ahill reads Holyland

[ahill1]

I'm reading the story so I'll be posting my thoughts here as I go along. It's 180 chapters long, I'm on chapter 80..I think there's a while I haven't read a long story like this, last one was Lone Wolf.

I'm enjoying it considerably thus far. I think they should have explored more of the relationship between Yuu and Shougo as well as with Shin as for us to feel their fight more, as in having more goofing off moments.

I'm enjoying it getting technical into fights as I enjoy reading fighting strategies, but I'm even more keen on the philosophy behind it all. The constant question of why to fight and why many are attracted to violence to conquer a space of respect in the world is intruiguing and fairly fresh in story themes from what I've seen... And it stil raises the question, does that really breeds freedom? What's conquering and having a place to go? Those are good thoughts fuel so far. Yuu has a different personality when fighting, but still, his everyday personality, is very much the same, the soft and shy type of dude. I wonder if it'll change to outside of fights too.

I feel a little off as to why Izawa's sister suddenly felt that attraction towards Yuu without knowing him much at all, but maybe he remembers how her brother used to be... Or maybe she sees a depth in him that she doesn't see in others. Yuu's reaction when being called hot by the girls seemed very genuine and well done too. Why is he hot now and not before? It shows him earning his place through violence and earning those compliments doesn't sit right with him... As I think he would like to be recognised by something other than this thing he still seems adamant about being totally legit.

 

[SSJ2]

The thing about Holyland being 180 chapters is that it doesn't read as though it's 180 chapters. Try reading 180 chapters of recent HxH with all of its text walls and you'll get what I mean.

 

[ahill1]

Yeah that's right, the reading is way quicker. I can easily go through 20 chapters a day.

 

[SSJ2]

I managed to read it in something like a week. It's hard to put it down once you get into it.

 

[ahill1]

Still, the fastest mangas to read from what I've seen are Shuzo Oshimi's ones, the creator of Chi no Wadachi.

 

[SSJ2]

Yeah there is little dialogue in comparison to most. The recent chapters have almost none lol

 

[ahill1]

Yes. Many chapters with just the art telling the story.

On chapter 90 now. Fun read and it seems they're flashing out fights more outside the street now. Yuu's talk with Tsuchiya was nice and he seems very aware of the storm of thoughts going into Kamishiros mind. And like they put it, grappling until one is totally drained can be really fun, even more when you're drunk (have tried it lol). I just don't know exactly why they present grappling as so inefficient in the street with asphalt... While in the grass it's totally available. Sure for those who dominate grappling and is pushing the enemy away, the one in the losing end and with their backs on the asphalt will be the one taking the bigger toll.

 

[ahill1]

Up to chapter 150. It's a fun ride for sure. This drugs arc, which I think will be the last, seems very much the main theme of the series -- escapism. Some ppl just can't hold feelings inside and search for escapes from their problems. Izawa and Kamishiro got it by fighting while most ppl like the girl friends of Mai, got that through the drug. Even though Kamishiro and Masaki have got different reasons for fighting in the streets, it still boils down to society pressure and they responding to that as a way "not to feel a coward". It's cool how it shows so much how all the pressure you get for fighting back and the thought of fearing being a coward to others can lead to paths of self loading and destruction.

 

[ahill1]

King seems like a refined Katou

 

[ahill1]

Seems a good reference to the adolescence... A rough time for many who are still searching for an identity and to discover oneself. A time many doubts and inner changes arise.

So metaphorically and action, strategy wise this was a pretty good story, now have finished it. It isn't my favorite, but a nice one.

 

[SSJ2]

I think it can apply to adult life as well. Most people my age still aren't completely sure of themselves.

 

[ahill1]

Yeah. Tbf we are always learning things about ourselves and self discovering. This is an incessant thing, I think one thing about learning about ourselves is acknowledging there will be always motive for uncertainty.

 

[Papasmurf]

I'm on chapter 60. Will binge through the remaining 120 in the next week.

 

[Warmmedown]

I liked this chapter cover's art. Dead asf. What's up with his belt though?

 

[SSJ2]

That's a backpack strap lol

 

[Warmmedown]

Oh, never seen one that low down. Was seriously confused lol.

 

[Papasmurf]

Finished it. Izawa was a greatly relatable character and it's great that he became a reputable kickboxer. I wish Yuu had more of a happy ending than just becoming a looming presence in the town even as a young adult but at least he and Shougo finally let go of their differences. Shougo totally was overcompensating but at least he came to acknowledge that.

Too bad Yuu never got to get his 3 silver coins' worth in Izawa's sister though