Ousama Ranking (Ranking of Kings)

Pepperoni

I couldn't find a thread for this anime/manga so I made a new one :happy:

Ousama Ranking is written by Sōsuke Tōka. It has been serialized online via Manga Hack since May 2017 and has been collected in eleven tankōbon volumes so far.

For those of you who may not have heard of this series, here is a trailer for the anime adapted by Wit Studio of 'Attack on Titan' fame (Seasons 1-3)

UPDATE MAY 2022:

The first season of the the anime has finished. The anime covered nearly the entire current series, so it is unlikely there will be a second season any time soon.

So folks may be wanting to read the manga. The manga wasn't being translated prior to the anime so there is currently no complete translation.

There are currently two scan groups working on the series, one translating the chapters the anime covered, (currently up to chapter 70) and one picking up in "Part 2", directly from where the anime left off, starting in chapter 156.

Note that while the anime covered the manga very solidly and with zero filler, there are still some bonus chapters and mild character bits that are skimmed over, so if you have the time its probably still worth at least skimming part one. Particularly the "bonus" chapters, which tend to be labeled with a .5 at the end, indicating they're an inbetween bonus, such as such as 13.5, 27.5, 41.5, etc.

Part 1
https://ou-samaranking.com/

Part 2 (starting from chapter 156)
https://homeheroscans.com/series/or2

Ongoing discussions will assume those joining the thread going forward have seen the anime, but will be spoil tagging new content post chapter 156.

If you are just starting the anime and coming in to discuss it and not caught up, please make that clear so everyone can take appropriate spoiler tag measures for those new to the series.

Pepperoni

So…..did anyone watch the last episode?

This blog post about the first 3 episodes was an interesting read https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2021/10/31/ranking-of-kings-ousama-ranking-production-notes-01-03/

Wintermute

Thanks for pointing out this series. Both the Anime and the Manga are great in their way. The condensed heart and tragedy within 20 chapters or the first three episodes is just One Piece Level epic.

Pepperoni

@Wintermute:

Thanks for pointing out this series. Both the Anime and the Manga are great in their way. The condensed heart and tragedy within 20 chapters or the first three episodes is just One Piece Level epic.

No worries :happy: The series is doing pretty well critically but I just hope more people tune into it. I know Wit Studio has had some financial difficulties of late.

I too have read the manga and I think Wit has done a stellar job of adapting it. I know that the manga presents everything in a pretty straightforward way when compared to the anime so I appreciate the choices that the studio has taken with regards to rearranging and/or reframing certain events to keep the viewers anticipating.

Kdom

The last translated manga chapter introduces the ranking of kings. I'm not sure already it was already done contrary to the anime when we learn abount it immediately

Pepperoni

It looks like the manga translations and the anime episodes will be neck and neck in terms of release.

I didn't think there was that much of a difference between the way the anime and the manga introduced the Rankings was there?

Pepperoni

Episode 5 Preview
https://streamable.com/vh7udh

Pepperoni

Just got around to watching episode 5. Man… the world building in episode 4 and 5 has been something else. The characterisation has been great too. The anime depicts the characters in complex shades of grey in terms of morality, instead of black and white. The mirror seems like an exception for now (and possibly Daida). It seems very nefarious but who knows, maybe the mirror will get a fleshed out background sometime in the future.

I couldn't help but notice Takahiro Sakurai's name in the voice cast so I'm really looking forward to seeing him turn up

akagami7

About episode 5, The scene where they made the potion was hilarious and disturbing at the same time. Like what the actual fuck

Pepperoni

@akagami7:

About episode 5, The scene where they made the potion was hilarious and disturbing at the same time. Like what the actual fuck

Oh yeah that scene was so elaborate and intriguing I was almost disappointed that we couldn't see the outcome. Good on Daida for not falling for it? But I guess he's just too prideful

akagami7

@Pepperoni:

Oh yeah that scene was so elaborate and intriguing I was almost disappointed that we couldn't see the outcome. Good on Daida for not falling for it? But I guess he's just too prideful

Yes, good that Daida didn't fall for it. It gives him some agency as a character instead of becoming the mirror's puppet.

Pepperoni

@akagami7:

Yes, good that Daida didn't fall for it. It gives him some agency as a character instead of becoming the mirror's puppet.

