Freezing

Reviewing till chapter 29
[Atmosphere/mood: medium-heavy mostly]
[Notable pickings: Action:10 l Drama:10 l Tragedy:11/10 l Flow of story:10 l Thrilling:10 l Fanservice:0? l Ecchi:1 l Bloody scenes:4 ]

Short summary: This is the best no-nonsense manga/anime I've seen ever... tragedy and drama picked off from the first chapter. There seems to be no fanservice, and story is incredibly smooth. This manga may be way UNDERRATED. However, there might be some reasons why this manga is not accepted well. Read on.

Story:
This series is a explanation-event-explanation-event kind, with the explanation being heavy at times, but properly explaning the features presented in this manga, like pandoras, limiters novas etc. Finish the first 5 chapters and action/drama/tragedy should come more smoothly, before another explanation comes.

This series started off without a clear "right" protagonist, but as the story continues on, you can see who they are. This story is complex in that there seems to be no right or wrong, everyone is just protecting their values and beliefs, with rules broken often.

One setback is that the school doesn't seem to have much of a school system. Throughout the series I only see 1 scene in which a classroom is presented, and almost no teachers seem to be present, except for a few. The rule-enforcers seem to be students of the 3rd year, although there is little reason why, since there are 4th years at the academy too. Explanations for some other stuff not given, aftermath of some events were not touched on too.

This story seems to have some psychological parts, using people's parts to form the characters' belief systems, which caused so many events, but are usually linked to tragedy.

One more trait of this series is internal fighting.

Art:9
Given this is an action series, I was surprised I could see so many clear scenes. Plus the detail is amazing. I guess this series could be hard to turn into an anime, since the action scenes have many succinct moves.

One setback is that since there are so many characters, the art design fails to differentiate some of the smaller roles in this series, leading to a confusion of who is who.

But, one very commendable part is that expressions shown over panels were amazing, for example someone who is shocked realises something is on her left and turns her eyes slowly to look at her left, all with the state of fear and shock.

Overall, I loveeeee the art :D.

Character:8
Till the 29th chapter, there is still a distinct lack of character development in most of the main characters. However, Satellizer's character development in the 2x chapter is amazing, showing capable character development.

Moreover, there were quite some development in a few other characters that may never seem to be main characters (now at least). These add no value till now.

The main characters in this story are all special, although whether that is a good thing depends to be seen. Till now, the limits of the characters seem rather vague, which are easily expanded by their willpower. This exaggeration of limits may blur the difference between characters.

Enjoyment:9
I enjoy action and drama type mangas and animes. Magic too, and since this manga has so much of these it is natural I like it. However, tragedy is quite heavy, and scenes of blood may give some nightmares.

If you do not like tragedy genres much read with caution.

Overall:9
This manga seems to to be for some and not for some. I would suggest you pick it up to read, since this is quite a unique series, and for english readers, the scanlators should have had a hard time redrawing and translating this series so you can try appreciating their efforts by reading it.

This series may be quite underrated, pls dun be shocked by its rank in mal, it is definitely much more worth it.

Story 8: It is basically like Claymore in a semi-futuristic setting. It is Claymore in the sense that the ones that are fighting are mainly girls. They are being attacked by monsters from another dimension called Novas which in Claymore they are called Yomas (not that they are from another dimension but you get the gist). In order to fight them, Pandoras were created. Pandoras are like the Claymores in Freezing. They can not also go past their limit just like in Claymore. Where they Novalize but in Claymore it is called Awakening. And instead of putting the flesh of a yoma inside of you, you are implanted with stigmatas. I am not saying that Freezing is bad because of the similarities that I have pointed out.

Art: What can I say about it? The art in the manga is really better than the one in the anime.

Character: I have to say the main character is like Raki in Claymore and his partner Satellizer is like Claire who is a girl who started out as a cold character but becomes cheerful when the right person comes. Yeah Kazuya is a sissy good thing that there are other things that make him great. His desire to protect and his badass FREEZING. The people who you should look out for are Chiffon Fairchild and the other strongest Pandoras. Chiffon will leave you in awe whenever she displays her power. And the mysteries behind that power. Overall because of Chiffon I give it an 8.

Enjoyment: 10: I enjoyed it regardless of the ecchi scenes. The struggles of the peoples against such creatures (Novas) will really make you empathize them. I liked it because of its similarities with Claymore. It is no poor imitation. It stands alone. I ENJOYED IT!

Overall: 9: It has been one of my awaited mangas and I have been looking forward to what's gonna happen next. So, guys, don't drop this manga just because you watched the anime series first. And also because of its uncanny similarities with Claymore.

Action is the most notable trait of this series. You can see that by looking at how far they go to keep everyone fighting the whole time. Thats probably good. If you are one of those who think "love + fight = suck", then thats probably bad.

