Slam Dunk, Volume 24 (Slam Dunk (Viz)) [Paperback]

The National Tournament (the summer championships) have begun and Shohoku High School who is ranked "C" is taking on ranked "A" team, Toyotama High School.

And already, the guys of Shohoku are realizing that these guys is their biggest challenge yet and to win, they are going to have to play as a team. Meanwhile, star player Kaede Rukawa was hit hard by Toyotama High's "Ace Killer", Minami and his eye is swollen shut. With Shohoku's top shooter now limited to one eye, how will this affect the team's chances? Also, will Hanamichi Sakuragi show his true offensive prowess? Or will he continue to embarrass himself in front of the team.

Find out in the conclusion of the Shohoku High School vs. Toyotama High School competition in vol. 24 of "Slam Dunk"!

JUDGMENT CALL:

In the last volume, things were not easy for the Shohoku players. In fact, Toyotama shows off their brilliance by countering the offensive tactics that Shohoku has in the early minutes of the game and taking an early lead. And for the trash talking Kishimoto of Toyotama High School, he wonders if Shohoku is a joke, especially Hanamichi Sakuragi, who he has to guard. But when Toyotama shows they are a dominant team, Coach Anzai has a new strategy to take on Toyotama and that is utilizing team captain Takenori Akagi, ace player Kaeda Rukawa and bencher Yasuda! Will this strategy pay off?

In volume 24, it's all about the basketball matchup between both high schools and while not so much about strategy, it's about people overcoming issues. Kaede Rukawa is the best player of Shohoku, but with a swollen eye, he must continue to show that he can play a high level and still play with one eye.

Meanwhile, Sakuragi who has practiced many times to improve his jump shot, still has a lot to prove as he is not exactly doing all that well.

But if the team can play together as a team, perhaps there is a chance that they can put some points up on the board and defeat Osaka's Toyotama High School!

As for the manga series, Takehiko Inoue's illustrations have always been a highlight for me and I was always amazed of how he captured movements of basketball. With this volume, much more exploration of characters shopping, studying or training in basketball. Character designs are well-done and it's great to see the female characters featured in this volume as well.

So for any "Slam Dunk" fan, this is what everyone has been waiting for in the manga series. For so long we have seen these players dream of playing at the summer tournament and now they are there, about to play their first game against the dominant Toyotama High School team and knowing that even last year's champs are in their competitive bracket.

It's 100% basketball action in volume 24 of "Slam Dunk". If you are a sports manga fan, and love basketball, this volume is definitely recommended!