OK, Shonen Jump, April 2008 has a "sneak preview" of a new manga to be released, Gun Blaze West.

An American Western, produced by the Japanese. Yeah right. I mean even the British tried doing a Western episode of Doctor Who once (many decades ago, with the first Doctor, the late William Hartnell) and although I have never seen it, I've heard that I wouldn't want to see it. Apparently the main gunslinger was an Oxford graduate--how's that for a British twist!

But back to Gun Blaze West. As soon as I saw it, I had my doubts, but I thought I'd give the preview chapter the benefit of the doubt.


The Good

Great artwork. Plot's entertaining. Characters are interersting and do have some depth. Good mixture of fun and drama. All the things you've come to expect from Shonen Jump.


The Bad

The main character's name is "Viu Bannes".

Come again?

No, it's not "Butch Banner" or "Grant Gunner" or something with even the remotest connotation about the character (unless I'm missing something).

He has a name that I'm not even sure I know how to pronounce.

OK, "a rose by any other name" and stuff like that... So what's he like? The first thing you encounter about him is a short blurb:

Our young hero, who is determined to become stronger.

What the?

Hold on, is this about Ash Ketchum? Or even Uchiha Sasuke? No, it's definitely right under the name "Viu Bannes".

OK, maybe neither the author nor the editor could think of something better to say. Let's get into the story.


The Ugly

Viu, who apparently helped capture some crooks, is in school. Class is interrupted by some loser called Marcus Homer (at least he has a plausible name) who takes Viu out of the classroom and heads out of town for some training.

Viu's all excited, ready for some gunslinging fun, but instead is disappointed when his mentor tells him, "Listen friend, the basics of strength are stamina and inner strength."

Now I've heard everything. Come on, I could imagine Iruka or Kakashi saing this, possibly even one of the Elite Four, but guys, this is a Western.


Conclusion

Maybe it should be called an Eastern...



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