(L) Negima Manga Discussion

[DJ_RockmanX]

As of last week, 176.

[Sailor Enlil]

Originally Posted by TnAdct1

Well, given how Ken Akamatsu, either during the set-up for an arc or during a "rest period" between big action moments, usually gives a chapter to a character that will either play a major role in a big arc or be upgraded to "important character" during this arc (i.e. Konoka, Nodoka, and Asakura in the Kyoto arc; Chachamaru, Mana, and Chisame in the Mahora Festival arc), it's very likely that

Spoiler:

Yuuna will probably join Negi's crew in the Wales arc.

Also, a few people on the AQS boards are speculating that the "magic research" that Yuuna's dad is doing is preparation for him to serve as an "adult guardian" when Negi and his crew go to Wales. Hence, that may mean that Yuuna will also take part in the trip as well.

Spoiler for quick summary of Chapter 176:

The "Search for Nagi" crew are now an official club (aka the "British Culture Research Club") and have a discussion about going to Wales when the Narutaki twins eavesdrop (the little brats!) then plan to the beans on the Wales trip to the rest of the class. Though so far just Ayaka and the Sports Club girls learn about it at the moment; still, Ayaka gets mad about it because Azuna's been asking for info on Nagi Springfield from her but not mentioning the Wales trip. Ayaka confrons Azuna about it; Azuna pretends it's for a Rock Climbing trip to keep the magic stuff secret. The Sports team, especially Makie, want in, but Azuna refuses, saying they need special training (Makie tries to detain Azuna with her ribbon, but Azuna gets away).
Later Eva talks with the Sports Club, and tells them they could join the club (and the Wales Trip) by participating in a game: snatch a certain badge from a club member during the Summer Festival (Yuuna tells Ako this might be her chance to meet "Nagi"). The Problem: most of the target members took part in the Mahora Festival War Game, which means it'll be a tough task. Yuuna notes two expections: Yue and Nodoka. Ako complains it's "unfair", but Yuuna rebuffs, saying it's standard warfare procedure to aim for the weakest point. Thus, the Sports Club girls get ready to rumble...

[Guppy]

177's out.

Spoiler for ch. 177 summary:

Chachamaru hands out the badges. Asuna, Setsuna and Konoka's surprised delight (in Asuna's case, tempered by suspicion of gifts from Eva) turns to dismay when Chachamaru informs them of Eva's conditions: that anyone who gets their badge stolen isn't going to Wales.

A concerted attempt to snatch Yue's and Nodoka's badges fails when Yue proves she's progressed quite a bit with her magic - first creating a bright flash to escape, then foiling Makie's ribbon-snatch trick, then producing a strong gust of wind to cover a clean getaway. Nodoka then gets into the act as well, using her Artifact to read the thoughts of their pursuers and stay one step ahead of them.

After that failure, the rest of the class keeps trying - the Narutaki twins make an attempt on Kaede's badge which ends in instant failure, while Ku Fei and Haruna make short work of a motley goon squad.

Finally, Ayaka goes after Asuna herself, only for Asuna to casually (and accidentally) toss her several feet in the air. Ayaka then gets up and demonstrates some unexpected martial arts skill, actually scoring a touch on a surprised Asuna... but it's all to no avail as Asuna's recovery move lands Ayaka on the ground again.

Frustrated, the other girls complain that it's unfair. Asuna protests that the trip will be dangerous, to Makie and Ayaka's shock. Saying that she never heard of such a thing, Ayaka refuses to permit Negi and the others to go to a dangerous place. Asuna has to explain to them that they have to go because Negi needs to find his father personally. She further adds that if things get really bad, they'll grab Negi by the scruff of the neck and run away, and that's why they formed the club.

Ayaka finally accepts this, but isn't happy that Asuna never told her anything and promises to get a detailed explanation later, which doesn't exactly overjoy Asuna.

And finally, we cut to a landing 747 at the airport - we have a new/old face arriving. Looks like Anya's finally had enough of Negi saying he'll visit her and not coming... interesting, though, that Akamatsu didn't wait for the UK trip to bring her back into the picture.

[Hypernova]

I wonder what purpose Anya serves coming to Japan. Maybe she has a way of getting to the magic kingdom from anywhere and the story will shift straight to there?

[holyman282]

That or maybe Anya will become a possible love interest for Negi, considering they are the same age.. Nodoka, Yue, Anya and Ayako four way fight for NEGI!!

[Vexx]

I'm wondering a bit if the spinoff plots of Negima!? have affected Ken's original storyline ideas... obviously we'll never quite know for sure.

[Sailor Enlil]

Originally Posted by Guppy

177's out.

Spoiler for ch. 177 summary:

Chachamaru hands out the badges. Asuna, Setsuna and Konoka's surprised delight (in Asuna's case, tempered by suspicion of gifts from Eva) turns to dismay when Chachamaru informs them of Eva's conditions: that anyone who gets their badge stolen isn't going to Wales.

