Worst Volume 1

Written by Jd Banks

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Worst Volume 1 Art and Story by: Hiroshi Takahashi Publisher (US): Digital Manga Publishing Publisher (Japan): Akita Shoten Review by: Jd BanksBuy from Amazon.com High school isn’t easy, especially living in the age of computers, cell phones, and the Internet. Unfortunately, a school like Suzuran High definitely tops the list of having students likely to hit the “Most Wanted” rather than the Dean’s list. Thankfully, the first volume of Worst, by Hiroshi Takahashi, focuses on an easy-going high school student, Hana Tsukishima. Volume one of Worst is humorous from the beginning to the end as it is interlaced with solemn moments and fights. Worst follows Hana’s arrival into an all-boys boarding house under the Umehoshi Family. Though his arrival is belated due to his awful sense of direction, Hana makes several memorable impressions on his roommates. The character development of the first volume is strong at the very start of Worst, giving readers a glimpse into the personalities of the main boys inside the boarding house. Ironically, all of the boys under the Umehoshi Household have reputations of fear and violence. The first person Hana meets, however, is Toranosuke Tominaga, a walking gang encyclopedia with zero fighting ability and a one hundred percent heart of gold. Although Toranosuke is the only boy lacking in strength, Hana befriends his other seemingly delinquent roommates, Takefumi Sakota, Takumi Fujishiro, and Renji Mutou.

While there seems to be too many personalities living underneath the same roof and playing yakuza at Suzuran High School, Worst balances out its first volume with classic elements. Hana is the new student, and with his small-town perspective, he becomes the catalyst to giving the manga both its comedic twists and heart-felt scenes. All of the characters are surprised by Hana’s novel idea—to unite the factions within Suzuran High—but he exemplifies a resolve that is uncharacteristic for a brawny goof like Hana. The personas captured by the manga-ka fit well into the puzzle that is Worst, as most of the main characters accept Hana’s cheerful attitude and unprecedented perspective.

The best aspects of Worst, aside from Hana’s aloof presence, are the fight scenes. The battles are depicted more artistically taste than savage stroke marks. The aesthetic vibe of Worst is similar to early manga, like Oh My Goddess! (1980’s) and Yu Yu Hakusho (1990’s). Takahashi makes perpetual use of movement lines while keeping the scenes clean and distinguishable. Even classic elements of facial expressions are reminiscent of manga from the 1970’s. Worst definitely delivers high-action scenarios in appealing fashions.

If fans like action, comedy, and a little bit of corny charisma, Takahashi’s Worst is a manga to get hooked on. Despite its title, Worst may be one of the best when it comes down to manga.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Bottom Line: Buy it! Borrow it! Just read it!

Fun Fact: Currently, there are only 3 US published volumes of Worst, but Digital Manga Publishing has gone on hiatus from releasing the other 18 volumes. If people showed more interest in Worst, they will continue to release the rest of the volumes in English.

Buy from Amazon.com