Nice Prison is the newest manga to hit the pages of Shonen Jump, stepping in after Ken Wakui’s Astro Royale ended its run. This new series by Tatsuya Suganuma is already making waves with its bizarre characters and unusual setting. Imagine a prison filled with supermodels and inmates who might not even be fully human – that’s the world of Nice Prison in just its first chapter!
Behind Bars in Nobana-shi
The story of Nice Prison unfolds, unsurprisingly, in a prison. We meet Tera Adachi, a fresh-faced guard who’s following in her father’s footsteps. However, she quickly realizes she’s not quite ready for Nobana-shi. This isn’t your typical correctional facility. Built on top of a landfill, Nobana-shi is practically a town populated almost entirely by prisoners. And these aren’t petty criminals; they’re the toughest of the tough, the ones too difficult to handle anywhere else. They make life hard for the guards, except when Horo is around.
Horo Mitsuboshi is what the guards call a “supermodel prisoner.” Sporting handcuff-shaped glasses, he somehow manages to keep the other inmates in line. The method behind his control is still a mystery, but we soon learn his motivation.
Home Sweet Home for Horo
While Nice Prison focuses on prisoners, Horo stands out as surprisingly kind. He was born in Nobana-shi and, despite its grim nature, considers it his home. He intentionally gets arrested on minor charges just to return and make the prison a better place. In the first chapter alone, he manages to restore a beloved, nostalgic spot in his hometown.
Contrast Horo with the other prisoners of Nobana-shi. There are hardened criminals, a creepy clown, and even a guy who might be part cicada. Yet, when Horo speaks, they listen. He’s determined to make Nobana-shi the welcoming place he remembers, whether it ever truly was or not.
What’s Next for Nice Prison?
Right from the start, Nice Prison seems to be setting itself up as a gag manga, putting it in the same category as series like Me and Roboco and Super Psychic Policeman Chojo. The dynamic between the earnest Horo and the young guard Tera holds a lot of potential for comedic situations. However, the series also hints at a fighting manga direction. The cell blocks of Nobana-shi become increasingly dangerous as the numbers get lower. This suggests the existence of a particularly powerful “super death row prisoner” residing in Cell Block One, whom Horo intends to confront.
The big question now is whether Nice Prison has the potential to become a long-running hit or if it will fade away quickly. Tatsuya Suganuma, the manga’s creator, has previously worked on a one-shot titled Risky Magician and a two-volume series called Flying Darwin. Will Nice Prison be the series that establishes him as a major manga author? Only time will tell, but the initial chapters certainly offer a unique and intriguing premise.
The series blends humor with the potential for action, creating a unique reading experience. Horo’s dedication to improving Nobana-shi, despite its inherent problems, is a compelling storyline. His interactions with Tera, the inexperienced guard, promise to be both funny and heartwarming as she navigates the challenges of her new job and learns to understand the complex dynamics of the prison.
The supporting cast of characters also adds to the series’ appeal. From the bizarre inmates to the jaded guards, each character brings a unique perspective to the story. The mystery surrounding Horo’s ability to control the other prisoners keeps readers engaged, eager to uncover the secrets of his past and the true nature of his power.
Furthermore, the setting of Nobana-shi itself is a character in the story. The prison’s unusual location on top of a landfill adds to its sense of isolation and despair. However, Horo’s efforts to revitalize the town suggest that even the most hopeless places can be transformed with enough determination and compassion.
As the story progresses, it will be interesting to see how Horo’s actions affect the other prisoners and the overall atmosphere of Nobana-shi. Will he succeed in making the prison a more welcoming place, or will his efforts be thwarted by the hardened criminals who call it home? Will Tera learn to adapt to the challenges of her job and find her place in the strange world of Nobana-shi? These are just some of the questions that readers will be eager to have answered as they follow the adventures of Horo and Tera in Nice Prison.
The blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments makes Nice Prison a unique and promising addition to Shonen Jump. With its intriguing characters, unusual setting, and compelling storyline, this manga has the potential to become a long-running hit. Fans of the genre should definitely keep an eye on this series as it continues to unfold.
The art style of Nice Prison is also noteworthy. Suganuma’s detailed character designs and dynamic action sequences bring the story to life. The expressive faces of the characters convey a wide range of emotions, from humor and surprise to anger and despair. The backgrounds are also meticulously crafted, creating a vivid and immersive world for the story to unfold in.
In conclusion, Nice Prison is a must-read for fans of manga who are looking for something fresh and original. With its unique premise, compelling characters, and engaging storyline, this series has the potential to become a classic. So, be sure to check out the latest chapters and join Horo and Tera on their adventures in the strange and wonderful world of Nobana-shi.