A concerted attempt to snatch Yue's and Nodoka's badges fails when Yue proves she's progressed quite a bit with her magic - first creating a bright flash to escape, then foiling Makie's ribbon-snatch trick, then producing a strong gust of wind to cover a clean getaway. Nodoka then gets into the act as well, using her Artifact to read the thoughts of their pursuers and stay one step ahead of them.

After that failure, the rest of the class keeps trying - the Narutaki twins make an attempt on Kaede's badge which ends in instant failure, while Ku Fei and Haruna make short work of a motley goon squad.

Finally, Ayaka goes after Asuna herself, only for Asuna to casually (and accidentally) toss her several feet in the air. Ayaka then gets up and demonstrates some unexpected martial arts skill, actually scoring a touch on a surprised Asuna... but it's all to no avail as Asuna's recovery move lands Ayaka on the ground again.

Frustrated, the other girls complain that it's unfair. Asuna protests that the trip will be dangerous, to Makie and Ayaka's shock. Saying that she never heard of such a thing, Ayaka refuses to permit Negi and the others to go to a dangerous place. Asuna has to explain to them that they have to go because Negi needs to find his father personally. She further adds that if things get really bad, they'll grab Negi by the scruff of the neck and run away, and that's why they formed the club.

Ayaka finally accepts this, but isn't happy that Asuna never told her anything and promises to get a detailed explanation later, which doesn't exactly overjoy Asuna.

And finally, we cut to a landing 747 at the airport - we have a new/old face arriving. Looks like Anya's finally had enough of Negi saying he'll visit her and not coming... interesting, though, that Akamatsu didn't wait for the UK trip to bring her back into the picture.

Something to add to ch177

Spoiler:

While the Sports Team girls were going after Yue and Nodoka, Yuuna actually made use of one of the Magic Guns from the Mahora Festival War Games. It was noted (in another forum) that those guns were supposed to be powered by the World Tree when its power was at its peak during the Mahora Festival. Now with the World Tree's power muted, how could Yuuna use the gun? Perhaps by her own latent magic (inherited from either of her parents as speculated back in the discussion of ch174)?

[Sian]

Sailor Enlil:

Spoiler:

sounds reasonable ... not that she have any bloody clue of that it shouldn't have been working and why it does ... futhermore ... i think i'm taken to argee with the idea that Yuuna's mom were the mage in the couple

it's just me or does her dad look damm lot like Sora from LH?

[sezen_atacan]

Which chapters/volumes talk about Negi's past in depth? The part where Graf is involved and stuff. So far I am on volume 16 and none of that is even mentioned yet. did I miss something?? Graf isn't even mentioned yet it seems.... hmm I might have missed a major story arc here.... or did I? Maybe I am not there yet?

[TnAdct1]

Originally Posted by sezen_atacan

Which chapters/volumes talk about Negi's past in depth? The part where Graf is involved and stuff.

The "Graf" arc appears in volume 8 of the manga.

[Sailor Enlil]

Looks like someone attempted a translation of ch178

Spoiler:

Basically, Azuna and co decided to take Negi to the beach to let him relax a bit. Ayaka and the Sports Club girls try to crash the party again (the Sports Club girls try to continue the badge-grabbing, but Ayaka scolds them into stopping), while Azuna rebuffs. Ayaka still tries to get the juicy on Negi's purpose for going to Wales, and when Azuna still won't budge, Ayaka then loudly contemplates on going to the UK on a personal trip (after all she has the money and resources to do so), to which the Sports Club girls beg to tag along (and to their delight, Ayaka is actually willing to accomodate them, saying she has "plenty of room"). Azuna couldn't object to that, but still insists Ayaka and co stay away from "dangerous" situations, which Ayaka agrees (but apparently has other ideas).
While having some refreshments, Haruna then reminds Yue and Nodoka of the "implications" of Ayaka and the Sports Club girls tagging along, resulting in Yue and Nodoka having a bit of a discussion about confessing to Negi later on. During their banter they happen to be in proximity of Negi and Azuna having some "quality time" together (as in just talking). As the library pair watch the other pair, a loud voice scares them. Standing above them, Anya is disgusted with Negi "flirting with some stupid woman".

Originally Posted by Devilen

it's just me or does her dad look damm lot like Sora from LH?

Sora? Or do you mean Seta?
If so, I think the similarity goes beyond that: someone commented somewhere that Sarah McDougal and Noryasu Seta have a simiar situation with Yuuna and her dad. To wit:

Spoiler:

1. Both girls have some kind of electra complex with their dads (i.e. they get fiercely jealous of anyone grabbing their dad's attention).
2. Both dads are unkept, sort of klutzy professors with dangerous side jobs (i.e. Seta's dangerous archeological trips, and Prof Akashi dealing with the magical world).
3. Both moms are deceased, and each have a very close friend who's really friendly with the respective dads (i.e. Haruka Urashima and Donette Mcguiness).
4. Both dads leave their daughters in the care of others (and both being located in girls' dormitories!) when going on their dangerous side jobs (i.e. Seta leaves Sarah with Keitaro at the Hinata Inn [or at the time, all-girls dorms], while Prof Akashi insists on Yuuna staying at the Mahora dorms).

