History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi Chapter 426

This is the Neo-version of "Tatakae! Ryouzanpaku Shijou Saikyou no Deshi" (A martial arts manga by the same author and featuring many similar characters and events)

http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/


The writing is certainly the highlight of the series, as it emotionally invests the viewers from the very first episode. One early defining scene finds Koshiro and Nanoka (whom he doesn't know is his sister at that point) in a ferris wheel car, where Koshiro completely breaks down while telling Nanoka not to throw away even an impossible love, since such true and pure feelings are both rare and something to be cherished. This scene not only could bring many viewers to tears (when was the last time the first episode of a series could do that?) but is also a clever foreshadowing of the very dilemma Koshiro's own heart will face. Nanoka's gentle effort to comfort Koshiro in that scene also helps set the tone for later events, as she cannot forget her brother's sensitivity even when he is being mean to her.

As great as the writing is, the artistry is a disappointment. A subdued, washed-out color scheme is used on background art which often looks like it was lifted from watercolor paintings. It frequently has a rough, unrefined look to it and is too clearly distinct from the foreground character animation. Koshiro's square-jawed character design is simple and uninteresting, as are those for many of the supporting characters, but the appealing cuteness of Nanoka's design almost makes up for it. The quality of animation is also sporadic; one gets the impression that the artistic and technical budgets were concentrated on one key character and a few key scenes while the rest was done on the cheap.