Slam Dunk, Vol. 17

Slam Dunk [スラムダンク] #17

by Takehiko Inoue

Winning isn't everything in the game of basketball, but who wants to come in second? It takes dedication and discipline to be the best, and the Shohoku High hoops team wants to be just that. They have one year left to make their captain's dream of reaching the finals come true—will they do it? Takehiko Inoue's legendary basketball manga is finally here, and the tale of a lifetime is in your hands!

As the boys from Shohoku watch from the sidelines, the much-anticipated game between Ryonan High and Kainan High continues to heat up. Kainan superstar Maki's stellar play helps swing the momentum back in his team's direction, aided in no small part by a key player from Ryonan getting into foul trouble. However, Captain Akagi and company leave the game early when they receive an alarming bit of news: Coach Anzai has collapsed and is now in the hospital!

Genres: Manga, Sports, Comics, Shonen, Graphic Novels, Comics Manga, Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 1994

About the author

Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Slam Dunk and Vagabond.

Reviews

[Keiko, the manga enthusiast ♒︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you believe that Sakuragi scored first for Shohoku? Well, the redhead monk—ey deserved it with all the hard work he's been putting in for himself and the team that week. And I love that the trio monkeys (Mitsui, Ryota, and Rukawa) support his desire to develop his skills. It's Sakuragi's determination and overflowing stamina that just gets to you, you know.

I just love Mitsui's adoration for Coach Anzai. The hilarity is killing me!! Imagine him carrying a framed photo of Anzai because he's not used to not seeing the old man on the bench when they're playing (the old man won't be able to attend the Ryonan match as he was hospitalized!) It was so hilarious that I literally fought for my life, dying of laughter! Except that scene was canon, okay. But even though, it's at the expense of Coach Anzai's health, I kinda appreciated that it happened. It's for Akagi to be able to enhance his decision-making skills and his leadership for the chaotic team (he's a softy, you know, that monster-build fluffball)

I thought I can't decide whom to cheer for between Ryonan and Kainan—but when Uozumi was kicked out of the game with 5 fouls, I literally died! Anyway, I realized that if Ryonan won the game, I wouldn't know how that would play out since Kainan already beat Shohoku and the latter will not advance on the Inter High. Nope, this is definitely not the end (or is it, Inoue?!) That being stated, it was already a given that Kainan would win the game lol and Ryonan vs Shohoku would determine the second placer to qualify to the Inter High. Anyway, I suuuck at explaining and it'd be easier if I have a map. What I'm saying is, I definitely overlooked that because I was all eyes on Uozumi and Sendoh lol.

But still, I realized I've been cheering for Ryonan this whole time. Anyway, even though Ryonan lost the match with Kainan, Sendoh showed his overpowering skills in basketball without Uozumi's monster-build support on the team. It was definitely an interesting fight. Stars vs. Stars. Also, Maki is such a breathtaking view and that beauty mark, lol. I wouldn't get tired of saying this all over again. Inoue's art is just so freaking magic.

[Himanshu Karmacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intensities of the matches are unreal! Never thought Takehiko Inoue would have me cheering for a fictional basketball team while reading a manga!

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takehiko Inoue smartly keeps the readers' interest in reading Slam Dunk by introducing yet another hurdle the team should overcome. It is effective really in many levels. The new element injected im the story paves the way for the Shohoku team to perhaps become stronger as they will face the odds yet again, this time with Ryonan. It also adds some interesting and funny character development for Sakuragi, whose talent in basketball has already vastly improved in just a small amount of time

[J.M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am so sad for Sendoh but happy for Maki, 2 of my fave players in Slam Dunk.

[Dani (ダニ ¦ 다니) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rukawa and Sendoh in the same frame ♥_♥

[Tiagoツ · Rating 5 out of 5]

sakuragi tá cada vez mais se tornando em um monstro do basquete
além da história do pai dele ter sido incrível

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kaitenai high school are doing well in the tournament. Also this series is phenomenal.

[Recep · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slam Dunk, Vol. 17 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (144–152) of the on-going manga series.

The tankōbon continues the game of Kainan University Affiliated High School and Ryonan High School. Jun Uozumi of Ryonan commits four fouls, and while discussing it with the official he is ejected from the game. As Shinichi Maki of Kainan overpowers Akira Sendoh's defense, Kainan surpasses Ryonan. However, before the match ends, Sendoh scores once more to extend the game. However, Kainan ultimately defeats Ryonan, allowing them to enter the nationals.