Yeah I like how you can never tell what the characters intentions are. Even the spear guy, Apis, is giving off ominous vibes. The fact that he's already been in the "basement" before makes me question whether he's motivated by good intentions in his support for Bojji.

akagami7

@Pepperoni:

Yeah I like how you can never tell what the characters intentions are. Even the spear guy, Apis, is giving off ominous vibes. The fact that he's already been in the "basement" before makes me question whether he's motivated by good intentions in his support for Bojji.

I think his intentions are good but he does appear to know a lot more than the rest of the characters. When we see him fighting the gryphon it looks like he is in the presence of the two scythe guys that made the potion plus a woman that could be the person in the mirror.

Pepperoni

@akagami7:

When we see him fighting the gryphon it looks like he is in the presence of the two scythe guys that made the potion plus a woman that could be the person in the mirror.

Yes you can even see the mirror behind her in that scene! I wouldn't be surprised if the story later revealed that the mirror was someone/something that was acting in the best interest of the kingdom but was going about it in a shady way, a la Lelouch. There's a lot of hidden depth to these characters.

Pepperoni

Episode 6 Preview
https://streamable.com/7s2c7t

Kdom

just watch episode 5 since i don't have a premium for the last one. It was a very good episode. The reunion scene is very touching. Who doesn't want to cry with them.
Domas struggle is also quite hard. He seems very lost in what he should do.
Damias appear less than a bad guy desperate for the power in this episode which makes him more interesting

Pepperoni

@Kdom:

just watch episode 5 since i don't have a premium for the last one. It was a very good episode. The reunion scene is very touching. Who doesn't want to cry with them.
Domas struggle is also quite hard. He seems very lost in what he should do.
Damias appear less than a bad guy desperate for the power in this episode which makes him more interesting

Yeah the reunion was great. At the time, I thought when Bojji fell off the tower and landed perfectly on the bag, that it was very convenient. Nice to see that Kage had his back from even back then.

Domas is a very complex character. He's not bad per se and you can see the anguish within him when he's confronted with doing morally questionable things and his loyalty to the crown.

Bebin has been the most surprising character for me in terms of how much I like him compared to how little we've seen of him (as of episode 6). I doubt he actually died in that duel against Apeas so I'm looking forward to seeing him pop up in the future.

Pepperoni

Episode 7 PV

Pepperoni

A lot happened in terms of story in episode 7 but the biggest thing that grabbed my attention was the technical aspects of this episode. There were some interesting animation and directorial choices.

Take just this scene
https://www.sakugabooru.com/post/show/172344

puffing.cinema

I've watched it all in one swoop and it's awesome! I'm after the manga to catch up, but I fully plan to see the whole season. Amazing!

Pepperoni

@puffing.cinema:

I've watched it all in one swoop and it's awesome! I'm after the manga to catch up, but I fully plan to see the whole season. Amazing!

Unfortunately the manga translations are way behind what we've seen in the anime :unsure:

DestinyDogma

I really like this series characters designs, everyone looks so different from one another, my favorites designs so far are Bebin, Apeas and Desha´s. It´s also cool how the author makes them more complex than they appear to be at first glance, suspassing the people´s expectations.

Hoping that it gets a second season though, since it seems the manga just finished it´s first half according to some sites.

puffing.cinema

@Pepperoni:

Unfortunately the manga translations are way behind what we've seen in the anime :unsure:

Yeah, I could only find the first 23 chapters…and while skimming it, I saw some "spoilers" for the anime only watcher. So I'll probably stick to the anime from now on.

Pepperoni

@DestinyDogma:

I really like this series characters designs, everyone looks so different from one another, my favorites designs so far are Bebin, Apeas and Desha´s. It´s also cool how the author makes them more complex than they appear to be at first glance, suspassing the people´s expectations.

Hoping that it gets a second season though, since it seems the manga just finished it´s first half according to some sites.

Yeah I think Bebin and Despa are my favourite designs so far. Bebin, especially, is giving me major 60's/70's vibes with his hairstyle and facial hair. Like a Frank Zappa or a Charles Bronson (the actor, not the prisoner).

I love that the characters are hard to figure out. Keeps you on your toes as to who is trustworthy or not.

@puffing.cinema:

Yeah, I could only find the first 23 chapters…and while skimming it, I saw some "spoilers" for the anime only watcher. So I'll probably stick to the anime from now on.

