Medaka Box [Manga]

[Sol Falling]

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous actually about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place, then does he actually want to take on a leadership role over other people and greater non-Medaka related responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' or whatever. What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there do exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, supporters, and/or sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Hell, looking at the way Zenkichi interacts with characters like Mukae and Shiranui, don't you think he's already pretty independent and satisfied? He's got friends, a personal life and interests outside the circle of Medaka's influence. Nothing's keeping him away from them, he merely chooses to value Medaka above those things out of his own principles and motivations/feelings, not because he's hoping for anything or making any sacrifices he expects to get a return on. There's nothing wrong with Zenkichi's character, he is simply a side-player--all of the interesting, more dynamic and awesome characters are the actual forces in the story, the one's who it is fun to watch and follow and pay attention to.

On that bent, I think this is also something people should get through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend, not (never) Zenkichi's. He loved her, and she also confirmed that she 'fell' for him, amirite? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like, after all, isn't it? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for Mr. Side-character Zenkichi-kun. Frankly, there's no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story could remotely raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

lol, hell, on that note, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President. That would be awesome. Kumagawa and Ajimu's flirty little S&M session was one of the best parts of these past chapters recently.

[Soji]

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous really about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place then does he actually want to take on leadership over other people and more general responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, and/or supporters/sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Btw, I think people should get this through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend. He loved her, and she confirmed that she 'fell' for him, right? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like after all, right? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for side-character Zenkichi-kun. There's frankly no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story will raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

Hell, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President.

First of all keep in mind Ithat respect your opinion and I like to read the opinions of others (I say this for the simple fact that with my lv English I dont want that appear otherwise.)
Going back to your post.
I agree that Kumagawa love Ajimu but they not are a cople at least the manga dont tell us this if you remember that part you said after she say that she say that she kidding (or something similar) so it was only Kumagawa to be in love.
Now returning to Zen.
Yes Im a Zen fan but not for the reason mentioned by you. I like the character for his iron will and how he endure to all the harship that medaka makes him throughout for so long.
And I like that unlike many characters in this manga he make freind to minus, plus, special and normal.
With regard to its normality .. I do not agree here because throughout all the manga there are several indications that it is not so normal. Just take the example with King that failed with his abnormality and is not something that a normal should be able to do. Plus throughout the story he has attracted the most powerful abnormal like Medaka, Shirunai, Mukea and it seems that also had a good relationship with Najima that thank to what we know she seem Godlike lv. I dont know how you call someone like that ... but I would not call someone that with one stomp can createmini earthquake normal.
In addition, when we saw him against Kumagawa Zen is not so normal psychologically as well.. I would say that Zen is more of abnormal that the abnormal themselves. For this reason I am disappointed with the lack Zen development , because there are several clues that say it is not normal but we have not clue on what he really is .

[Rejuvenation]

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

Spoiler:

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous actually about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place, then does he actually want to take on a leadership role over other people and greater non-Medaka related responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' or whatever. What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there do exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, supporters, and/or sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Hell, looking at the way Zenkichi interacts with characters like Mukae and Shiranui, don't you think he's already pretty independent and satisfied? He's got friends, a personal life and interests outside the circle of Medaka's influence. Nothing's keeping him away from them, he merely chooses to value Medaka above those things out of his own principles and motivations/feelings, not because he's hoping for anything or making any sacrifices he expects to get a return on. There's nothing wrong with Zenkichi's character, he is simply a side-player--all of the interesting, more dynamic and awesome characters are the actual forces in the story, the one's who it is fun to watch and follow and pay attention to.

On that bent, I think this is also something people should get through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend, not (never) Zenkichi's. He loved her, and she also confirmed that she 'fell' for him, amirite? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like, after all, isn't it? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for Mr. Side-character Zenkichi-kun. Frankly, there's no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story could remotely raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

lol, hell, on that note, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President. That would be awesome. Kumagawa and Ajimu's flirty little S&M session was one of the best parts of these past chapters recently.

Bravo. Hats off to you because you pretty much hit on everything I see and feel in regards to his role in this story and the world he tries to just manage to survive and keep up in.

This post probably won't change the overall attitude in regards to how the overall fan base sees Zenkichi but this is easily one of the best posts on the subject.

