up category between Naruto and Katekyou Hitman Reborn. Naruto has bored me since the part with Naruto's mother ended (I liked that part and want more of his parents) and KHR has been crap for a while. Originally I was going to go with Naruto but over the last few weeks my decision became clear, Katekyou Hitman Reborn. I thought the TYL arc went on way too long, but this latest arc is even worst. I'd gladly have the TYL arc back if it meant that the current one would end next week.
Biggest Surprise of the Year: Bleach for actually being good again! If I had been doing this the last few years, Bleach would have won the category for worst manga every year. The only reason why I never stopped reading it was because it only takes a minute out of my day to read it each week. But now I'm enjoying Bleach again.
Cutest Manga of the Year: Kobato because it's simply an adorable series.
Most Disappointing Manga of the Year: xxxHolic Once upon a time xxxHolic was a really great series, but now, nothing ever happens in it. The news that it's not ending in February like originally reported leaves me slightly depressed because I think it should end now before things get worst.
Most Anticipated Manga of 2011: Gate 7. I loved the preview chapter and can't wait for the series to officially begin. The CLAMP fandom has been pretty dead lately so hopefully Gate 7 goes over well with the fans.
Best New Manga: I'm not counting Gate 7 even though the teaser chapter was released this year since it officially starts next year. So I'm going with Magnolia by Naked Ape. I love the artwork that Naked Ape does and was simply thrilled when I saw that they started a new series.
Most Improved Manga of the Year: I was tempted to pick Bleach again since the series certainly has improved, but instead I'm going with Skip Beat since I care about it more than Bleach, but I also came closer to dropping it (since scanlations for Bleach are easier to find). I was really frustrated with the series at the beginning of the year since even though I like the Beagle I hated the never-ending Valentine's Day arc. I didn't think an arc that long was necessarily to get across that Sho is still an asshole. But then the arc with the Heel siblings started which evolved into the current stuff on Ren's past and I fell in love with the story all over again since it seems like there is finally going to be some progress in Kyoko's and Ren's relationship.
Manga with the Best Group of Characters: Pandora Hearts since I can't think of a character I dislike. Plus it has a really big cast full of plenty male and female characters.
Best Moment of the Year: This pick might be odd since it was my most disappointing manga of the year, but xxxHolic for that bonus chapter where Syaoran, Kurogane, Fay and Mokona arrived at Watanuki's shop for a visit. It was so nice seeing them all again and learning that they would soon see again Sakura.