Meanwhile, Haruko Akagi receives a phone call informing him that Coach Mitsuyoshi Anzai is in the hospital, having fallen unconscious while Hanamichi Sakuragi was practicing. As they are told Anzai is not in any great danger, Shohoku prepares for their match against Ryonan to decide if they can go to nationals.

The match between Shohoku and Ryonan starts, and Sakuragi and Akagi return as starters. Despite making his typical mistakes, Sakuragi manages to help Shohoku take the lead with his practiced shots.

This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. For the most part, the game between Kainan University Affiliated High School and Ryonan High School was narrated and depicted rather well. The match between Shohoku High and Ryonan High School finally begins and we get to see if Shohoku High would go to Nationals.

All in all, Slam Dunk, Vol. 17 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.

[Vanessa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review is for the series as a whole with 4.5 out of 5 stars*

I’ve posted 2 articles about Slam Dunk early this year so I’m sure you guys already have an idea how I adore this series. The anime series was incredible but its manga counterpart is beyond incredible, it was AHA-mazing!

I’m not a sporty kind of girl and I don’t think I’ll be anytime soon, but I think what’s great about reading books and watching shows is that you learn and (kind of) experience a lot of things you don’t normally do in real life. And because of Slam Dunk, I learn to appreciate sports stories and eventually love them.

When I started reading this manga, it felt so nostalgic. It’s not so different in the anime so while reading it, I keep on picturing out all those episodes which I think made my reading experience even more enjoyable.

Slam Dunk showcases a great team work. What I learn to appreciate about sports stories/shows is that it’ll give you a lot of lessons about what it means to be a great sportsman. And Slam Dunk absolutely slammed dunk that part!

I usually watch the anime series first before reading its manga counterpart and as for Slam Dunk, I’ve watched it quite a number of times already and I don’t think I’ll ever stop watching it, *wink. Even after watching the anime, I can still feel the tension, the suspense, and the excitement while reading this manga.

As you can read on its title, this manga centered around the sports basketball and through it weaved a really good story everyone of us will enjoy and appreciate whether you’re into sports or not. Another thing I love about reading manga is that it will never ceased to make you laugh with its funny scenes and Slam Dunk had it big time! I lost count how many times I laughed my heart out reading this masterpiece.

The drawings were really so good too plus those facial expressions were epic, especially Sakuragi’s, haha.

This story has a main character but I love that it didn’t just center around him but the author also gave its other characters a chance to share their own story. I love the character development as well especially Sakuragi’s.

And speaking of Sakuragi, I didn’t eventually like him at first. He’s definitely trouble and I didn’t quite appreciate his annoying antics and his excessive bragging. But all throughout the story, you can’t definitely help it but like his character. As I’ve said above, Sakuragi’s character development is definitely one you should see. From being this good for nothing delinquent, he became a true sportsman. I just absolutely love his improvement not just in basketball but eventually as a person. It’s definitely hard for me to explain but I just LOVE Sakuragi. Ofcourse he can still be an airhead sometimes but I can see now that it’s one of the things that makes him quite likeable, haha.

Slam Dunk has some pretty amazing group of characters and as I’ve said in this article, they come in varieties so I’m sure a lot of readers can find some characters they can relate and love.

The anime series left off the national championship and let me tell you guys, it was already good as it is. It was full of intense scenes with a right blend of humor but the national championship parts were sooooooo good I can still feel its intensity even after finishing this manga. Actually, I cried pretty hard when they won! You should definitely read it!!!

Although the ending felt short which ofcourse makes you want to ask for more, I guess it was still a pretty good and hopeful ending, not just for team Shohoku but for the other teams as well. Besides, after that intense match with Sannoh, I don’t think Slam Dunk failed me.

So if you’re looking for an intense sports shonen manga to read, Slam Dunk should be on top of your list.

