When things get serious, whose side will R take?
Creative Staff
Writer/Author: Keitaro Takahashi
Translation: Joe Yamazaki
English Adaptation: Stan!
What They Say:
CIA European Section Chief George Black has an agent inside Koko’s squad: the ex-Italian Bersaglieri officer code-named R. Though still mystified by Koko, R has come to admire her and her team. When he learns that another CIA paramilitary operations officer named Hex is plotting a rogue operation against Koko, R’s cover and Koko’s and Jonah’s lives are on the line. Spies and arms dealers like to keep things quiet, but their shadowy world is about to explode!
The Review!
At the start of the volume, we see R discussing Koko and why assassins were sent after her with George Black. Soon, we are introduced to Hex, a female Paramilitary Operations Officer working for the CIA who has a grudge against Koko. As it turns out, the CIA is executing a plan called Operation Undershaft, plotting to manipulate Koko and turn HCLI’s information network into a useful asset for the military.
After a quick look into R and Hex’s respective pasts , we learn that Hex is preparing to take down Jonah in order to destroy Koko emotionally. Upon learning this, R becomes furious and tells Black to call it off, as Jonah is Koko’s link to her sanity. It’s too late to stop Hex, so R rushes to the scene, and with a little help from Black is able to mount a counterattack and reach Jonah and Koko in time. However, in doing so, he reveals that he’s always been a spy for Black. Realizing what must be done, R sends Jonah and Koko off and confronts Hex himself, getting gunned down in the process.
Furious at the loss of R, Koko launches a massive offensive at the location where Hex is hiding, avenging her comrade’s death. As the volume closes, a funeral is held for R, and Koko and Black meet face to face.
In Summary:
Hitting hard and fast and never letting up, this volume is an absolute joy to read. With a strong, focused plot centered on the character of R, an incredibly interesting villain in the form of Hex, and a little intrigue going on beyond the scenes, this may just be the best volume yet of this fantastic series. With a few strings left hanging, hopefully the series can grab on and maintain the absolutely wonderful quality displayed here.
Content Grade: A+
Art Grade: A+
Package Rating: A-
Text/Translation Rating: B+
Age Rating: 17+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: May 10th, 2011
MSRP: $12.99
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