Explode into exciting battles and intense action!
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Toshiaki Iwashiro
Translation: Camellia Nieh
What They Say:
A video recording shows a dark vision of the future, where many of Ageha’s friends are ruthlessly killed. To escape the danger posed by W.I.S.E, Ageha, Sakurako and the others must battle their way to freedom. But even if they escape, can they really fight fate and alter that treacherous future?
Content:
The kids put up a good fight against the members of W.I.S.E, but it all ends when the W.I.S.E members unleash a massive attack, spearing through the children. Before Ageha and company can see the end, though, the video cuts off, leaving them furious and distraught. They don’t much time to fret, however, as Dolkey of W.I.S.E appears and starts blasting the shelter to shreds. He starts questioning them and they are forced to lie due to Nemesis Q’s rules, but their lies are unraveled by their shock at the news that Psyren exists a mere ten years in the future. Annoyed and impatient, Dolkey sicks his Taboo minions on the group and the battles begin.
The weasel-like Gizzani chases down Sakurako and begins taunting her, while Oboro and Hiryu take on the bulky Goldorf, leaving Kabuto and Ageha with Dolkey himself. In order to face her opponent, Sakurako pulls out a massive weapon she calls the Insanity Scythe. In the middle of the fight, Sakurako abruptly asks Gizanni why he follows W.I.S.E after being made into a Taboo. Upon hearing his response, Sakurako is left with no qualms about crushing the monster before her. Gizanni thinks he has her outmaneuvered, but as he’s stabbing Sakurako repeatedly, she reveals that this is all an illusion and she’s already destroyed him, mind and body.
After seeing how Oboro defeated Goldorf through a rather disturbing use of his healing powers, our attention turns towards Ageha and Kabuto. Fortunately for our heroes, Kabuto’s powers have awakened, and they allow him to use visions to predict danger, which lets the pair avoid Dolkey’s powerful assault. Kabuto uses this ability to distract Dolkey and ground him, allowing Ageha time to prepare his attack. Thanks to his “program,” Ageha’s revised Melzez Door is converted into a powerful projectile that homes in and destroys all enemies. However, even its mighty power isn’t enough to take out Dolkey in a single shot, allowing the wounded W.I.S.E officer time to unleash his ultimate power: Explosure. This converts him into what is essentially a psychic mass equivalent to a battleship, altering the very terrain with his massive power. However, Ageha reveals that last time he unintentionally held back due to Dolkey’s humanoid shape, and proceeds to blow him to smithereens. Unfortunately, a W.I.S.E member known as Shiner swoops in at the last minute, rescuing the villain and teleporting away.
As the volume comes to a close, we are introduced to the other members of W.I.S.E, and learn that Dolkey is actually a rather low ranking official. Our heroes manage to return home safely, but will they be okay when faced with even more powerful enemies?
In Summary:
This seems to finally be the volume where everything starts paying off. Powerful and charismatic enemies finally appear and give our heroes quite a fight. Additionally, the main characters all seem to have gained a defined and unique skill set. This makes for some rather spectacular over the top battles that really top anything that the series has shown up to this point. Add in some further backstory and the reveal of even more villains, and you’re left with what is easily the best volume of the series thus far.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: B+
Package Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released by: Viz Media
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012
MSRP: $9.99