Beelzebub = :) || Eden no Ori = :(

I've reached the current chapter of the Beelzebub manga (ch. 139). The grand finale with Oga fighting Jabberwock was not so grand - it was sort of disappointing. So I suppose it's nice to see something more lighthearted and comedic, like Hilda losing her memories.

The formula, again, like many other elements in the manga, is a tried and tested story line twist that wreaks a lot of ridiculous situations. Interestingly, the chapter went from cover to finish without an over-the-top joke or annoyingly wacky moment - at least for me. The Lady Gaga and One Piece references were quite cute too.

That chapter was classic Beelzebub.

Now, I've also reached the current chapter for Eden no Ori (Cage of Eden ch. 129). I have to admit I was let down - the Jurassic Park plot was the most obvious theory, and it ended up being the right one. The foundations of Michael Chricton's ingenious core plot was lost on Eden no Ori, however, probably because of the characters. A number of them spew out random trivia most of the time but NOT ONE has read the book or seen the movies?? They may be quite old, but I can't wrap my head around today's Japanese youth not having the slightest idea about either the novel or the film adaptation.

I suppose I set the bar too high when I expected something more devious or grand. But then there's also the character's views, especially Kairi's opinion on the topic of a human ear grown on a lab rat's back.

It was several years back when I watched and read about that: scientists grew a human ear out of the back of a lab rat so they can attach it to a patient's head. Obviously, the patient lost one of his ears and the process - though initially disturbing to many - helped him get a brand spankin' new one. Kairi said that when he heard about that he immediately thought there are boundaries that human beings shouldn't cross.

Growing a human ear from a rat's back isn't such a devilish idea, personally. I mean, why not? It's an ear that can help someone hear and become complete again. But hey, I'm making a big fuss out of a character's opinions. LOL.

A lot of elements of Eden no Ori had always been predictable, so it was extremely dissatisfying to find out that the core of the plot was equally unoriginal.

Well, there's more to come. Here's to hoping it's something to look forward to.