[silver001]

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

Spoiler for wall:

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous actually about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place, then does he actually want to take on a leadership role over other people and greater non-Medaka related responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' or whatever. What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there do exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, supporters, and/or sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Hell, looking at the way Zenkichi interacts with characters like Mukae and Shiranui, don't you think he's already pretty independent and satisfied? He's got friends, a personal life and interests outside the circle of Medaka's influence. Nothing's keeping him away from them, he merely chooses to value Medaka above those things out of his own principles and motivations/feelings, not because he's hoping for anything or making any sacrifices he expects to get a return on. There's nothing wrong with Zenkichi's character, he is simply a side-player--all of the interesting, more dynamic and awesome characters are the actual forces in the story, the one's who it is fun to watch and follow and pay attention to.

On that bent, I think this is also something people should get through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend, not (never) Zenkichi's. He loved her, and she also confirmed that she 'fell' for him, amirite? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like, after all, isn't it? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for Mr. Side-character Zenkichi-kun. Frankly, there's no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story could remotely raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

lol, hell, on that note, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President. That would be awesome. Kumagawa and Ajimu's flirty little S&M session was one of the best parts of these past chapters recently.

well you are right and i totally agree with you on most of the points except for the Ajimu factor. She obviously meant something to Zen to the point that when he almost died got she interfered. She gave him the ability see and told him to come back after the student council elections. Also dont forget that she seem kinda bummed out that zen didnt remember her. If i remember correctly when zen talked tried to ask about Ajimu, his mom quickly shot it down, maybe it was cuz they were in a battle but i think there was more to it than that.

switching gears, i guess i wanted zen to be something he might never be. i mean common its a shounen manga at least IMO make the lead male something more than JUST normal. its been implied that he isnt but i m hoping that ajimu might help with that department.

[AlphaDragoon]

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

Spoiler for wall of awesome text:

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous actually about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place, then does he actually want to take on a leadership role over other people and greater non-Medaka related responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' or whatever. What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there do exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, supporters, and/or sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Hell, looking at the way Zenkichi interacts with characters like Mukae and Shiranui, don't you think he's already pretty independent and satisfied? He's got friends, a personal life and interests outside the circle of Medaka's influence. Nothing's keeping him away from them, he merely chooses to value Medaka above those things out of his own principles and motivations/feelings, not because he's hoping for anything or making any sacrifices he expects to get a return on. There's nothing wrong with Zenkichi's character, he is simply a side-player--all of the interesting, more dynamic and awesome characters are the actual forces in the story, the one's who it is fun to watch and follow and pay attention to.

On that bent, I think this is also something people should get through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend, not (never) Zenkichi's. He loved her, and she also confirmed that she 'fell' for him, amirite? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like, after all, isn't it? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for Mr. Side-character Zenkichi-kun. Frankly, there's no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story could remotely raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

lol, hell, on that note, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President. That would be awesome. Kumagawa and Ajimu's flirty little S&M session was one of the best parts of these past chapters recently.

Dropped the mic on 'em. Awesome post.

[Westlo]

I will never understand why on this forum at least people here want to project themselves through Zenkichi. Couldn't you aim higher than mediocrity?

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

Spoiler:

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous actually about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place, then does he actually want to take on a leadership role over other people and greater non-Medaka related responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' or whatever. What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there do exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, supporters, and/or sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Hell, looking at the way Zenkichi interacts with characters like Mukae and Shiranui, don't you think he's already pretty independent and satisfied? He's got friends, a personal life and interests outside the circle of Medaka's influence. Nothing's keeping him away from them, he merely chooses to value Medaka above those things out of his own principles and motivations/feelings, not because he's hoping for anything or making any sacrifices he expects to get a return on. There's nothing wrong with Zenkichi's character, he is simply a side-player--all of the interesting, more dynamic and awesome characters are the actual forces in the story, the one's who it is fun to watch and follow and pay attention to.

On that bent, I think this is also something people should get through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend, not (never) Zenkichi's. He loved her, and she also confirmed that she 'fell' for him, amirite? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like, after all, isn't it? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for Mr. Side-character Zenkichi-kun. Frankly, there's no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story could remotely raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

lol, hell, on that note, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President. That would be awesome. Kumagawa and Ajimu's flirty little S&M session was one of the best parts of these past chapters recently.

