Shokugeki no Souma, or in English, Food Wars!, is, obviously, about students working their way up the food chain in the cooking industry. Centred in Toutsuki Academy, a prestigious cooking school with only a small group left to graduate after the gruelling examinations throughout the three years in high school. The concept of the story’s premises are definitely fascinating, in my opinion. In fact, both the manga and the anime brought up many interesting facts about the culinary world, that I would say was an educational experience for me. Thinking about that makes me wonder how much research did the authors Tsukuda Yuuto and Morisaki Yuki went through to have the materials for the last 264 chapters of the story. So to cut to the chase, I really enjoyed this particular manga and hope to see the anime doing as good as well.

Let’s go a little further into this manga without spoilers. As is common, in my opinion, with all ecchi genre works done in the creator’s industry, it is there just for fan-service. Most of the time, adding playful sexual scenes or actions made no sense with the story, thus unnecessary, and if done too much, becomes an overkill. However, Shokugeki no Souma was a little different, for though the concept for the ecchi aspects of the story may be ridiculous, it did not feel like an overkill. It blended with the story, giving it a purpose, instead of other series like High School of the Dead or Maken-Ki!, which needed some panty shots whenever they could. So yes, the ecchi aspects of Shokugeki no Souma was agreeable, more so that it’s a relief it didn’t move to the rating of “Mild Nudity.”

The story arcs itself and the characters are interesting as well, I would go as far as to say pleasant to the viewers. Yukihira Souma has a very care-free style to others, but is serious about cooking to the heart, more so that losing to a shokugeki hurts him but he won’t let it show and continue encouraging his friends. The fact that the protagonist never give up; pushes on; perhaps a bit comedic here and there is one of the many great aspects of a hero, which is also common to other manga and anime. His relationships with the members of Kyokusei and his rivals, such as Aldini, Mito, Hisako and Nakiri Erina are comedic and moving to the opposing party. Even though they were rough towards Yukihira, he never appears to be hurt and either plays dumb or busy to hear, but in the end, Yukihira pushes everyone to their goals and to quote a line from Tadokoro Megumi: “He is the centre of the vortex of Toutsuki Academy.” That is drive of a hero I much enjoy watching. A talent to work his way to the top. Comedic and could be perceived as oblivious to things around when he is not.

Another great aspect to Shokugeki no Souma that really attracted me was the art done by Saeki Shun. I find it simple, but artistic in a sense, unlike some manga series, perhaps Ajin, where the characters may be a bit out of proportion but who am I to judge? My manga/anime artworks are also out of proportion. Saeki’s art style of the characters and even the food was something I much admire, so there’s that too.

Now that chapter 264 brought the Regiment de Cuisine to a close, it is easy to see the ultimate arc of the story. However, I’m a bit curious as to how Tsukuda and Morisaki will continue from here on out. With this, I’d rate this manga with an overall of 9/10, the only thing that perhaps left me desiring about is perhaps Erina and Yukihira’s relationship. They’ve placed so many implications throughout the series, it kind of made me hope for a romance aspect to their relationship.