Sket Dance

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Sket Dance
スケット・ダンス
(Suketto Dansu)
Genre School Comedy
Manga
Author Kenta Shinohara
Publisher Flag of Japan Shueisha
Demographic Shōnen
Serialized in Flag of Japan Weekly Shōnen Jump
Original run 2007 – ongoing

Sket Dance (スケット・ダンス Suketto Dansu?) is a manga work by Kenta Shinohara. It started its serialization in issue 33 of Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2007 after it was showcased as a complete novel each in issue 39 of Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2006 and Aka-Maru Jump in the winter of 2006.

Contents

[edit] Overview

The manga focuses on the misadventures of the "Campus Support Group" or "Sket-Dan", of Kaimei Gakuen, a club devoted to solving any and all problems brought to it by the staff or student body for the general improvement of campus life. Due to its general lack of meaningful assignments and unglamorous 'group of handymen' reputation [1] the organization is treated with widespread contempt and it is composed of only three members.

The story is told through a series of short, self-contained stories focusing on cases undertaken by the Sket Dan, usually told in the space of one to two chapters. Cases to date focus on a variety of issues from more humorous cases like chasing monkeys around the school or helping a wanna-be samurai find out why he cannot win kendo tournaments to more serious cases that hint at Otohime's violent past or deal with near-terminal illness.

Characters from previous cases also often make cameos in later ones and recurring storylines, such as the Sket Dan's rivalry with the school's student council.

[edit] Main Characters

Bossun (ボッスン?)/Yusuke Fujisaki (藤崎佑助 Fujisaki Yusuke?)

The team leader, an expert marksman [2] and artist [3] whose usually erratic personality is replaced with a brilliant deductive mindset by ceremonially donning his special goggles in a process called 'Connecting' [4] - this allows him to make eerily accurate inferences by concentrating entirely on absolutely all the available evidence, even to the extent of accurately recalling almost inaudible background noise in a brief phone conversation [5]. He enjoys the sense of adventure he receives from helping others for its own sake, but can become very emotionally involved with more serious Cases to the extent of verbally abusing those he sees to be betraying their friends or their best interests [6]. Despite Bossun's deceptively sharp acumen, he is notably socially awkward and especially bad with attractive women. [7]. He frequently breaks the Fourth Wall between manga and reader, referring to other manga such as "Bleach" or arguing with perceived deviations from the manga's 'formula' - accusing Himeko of being ridiculous, he cries "Shaddup!!! You're supposed to be the straight man here!! The guest characters are the weird ones!" [8]; he also jealously, vocally guards his position as the main character and protagonist of the series whenever he feels he is being sidelined [9].

Himeko (ヒメコ?)/Hime Onizuka (鬼塚一愛 Onizuka Hime?)/Onihime (鬼姫?)

The "Amazon", or "Yankee" (combat specialist) of the team - a volatile and highly dangerous close-range fighter who serves as the Sket Dan's muscle [10] using her specialized field-hockey stick 'Cyclone' [11]. Already a formidable antagonist, with this innocuous-seeming weapon in hand she is easily capable of defeating multiple opponents instantaneously [12] or shredding a full-grown tree in moments [13]. In the past, Himeko used these abilities as the "Legendary Yankee Onihime" [14] to become a symbol of "power and fear" - more recently, memories of an unknown boy in a school uniform have prevented her fully enacting these violent impulses and she has largely given up her title [15]. Obsessed with bizarre flavours of lollipop such as 'Mackerel-Miso' [16] which almost kill anyone without a powerful "fighting spirit" who tries eating them [17], she almost constantly has one sticking out of her mouth, which is frequently mistaken for a habit of smoking from a distance [18].

Switch (スイッチ Suicchi?)/Kazuyoshi Usui (笛吹和義 Usui Kazuyoshi?)

The 'brains' of the team (in contrast to Bossun's intuition and Himeko's brawn) in charge of intelligence-gathering [19] and, in contrast to the more excitable other Sket Dan members, largely concerned with "honest, data-substantiated fact" [20]. Never speaking out loud, he instead uses his constantly present laptop computer to communicate using "Speech Synthesis Software" [21] to convey his thoughts, in between constant bouts of forum trolling [22] and dating-simulation playthroughs [23]. Switch is the proprietor of a vast school-wide intelligence network comprised largely of perverts and outcasts [24], and thus in possession of almost unlimited information on everyone in the vicinity of the school; the ensuing potential for blackmail makes him a bad person to cross [25]. Surprisingly popular with the ladies [26], he expresses interest in very little outside of his Sket Dan duties - except, curiously, for frequent 'Science vs. the Supernatural' debates with the notorious occult fanatic Yuuki Reiko [27] which seem to be sparked by an underyling mutual attraction. Beyond his computer skills, Switch has shown frequent and unexplained access to high-tech gear such as computerized training equipment [28] and minute homing devices [29].

[edit] Student Council

The rivals of the Sket-dan, who uphold school rules and handle administrative duties, like the creation and funding of clubs. Within the Sket Dance world, there is a manga series about them, running in Shōnen Jump[30], and a tie-in game on Vivage City, a cellular phone game company[31].

