As a super supporter of beginning western manga artists who complete a portion of their work and share it with the world, I bought this to do just that-- Support. Unfortunately, I can't recommend Rise at it's current price. It's a cliche approach to a cliche concept. The art is unpolished (though props for putting it all in colour) and the lettering is sometimes difficult to read... Not even the designs of the characters stood out.

If you're going to try and create a story around a concept so done-to-death as elemental style powers, you've got to do something new with it. Introducing the story via two disembodied voices introducing the main character pretty much spoilt what little of the story remained in this 22 page chapter. I suggest that the author re-think this opening concept to make it more interesting. Maybe starting with the bus accident and cutting down all the needless talking (gotta show, not tell) will help Rise start to stand out.

As for the art... Welllll keep practicing. Try learning to vary your line weight, and for certain take a look at panels in other manga to see how they're laid out. The paneling at the moment is your greatest weakness in the artwork. Keep trying and I will be watching to see for any improvements in the next chapter.

Just try to lower the price. $3 is much too high for this and I kind of regret my purchase.

RISE. Although the use of Elements is foreshadowed. It definitely does not disappoint with it's great humor and foretelling to it's unique story plot. A great read for the incoming Fall + Winter, I can't wait to see where the story takes me.

Luke Shapiro