[Endscape]

Spoiler for Sol Falling's awesome post:

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

Man, reading through all these impressions I kinda have to wonder: what? Why are you guys even Zenkichi fans? Are you even Zenkichi fans? Why do you even care about him, is there even anything you like about him in the first place? Why do I see so much anger and disappointment based on people continually projecting their own thoughts and feelings on him, when it has been demonstrated for, what, 90+ chapters now that he is not in fact actually an 'average' or 'normal' personality? Do people just go, "welp, I've got zero chance of ever sympathizing with Medaka, so projecting all my feelings I will ever have for this manga onto Zenkichi is obviously my only option"? Zenkichi has some unique and somewhat unusual parts to his personality as well, just like every character Nishio has written for this story, so honestly I fail to see why people continue to insist on treating him like an 'everyman' avatar for themselves in the story.

What is so outrageous actually about Kumagawa becoming the Vice President? Does Zenkichi actually want that position? Is he even trying for it? If Zenkichi only chose to join and participate in the Student Council for Medaka's sake in the first place, then does he actually want to take on a leadership role over other people and greater non-Medaka related responsibilities? I don't see the point of continually obsessing over Zenkichi becoming more 'respected' or 'equal' or 'awesome' or whatever. What would be the point really? You do realize that in this world there do exist people who are more suited and choose to be background workers, supporters, and/or sidekicks/tagalongs. That's basically what Zenkichi is, what he is determined to be even, and there's no reason to disrespect or get all pissy over him just because he chooses to do so. Kumagawa is Medaka's enemy, so as someone with Medaka's best-interest as his first priority why wouldn't Zenkichi be approving of Kumagawa being defeated and roped into being their Vice President? Isn't that simply rational?

You guys should get over what Zenkichi really is for this story. He's just a normal human with an abnormal determination to be part of the life and world of some utterly absurd and inhuman characters. That's all he will ever be--a part, a sideshow--because as an average human there is obviously no way he could overtake the real extreme, superhuman personalities. Kumagawa as Medaka's near equal and opposite is very much fit to serve as her adjutant and direct subordinate. Zenkichi, who has to try his damnedest to even be in the same league as her, obviously is and already should be satisfied with having even achieved as much as he has already.

Hell, looking at the way Zenkichi interacts with characters like Mukae and Shiranui, don't you think he's already pretty independent and satisfied? He's got friends, a personal life and interests outside the circle of Medaka's influence. Nothing's keeping him away from them, he merely chooses to value Medaka above those things out of his own principles and motivations/feelings, not because he's hoping for anything or making any sacrifices he expects to get a return on. There's nothing wrong with Zenkichi's character, he is simply a side-player--all of the interesting, more dynamic and awesome characters are the actual forces in the story, the one's who it is fun to watch and follow and pay attention to.

On that bent, I think this is also something people should get through their heads by now: Ajimu was Kumagawa's girlfriend, not (never) Zenkichi's. He loved her, and she also confirmed that she 'fell' for him, amirite? What else would be the relationship between a middle school Student President and his relief-attendant Vice President supporter? 'Lip Service' is something you use to tease someone you like, after all, isn't it? ;P Ajimu coming to school is important/exciting because she's one of the big player's, one of the equals on the level of Medaka and Kumagawa, but it's not interesting because of some non-existent potential to provide unhelpful character development for Mr. Side-character Zenkichi-kun. Frankly, there's no way in hell Ajimu's participation in the story could remotely raise up Zenkichi's importance or relevance any more than where it has always been.

lol, hell, on that note, I know it's already been foreshadowed that Ajimu looks at both Medaka and Kumagawa as petty little dustflecks, but I can't help hoping that her arrival in the story might actually be due to Medaka the 'first love' taking her man away from her and going and making him the Vice President. That would be awesome. Kumagawa and Ajimu's flirty little S&M session was one of the best parts of these past chapters recently.

Absolutely this. I could not have said it better myself. Excellent post, Sol Falling. It's nice to see that some people have some perspective when it comes to Zenkichi's character. Honestly, the fact that he accepted Medaka's decision to make Kumogawa her VP in no way demeans his character. He never had any aspirations towards that post and indeed only got involved in the Student Council because he wanted to help out Medaka. She even mentioned long ago she wanted someone who disliked her as VP. Zenkichi is loyal to her, but isn't her thrall, as some suggest. Otherwise, he would never be friends with Shiranui.

