For last year’s SJ subscribers you probably know just how heartfelt and exciting the concluding chapters of Bakuman were (well, the whole series, actually), but to have them compiled together in volume form like this was a real treat to re-read.  I was a huge Bakuman fan as the series was still being released, and for that I’m definitely thankful. It was great experiencing the manga’s ending with my fellow fans as the final chapters were coming out every week, but let me tell you, reading it all together as a bound volume actually brought a few shonen tears to my eyes. (Then again I’m known to be one of those fans who cry during the final chapters of their favorite series.) Needless to say this series has a very special ending—but first, let’s start at the volume’s beginning.

So in vol. 19 we left off with Azuki’s bold public declaration of love for Mashiro on the radio. Mashiro calls in to support her, which causes quite a buzz! Mashiro and Azuki reaffirm their promise to one another over the phone and declare to Azu-kyun and Ashirogi fans alike that she will earn the role of Naho with nothing but her own skill. It's a very touching scene, even within the context of the manga as the two of them create a sensation in the news, earning their relationship as well as Reversi's anime adaptation even more publicity.

But there's still a bumpy road ahead. Where there is publicity there’s pressure and for Mashiro and Azuki's dream, the stakes are at their very highest. When Reversi's anime director announces to Mashiro his shocking idea of publicly broadcasting the audition for Naho's voice actress and allowing fans to vote for their favorite, Takagi and Hattori are less than enthralled, but Mashiro okays it with every confidence Azuki can win the role fair and square. The patience and determination of these two always continues to astound me and the pureness of their love gives me super warm-fuzzies.

I won't spoil how the audition goes for those who haven't read it yet, but it's a really exciting part of the volume. I'll just tell you that just when you thought Azuki can't get any cooler, she does.

Even after the audition and all it’s craziness reaches its conclusion, Mashiro and Takagi are still faced with more problems. Even after getting an anime adaptation there are things to worry about! When it all comes down to it, Takagi isn't sure he if can force himself to continue Reversi after the final arc despite Shueisha's wishes. In the spirit of making Reversi a manga masterpiece, Hattori butts heads with the editor in chief to fight for Takagi's vision. He really shows what an amazing editor he is in this volume!

I don't want to spoil anything too much here, even if it's not exactly a surprise to some, but this volume is definitely a must-read for Bakuman fans. I was not disappointed with the ending at all (which unfortunately happens to me fairly often with other series, I feel). Like I said before, the story of Bakuman really moved me, especially after following Mashiro, Takagi, and Azuki all the way from middle school to the end of their dream. I will say however that I would have liked to see Mashiro and Azuki's wedding, and actually Hiramaru and Aoki's, too! And I definitely wouldn't have minded seeing the manga continue as I feel like the rivalry with Eiji didn't entirely reach its climax or conclusion. But it also leaves it up to the imagination, which is good in it's own way, too. 

Even if we can't see what happens next, we know there's plenty more in store for Muto Ashirogi's future, and that they will continue to pursue even greater dreams! All in all, I thought it was a great way to end the series. And as a huge Bakuman fan, I couldn't ask for anything else. Except maybe 40 more volumes. 

Bakuman volume 20 is available from VIZ.com!

by Melanie Westin