Yeah unfortunately I had a look at the volume covers and I may have been slightly spoiled (just a teeny bit)

puffing.cinema

I believe it's in chapter 11 that

! it is confirmed that the King made a pact with the Devil to sacrify his family to gain power. I mean, the anime was walking that path with the ressurection spell but to have it spelled like that from such an early point of the show…it just makes sense to post-pone it. Kudos to the anime team.

Pepperoni

@puffing.cinema:

I believe it's in chapter 11 that

! it is confirmed that the King made a pact with the Devil to sacrify his family to gain power. I mean, the anime was walking that path with the ressurection spell but to have it spelled like that from such an early point of the show…it just makes sense to post-pone it. Kudos to the anime team.

Yeah I like that they didn't tip their hand too early and saved it. Should be in the next ep according to the previews.

Ivotas

Ok this thread got me intregued so I checked out the manga and I must say I like it. But how many chapters are there out actually? I read up to chapter 23 but if there's an anime already then I'm sure that there have to be more, right? Is this a case of scanslations being behind and only being a recent occurance thanks to increasing popularity because of the anime?

fdsfgfs

@Ivotas:

Ok this thread got me intregued so I checked out the manga and I must say I like it. But how many chapters are there out actually? I read up to chapter 23 but if there's an anime already then I'm sure that there have to be more, right? Is this a case of scanslations being behind and only being a recent occurance thanks to increasing popularity because of the anime?

That's basically it, yeah. With

Ivotas

@fdsfgfs:

That's basically it, yeah. With

I guessed so. So how far is the manga in Japan in terms of chapters?

fdsfgfs

@Ivotas:

I guessed so. So how far is the manga in Japan in terms of chapters?

I think there are 11 volumes, so about 110 chapters.

Ivotas

@fdsfgfs:

I think there are 11 volumes, so about 110 chapters.

Holy moly! That's quite a number of chapters to catch up. Well, no other choice but sticking around within and treating it as I would any ongoing series.

Kdom

Actually the translation started before the anime but probably because an anime was announced. It has been more irregular since they are behind

DestinyDogma

Regarding the last episode:

! I wonder why Bosse needed so much strenght, perhaps it was for the sake of it, but I hope not. Really interested in learning what the deal with Miranjo is, since she and Bosse knew each other before he was a king.
! Also, the episode was fine, but for the first time it felt like they put too much stuff on it, still fun to watch though.

Pd: My bad, I thought it was an anime thread.

Kdom

I think Ivotas does not watch the anime and i do watch them 1 week late so maybe it is best to use spoiler tag

Ivotas

@Kdom:

I think Ivotas does not watch the anime and i do watch them 1 week late so maybe it is best to use spoiler tag

Thanks for being considerate mate. I in fact don't watch the anime yet, so your post has helped me to avoid reading anything else. However I couldn't have been mad if I red the supposed spoiler because I don't think discussing an a recent anime episode of a manga with 111 chapters should be considered a spoiler. True, technically I cannot be ahead of the anime because of the lack of scanslations but still I feel like that would be too much self centered.

So yeah, I truly appreciate it but feel free to talk about everything. If I get spoilered then because I myself took the risk.

fdsfgfs

I also don't watch it, and am just on the manga; would appreciate the use of spoiler tags as well.

Pepperoni

@DestinyDogma:

Regarding the last episode:

! I wonder why Bosse needed so much strenght, perhaps it was for the sake of it, but I hope not. Really interested in learning what the deal with Miranjo is, since she and Bosse knew each other before he was a king.
! Also, the episode was fine, but for the first time it felt like they put too much stuff on it, still fun to watch though.

Pd: My bad, I thought it was an anime thread.

! This episode, like episode 4, felt like it would've done better with a longer runtime. The amount of content covered felt like what you would find in a 30-40 minute episode. It definitely would've been helped with some breathing room but it didn't affect my viewing of it too badly.
! I find the conflict between Bosse and the Monsters/Underworld interesting. I don't think the monsters are as bad as portrayed initially. Especially since we've seen what appears a peaceful society down in the depths.
Also speaking of character designs, Despa reminded me a lot of yesteryear actor Errol Flynn

And Desha kind of reminds me of Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Pepperoni

Episode 9 Preview

STAFF

Screenplay: Taku Kishimoto
Storyboard/Director: Arifumi Imai
Chief Animation Director: Atsuko Nozaki
Animation Director: Hideyuki Arao, Tomoyuki Kitamura, Rena Hiura, Atsuko Nozaki, Shin Ogasawara, Itsuki Tsuchigami, Koki Fujimoto, Osamu Murata, Takeshi Maenami, spike, Hirofumi Masuda, Arifumi Imai, Shunsuke Aoki
Genga Animation Director: Kumiko Nakata, Chisa Shibata, Shinobu Ikakko

RoboBlue

Haven't read the manga, but I've been watching this since it started airing and it's arguably the best new show this season.