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[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takehiko Inoue makes all look good for our Shohoku boys and they're heading into the Ryonan game confident... but then a setback happens and all of a sudden this series becomes really emotional. While Sakuragi gets some great development this volume the series has gotten to a point where it can focus on entirely different characters (like the Kainan/Ryonan teams) for entire chapters and not have to rely on our main character and his teammates. While last volume introduced some new techniques for Sakuragi, most of this volume is about building some emotional weight going into the Ryonan game. And as the match begins there's a definite understanding of how much this game means, and how hard our characters have worked to get there, with Inoue making sure to start the match before these "in-between games" volumes start to get boring.

[N.E.C.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice.

We see the end of the match between Kainan and Ryonan (very intense, very fisical and with a lot of talent shown by players of both teams) and the start of the match between Shohoku and Ryonan (incredible start, this might become one of the best games so far).

I also teared up a little bit, something that happens here scared the HELL out of me (didn't remember it from the anime) and that little flashback from Sakuragi (that i also don't remember from the anime) got me, it was very emotional and i couldn't help it.

[Jared Pangier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takehiko Inoue is an amazing plotter, weaving in subplots to gel volumes together. In this one, there is an unexpected surprise. The heart of the team, the famous former Nationals coach: Coach Anzai, has been hospitalized. Perhaps even more surprising is which person is responsible for saving him.

Not only is Inoue's storytelling and plotting superb, but his illustrations have gotten so much better through the volumes. Perhaps he had a training regimen similar to Sakuragi's 500 shots per day :)

[Honeypie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had delays in finishing this volume because I was a bit stressed about the game between Ryonan and Kainan. I reckon I'm going to feel bad for Sendoh's efforts... And in the end, I was disappointed. Not because of Sendoh's efforts, but because the game went on overtime, and there were no scenes or highlights from it!....

Overall, it was just alright. I'm excited for the next volume. Final qualifying game for the Nationals, let's go!

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came around to the ending of the Ryonan vs. Kainan match, but I feel like there’s just a very clear order of operations to follow given that it’s a sport story and they’re definitely making it to Nationals. I think Sakuragi’s growth is ultimately the star of the show and it is fun to see him come into his own. Everyone should admit though that his dad’s heart attack was contextually a bit corny.

[James Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ryonan and Kainan game comes to a close, leaving the fight to progress into nationals wrapping up. All that is left is one more game for Shohoku, which the team must do their best against considering a major hurdle that is thrown their way. Another volume that captures the heart and determination that is so key to this story, and does it exceptionally.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more iconic of sports manga. It's the first series where I actually both read the manga and watched the anime. It has flawed protagonists, growing up pains, colourful characters, and beautiful meaningful relationships, all neatly wrapped around the context of college basketball.

[Gabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit melodramatic and contrived, which would be fine if that's what the series had been up to this point. Certain plot points would have definitely benefit from being shuffled around and set up earlier in the series.

[wiktoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

anzai in hospital plus sakuragis dad backstory were too sad. i cannot wait to read the next volume tomorrow tho the game is going to be incredibly exciting, especially fukuda vs sakuragi (who scored his first jump shot!!)

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

ayyy el papá de hanamichi, el profeeeeeeee: tiene que volver.
espero por el día en que rukawa y hanamichi sean amiguis.
djsksk y el otro rezándole a la foto del entrenador como si ya estuviese muerto djdsjdskj.

[Casper Paaske · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not initially all that exciting, it is nice that we spent time to fully explore the other teams matches.
What brings this volume full circle is the beginning of our protagonists next big match, which has just be en set up very well!

[Tobias Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this volume Ryonan lost against Kainan, who are now qualified for the finals. Meanwhile Shohoku's
coach collapsed which reminded Sakuragi of his own father.

[Kawthar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sindoh 💓

[✨Sky✨ ♏ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Lory Blanco (areaderheart) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Andrea De Gouveia Dias · Rating 3 out of 5]

El viejo. Coño, el viejo. El papá, coño el papá.

P.D: Sigo amando a Miyagi, hacía tiempo que no pasaba por aquí a decirlo.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo volume ti carica proprio, a livello fisico ed emotivo.

[Andrea Aguas · Rating 5 out of 5]

We gotta see Mitsui's soft spot time and again. But other than that, HOLY SHIT THE FIRST FEW MINUTES WERE INTENSE AND MY GUY HANAMICHI SCORED FIRST FOR HIS TEAM

[Drizztl · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

[Aritra Dasgupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anzai Sensei come back ;-;

Ryonan surprisingly lose whaaa

Sakuragi my boy.