Sōjirō Agata (安形 惣司郎 Agata Sōjirō?)
President of the Student Council and a Third year student. A very charismatic, laid-back individual, who seemingly does nothing as President. He entrusts most responsibilities to the Vice President, Sasuke Tsubaki[32]. His IQ is around 160[33]. His ability to read and understand people is used to manipulate them to do what he wants, such as motivating Bossun into competing with him seriously[34]. This same ability is why he has the complete loyalty of Student Council members, Sasuke and Daisy[35]. His performance in the Gachinko Vivage Battle's "Pixie Garden" match with Bossun shows that he is a good strategist, who learns quickly, and is adept at lying[36]. Despite his ruthlessness, and professions that he isn't a nice guy, he's against cheating to win[37]. He has a tendency to forget things he's said, such as the bet he pretended to make with Bossun to get him fired up[38].
Sasuke Tsubaki (椿 佐介 Tsubaki Sasuke?)
The Vice President of the Student Council, who takes his responsibilities very seriously, even overzealously, willing to punch a hole in a wall and injure himself to get his point across[39]. He believes that the Sket-dan is useless and should be abolished, leading to conflicts with Bossun[40]. The two consider each other rivals[41] and his desire to defeat Bossun and the Sket-dan motivate him to do things he wouldn't otherwise do[42]. He is a skilled fighter, and the boxing club at their school wanted him on their team[43]. He also researches his opponents weaknesses and uses them to his advantage[44].
Mimori Unyū (丹生 美森 Unyū Mimori?)
The Treasurer of the Student Council. She's the wealthy granddaughter of the Unyuu Group's leader. She is competent enough to know how to allocate hidden funds for the Student Council[45], but this is countered by her desires to spend frivolously[46]. She believes money is a means to all ends, from love confessions[47] to winning competitions[48]. Despite this, she considers herself an advocate of proper conduct, and even lectures Tsubaki for his uncivilized actions[49]. Outside of her financial duties, she provides refreshments and first aid supplies to the other Student Council members[50].
Kikuno Asahina (浅雛 菊乃 Asahina Kikuno?)
The Secretary of the Student Council, nicknamed "Daisy-chan." She is a Second-year student, who will do whatever Sōjirō tells her to do, from participating in the Gachinko Vivage Battle Tournament[51] to going undercover on a Student Council Operation to catch a ring of blackmailers[52]. She speaks harshly, and insults people on purpose, often saying things like "Drown in a gutter and die", or "Drown, die, revive, and die again." She has good aim, and relentlessly attacks without hesitation[53]. While she seems calm and composed on the outside, she is quick to judge others, and thus, underestimate them.[54] She doesn't handle failure very well, and will console herself by cuddling stuffed animals[55].
Michiru Shinba (榛葉 道流 Shinba Michiru?)
A Student Council Member responsible for General Affairs, and a Third-year Student. He is a narcissist[56], who loves having his picture taken[57]. He is popular with girls[58], and also has a very devoted fanclub called the "Shinbals"[59]. He is an extremely good chef, considered "exceptional even among professionals.[60]" Michiru often plays the straight man opposite the quirks of the other student council[61], and is also one of the few people who understands that Sōjirō has a manipulative side[62].

[edit] Other Characters

Mr. Chūma (中馬先生 Chūma Sensei?)
The little-seen and inhumanly apathetic "Club Supervisor" of the Sket Dan [63] spends most of his time in his lab instead of minding them, where his only gift seems to be for creating dangerous and unstable explosive devices [64]. As his token support is prerequisite to Sket Dan's existence, he holds the threat of its withdrawal over the members' heads when he wishes to coerce them into some unreasonable 'favour'. [65]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 10
  2. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 9, Page 15
  3. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 7, Page 12
  4. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 32
  5. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 11
  6. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 9, Page 6
  7. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 8, Page 12
  8. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 14
  9. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 3, Page 9
  10. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 11
  11. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 5, Page 4
  12. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 5, Page 1
  13. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 14
  14. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 15
  15. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 16
  16. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 18
  17. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 5, Page 9
  18. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 6, Page 15
  19. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 13
  20. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 3, Page 5
  21. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 13
  22. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 13
  23. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 8, Page 3
  24. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 3, Pages 10-13
  25. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 1, Page 13
  26. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 3, Page 12
  27. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 3, Page 9
  28. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 4, Page 11
  29. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 2, Page 13
  30. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 24, Page 19
  31. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 25, Page 4
  32. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 10, Page 4
  33. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 35, Page 10
  34. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 35, Page 18
  35. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 33, Page 16-17
  36. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 33-35
  37. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 32, Page 19
  38. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 35, Page 16
  39. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 10, Page 3
  40. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 10, Page 10
  41. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 26, Page 3
  42. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 25, Page 16
  43. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 28, Page 8
  44. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 29, Page 17
  45. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 10, Page 4
  46. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 10, Page 4
  47. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 32, Page 7-8
  48. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 25, Page 5
  49. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 10, Page 4
  50. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 23, Page 18
  51. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 25, Page 5
  52. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 23
  53. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 30
  54. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 31, Page 9
  55. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 31, Page 11
  56. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 27, Page 8
  57. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 27, Page 16
  58. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 32, Page 6
  59. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 27, Page 8
  60. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 27, Page 16
  61. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 32, Pages 4-8
  62. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 33, Pages 16-17
  63. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 2, Page 6
  64. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 2, Page 7
  65. ^ Kenta Shinohara, Sket Dance, Chapter 2, Page 9
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