One Punch Man (2019)
[ワンパンマン]
Volume 19
Author: ONE
Artist: Yusuke Murata
Publisher: Jump Comics
Synopsis:
The Hero Association prepares for its assault on the Monster Association's base while Garou returns looking for revenge and Saitama and the gang enjoy a nice nabe at home.
Story/Characters:
There's more shady business going on at the Hero Association and the antics at Saitama's apartment make for an amusing diversion, but the main event is Garou returning to the Monster Association. He's pretty much a Saiyan the way he keeps coming back stronger after getting stomped. Gyoro Gyoro tries to talk some sense in him, but it's not working, so he's got to call out the big guns. It'll be interesting to see what happens when the heroes show up.
Art:
If you wondered what happens when a bunch of superhumans compete over a nabe, you get to find out. The real star of the show is Garou's fight scenes. He's not quite Saitama-tier yet, but he's getting stronger and stronger, so we get to see him take a licking and come right back for some tail-whoopin'. (One panel during the confrontation with Gyoro Gyoro is particularly first-rate.) We get to see a lot more of Orochi in action and I really dig his Gigeresque design. (If you didn't think the name "Orochi" was that great of a fit based on what you've seen before, that'll change.)
They're doing a thing for the next three volumes where the inside and outside of the cover overlap to form a larger image and the front covers of Volumes 19-21 will form one big poster. Fubuki fans will probably be happy with the back cover. Just saying. ^_^
Other:
We get an amusing side story where a monster trio make the mistake of trying to bully Saitama, who's busy longing for more dramatic manga-style fights.
Conclusion:
The action this volume is simply amazing. It certainly looks like we're building up to the point where Garou might actually be able to stand toe-to-toe with Saitama. Yes, we're still building up to the big show when the Hero Association launches its rescue mission, but there's more than enough to satisfy here. Get it.
Rating:
Own It