Pepperoni

@RoboBlue:

Haven't read the manga, but I've been watching this since it started airing and it's arguably the best new show this season.

Wit Studio have some of the best talent in the industry working on this show which has me excited for future episodes. Episode 9 will be directed by Arifumi Imai (who also did the storyboard) which makes me think it will be a cracker of an episode.

puffing.cinema

I would also plea to the manga-only guys to give it a chance. It's suberb! The delivery is great, and I feel like they are slightly better paced in giving weight tothe needed scenes; sometimes doing a better job than the manga

Pepperoni

@puffing.cinema:

I would also plea to the manga-only guys to give it a chance. It's suberb! The delivery is great, and I feel like they are slightly better paced in giving weight tothe needed scenes; sometimes doing a better job than the manga

I second this plea. Please do check out the anime adaptation. It's bloody brilliant.

Wintermute

Episode 9 was heartwrenching, beautiful and visually stunning. I cried.

fdsfgfs

@puffing.cinema:

I would also plea to the manga-only guys to give it a chance. It's suberb! The delivery is great, and I feel like they are slightly better paced in giving weight tothe needed scenes; sometimes doing a better job than the manga

I don't really watch anime at all, so it's unlikely.

Pepperoni

@Wintermute:

Episode 9 was heartwrenching, beautiful and visually stunning. I cried.

Oh man…there is just so much to unpack in terms of story and characters. The animation and voice acting was on another level in this episode.

Robby

Oh man, the forum has been down for two months and I discovered this in that time. It's SOOO good!

Anyone that likes One Piece needs to be watching this show.

So… everyone here.

It's not exactly the same as One Piece, of course not, its less wacky and not quite as battle heavy, but it consistently is full of heart, character, moments that make me laugh, cry, drama, plotting, heartbreak and betrayal, worry about characters, reverse my opinion on old characters, go "oh no!" and "oh yeah!" and "I can't wait for those two to meet up again!" All while looking very simple.

This show has mastered One Piece's ability to give you a tragic character flashback and then want all the best for them forever.

Its the kind of series where I would go "Ah, we're finally seeing what happens when those that grew up on One Piece start making their own stuff"... except the author is in his 40's.

Every single episode flies by and I want the next one immediately. The japanese AND the English versions are great. I was enjoying the dub but it was six episodes behind so my wife and I had to switch to the Japanese after we caught up, could not wait for the next one.

It's been a long, long time since a show has grabbed me and clicked this strongly.

I liked the characters by the end of the first episode, and by the end of the second I was ready to follow them for 200 episodes. And by the third episode the show began to reveal what it could really be. By the 13th episode I want to buy the manga and the blu ray (neither of which will exist anytime soon in English speaking places) and hunt down merchandise.

The character designs might be a little off throwing, but you get used to the style pretty quick. They exude charm and warmth. And if you like One Piece, or something like Steven Universe, that should be easy to deal with.

Bojji is just the best. So is Kage.

bobop

"Don't judge a book by its cover" the show
I agree, this anime is awesome. It's full of love, full of awesome characters and clearly made by passionate people. Bojji is one of the best MC. You can't help but root for this little dude.
The queen is one of the best step-mother.

Robby

I really haven't felt this strongly about an anime in a long, long time. I tried looking into the manga… but it was basically an obscure webcomic before the anime was announced so no one had really done it. It's way behind and hte art is a lot, lot harder to get past in the manga.

The anime did some real heavy lifting in cleaning it all up. Still want to read it at some point once more of it is translated.

Zack

@Robby:

Anyone that likes One Piece needs to be watching this show.

Yeah. I started watching during the time in between the show and told my friend literally the same thing. I've also seen a couple of other people express the same thoughts.

Robby

Episode 2 spoiler

!

Like you just see that and it's just… oh god it's One Piece all over again. Any One Piece fan sees a shot like that and they should KNOW what it means you're getting your heart ripped in half.

And they keep doing it with character after character. You could have the worst possible opinion of them and then FIVE MINUTES LATER "Oh that poor thing! You're too good for this world!"

Including coming back around to Bojji multiple times. It's just....

protect that boy!