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Title: Great Teacher Onizuka
Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, School Life, Shounen
Author: Fujisawa Tohru
Artist: Fujisawa Tohru
Publication: Kodansha
Start Date: 16 May 1997
End Date: 17 April 2002
Number of chapters at review: 200
Number of chapters read by reviewer: 200
General Overview:
Taken from Baka-Updates Manga.
Art: 10
Fujisawa takes a realistic style to the art seen in GTO. The characters are normally drawn anatomically correct, and it isn't unusual for the mangaka to combine the art with comedy. A good number of hilarious faces that Onizuka makes as well as his neverending supply of costumes entail a good chuckle.
Plot: 9
The most fragile area of the series would have to be its plot. Transitions between arcs feel a bit choppy, though how everything is finally resolved helps the little episodial feel each arc entails. And the ending is certainly a sight worth reading, perhaps one of the best I've read in a long time.
Characters: 10
The strongest aspect of the story is the characters. Not only do various characters play strong roles throughout the story, they're quite funny regardless of gender. Perhaps what is most amazing is the ability of characters to become goofy and aloof to angry and serious within a split second. I can't imagine the things we see the various teenages go through in the manga, yet seeing the "magic" in how Onizuka is able to influence troubled kids with the "German Suplex" leads to memorable events. The characters in the manga are certainly an idealized masterpiece.
Lastly, in regards to the main character, it deals with far more than just the main character who happens to be a violent, lecherous lead. In Onizuka's attempts attempts to become the Greatest Teacher in Japan, we see answers to the problems that afflict the growing dissatisfaction with the schooling system of Japan. Onizuka is quite unorthodox, but at least he understands the kids he is trying to teach, unlike so many of the other teachers who merely fear or despise their young charges. This connection with his pupils leads Onizuka in addition to his unusual teaching methods to a level of success in the classroom. Such scenes in the manga are memorable for the endearment and comedy.
Themes: 9
GTO incorporates the basic themes you find in just about any shounen such as the concept of working hard, friendship, etc. Nothing much to say here except the mangaka does a splendid job of portraying these themes and staying in touch with them.
Originality: 10
Okay, there are a few things which are somewhat predictable in this manga that you'll find in various shounen, but Onizuka doesn't exhibit traits you find in many commonly-read shounen series. It's true that some characters come across as caricatures, but the mangaka pulls off character development, actions, etc. that lead to scenes which are hilarious, touching, memorable, etc.
Overall: 10
GTO is one of my favorite all-time series. It's hilarious, vulgar, and portrays a good balance showcasing teens interacting with adults. I also wouldn't overlook the fact that the mangaka gives raise to sincere attempts at the demonization of youth culture at its grassroots. Underneath the nonstop comedy lies an encouraging message of courage, hope, and all that other jazz.
If you're interested in a manga where fanservice, violence, and Sailor language is the norm, you will not regret reading this manga.
Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, School Life, Shounen
Author: Fujisawa Tohru
Artist: Fujisawa Tohru
Publication: Kodansha
Start Date: 16 May 1997
End Date: 17 April 2002
Number of chapters at review: 200
Number of chapters read by reviewer: 200
General Overview:
Taken from Baka-Updates Manga.
Category Ratings: (1-10 scale)
Art: 10
Fujisawa takes a realistic style to the art seen in GTO. The characters are normally drawn anatomically correct, and it isn't unusual for the mangaka to combine the art with comedy. A good number of hilarious faces that Onizuka makes as well as his neverending supply of costumes entail a good chuckle.
Plot: 9
The most fragile area of the series would have to be its plot. Transitions between arcs feel a bit choppy, though how everything is finally resolved helps the little episodial feel each arc entails. And the ending is certainly a sight worth reading, perhaps one of the best I've read in a long time.
Characters: 10
The strongest aspect of the story is the characters. Not only do various characters play strong roles throughout the story, they're quite funny regardless of gender. Perhaps what is most amazing is the ability of characters to become goofy and aloof to angry and serious within a split second. I can't imagine the things we see the various teenages go through in the manga, yet seeing the "magic" in how Onizuka is able to influence troubled kids with the "German Suplex" leads to memorable events. The characters in the manga are certainly an idealized masterpiece.
Lastly, in regards to the main character, it deals with far more than just the main character who happens to be a violent, lecherous lead. In Onizuka's attempts attempts to become the Greatest Teacher in Japan, we see answers to the problems that afflict the growing dissatisfaction with the schooling system of Japan. Onizuka is quite unorthodox, but at least he understands the kids he is trying to teach, unlike so many of the other teachers who merely fear or despise their young charges. This connection with his pupils leads Onizuka in addition to his unusual teaching methods to a level of success in the classroom. Such scenes in the manga are memorable for the endearment and comedy.
Themes: 9
GTO incorporates the basic themes you find in just about any shounen such as the concept of working hard, friendship, etc. Nothing much to say here except the mangaka does a splendid job of portraying these themes and staying in touch with them.
Originality: 10
Okay, there are a few things which are somewhat predictable in this manga that you'll find in various shounen, but Onizuka doesn't exhibit traits you find in many commonly-read shounen series. It's true that some characters come across as caricatures, but the mangaka pulls off character development, actions, etc. that lead to scenes which are hilarious, touching, memorable, etc.
Overall: 10
GTO is one of my favorite all-time series. It's hilarious, vulgar, and portrays a good balance showcasing teens interacting with adults. I also wouldn't overlook the fact that the mangaka gives raise to sincere attempts at the demonization of youth culture at its grassroots. Underneath the nonstop comedy lies an encouraging message of courage, hope, and all that other jazz.
If you're interested in a manga where fanservice, violence, and Sailor language is the norm, you will not regret reading this manga.
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... Definitely recommend it. 9.5/10.
