Alright! So! The first thing I need to say is... I thought the hero mode arc was... okay? Maybe it’s just me who doesn’t like how action is conveyed in manga, as it is mostly done by “Swoosh” and some baddy is dead. However the second arc saved it, as I liked how they blended Splatoon into Splatoon 2 into a natural way that didn’t (quite) feel like advertising. If you did not like the previous two, this won’t change your mind, but for people who did like the first two, then this is a worthy continuation!
I realize this manga is geared toward children, but even most kids could surely pick up on the fact that this story uses the same jokes over and over. Very little about this volume made me laugh or smile because we’ve seen it all before. That being said, I like that the story was expanded here to include the campaign from Splatoon (although it could’ve been its own volume instead of just two issues) and new content from Splatoon 2. I hope the tease on the very last page means we will finally get ranked battle modes in the next volume.
I haven’t played the game but I do have an elementary understanding of the game. I can’t tell if the series is getting better worse or staying the same. I keep buying them so there has to be something, shouldn’t there be?
Cover We have Goggles and Gloves now. I have to say I think I objectively prefer the cover to #2 more. (Ryder’s seriousness plays off Goggles expressions more than Gloves “Cool” neutral expression.) Also I’m having a little trouble figuring out what’s going on with all the feet. It isn’t bad but I also should say. Two green squid kids back to back? Granted they are two different greens but isn’t it a bit hesitant of the color palate? I can’t believe I didn’t clue in as to the two on the back.
Interior Story I'm conflicted. I had a bit of trouble following but I didn't mind it. I think Ryder is one of my personal favorite characters but there is something about the way he was used here is making me wonder if there is anything else to him. One thing about this book it jumps right into the Player 1 segment of the game. As someone that knows the gameplay but never played it's easy to understand what is happening but I do wish it took it's time with this segment of the game. I think it could have easily filled the book. I really wish there was more story with the Squid Sisters. Maybe there is more excitement if you play the games but that's emotion is lost since they are barely in the book and revealing they are Agent 1,and 2 adds nothing with the way it's written. There are a couple decent jokes. And it has it's quota of nude jokes. Ironically they were all jammed in the very end of the book. Like they almost forgot to add them. The Bonus segments are the best part of the book. Not only does it give time to build up a joke or two but it attacks illustrative clichés. It's also nice to see this laid back view of the our characters enjoying some of the
Illustrations The illustrations aren't bad. a couple times I felt lost as to what was happening but over all they aren't that bad. I also feel like there isn't a whole lot of expression variety being used. I don't know much about the art style to make this as a complaint but it seems to copy past reactions to different circumstances. One of my favorite images is how they made CG versions on team blue to show what they would be like in game.
After thoughts After being so confused through these three issues I've figured out why. Splatoon, Vol. 1 started with introducing the Corocoro Cup. Splatoon, Vol. 2 then introduced the S4. What threw me off is I thought they were the top competitors to beat to win the Corocoro Cup. I really wish they actually shown the ceremony because in this book we are heading back into a new competition.
The Splatoon comics In my opinion better suit serialised form better than an actual collection. It’s really just dumb kid fun with a little icing of “here’s a gameplay mechanic” or “here’s a new stage”. The plot itself is straightforward “blue wins again” fare.
Volume 3 finishes up the Hero Arc from Splatoon and then introduces a Dualies wielding Inkling who introduces Blue Team to Inkopolis Square from Splatoon 2. I’ve been playing a little bit of Splatoon and while it is fun, Splatoon 2 expands on the gameplay significantly with a wide variety of game modes and weapons I can see how further volumes can shift the focus to ranked modes as well as the Salmon Run and Octo Expansion.
It really does seem like a fun way to learn about the game’s features, or feel as though you are playing a standard game while reading a manga instead.
However, this volume also concludes the availability of volumes the Library, I doubt I’ll read any more. It was interesting seeing Splatoon adapted to Manga, but I prefer playing the games and I have prioritised other series presently.
Yet again, Sankichi Hinodeya delivers, this is a wonderful book with very charming characters, and we got the series's first true villain, Emperor, he's not generic edgy annoying villain number 505. He's actually thought out and cool honestly. He's sinister, the perfect amount of evil, and even interacts a decent amount of times during the story. Overall I'm highly excited to read Vol. 4, on the Ali rating scale this book gets a, 5/5.
Quick read, D likes it b/c he and Andrew like to play the game Splatoons on the Nintendo Switch (and before that on the wii U).
I haven't personally read any of these book in this series, but I read some reviews online and the character's pants fall down often in the books, I guess to be funny, and they "censor" the comic drawing with the squid character... not my favorite book series that he's read, but man can he read through these books in a flash! summer reading.....
I love this! I'm a big fan of Octolings, so I really loved their adorable designs. Can't wait for Agent 8! And now I want to shoot a laser at a washing machine! Also, Goggles x Rider forever
This one was a bit more fun than the previous one. The story had a little bit of progression and I liked seeing the squids move to a new area for turf wars.
4.5/5 ⭐️s: Readers are introduced to story that is the Hero Mode in Splatoon 1. So so fun to see this plot get readapted with new characters as the Player 1! Low-teared up seeing Callie and Marie fully illustrated and in action~ 🥹
The humor in these gets less childish with every volume (in my opinion). Which is good for me. Hope it keeps going like this. Knitcap ("bobble hat" in english, apparently) literally me fr?
One word, here for the Splatoon series that keeps going nonstop and repeating. That’s just what got me for real though. Because of Splatoon, and this manga series this is just what keeps life hyped up.