There is plenty of good funny moments, bishies, ecchi (although mostly restricted to random boobage) and awkwardness. Most importantly, it is nicely adapted to today's teenage. Thats good if you are into it.

The "freezing effect" seems secondary to the series, and probably will only have deeper "Deus Ex Machina" meanings about love. Poorly explored. This is bad.

Overall, the series is really bland. A blatant [plagio] typical to manhwa but at this point one never knows. You cant really say it is "only a reference" when the whole thing screams of productions like Evangelion or Sekirei. They didnt even bother to substantially change chara names, except when they did, they did so awfully.

That said, the series is extremely enjoyable, mostly not by its own merit, but because it is borrows from some of the best manga moments in a wide variety of genres. Which can be good or bad. If you only want to enjoy some random manga, definitely read it. If you are looking for a "diff experience", you will feel its lacking on many levels.

Something isn't right, I had a copy of "Freezing" vol 1-3 in 2007 from Busan, South Korean, and not in Japanese language. The artwork and author is from South Korea, yet these covers online show them in Japanese? The humor is clearly Korean, even watching the anime I noticed the story type (tragedy and dramatics) and humor was all Korean, but in Japanese language (which screwed up some more of the humor) and in English subtitles made me upset that the humor was being destroyed. If they had to redo this anime, they would of elaborated more on the sense of humor that made this manga so great in the first place. The story was changed in the anime to fit viewers, but the actual story had a better plot and some serious actions compared to the anime.

Nova's the main threat from a dimension have started a war with mankind. To counter this threat, an military like academy called "Genetics" that trains female warriors into becoming a nova like human called "Pandora," who can wield special weaponry and armor. Kazuya Aoi a boy, who decides to enroll in this school because of a promise with his sister, an outstanding Pandora who died in battle. There he meets a second year Satellizer L. Bridgette, better known as "The Untouchable Queen" due to her solitary manner and delinquent behavior, but also top of her class whose battle simulation streak is undefeated, until Aoi came...and caused the end of that streak.
Satellizer L. Bridgette is mercilessly when fighting, causing many commotions to upperclassmen who see her a arrogant and self-centered; who want to teach her where a underclassman's place is. She goes berserk when people touch her, and doesn't have the need for a limiter. (A limiter is a male counter partner who aids Pandora's when in battle, neutralizing the enemies movements. )
Kazuya Aoi persistently wants to become her limiter because he doesnt see her as " The Untouchable Queen" allowing him to be the first person to come in contact with her.
As the story goes on you'll see breathe taking battles, with a thriller sensation. And as far as i can tell because of fillers here and there this manga may be in for the long run. But the short fillers are so action pact you wont even mind them or consider them annoying, as they serve for answers to question in beginning of it all.
The characters are " to-each's-own " no character is the same. Looks can be deceiving, don't judge a book by its cover.
The "tag" Ecchi is laughable...just because of a little titty view..is ecchi. And its not ecchi like the manga "queens blade" i guess you could say its ecchi like "Immortal Regis"
I enjoy this manga so much...its in my top 5..the battles are lose, win situation so yes, the many main characters are allowed to die. Which i like because of the mature atmosphere...tragedy should replace the ecchi tag..sad events occur, but the show most go on.

I figured that I would give my $0.02 on Freezing after catching up to the latest chapter, especially since the plot has thickened in the last 10-20 chapters. The initial setting that the reader is introduced to is our male lead Kazuya Aoi, who enrolls at West Genetics (think of it as a fancy synonym for high school) where he meets our female lead,Satellizer el Bridget. Anyway, the story originates from other worldly beings called 'Novas' that appear on Earth every 3 or so years and go on a rampage of destruction. Female warriors termed 'Pandoras' are the weapons to defend mankind.

Story - 7
It's not original, but it's not something that's been done enough to assume how it will unfold. My main gripe with the story is how much Pandora - Pandora conflict there is (although I understand that some of this conflict is necessary, I find some of it isn't). It seems that this type of conflict has a larger emphasis than the Nova - Pandora/human conflict that should be the greater concern. I find it silly that so much of the story line had to do with Pandoras fighting Pandoras. Other than that, I did say the plot is thickening so hopefully Dal Young surprises readers with some plot twists.

Art - 9
Kwang Hyun Kim actually does the art for the Freezing manga and it is quite good. Many characters get introduced rather quickly in the beginning to deepen the plot, but the detailed artwork helps you keep track of who's who. Also, the fights are quite 'busy' with lots of detail that could make it hard to follow, but the drawing and detail really clear up most of the confusing parts. Facial expressions are easy to read and when Pandoras/Limiters approach their limits it is definitive by looking at the detail on their bodies.

