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REVIEW: The Promised Neverland GN 1

It might not be the next Death Note in terms of cultural impact, but I do see it becoming HUGE when the inevitable anime adaptation rolls around. I'm thinking it'll at least be like Attack on Titan, where it's THE anime of the entire year when it comes out.

I do disagree with leafy sea dragon on the first volume being a tough act to follow. I actually think the first few volumes are really strong. It wasn't until the second story arc that the quality started dipping for me, but it's still a solid read that has been picking up again here lately.

That's another reason I've been comparing it to Attack on Titan. Like with it, I can see a potential second season getting a more mixed reaction compared to never-ending hype and critical acclaim of the first season. (granted the first season ends with the end of the first story arc, that is)

The biggest problem for Promised Neverland is handling the shift. Death Note spoiler[was a chess match until L died]. Similarly, PN spoiler[is a Chess match, until they escape the farm]. It's been a bit uneven since then. I kind of hope they prove my guess spoiler[(Norman is still alive)] correct sooner rather than later, because right now I'm just waiting for that to happen. Makes me curious if spoiler[Norman will be the future "mama", by which I mean intellectual antagonist].

The way I see it, it has never stopped being a chess match, just that the kids run into different people. spoiler[After they escape, it becomes a brief one against the monsters who work for Grace Field, and now it's a pretty lengthy one against the man who survived the poacher attack and now lives in the shelter.] spoiler[And last week, we received another intellectual duel, against one of those poachers, who's proving himself to be highly intelligent--and Emma has to take him on without Norman or Ray, while raising the stakes by introducing another group of children.]