Fence

Fence 1, 2, 4

This is an American manga, following all the tried and true tropes of its Japanese predecessors: A young man with raw talent and untapped potential in a specialized area (fencing) is introduced to the wider world of the field.  Now a small fish in a much larger pond, he suffers initial humiliation at the hands of the acknowledged champion. The master, despite his easy win, recognizes the flashes of brilliance while still smugly proclaiming his superiority.  The protagonist brashly vows to improve until he is the one proclaiming victory.

Along for the ride are the captain of the team, who will mold everyone into a successful winning group, the female hanger-on who has absolutely no aptitude for the subject matter, and the rest of the crew, each with their own idiosyncratic character trait.

Our hero and his antagonist will no doubt eventually develop a grudging respect for each other, perhaps followed by actual friendship.  They’ll work together to achieve the group championship, at which point a new, unheard-of-until-now opponent will be introduced.

Examples: Dragonball, Firefighter Daigo of Company M, Iron Wok Jan, Slam Dunk, Prince of Tennis, Bakuman, Eyeshield 21…

There’s nothing original in the formula, but that doesn’t make it any less effective.  I love this kind of story, and Fence is no exception.  But a few things kept me from continuing to purchase it.  My comic shop sold out of issue three, and the gap annoys the heck out of me.  And as fun as this title is, I don’t see myself wanting to reread it over most of the titles I listed above.  Also, mangas are best read in huge chunks. Too little happens from issue to issue for the monthly read to feel satisfying, and again, this isn’t quite worth the trade paperback purchase.  

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? No

Would read again? Yes

Rating: Nice