Gon

(TLDR Review at the bottom, thanks for reading in advance.)

This is Gon.
Gon does what needs to be done.
When Gon needs to eat. Gon will get what he wants.
When Gon needs a ride. Gon will tame you.
When you mess with Gon (and his fam). Gon will get back at you. And I tell you.
You won't like an angry Gon.

Sometimes Gon travels, far and wide.
To wherever he must, ignoring the stride.
From him to meet, yet another kin.
And I would believe, that is another Gon win.


Narrative:
Gon is a story of no words yet one that brings some the most fantastic adventures to be seen. Most of the story revolves around the dino simply doing what he sees best fits. If Gon wants something to happen, it usually goes his way. Despite the lack of presence of words in the story, most of it is still conveyed as if it there were words anyway, if not, better. Even with different perceptions of events that people may assume to a collection of thoughts, Tanaka made it so that misconceptions or irregularities wouldn't affect the supposed storytelling that awaited. It certainly is the most efficient way to paint out the narrative without having to even try. After all, we process images faster than words.

In contrast to this, however, there is no real plot in the story. As said, it is a horde of different voyages be it in a forest, Savana, or ocean. It isn't a bad thing but people really get disheartened at the presence of no real story to be told, as if it were some slice-of-life anime. The thing is with the story is that it cannot really be classed with such attributes, although there is nothing to push the story forward, there is also the device which decays the bond between this from the rest with Gon's actual character. You see, the character of Gon is very interesting too, a few theories I have seen pop up here and there attempting to explain the origin and overarching goal of Gon themself. Every few chapters or so, Gon finds themself with another family but never actually sticks with them. Multiple questions sporadically arise from this such as the following: Who is Gon? What is his origin? Why is Gon perennially seeking a family? All of these questions are left with but a vague answer. I do not know the answer to any of these, but a certain fact to take a hold of is that there is more to this world than "dino see, dino do". Whilst it may make the world seem as unnecessary potholes for the pillar of mystery that comes forward, it does feel as if there wasn't a half-hearted attempt in making Gon, Gon, I suppose. Something about the dude makes you wonder more into their character, and what more Gon-like stories can be extrapolated from such origins. A memorable character at that, no doubt.


Art:
Some of the best art I have seen, every panel has so much detail that I can't trace back to a single event where such a panel was haphazardly drawn or a panel that showed signs of sloth-like attitude. Really makes you think about why others don't do the same thing. To be fair, I have no idea how Gon as published, if it were under a weekly, biweekly, monthly or Berserk/Made In Abyss depression wait out-ly. But one thing is for sure, Tanaka did his bit in making this. No question about that. Whether it be the bold character design or the beauty Earth gifts with its landscape, there is some detail in Gon that is to really love. The action here is made well too, following the convention that was already amassed through the style, as in, it doesn't hold back with blood when need be, or other bodily harming elements. In saying that though, there is used of what I would call "battle shounen fight styles" used here, it brakes away from gore styled attacks and adds a little spark for it to look full of life. Certainly giving Gon it's own style to coin. Very good work.


Enjoyment:
Gon is very enjoyable, from Gon being a bit of a bully to Gon walking treks that other supposedly stronger animals, fear themselves. It's something with a great number of different journeys that always seem to bring more hold its balance with ease, never once does Gon really have moments that make you want to skip the current voyage, or any moments that feel like God's light has just penetrated some storm. Everything really feels the same, but it is a collection of big adventures for this one small guy. No real trip-up or hover during the tightrope walk, and a tightrope walk it is because that is where the enjoyment usually is, quite high up.


Overall - 8.0 (8)

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TLDR Review:
Story - 8: Not much of a story but Gon's character elaborates on the story as being linear so much so that extra pieces of the story can be extrapolated from it, or at least questioned.
Art - 8: Very good used constantly no fail. Action is great to look at too with both classic fighting motion seen with a mix of instant kills.
Character - 8: The only character to focus on is Gon. But as said, he backs up the story and adds a little more personality to himself.
Enjoyment - 8: Very enjoyable adventures, never faltering at any point.

Overall - 8.0 (8)
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This review came out way later than it should have. But alas, it is out now. For my 2nd manga with no words, first being Joshikausei. I didn't expect Gon to be as good as what I witnessed. Certainly, a pleasure to read. Would 10/10 read again. Recommendable? Yes, even for people who are looking for manga that doesn't contain much effort to read. People out here really hating on reading :feelsbadman:, so Tanaka out here doing you a favour by removing literally every text, there is no excuse to not read Gon. So read it. For real. This review has already ended. So go. kthxbye :)

As a silent Manga, trying to review Gon like traditional Manga is quite difficult and most likely unfair to each side but it is definitely interesting to compare both.

Gon is a small Dinosaur that somehow survived the extinction of his kind and travels around the planet having fun, eating and interacting with all kinds Post-Cretateous animals.

