I’ve made it very clear in the past that I love when stories can get their message across in a tight package. I’ll take a fantastic one-shot over an average Manga that just never ends. If an author has made the artistic judgment that filler exposition isn’t important, then they shouldn’t feel the need to include it.

But even so, I have had some times where I’ve wanted to read about these things. What are characters doing when they’re off-screen? How did they get to where they are now? That’s why I thought it would be valuable to look at some manga side stories. Keep in mind, these are meant to be companion pieces to their parent manga. As such, assume that there could be spoilers strewn anywhere past this point.

Goblin Slayer Side Stories: Year One

• Chapters: 14
• Status: Ongoing
• Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Seinen
• Serialization: Young Gangan

In this manga side Story, we see the origins of the Goblin Slayer. What events lead to his never-ending hatred for goblins? How did he grow so knowledgeable and adept int he field of goblin slaying? And what does he have to lose along the way?

One thing I will say about this manga is that I don’t really feel that it was necessary, but I’m not against its existence. When I read Goblin Slayer, I feel that his entire history just speaks for itself. His demeanor, his expertise, and his ruthlessness. All of it does perfectly well to express what he’s had to do to get to where he is today. Seeing all of this happen directly is fine, but I do think it takes a little mystique away from the character. But on its own merits, the Year One Side Stories is paced fairly well and is just as gruesome as its original. Just the way I like it.

Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken: Mamono no Kuni no Arukikata

• Chapters: 7
• Status: Ongoing
• Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai
• Serialization: Comic Ride

The country of Tempest, ruled by Rimuru and his companions, is flourishing and growing at an incredible rate. There, a rabbit girl named Flavia catches Rimuru’s attention. Flavia has a unique ability to analyze things. So Rimuru opts to employ her services as a tourist guide for Tempest.

In the official story of Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken, Rimuru and friends are constantly facing off against catastrophic threats, creating alliances, and just progressing towards the goal of uniting humanity and monsters. So there isn’t a lot of time to slow down and take in the world around them. That’s the problem that this manga side story was created to address. In it, we explore the various stores and amenities in and around Tempest. There aren’t really any stakes or climactic events. The viewer is simply guided through the town from Flavia’s perspective.

Magical Pâtissière Kosaki-chan!!

• Chapters: 43 (34 translated)
• Status: Completed
• Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance, School Life
• Serialization: Shounen Jump+

In an alternate reality version of the ‘Nisekoi’ world, a society of magical beings (Ruri, Tsugumi, and Honda) are enlisting human girls to fight the forces of evil (Maiko Shuu).

In this manga side story, Nisekoi characters become various generic characters of a magical girl plot. Honestly, if you strip away the Nisekoi brand, this manga really doesn’t have much going for it. Even though Onodera looks exactly the same as normal and even has Kosaki in her alternate name, nobody connects the dots. The art is also a bit shoddy. Action scenes are so cluttered and busy that it’s impossible to tell what’s going on at a glance. Oh, it does have explicit nudity though, if that’s enough to sell it for you.

Mushoku Tensei ~Roxy is Serious~

• Chapters: 4
• Status: Ongoing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Fantasy
• Serialization: Comic Walker

This manga side story takes place prior to the events of Mushoku Tensei proper. Roxy is a Migurd child who is segregated from society due to not being able to communicate telepathically. One day, a traveling mage visits her village and takes her in as her apprentice. After teaching Roxy the basics, her master vanishes one day. Roxy will face hardship and struggles in the hopes of meeting with her again one day.

Unlike the case with Goblin Slayer, this is a side story I’m in full support of. As a person who’s up to date with the main manga, I really don’t feel familiar with Roxy as a character. My enthusiasm started draining as I noticed that the start of the story was horribly generic. With that said, the story is speeding through its arcs like particles in the Large Hadron Collider. I don’t even have much time to enjoy or hate any of the plot before we move on the something else. Give it a shot if you’ve got the patience for the slow release speed.

The post Manga Side Stories – Manga Trends appeared first on UNOTAKU Anime Blog.