>>96568959It was a re-read for me, but it was interesting to go through again. Sorachi's artstyle had changed so much over the years that I was surprised with how Gintoki and the Yorozuya initially looked. Testament to how amazing the anime is, the manga sometimes feels a little lacking, it's not bad and maybe my reading tempo is to blame but the quips and retorts aren't as snappy when in word. Something I'll never get tired of is how Sorachi controls the mood of the manga. It may not be for all, but half the chapter they'd pile on this poor guy and then next page they're delving into his beyond tragic backstory and you feel sorry for the guy even though they'd stripped him naked, ripped his nuts off or something to that effect.
..and then it whiplashes back to comedy in the end. It's perfect, great mood control and manipulation of human emotion.I remember the first time I went through the bigger more serious arcs,
Benizakura, Shinsengumi Crisis. again speaking to Sorachi's characterization how he can have characters shooting the shit and then shit gets real and it's still ultimately compelling, if not more so because we've spent so much time with these characters. The
Okita Mitsuba arc breaks my heart every time. I don't know why that one in particular hits so hard, but... man. Man...If we're reading more, I'd be on board. But it's also an investment and one people might not be willing to make.
Finally, not exactly manga-related, but since it was the opening for the arc, I've always thought this was the best opening from the original anime run. Love me some DOES.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnWCcJ7OTtA 
