Escape from the research center!
Creative Staff
Story: Tsuina Miura
Art: Gamon Sakurai
Translation: Ko Ransom
What They Say
High school student Kei Nagai is struck dead in a grizzly traffic accident, but immediately revives to learn that he may not be like every other human. Instead, he may be a mysterious almost immortal being granted not only the powers of rejuvenation but the abilities to see supernatural beings. Scared, Kei runs away, and is aided in his escape from society by his friend. Unfortunately for Kei, the manhunt is on and he will soon be caught within a conflict between mankind and others like him as they prepare to fight a new war based on terror. The true aim of the raid on the research center is revealed by demi-human mastermind Sato, whose Bolshevik ruthlessness and cunning prove worthy of his choice of headgear.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
After a bit of a science lesson courtesy of the eccentric Ikuya, we join Sato and Kei as they face down unarmed doctors. Sato quickly shoots one in the head, and Kei finally ends up rebelling to save the remaining two who aren’t fighting back, though he’s not exactly enthusiastic about it. This quickly changes who Kei has as allies, and though the one doctor is uncooperative the other truly tries to help. Once Sato recovers from Kei’s face-turn, he raises the question of what happens when a Demi-human is decapitated, saying he’ll truly kill Kei and make him suffer. As Kei acts as a distraction, the doctors escape, with the one keeping his bargain and leaving a trail for our hero. With the help of his “black ghost,” Kei makes it to the roof where he meets up with the friendly doctor, who is trying to make up for the horror of what he did.
As Sato catches up to the pair, he shoots the doctor dead, and we’re treated to some info that paints Kei as rather coldhearted. Kei prepares to flee, thinking there’s nothing left to do, but when it turns out that the doctor is still alive he does an about face. At significant personal risk to himself, Kei does what he can for the doctor and escapes into the nearby river.
Finally, as the volume winds down, Tosaki and Sato each make their own moves. Will their machinations manage to make a huge change to the world? And just what will Kei do now that he’s free once again?
In Summary
This volume makes for another great entry to the series and does a lot to keep things moving. Sato really manages to grow as a threat, and is absolutely downright scary throughout the book. Kei also gains a lot of depth here, with his nature both called into question and yet somewhat reaffirmed over the course of the story. Add in some machinations from a variety of sources and a ton of action, and you have an amazing book that’s sure to keep your attention.
Art Grade: A
Package Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: B+
Released by: Vertical
Release Date: February 10th, 2015
MSRP: $12.95