4/10

I. INTRODUCTION

For the first time in a WHILE, I thought Lookism sucked. Granted, I only looked at the panels since I haven't received the English translation yet (awaiting Infernal Void Scans) but Jesus... from a powerscaling and narrative perspective, this chapter seems trash.

II. SCALING (5/10)

Brad and Jason struggled to conclusively defeat Max and Derek. Yet, they're comparable to Ryuhei? And after they're exhausted from being slammed by Sinu (a scaling clusterfuck himself)? They're weaker right now. They shouldn't be shit to anyone remotely important in general, especially not now.

Ryuhei's built up as someone AT LEAST Olly Wang level. His strength's considered impressive by Gun, something Olly Wang's fighting skill wasn't. To earn Gun's respect, Nomen's combat must outweigh Olly's unless Gun a.) said this long ago or b.) can't judge strength consistently. Case A would be a fine explanation (works well as a red herring, actually, although gives PTJ lots of room to fuck up) but B? 

Gun's statements possess an air of great credibility; his combat analysis isn't flawless but it's well refined and normally accurate. If it turns out he can't judge consistently, it undermines this nigh-objective, highly observant character he's been presented as. And probably not in a way that enriches the narrative through utilizing the ambiguity of Gun's observational skills—carrying symbolism, thematic weight, progression of character, traditionally through the unreliable narrator fashion—but in a way that's sloppy. Essentially, it appears like when Gun needs to be credible, he will be; when Gun needs to be untrustworthy, he will be. 

And if you don't think this writing decision would be executed slovenly, please recall Jiho's untimely conclusion for direct evidence that PTJ will neuter characters for plot convenience and do so shamelessly.

In Case B, Gun's level of analysis becomes indexed by plot convenience, opposed to consistent social characterization. Thus, inconsistent judgment near certainly ensures the unraveling of Gun's characterization in favor of plot convenience. Why? Because PTJ's refusing to take the harder progressive route of producing precedent, the mark of careful and considerate writing. So, in order to maintain simplicity and not compromise the writing quality, Ryuhei must be at least slightly more formidable than Olly Wang.

Now, compare the scaling chains: 

• Brad and Jason > Max and Derek

• Olly Wang >  all of Hostel B (Hostel arc) > Eli Jang (Hostel arc) > Max and Derek

• Ryuhei > Olly Wang

• Ryuhei >>> Brad and Jason  

So... why is Ryuhei struggling with a TIRED Brad and Jason? They're weaker than usual and STILL pressing him. It's just unbelievably silly. Either this is c.) an unprecedented progression in strength for the tagteam or d.) a giant downgrade for Ryuhei's base. 

Case C suffers from weak narrative establishment in terms of a consistent portrayal since they only showed moderate advantage over Max and Derek, nothing comparable to an Olly Wang+ threat. Remember, Eli pre-Gun training was stronger than Max and Derek. Throw in Warren and the tagteam is hardly a fraction of Hostel B's overall strength. And again, development is a characteristic of refined writing so the lack thereof evidences unsophistication. I know someone might refer to the fact they're getting "r o m a n c e  a m p s" but that's stupid as fuck considering Hostel didn't get f a m i l y  a m p s when Sally nearly got abused by Olly Wang. If the amps are arbitrary, that's the exact problem I'm describing. But if Olly Wang could overcome those amps and Ryuhei can't... that's Case D.

And Case D undermines the fundamental character description we're provided. Ryuhei will embarrass and sacrifice himself to no end for Neko, right? He abandoned his legendary status and biker gang in Japan for Neko, after all. 

III. NARRATIVE (1/10)

So, why the fuck is Nomen in his weak-ass base state right now? He's written as a God-tier simp (a parallel of Warren and Xiaolong), meant to display the value of strong mindedness, weaponizing simp tendencies to become lethal to practically any threat.

Considering romance is shown as his primary motivation, Nomen being in base right now makes zero fucking sense. Compare this situation to Xiaolong, who kept trying to fight despite being paralyzed, even begging Samuel for help, and literally castrating himself so he could continue protecting Vivi. That's a proper display of inhuman motivation in response to romantic affection. Ryuhei presentatively lacks that same drive.

Maybe there's something else that more profoundly motivates Ryuhei... but what else is there for him to be motivated by? The lust for battle when he abandoned his biker gang to simp for Neko like a slave? What could he have wanted that wasn't completely undermined by his Neko slavery? Probably nothing, at least nothing PTJ will write sensibly.

Realistically, Nomen won't get another motivation despite getting the eye visual that implies he now has immense determination at the end of the chapter. For no reason at all, he held back. Based on PTJ's recent writing, I'm unconfident in this being well explained come next chapter. At best, we get a cringy explanation of him not mastering his J a p a n e s e  W i l d  I n s t i n c t. 

Nomen's already inconsistent in his motives after hardly existing for an arc. PTJ's spiraling downwards in writing quality, a trend I attribute to juggling 4 projects, most of which have witnessed a significant regression as a result of this decision.

IV. ENJOYMENT (6/10)

Kenta was kinda cool, I guess. I like how he's fighting against one of the largest opponents, showcasing his willingness to literally and figuratively face the biggest obstacles despite his small stature. Still mad about Zack. And I guess Ryuhei's got cool designs. Eh, bad chapter but not the worst thing I've ever read. Bad by Lookism's standards is still mid for most series. I expect an uptick in score when I get my hands on the translation.

V. SCORE POST-TRANSLATION (?/10)

Will be back to update after the translation.