Cover
art by Nobuhiro Watsuki
Hey, who’s this handsome guy?! Why, he’s Himura Kenshin, the star of the newest SJ Alpha manga! That’s right, this is the debut issue with the new monthly series, Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration! This one is very excited!

Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration
by Nobuhiro Watsuki
Wowsers, the new color spread looks so nice! It’s been quite awhile since we’ve seen new color art from Watsuki Sensei, but he hasn’t lost his touch one bit! Having just finished reading the original series for an article, l can tell you, he hasn’t forgotten how to draw his characters at all. And I’d say his incredible art has actually gotten a little better. Storywise, it’s cool to see the same story, told a different way. This is shaping up to be an interesting ride.

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan
by Hiroshi Shiibashi
The battle between Hiruko Gokadoin and Nura comes to a close. The art in this fight is absolutely amazing, and at one point changes from the standard manga style to an ink brush style you’d be more likely to see in an ancient scroll. Shiibashi continues to take artistic chances that I rarely see other mangaka take.

Naruto
by Masashi Kishimoto
The flashback with Kabuto and Orochimaru continues! I’ll tell you right now, anytime we get more glimpses of Orochimaru’s lab, I get the tingles! It’s like the maddest mad scientist lab ever! Also, this flashback is really good. It explains a great many things!

One Piece
by Eiichiro Oda
Is it just me, or does Oda Sensei come up with the best names for villains? Add Caesar Clown to the list! More is revealed about his diabolical nature, as well as more mixed-up body antics. This arc has given me so many laugh-out-loud moments! It’s amazing to think after sixty volumes, Oda still hasn't run out of gags. One of the greatest moments of my life was meeting him at Jump Festa. Not that I’m bragging. Brag, brag, brag.

Toriko
by Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro
Oh, what a fine feeling to see the characters you love succeed in their training endeavors. As ridiculous as that sounds, I really do enjoy it. It’s one of the lesser-known pleasures of SJ manga! But now that Toriko’s leveled up, he’s finally ready to go after the Bubble Fruit. But is he really ready?

Bleach
by Tite Kubo
A bit of a short Bleach chapter, but we get to learn a little more about the Quincies. I’m glad Kubo’s ending Bleach this way, ever since the beginning I’ve been intrigued with the Quincies. And hopefully, Ishida will play a big part in the ending. I’ve always liked that guy.

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By Urian Brown