RuriDragon Volume-by-Volume Reviews: A Deep Dive into Masaoki Shindo’s Manga Series

Introduction

RuriDragon, a manga series written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo, has been making waves in the manga community since its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in June 2022. Originally a one-shot published in Shueisha’s Jump Giga magazine in December 2020, the series has garnered significant attention for its unique blend of supernatural elements and slice-of-life storytelling. In this article, we will delve into the series through volume-by-volume reviews, exploring its themes, characters, and what makes it stand out in the shonen genre.

Volume 1: “Actually a Dragon”

The first volume, titled “Actually a Dragon” (ドラゴンなんだって), introduces us to Ruri Aoki, a high school student who wakes up one day to find horns growing out of her head. Her mother reveals that she is half-dragon, setting the stage for a series that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of being different. The volume debuted at number seven on Oricon’s weekly manga chart, selling 74,874 copies in its first six days, a testament to its immediate appeal.

Volume 2: “Don’t Need to Be Besties”

The second volume, “Don’t Need to Be Besties” (仲良い必要ないんだよ), continues Ruri’s journey as she navigates high school with her newfound draconic traits. This volume delves deeper into Ruri’s relationships with her classmates, particularly Akari Maeda, who openly dislikes Ruri for her indifference to others. The volume debuted at number four on Oricon’s weekly manga chart, selling 77,508 copies, further solidifying the series’ popularity.

Themes and Character Development

RuriDragon excels in its portrayal of relatable characters and themes. Ruri’s struggles to balance her draconic nature with her desire for a normal life resonate deeply with readers. The series also explores themes of isolation and estrangement, common in adolescence, but with a unique supernatural twist.

The character development is noteworthy, with Ruri evolving from a somewhat indifferent student to someone who actively tries to connect with her peers. The supporting cast, including Akari Maeda, adds depth to the story, highlighting the complexities of high school relationships.

Art and Storytelling

Masaoki Shindo’s art is praised for its clean lines and stellar expressions, which bring the characters to life. The storytelling is engaging, balancing comedy and absurdity with heartfelt moments. The series’ pacing is well-managed, making it easy to follow and become invested in Ruri’s journey.

Conclusion

RuriDragon is a captivating manga series that offers a fresh take on the shonen genre. Through its volume-by-volume reviews, we’ve seen how the series explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of being different. With its engaging characters, unique storyline, and excellent art, RuriDragon is a must-read for manga enthusiasts.

For more information on the series, including all chapters and character profiles, visit our website. Explore the world of RuriDragon and discover why it’s becoming a favorite among manga fans.

• Chapters
• Characters

Stay tuned for more updates and reviews on this exciting manga series.