As a reader you should ditch out any expectations of a deep complex plot and view the series as a particular gem of the medium. Despite this, Tanaka sensei explores different types of narrative throughout each chapter, while the first third of Gon focuses exclusively on comedy, you start noticing that the author is definitely experimenting with more dramatic storylines that involve survival and the hardships of mother nature.

Gon is mostly a Neutral character, it does and eats whatever it wants, sometimes helps other animals, other times doesn’t though he always helps those that help him. He and other animals have some level of morality and human qualities but not so much that makes them not feel animal, just enough to drive a narrative.

The manga’s highest achievement is the artwork, its ability to convey the animal’s feelings and emotions through stellar drawings is only paralleled with the immersive natural environments that Gon travels through. Every panel is extremely detailed and the fact that such detail is presented in black and white makes it even more impressive. When a big panel comes in, it is always spectacular and immersive, I always spent some time on these just to try to find every small animal and imagine what kind of technique and pencil was used to draw them.

My only wish was for the series to be longer so to be longer so that I could enjoy Gon's adventures and see what can be achieved with this type of narrative.

There is no speech in Gon. There is only 1 named character. There is essentially no explanation given for why anything is happening.There is only Gon.

Gon is the creation of Masashi Tanaka and the character is most recognisable outside of Japan from his appearance in Tekken 3. As a tekken player myself, I had heard Gon had came from a manga but I never really looked into it.
After finishing SunKenRock I wanted to read something else with good art and was recommended Gon. I was pleasantly surprised whilst reading the first chapter to find out there was no dialogue. A very interesting stylistic choice made by Tanaka , he says the reason for this is because
"From the beginning, I didn't think it was necessary. Manga should be without grammar. I also think that it is strange to give animals human language and make them talk. What I set out to do with Gon was to draw something that was more interesting than anything you could say in words. Manga still has great potential that does not exist in other media. I plan to continue developing the art of expression."
Although having a lack of dialogue is a obvious drawback to any series, it is more than made up for with the use of visual storytelling

Visual Storytelling is quite simple to explain , it's when a story can be told through the use of imagery alone.
Gon is a masterclass on how to pull of visual storytelling.
Through it's amazing art and how Masashi Tanaka can display emotion through art brings the story to life.
Anyone can enjoy Gon to it's full extent no matter who they are as it appeals to such a wide audience
It's hard to explain why Gon is so captivating due to the incredibly simplistic nature of it but I do highly recommend reading it so you can see for yourself

Not meant for people my age, I presume.

But Gon's a highly enjoyable manga, Gon itself is a strong, fierce, smart and yet sometimes stupid dinosaur. He has a big attitude and he travels through forests, jungle's, rivers and plenty more various scenery's.

The art of Gon is the first thing I noticed, very realistic, and with very I mean, very very very realistic. Most animals are just as they are in real life, sometimes even better (? lol). Even Gon looks like what a ...dinosaur would've looked like if it existed.

Furthermore the story's, these are just basic little adventures that Gon goes through, these are exciting, humorous, dangerous and highly enjoyable, doesn't matter what age or race, you'll enjoy it. Gon himself, and other various creatures are really cool too, Gon is like most of our heroes, stubborn, thickheaded, and amazingly strong, the other creatures are like they supposed to be.

Gon is manga that depicting bubble talk is meaningless to the action of the characters through the story. The fun, thrilling, over the top depiction of nature, gritty if you can said that, is definitely manga that most of people can read without being gross out about human relationship, betrayal or something, because there is no human inside it, and it had fun while readers skimming trough to sometimes get random page that certainly gorgeous , well other than lack of plot, every aspect can cover it, made it enjoyable to read.

There is many arch, as every chapter is somewhat stand alone, and many hilarious moments, like when Gon fighting bear,or in savana with feline family, picking fight with every popular known animal in land,water,and air,that made this manga, exactly epic stuff.

Definitely material to recommended.

*Warning! This review contains minor spoilers*

There is no point on going into the story in details, since there are no continuing story (until the last volume), neither question or address how he appears in different parts of the world since it shouldn’t matter. I enjoyed how all the locations of his adventures takes place in many familiar yet unknown places. You will see them in an entirely different way!

The artwork is really amazing, so much details on every animals and landscape. Just search “Gon manga” on google or other search engine with images and you will understand what I mean. The animals looks so gorgeous and environment really make it looks much bigger than it already is! Masahsi really did a good job by mixing the the realistic look of the animal with some cartoonish looks.

Now that are the pros, now for the cons.

Gon character lacks consistency.
Sometimes he is smart that he could come up a tactical plan with a lion to catch prey, sometimes he is totally clueless that he doesn’t notice. Not only does his intelligence seems to sway through chapters, but so does his personality. In one chapter he helps infant/young animals to survive in the bloodthirsty wild, standing out as a hero, and in another he destroys an eco system just for his own pleasure. It kind of makes me confused whatever not to consider him good or bad. This is why I consider that it should have been more than one Gon so that we could get a variety of Gons if we are gonna have these differences in intellect and personality.
Now I don’t say its bad, but he should have used a better transition to those things. You may or may not agree that he does look cute on some parts, but I hope that you can see this as problem of knowing why I should like him beside that.