Character - 9
As I previously stated, many characters are introduced throughout the manga. Accompanying this is the amount of development made to all these supporting characters and it really keeps things interesting with the amount of politics and Pandora relationships being made. Strong development is made with both male and female leads as well early in the manga so that their relationship doesn't feel rushed/forced overall.

Enjoyment - 8
I have to say that watching the way the characters interact is interesting and fun, but the plot is steady for the most part with little deviancy. The stage is set for some interesting plot twists so I hope that comes through. The fight scenes are quite nice, but at times I feel that there is too much dialogue (mostly about personal beliefs, ideals, etc). Still, I found myself enjoying the different aspects of Freezing because it's not one dimensional, there's many sides to the characters and there's still questions to be answered.

Overall - 8
If you enjoy sci-fi/action mangas then Freezing should be something to consider. I can say that there's a pinch of Mecha, a good serving of Romance, and a generous dash of psychological drama. I believe there's quite a bit of potential in Freezing and since it is Dal Young's best work, I'm looking forward to the conclusion whenever that may be. If you're even somewhat interested, I suggest you check it out! Let me know how you like Freezing :)

What have here, is something else folks. It might not be to some, those who've been reading manga and watching anime since it's inception of sorts, but trust me when I say 'The potential of this manga is vast'. Now some of you may have watched the anime first and have the thought "If the anime was shit, why would I bother with the manga?". Let me tell you why. The anime was undoubtedly shit, no one try to change my mind here please. And I read the manga first so it was even worse. Don't go with the anime whatsoever. The levels on which these two units can be placed are, Anime: 1 (and that's feeling generous) and Manga:10.

Lets start with the story. Initially, it seems like the plot follows the life of a new student, Kazuya, who wields impressive power and that of a beautiful, hot, cute, independent, strong, and later on kind Queen, Satellizer, and their love stricken story, along with other minor stories of other beautiful women. Mind the word 'Initially'. After a short while, things start to pick up on a larger scale, gradually that scale increases, and is even currently increasing. I won't go into detail bout that, but a small part. The invasion of dimensional beings know as 'Nova' forces the hand of humans to create weapons in the form of 'Pandora', who are only female, and their counterparts in the form of 'Limiters', and it is left in the hands of these selective, gifted few to prevent the world from being consumed/destroyed or whatever by the Nova's.......well shit......

Artwork, man.......it's not just the covers like some manga, it's the real deal. Kim Kwang-Hyun, brilliantly illustrates the spectacular moments envisioned. What's e also amazing is that, this art is x10's better than that of the anime, so a complete 'HELL YES!' there.

But a part that I neglected to mention is that I did stop reading Freezing at one point. I was up-to date and all that, and I just.....quit. Maybe I got tired of it. And this was after being completely mesmerized mind you. And this went on for what seems like a year and a half now. But when I came back.......have you read one of those manga or even books for that matter that you just can't seem to put down? This falls into that very category. Be it on the computer, tablet, mobile, I can't seem to stop reading it, and it's only at extremely few points that you can take a break and not be left at a cliffhanger. Ohh and just to ascertain for some of you, the erotic nature is a factor, without a doubt. Yet that's only ONE of the factors. Trust me people, just give it a shot. You might end up getting addicted like me or you might not, personal opinion will always exist, but you won't know till you try. Hope this was a helpful......or at least entertaining.....or interesting or.......SOMETHING along those lines kind of read.

Freezing is awesome. Period.

When I first started to read the manga I felt a bit of skepticism of toward the story since it involves women fighting, but after some chapters (2-4) I'm convinced that it one of those mangas that's 'must read'. The plot's smooth development, and easy to understand. However there are some terminologies that the reader need to know since they are repetitive. The arts are well with occasional blur due to lots of action happening spontaneously.

This manga is currently in hiatus for the longest time. The author ain't gonna finish this anytime soon.

- Very ecchi, tons of partial nudity
- Tons of suffering, victims of circumstances everywhere
- Tons of fetishes
- The main plot went off the rails regarding the origins of the aliens called Nova and it's very clear the Author has written himself in a corner regarding them
- The huge secret that the main character's Grandfather knows that's supposed to justify all his terrible actions is slowly about to be revealed in full but the Author just dropped the series as it was clear that he didn't know what to do regarding the big secret the Main Character's Grandfather knew about the Aliens.

You can still read it up to the hiatus for the nudity, fetishes, and suffering but just don't go in expecting any finality or closure.

My first manga review. I have been quite surprised about the the whole Freezing story thus far. I began with the anime originally and since it was not going to be continued I decided to read the manga.
the story does go to many different areas but so far it hasn't lost me yet. I enjoy Satellizer and Kuzuya's growing relationship and also the other characters growth as well. The art is fantastic and the story is dark. Freezing reminds me more of Neon Genesis Evangelion without the bio mecha. Probably why I enjoy Freezing.
Over all I am still reading it and will continue to do so. It's hard to put it down.