#uxu

[scribesynnox]

gOD the way Undead Unluck starts off. Like, ha ha, okay, whatever, let’s get the obligatory ecchi scenes out of the way.

But like, then you read and learn more about Andy and it’s like. Oh. Yeah, the manga starts off with a naked dude chasing after an 18 year old girl and trying to fondle her tits. But then you learn about his history and it like oh.

Andy didn’t care.

He like, really, didn’t care about anything other than himself in the beginning.

Or rather, more accurately, he cared MORE about himself than what some random brat would want.

He has spent hundreds of years all alone, always watching his friends and their family live their lives, have kids, achieve dreams, grow old, and die. And he is always left behind, never able to join them.

He’s suicidal. He’s depressed. He does not give a shit. He’s just chasing for feeling SOMETHING by trying to die in different ways, and if he can get that by touching some girl, then heck yeah, he’s gonna do exactly that.

Like, he has standards and calms down about touching her after a while, but in the beginning? He didn’t care, and it sucks because it’s clear that he does care. He cares a lot and when you see his history, you KNOW the dude wasn’t always like this. But he is just so tired of being alive. He doesn’t have anyone. He’s alone, he has no hope for his future. Victor had Juiz for all those billions of years, but Andy had no one, and that’s a big difference between the two. Victor always had Juiz from day one, but Andy didn’t meet Fuuko until like 200 years later, and it’s like.

Yeah, ha ha, okay, whatever, obligatory ecchi scenes out of the way, but also. That is a man who got tired of caring about anything other than himself. That’s a man who lost hope and was in despair.

And now he’s regaining the energy to love and care again and it’s just!!!!

This manga is gonna make me cry.

[shiftythrifting]

Someone changed the pee sign, P now missing.

[frillyshonenjump]

Manga Review: Undead Unluck

okay…this series was one of the series that prompted me to make this blog because i wanted to talk about how… interesting it is—namely, how it starts vs how it’s going because holy shit, does it feel so much more different than the first handful of chapters.

(spoiler-free review!)

initially when this series was newer in WSJ years back i gave it a shot and read the first four chapters and was put off pretty hard by its start—i didn’t like how immediately the assumed main heroine, Fuuko, was basically getting harassed by this man, Andy, who was exploiting her bad luck to die by copping a feel. yet i had no idea that such a weird start with perverted humor left the back of my mind entirely as the story progressed. the ecchi jokes have nearly all but left the forefront for plot progression.

and the plot is INSANELY COOL. the power system is such a mindbendingly awesome concept, surpassing the core idea of “breaking the rules” of the world. at first it felt like the story was being made up on the fly, but now in what feels like late stage story everything ties together and there are little touches and info that make you wonder, “holy crap, this author really thought this through more than i expected.” it isn’t perfect, but as i read it’s doing pretty damn well at least.

chapters read: 137 (ongoing)

first impression rating: 2/5

continuation rating: 4/5

things i liked:

the power system, hands down. i absolutely love powers that can completely turn a situation on its head, and it's really crazy how each character occasionally use their abilities in a fresh new way.

the panel work is probably one of the best and most sleek i've seen in recent memory. no scene has really felt cramped in terms of artwork and the full page spreads are sexy to look at, especially in the later parts.

the action sequences OHHHH MY GOD. I SWEAR TO GOD I NEVER GOT TIRED OF SEEING SOME OF THESE MOVES ESPECIALLY ANDY'S. with how its getting an anime next year im hyped to see how a couple of the fights will look in an animated form!

some of the themes of many of the characters are actually pretty profound, and the found family trope is all over this one too, as they navigate abilities that have caused them despair and finding new life in people they've formed bonds with.

things i disliked:

the first few chapters obviously. i think that first impression really will put off a lot of people at first with the grope-y jokes and starting plot that felt like it was being made up on the fly. and it kinda bums how i will have to tell people "if you can make it past the first few chapters it gets REALLY good!" i almost wonder if it was an intentional move on the author's part to do that given how ecchi—unfortunately—can get more eyes on a series.

the pacing in the 2nd to latest arc felt a bit off at times to me, especially during a point where a specific major character was suddenly introduced to cause a near-major character death and introduce the very arc without explaining where they came from or why they exist/their backstory in the first place...however, im hoping they do get explained later, as most of the characters shrouded in mystery for dozens of chapters get explained more.

overall, im all in for this series right now, and i highly recommend it if you're into more wacky and more unconventional-seeming series! this one feels quite different compared to many that i've read and its worth trucking.

[sweetpeauserboxes]

[tsubakimoon]

What I’m loving about Undead Unluck so far

This series is offering the best Shounen Jump has to offer. But twigger warning for SA in the first few chapters!

• At #1 is Andy and Fuuko’s relationship. They have to be the healthiest and most entertaining couple I’ve ever read in a manga. Who would’ve thought something so lovely could come from such an “uncomfortable” beginning. Both of them inspire the other, they’re both confident and risk takers, both showed each other how good life can be. Andy was bored of living but through being with Fuuko he’s had tons of new experiences. And similarly Fuuko got to have new experiences with Andy living out her shoujo dreams and traveling and eating new foods. Fuuko’s trust in Andy, and Andy’s in her is one of my favorite aspects of their relationship.

• Fuuko. One of the best written and utilized female characters in shounen. It’s easy to empathize with her, and feel inspired by her growth. Her being a shut-in gave her a zest for life rather than Turing her into a wallflower. She’s confident and kind in a genuine way that comes from her own unlucky past.

• The writing is tight! One of the major reasons shounen can be such a slog to get through is the pacing and lack of focus (here’s looking at you JJK). But UxU sticks to its themes on death, ephemerality, and the power of personal beliefs. Not one fight is wasted, not even the shortest confrontations for ex the pop idol and Fuuko’s brief interaction on the stairs was used to highlight her love for Andy and how much Rip loves Latla.

Often times when a problem/obstacle is introduced it is quickly addressed within the next few chapters or pages. During the fight against Victor Fuuko realizes she doesn’t know much about Andy. Then during the Autumn arc she spends years with him in a fake past and becomes closer. Even her getting chubby is then addressed by her getting stronger and fitter.

• Andy. He’s the complete package. I thought he was going to be a bit dumb or simple, but he’s complex while still being fun and hopeful. He has maturity fitting his years lived while still being excited for new experiences.

• While the secondary cast is just okay imo, I’m just grateful that I don’t find any of them annoying. Their fights are usually interesting to read as well.

What do you love about UxU?

[nebewela]

.....This was supposed to be a warm up sketch. 😭

[raisinlily]

UNDEAD UNLUCK

[bleedrainbow]

Pertenezco a ese grupo de personas que si están celosas no arman dramas. Al contrario, en vez de reprochar mi descontento, yo me lo trago, acepto que no soy lo suficiente y que puedes reemplazarme en cualquier momento cuando encuentres a alguien mejor