Same thing could said about its theme. Most of the time it plays out as an gag manga with cute animals, but there is one chapter that takes a dark turn with killing of young cubs with blood and all. I don’t want hate it (infact it one of the best chapters of the manga), but again, he should have used better way of transition it.

This work contains no dialog or onomatopoetic words. People always ask me why I have done this. From the beginning, I didn't think it was necessary. Manga should be without grammar. I also think that it is strange to give animals human language and make them talk. What I set out to do with Gon was to draw something that was more interesting than anything you could say in words. Manga still has great potential that does not exist in other media. I plan to continue developing the art of expression." - Masashi Tanaka

What he said is true that you don’t need those things to make a great series, but then why would he have this on a manga? This could work so much better as a shorts on TV, just imagine it with all the colors. Now that I mentioned it, Masashi could have got away and Gon would have been much more.

I guess that the other reviewers are right, this doesn’t seem to meant for people at my age. But it should apply to everyone who likes western cartoonish humor and character, which this one doesn’t feel like to me even if I always enjoy cartoonish show like Tom and Jerry in whatever age.

Speaking of Tom and Jerry, I want to draw an example. As you might now, Tom and Jerry has changed its animator/style of drawing for all its time. Yet, you still enjoy the show whatever what it looks like right? Now imagine if Gon didn’t have all those beautiful details and had an average artwork. Would you then still enjoy it? I wouldn’t.

When I see the other reviews rate this manga at 9 or 10, I feel like they don’t want to dare rate this any lower due to its art style.
I think this series needs some tough love.

I give the look of the manga a 9.5/9,5 while overall 5.5/9,5

I will remember the art work and Gon, but will I have no recollections off the rest.
If you like drawn animals and landscapes in high quality, then this manga is for you. Otherwise, I say this is something you can skip.

Tanaka managed to present a beautiful and illustrious masterpiece which indulges your senses and conveys animal kingdom in somewhat fanciful manner.

Story is literally depicted with absence of dialogues and onomatopoeias. Instead, it is communicated via facial expressions and body language. Usually such approach would leave a certain ambiguity regarding the reader's interpolation, but Tanaka's precise and masterful art offer perfect clarity and understanding of scenes.

There isn't one overarching story, but small events in which Gon is discontinuously thrown into different floras & faunas. It mostly resolves around his attempts to assimilate, which is usually disturbed by local inhabitants. Each of these little stories is pivotal in it's own way, and filled with poignant, perilous plots, frequently followed by a stupendous comedic relief.

Gon as a character can be best described as capricious, as he tends to do unfathomable actions repeatedly. Regardless of his goofy attitude and a bit of an egocentric personality, he has a substantial amount of sympathy, the eagerness to help those in need, and reconcile what is necessary.

Masterpiece and exemplary xenofiction with an attitude. Embark on this silent journey and witness its loud roar.

"What I set out to do with Gon was to draw something that was more interesting than anything you could say in words. Manga still has great potential that does not exist in other media. I plan to continue developing the art of expression." - Masashi Tanaka

Gon follows the daily adventures of a little dinosaur with attitude - with the same name as the title - who was able to survive the catastrophic extinction that wiped out the other Jurassic animals all those years ago. This manga is one in a million; it has absolutely no dialogue, no human characters, and is set entirely in the wild, umpteenth years ago. The story is told entirely through the art, which is possibly the greatest challenge for a manga artist, as they would be unable to rely on dialogue to advance the story or to convey drama, emotions or character motivation. Masashi Tanaka succeeds in doing just this and more, however, which has earned him recognition as a storytelling genius.

The lack of dialogue in Gon is made up entirely in the art. The amount of time, precision and effort Tanaka puts into his artwork is clear at one glace. Every panel is incredibly detailed, bursting with life and full of realism. Tanaka is a master at drawing many things, but extremely efficient at drawing expressions in particular. The plentiful expressions he utilises for Gon and the other characters help expand their personalities and emotions, further expelling any need for dialogue.

The only characters that appear are Gon and a superabundant variety of animals. Gon appears in every chapter, but most of the animals are not recurring characters, which is fitting as each chapter Gon embarks (sometimes unwillingly) on a different adventure. Gon himself is surprisingly well developed and was also quite an iconic character back in the day, even appearing in the video game Tekken 3.

Though it might not seem it at first glance, Gon is a masterpiece. Publisher CMX word it marvellously; "its surface simplicity masks the true complexity of its execution." Gon's heartwarming, silent yet profound storytelling, exceptionally detailed art and wonderful characterisation make it a manga you won't forget in a long time.