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MANGA REVIEWS

Part 6 and onwards
Story and Art by Hitoshi Okuda
English Adaptation by Fred Burke
Copyright © 1996 Hitoshi Okuda and AIC/Pioneer LDC Inc.



—by Mark Johnson

TENCHI MUYO (NO NEED FOR TENCHI) has certainly become a true representative of the North American anime scene, and I have to admit I've seen it all. I saw something special when I first viewed the beginning 6 OVA episodes in Japan, and it kept going (and going, and going...). We now have 13 OVAs, specials, spin-offs (PRETTY SAMMY comes to mind), CD collections, movies, 2 separate TV series with alternate universes, and of course, manga. It is starting to slow down at last, as fans start to move on to newer shows (though the 3rd movie, TENCHI MUYO IN LOVE! 2, will be coming out soon in Japan). SHIN TENCHI MUYO (or Pioneer's "TENCHI IN TOKYO") is just starting to be released domestically, and we still are not close to the end of the TENCHI manga through Viz's release (as I glance at the 8th Japanese manga book volume in my hand), so North American fans needing more need not fear yet.
  If you are interested in seeing a first look at the TENCHI manga series, be sure to read our review (way back in 1.3) at. This review is mainly a quick update to see where the series is currently (and may contain some minor spoilers to those who have not read up to this point).
  The "NO NEED FOR TENCHI" comics have entered into "Part 6" in Viz's volume scheme, and smack dab in the middle of a theft that affects the stability of the region. Currently Tenchi and the crew are in space after a few adventures and gaining a few more friends. Yume, self proclaimed greatest Super-Genius in the universe, has stolen a Juraian tree and is currently blowing up a lot of stuff. We learn later of the links between Yume and Washu, and the rivalry that exists between them.
  The plot is starting to come to a climax as a confrontation nears, with the Hielzen swords resonating between each other (one in Tenchi's possession, one in Yume's, and the last in Yosho's). Minagi, Ryoko's clone, is starting to recover from her life threatening injuries. Misaki and Funaho (Sasami and Aeka's mothers) are soon to re-enter the picture. And we get to see whether Gohgei and Lady Asahi's relationship goes anywhere (characters saved previously by Tenchi's band, and manga specific), plus whether Gohgei's training with Tenchi will help in future battles.
  Hitoshi Okuda has continued his remarkably consistent writing and drawing style. The character designs are still TENCHI, but distinctly Okuda's look (and still the cutest rendition of TENCHI yet). And the humor remains even when the situation looks bleak. Quotes like "It's probably all right. The author wouldn't let me die at this point." and "*Sigh* This is starting to become a totally different manga!" also pop up at the rare occasion to break the tension nicely.
  The cover art has returned to using Okuda's art from the manga series, and is nicely done. The translation is standard Viz material and easy to read and follow.
  As an end note, if you have followed TENCHI MUYO in the past and enjoyed it, by all means take a look at the manga. The all-original plot lines run loosely from the OVA series, and Hitoshi Okuda has easily continued the tradition, if not improved upon it. The character interaction is lively as always, the humor is ever-present in some form but avoids running too wild, and the action is well portrayed and easy to follow. It's no wonder it's still hard to stop TENCHI MUYO after all these years if it continues to be this fun and interesting.

English version published in N. America by Viz Comics
Vol 1-6, ongoing
black/white pages
ISBN: 82009 03983 00311
$2.95US/$4.50Can per issue
Available now in the USA
Where to buy


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