When Kojou is trying to protect someone … never get in his way!
Creative Staff:
Art: Tate
Original Story: Gakuto Mikumo
Character Design: Manyako
Translation/Adaptation: Jeremiah Bourque
What They Say:
Time is running out for Kanon Kanase. If they can’t stop the faux-angel ritual in time, she’ll ascend from realm of mankind and become something truly inhuman. Will the Fourth Primogenitor be strong enough to stop this madness before it’s too late? The Amphisbaena arc reaches its heart-pounding conclusion!
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
It has finally happened … Kanon has evolved beyond her truest intentions and become a Faux-Angel beyond her father’s imaginings. But in that moment she struck down the Fourth Primogenitor and granted him a fatal wound, one which even an immortal vampire may not be able to recover. Thankfully under a shield projected by Snowdrift Wolf, the trio are able to contemplate their next move, but even with a donation from Yukina, Kojou has not been able to turn the tide. While his injuries may be healed, the blood of one spirit medium is not enough to release a new vassal beast and it appears there is no other option: he needs another to unlock his next servant. La Folia Rihavein, eldest daughter of the royal house of Aldegia and first princess of the empire has faith in him, so if this is the only way to defeat this enemy, he has no other choice.
As they complete a sanguine embrace, the only thought on Kojou’s mind is to save the child who had no choice in the matter – this cruel fate forced upon her by a callous parent. Kensei reveals the truth behind Kanon’s birth, she is the daughter of his sister, royal blood and the real reason by which this scientist performed alchemical experiments to produce a new weapon. This success proves she can be cloned and sold to the highest bidders, used on the battlefield with no one able to stand in the buyer’s way. At this moment does the warmth of life which flows through Kojou’s veins boils with rage, the abomination his friend has become is an insult for the love a parent should have for a child. While his allies fight on separate fronts against Kensei’s backers, it is now does the Fourth Primogenitor reveal his newest beast vassal, the dimension eating dragon – Al-Meissa Mercury.
But even as this new creature easily severs the advantage which the Faux-Angel had, Kanon is still a formidable opponent, one whose power cannot be overcome with mere brute force. Her overwhelming strength explodes within her slight frame, tears of blood trickle down her face, all as if in a silent plea to be released from her torment. As her father stands by, stunned by the ease by which Kojou’s beast vassal consumed her wings, his confidence in this disgusting creation will not wane. However as the Fourth Primogenitor’s confidence in contrast begins to crumble for success, the Sword Shaman steps forward and hurls Snowdrift Wolf at their foe, sealing the last of Kanase’s defenses. Now her partner can strike the final blow, but will this be an end to this unnatural weapon or an unfortunate girl breathing her last?
In Summary:
La Folia Rihavein unleashed more than a new beast vassal within Kojou, she also released an anger which he has never shown in previous volumes. It is this rage which makes this book such a delight to read since this turning point shows how much compassion the Fourth Primogenitor can have for a cause he cares about, especially when it concerns one of his friends. Kanon, a girl which they knew nothing about, one of Yukina’s classmates who seemed to be an orphan surrounded by tragedy, but it is only now by which we know the truth. The callousness of a greedy father whose ambition is driven by a quest for power, there is nothing else more cruel than someone who takes advantage of a child. And it within this story do we also learn how everything with Strike the Blood turns cyclic and has larger implications than we first thought.
While there has been monumental violence within Strike the Blood, there has also been seen a kindness which not many mangas have managed to pull off without seeming sappy. From the beginning this series seemed to be nothing more than another vampire action/harem comedy, one in which would be passable due to the violence and innuendoes with an underage girl. But now thanks to this dramatic pause and an undeniable change in story, it has become something more than that, and into something which seems more than what is shown on the surface. I hope that this trend will continue and show us how a tale about bloodsuckers can be something other than violence and sexual attractions.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade:A-
Packaging Grade: A-
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: Mature
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: September 19, 2017
MSRP: $13.00