Anyways, again, great post Sol Falling.

[zeando]

Spoiler for spoiler image:

noobita was actually right, about the relation white hair = bookmarked
it seems ajimu used bookmarker to seal her powers, but it must have been used by someone else and didn't kumagawa still had it ? :/



that =/= guy looks cool, is he shiranui older brother? o_o
dunno why but those 2 remember me the denial princes and emonzaemon of katanagatari :/

[Tenchi Hou Take]

Wow this series has gone down hill, Medaka gains another fanboi, Kumagawa becomes boring and another anti-climatic end to an Arc. Lol at people caring about Kumagawa being Vice prez, I'd be more worried about Kumagawa being the next judo guy with an extremely dwindling plot relevance. Man the author really shitted on Kumagawa's character, took away his awesome power and gave him and shit power, took away his good personality and gave him a boring one. Zenkichi's always been bottom rung but the most important, it's his thing.

Anyway the next arc pretty much screams Zenkichi centric I mean Aijimu and Shiranui's relative. Both characters have more relevance to Zenkichi than they do to Medaka. I mean Zenkichi is pretty much Shiranui's only friend and I don't need to explain Aijimu's relevance. I could care less if Zenkichi's becomes more important plot wise but is in fact heavily hinted that he does play a larger scale in the grand scheme of things, heck he already plays a large part in the grand scheme of things, Medaka's psyche is so dependent on him it's disturbing.

[Last Carpet]

Originally Posted by zeando

Spoiler for spoiler image:

noobita was actually right, about the relation white hair = bookmarked
it seems ajimu used bookmarker to seal her powers, but it must have been used by someone else and didn't kumagawa still had it ? :/



that =/= guy looks cool, is he shiranui older brother? o_o
dunno why but those 2 remember me the denial princes and emonzaemon of katanagatari :/

Equal sign with a slash through it....so...unequal?

He's a Minus alright, just like his sister. And looks like Ajimu is entering Hakoniwa as a Minus too. I wonder what power she's going to use?

[Tenchi Hou Take]

Originally Posted by Last Carpet

Equal sign with a slash through it....so...unequal?

He's a Minus alright, just like his sister. And looks like Ajimu is entering Hakoniwa as a Minus too. I wonder what power she's going to use?

It's the unequivalence sign, that's used sometimes in maths. Anyway I don't see this series going on after this arc. I mean Aijimu pretty much screams final villain and the rating for this are pretty bad. I mean after the last chapter it's dead last. I mean it got beat by Hokenshitsu no Shinigami which always comes last in recent weeks, always. I hope it can go out with a bang but with the endings of all current arcs being mediocre at best I'm not hopeful.

[Doc Astaroth]

Spoiler for spoiler image:

Mhm, so the new enemies are called "Not Equal" ("egalitarianism"). It seems their goal is to make everyone even, whatever the costs are.

Guess, Kumagawa is indeed going to become important, just look how much he "screwed" Najimi. Hell, he even SCREWED HER HANDS ON HER BODY!

Still, what the hell is the time line here? When did Kumagawa rip her face off and when did he seal her?

[Soji]

Originally Posted by Doc Astaroth

Spoiler for spoiler image:

Mhm, so the new enemies are called "Not Equal" ("egalitarianism"). It seems their goal is to make everyone even, whatever the costs are.

Guess, Kumagawa is indeed going to become important, just look how much he "screwed" Najimi. Hell, he even SCREWED HER HANDS ON HER BODY!

Still, what the hell is the time line here? When did Kumagawa rip her face off and when did he seal her?

You know by reading your post I realized something , of course the manga may always make me wrong but ...

Spoiler for spoiler:

I think this time maybe we really see Zen change side.
That is, from what little we now know everything seems in place for this event.
In addition, according to Doc Astaroth this new group wants make everyone even that shows why Najima is on their side, that is during the past arc we show this more than once.
And we know that Zen is someone who wants evenness , that he has no problem being a friend of minus and plus in spite of their diversity and he not afraid to become friends with someone who has tried to kill him or hurt him badly and we have at least two examples in the story about this.
hell to think of it this new group seems exactly the same to the zero group that some people (including myself) had suggested that Zen would have created if he would ever tired of this war between plus and minus.
To think of it maybe this is one of the reasons why Najima gave parasite seening to Zen.
Perhaps this why Najima told him to come back to her when the election at end ... maybe to try to bring him in this group?
Now that I think Zen has used the ability given to him by Najima only once and was against Mukae and already that that time this ability had a great effect on him as it made him realize something.
Needless ,more I think has this spoilers and more I can see that Zen change side,especially if we think that the only bond which we dont know the nature is that between Zen and Najima .. we know what it was for both Medaka and Kumagawa but not what she was for Zen is my impression that this missing part will play an important role in this arc.