[Vexx]

Just completed volume 14 of the Del Rey release.... hmmmmm, I'll dump some thoughts on it later. Briefly, there were certain aspects I liked but others that really turned me off. So mixed bag of a volume.

[Incho-San]

Interesting.....the chapter 177 Ayaka finally shows up more....
Anyway the V14 of "Del rey" is just cool to have it n.n

[DJ_RockmanX]

I thank the guy who's picking up the translations of the chapters lately. I found 179 to be HILARIOUS. Anya is just frickin' awesome.

[Sailor Enlil]

Originally Posted by random_passerby

I thank the guy who's picking up the translations of the chapters lately. I found 179 to be HILARIOUS. Anya is just frickin' awesome.

Yeah, especially when

Spoiler:

she declared Nodoka and Yue as "comrades" because they're as flat-chested as she is

[Vexx]

As I mentioned above, just finished volume 14.

Not trying to step on any fan-toes but

Spoiler for thoughts on the events in the story:

Haruna left a *really* bad taste in my mouth by the time the volume was over. The author seemed to be trying to play it like she meant well... but over and over again I kept getting vibes of - obnoxious, nosy, jealousy, and worst of all, cruelty disguised as caring for her friends. She seemed to get a nasty pleasure out of forcing Yue and Nodoka to deal with their conflicted feelings. Yeah, they needed to deal with their situation but.... zero for style. She's probably my least favorite character at this point .... though Chisame isn't too far behind though she hasn't actually done much other than mouth off

((waits for the Haruna fans to burn me at the stake and Chisame fans to add kindling))

The *REST* of the volume was interesting and a lot of nice art of the girls. Outside of Haruna, I really liked the Yue-Nodoka moments. The Makie sidestory was really nice.... but it did seem 'tacked on in response to the polls'. Not complaining though.

Some really nice Chach art ... she's getting rather shorted in her personal story arc over the last pack of volumes - would like to see her develop out of her box with more focus than she's really gotten.

And wow, nearly an entire volume with no Evangeline <blink>.

Still enjoying the series overall, though.... doesn't feel like a one path linear roleplay game but like a lot is happening offscreen. Everyone is growing up which is kind of nice to watch (although they really need to get Negi out of that growth-stasis he's in..... he should be showing some growth spurts at this point.)

[TnAdct1]

In response to Vexx's comments on vol. 14:

Spoiler for volume 14:

1. The thing with Haruna is that she's a character who is very interested in romantic situations involving those around her. Hence, while she does try to help Yue and Nodoka with their romantic feelings for Negi, she sometimes does get too carried away, with the bit where she discovers Yue's feelings for Negi being one of those situations.

2. Definitely agree with your opinions on the Ako arc feeling "tacked on". After all, not only does this arc have no real connection to the rest of the Mahora Festival arc, but also it's doesn't really give us the information about Ako that readers were hoping for (i.e. the origin of her scar).

[Keroko]

Am I the only one flailing and disagreeing with Chachamaru when she wanted her original body size and -most importantly- her hairstyle back?

I love the short haired Chachamaru...

[Sailor Enlil]

Chapter 180 was a blast, at least the 2nd half of it

Spoiler:

Won't go into too much detail, but in a manner of speaking, the 2nd half of it was reminiscent of the Kissing Contest during the Kyoto arc, only it involved one of Negi's nasty sleeping habits. It started when everyone, including Anya, turned in for the night, though certain important individuals are actually lying awake. Negi gets up to go to the bathroom, but when he gets back, he lies down to sleep, in Anya's futon! Anya is uber embarrassed to realize this, and just as Negi seemed to lean close enough to kiss her, she kicks him out, sending him flying (but somehow without waking him up) into... Ayaka's futon! Ayaka seems so happy to realize this, but before she could get really comfy, a pair of juggling clubs conk her out - they belong to Makie. Makie then proceeds to pull Negi towards her using her ribbon, but Anya interferes and kicks Negi again, this time right between... Yue and Nodoka! Both girls are surprised and all flustered (Haruna is just as shocked to see what's going on), and somehow Negi rolls over abit to face Nodoka, with Anya, Makie, and Ayaka getting steamed over this. Not sure exactly what happens, but next frame, Negi is rolling quick like a log, and ends up in... Chisame's futon! Chisame gets shaken awake by the commotion, but before she could react... Negi kisses her (and note that up to this point, Negi is fast asleep)!

Next morning, Negi and Asuna are surprised to see Anya, Ayaka, Makie, Nodoka, Yue, and Haruna, looking beat up and all piled in a heap and entangled in Makie's ribbon, while Chisame is looking away with a disgusted expression in her face.

[Tiberium Wolf]

Well certainly ch180 was entertaining but still the lack of advancement in plot is killing me.