Welcome to This Week in Shonen Jump, our weekly check in on Viz’s various Shonen Jump series. Viz has recently changed their release format, but our format will mostly remain the same. We will still review the newest chapters of one title a week, now with even more options at our disposal. The big change for our readers is that, even without a Shonen Jump subscription, you can read these most recent chapters for free at Viz.com or using their app.
This week, Zach checks in with “Ayashimon.” If you have thoughts on this or any other current Shonen Jump titles, please let us know in the comments!
Ayashimon Chapter 5
Written and illustrated by Yuji Kaku
Reviewed by Zach Wilkerson
“Ayashimon” is the latest in trend of supernatural action titles trying to become the hot new Shonen Jump property. It’s certainly difficult to compete with the likes of “Chainsaw Man,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” or “Demon Slayer.” Yuji Kaku’s work leans heavily on well worn tropes but there’s a glimmer of hope for something fresh.
The latest chapter continues Urara and Maruo’s search for a base of operations. This is the least action oriented chapter of the series to date. Following Maruo’s floor shattering defeat of Amamehagi, Kaku spends some time further developing this world. Urara’s musings on Maruo’s nature helps shed some light on how a mere human is able to go toe to toe with yokai and ayashimon, though the explanation is slightly underwhelming. The revelation does seem to undermine the “One-Punch Man”-esque background that has defined Maruo to this point, setting him as more of a “chosen one” character type.
The more interesting aspect of this chapter comes with the introduction of two members of the public safety police force. The duo makes a dazzling introduction, quickly asserting their dominance over Urara in an overwhelming display of force. Numbers 4 and 11, as we come to know them, decide to play a little good cop/bad cop, with the former manifesting a “shiki” to restrain Urara, much to Number 11’s chagrin. The duo quickly back off, leaving several questions about the nature of the bureau and their place in this world.
Similar to Kaku’s relatively safe and familiar plotting, their artwork feels in line with contemporary books in the genre. The character and line work technically quite good, though there are few characters or sequences that stand out as particularly unique or memorable. Number 4’s demonic shiki, Kagehito, is grotesque and fascinating in its design, despite its limited appearance. Kaku regularly shifts perspective to disorient the reader, to great effect. Early in the fight between Maruo and Amamehagi, we see the perspective shift to the point of Amamehagi as he falls to the floor. This leads into the striking title page sequence, wherein the pair crash the floor in a splash page of debris and office furniture. Later, the appearance of Number 11 upside down, over Urara’s shoulder, helps highlight the importance and threat of the new antagonists.
“Ayashimon” is an enjoyable read but it has yet to establish itself among the large number of similar titles released in recent years. However, this chapter makes a good effort at fleshing out the unique aspects of the world as well as escalating the stakes for future chapters.
Final Verdict: 6.5 – Despite its lack of innovation, “Ayashimon” remains a promising new series.
