BeebzebubBeelzebub is a manga written and illustrated by Ryūhei Tamura. Beelzebub first appear as a one-shot in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2008 and it became serialized on the same magazine in 2009. Shōnen jump is a magazine that targeting boy as Shōnen is literally mean boy(s). Shōnen manga often distinguishes by shorelines that concentrate on action, honor, humor and social obligation. (Brender, R E 2007,p29)
The story follows the strongest juvenile delinquent of Ishiyama High, Oga Tatsumi who has been chosen as a surrogate father of the Great Demon Lord youngest son, Beelzebub IV (Baby Be'el). Baby Be'el is a naked demon baby that almost always attach to Oga's back. At first Oga trying to pass the obligation as a parent to other, as he believe that Baby Be'el will attached to anyone that is evil and strong. Thus he trying to find someone who is more evil and stronger than him. However, after fighting with countless enemies throughout the series (both humans and demons), he decided to take his responsibilities as BabyBe'e's surrogate father. It can be said that this manga follows the typical shōnen similar to Dragon Ball. Boy fights with something; boy gets stronger; that thing getting strong; boy get a power up and become stronger then boy just keep fighting and getting stronger. This manga might sound boring as it follow typical shōnen manga setting but what make this manga stand out is the comedy side of the story and the plot that very unique. There are many hilarious moment in this manga that will make you laugh. The story will make you want to come back for more. To see how Oga win against unbelievable strong enemies and to see how he get stronger and just to laugh at something stupid that Oga did. However, the sad things about this manga that it has been cut short and end earlier than expected and that result in many loopholes in a story. Some character appear and was expected to be an antagonist of next arc but that arc never came. Even though, this manga end a lot faster that I expected but this manga gave me a great experience of reading. Beelzebub is well worth the time to read, great manga. Reference Brender, R E 2007, Understanding Manga AND Anime, Libraries Unlimited, U.S. |