[Doc Astaroth]

My guess is...

Spoiler:

"Not-equal" abnormals have like Ajimu more than one abnormality. The "not-equal" part is the ratio between plus and minus abnormality, it isn´t equal, making some "Not-equal" more like Plus and some more like "Minus". However, in my opinion what for all "Not-equals" should be certain, that their mental stability is even WORSE than the "Minus", because they are torn apart by their plus and minus mentality.

Ajimu for example came to the conclusion, that she is above good and evil. Her target right now is most likely to free herself from Kumagawa's seal.

[Sixth]

I still don't get it about the bookmarker ability.

Is it make you become minus/weaker or the victim going to share the same stat with the user of this ability?

I really like the minus screw. It can be stretched. That alone made all weapon look pathetic.

[Soji]

Originally Posted by Doc Astaroth

My guess is...

Spoiler:

"Not-equal" abnormals have like Ajimu more than one abnormality. The "not-equal" part is the ratio between plus and minus abnormality, it isn´t equal, making some "Not-equal" more like Plus and some more like "Minus". However, in my opinion what for all "Not-equals" should be certain, that their mental stability is even WORSE than the "Minus", because they are torn apart by their plus and minus mentality.

Ajimu for example came to the conclusion, that she is above good and evil. Her target right now is most likely to free herself from Kumagawa's seal.

Mmm, is certainly interesting thought...

Spoiler for spoiler:

Looking back on when we found the right number of skills that Ajimu has she has taken the trouble to list the number and split into three factions.
Plus, Minus and skill from what I remember she specific to kumagawa that she gave a minus to him and one ability from the skill to Zen .
I always thought parasite seening was plus but I'm beginning to think that's in reality it'ssomething the middle between minus and plus.
those eyes sure give the ability to see how others see the world and understand them better (plus) but at the same time makes you see the negativity that the world views they have (minus) ... think about it if one is not strong enough in will power could end up worse than a minus because it undergoes a negative view too strong and too fast.
I wonder what would happen if Zen uses these eyes with this new Shiranui or Ajimu herself.

[Master Chibi]

Wow I had no idea people hated / disliked Zenkichi.

Ah well~

[Deconstructor]

I wonder when Medaka will change back to her previous outfit...

[Haru~]

Wait what? Who's the main character of this again? Side character? What?
What the hell am I reading?
This has been what I've been thinking after I read this manga. Inconsistency in the genre, characters and story.
First few chapters shows a typical student council, then comes the fighting and then goes , plus minus and whatever.
Well putting a normal human being into this bunch of "ABnormals", Zen is really "out-of-place", he should've been abnormal too .
I don't really know what's the story all about, who's character that should have development, and what's really the deal with this school "domination".

[Tenchi Hou Take]

Originally Posted by Haru~

Wait what? Who's the main character of this again? Side character? What?
What the hell am I reading?
This has been what I've been thinking after I read this manga. Inconsistency in the genre, characters and story.
First few chapters shows a typical student council, then comes the fighting and then goes , plus minus and whatever.
Well putting a normal human being into this bunch of "ABnormals", Zen is really "out-of-place", he should've been abnormal too .
I don't really know what's the story all about, who's character that should have development, and what's really the deal with this school "domination".

The story is told from Zenkichi's point of view so he's kinda the main character as is Medaka. Medaka has more of a central role as most of the story revolves around her where as Zenkichi is more an active observer. He's "normal" but he's the second strongest member of the council including current kumagawa since he can kick Kumagawa's ass with or without parasite seeing, since kumagawa's current ability is that crappy.

He's hinted at having some sort of abnormality or something similar as his birthday came up twice as the password for the door that separated the abnormal abnormals but so fair he simply surpasses most abnormals with the sheer strength he gained from constant training and his general crazy preparedness.