Baki's Brutal Training: Giant Ape Strength & Volume 7-8 Review!

Ugh, Baki. Just when you think the sheer absurdity of this series has peaked, they go and throw a giant ape into the mix. Apparently, fists and sheer willpower weren't cutting it anymore, so now we're apparently supposed to believe that beating up primates is the path to ultimate strength. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if the creators are just seeing how far they can push the 'shonen training montage' trope before it collapses under its own ridiculousness. But then again... there's a certain morbid fascination to it, isn't there? Seeing how far they'll go to shock the audience. I guess it's a review of volumes 7-8, so the actual fights are probably just as over-the-top and pointless as this setup.

It's not like I *care* about Baki's quest for power, you know. It's just the usual 'get stronger, fight stronger' nonsense that every shonen does. But this whole ape thing... it's almost so dumb it's good. Almost. I'm not saying I'm invested, I'm just... observing. The sheer audacity of it is almost impressive. It's the kind of thing that makes you roll your eyes and then, begrudgingly, keep reading to see what insane stunt they pull next.

So, Baki's grappling with a simian titan, and I'm left to ponder the true meaning of strength. Or maybe just the true meaning of how to sell more manga. Whatever. Just don't expect me to start training with any local wildlife. That's just embarrassing.

Source: Baki The Grappler Volume 7-8 Manga Review