Title: Beelzebub
Author & Artist: Tamura Ryuuhei
Chapters: 1-24 (Ongoing)
Summary:
Oga Tatsumi is the strongest juvenile delinquent. During a beating, Oga witnesses a mysterious man floating down a river. The man then splits in two to reveal a baby who then becomes attracted to Oga. And why not? If you were the son of the devil king and soon-to-be devil king, you would want someone as strong as Oga raising you. But Oga has to uphold battles with school gangs to uphold his title, all the while taking care of the young Beelzebub.
Why You Should Read It:
It’s funny…well not in the beginning. I was trying very hard not to judge the first chapter too harshly. The beginning includes some comedic performances that didn’t sink in, but that may have been the characteristics of the characters weren’t explored yet. Luckily in later chapters, the comedy is obvious and hilarious.
Oga’s growth is the main attraction to the manga. No he isn’t really growing, nor is it really seen. But the manga is about a delinquent who has to take care of a baby that will destroy humankind while he is in high school… Need me to repeat that? He will grow, as a character, in one of these chapters. It’s only a matter of time.
The artwork is pretty decent. It’s quite cartoon-looking on the surface, goes with its comedic part, but very striking during the fight scenes.
Downside:
Although I would like to see Oga grow, I want to see him grow away from his fighting status. The story arcs are more about him fighting the number [insert number] best of the school. Taking care of the demon baby is more of a side story. Yes I know it’s shounen, and taking care of babies is shoujo’s job, but switching up the story to the baby may spice it up a bit. An example: instead of taking on normal delinquents, how about angelic beings that have come to destroy the little Beelzebub? See, something that doesn’t involve school bullies. Maybe that’s too soon.
There is potential in this manga. Though only 24 chapters in, it is becoming a rising star in the shounen weekly. Give it a read.
