It’s a family reunion, some new friends, and some unexpected guests for Oz.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Jun Mochizuki
Translation/Adaptation: Tomo Kimura
What They Say
Though Oz’s sudden appearance in the midst of Pandora wreaks havoc, the initially chilly reception to the prison-breaker runs more than warm when Jack Vessalius, hero of the tragedy of Sablier and the man from Alice’s memories, manifests in Oz’s body. Sensing Oz’s resultant inner turmoil, Uncle Oscar drags Oz and company on a “mission” to Lutwidge Academy, where Oz’s little sister, Ada, is a student. But some carefree fun and a tearful reunion ten years in the making is not all for which Oz must prepare himself: crimson-cloaked foes are lying in wait to torture him for answers about the events of a hundred years ago…
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
I groaned when Oz’s uncle announced in this volume that they’d be sneaking into a school disguised as students. It seems that you can’t escape a shonen manga ending up in a school setting at some point. Thankfully their cover is quickly blown. Why Uncle Oscar decided it was easier to sneak in, who knows? The motivation was so that Oz could see his little sister, who’s not so little anymore. The siblings are reluctant to meet, Oz fearing that his sister won’t even remember him, but it turns into a touching reunion.
Before the school trip, we find out how Break’s rescue of Lady Sharon from Vincent went, and gain some insight into how Break thinks and where his loyalty lies. Vincent truly is a diabolical villain who cares only for himself, and it’s going to be nice to see him taken down someday.
A new location means meeting new characters and this time it’s the legitimate heir to the Nightray family, Elliot, and his valet, Leo. Elliot is very outspoken and he gets into a argument with Oz over a popular novel series they both read, complete with Elliot spoilering events Oz hadn’t had a chance to read yet. It’s a silly break in the middle of the action, but in this series where so much happens so quickly, any break is a welcome one.
Some unexpected guests are also lurking in the school. Oz finds himself in the manicured grasp of the overly intimate Lottie and two other Baskerville members. Oz isn’t overly concerned about his life possibly being in danger. He’s more concerned with Lottie invading his personal space. It turns out the Baskervilles also wish to learn some details about events from 100 years ago from Jack Vessalius, and are aware the hero is hiding in Oz.
It takes new acquaintance Elliot, and not Alice or Gil, to point out a fatal flaw in Oz’s thinking. By attempting to not trouble others, Oz is causing those that care about him to worry and end up in harm’s way protecting him. Oz’s coping mechanism of not caring what happens to himself has kept him sane during all of these crazy events, but even his Uncle has noticed that if Oz keeps holding back all that stress it’s going to break him. It’s Elliot’s verbal slap that snaps Oz into taking a stand for himself.
The fun little extra in this volume is a couple of pages about the ridiculously detailed fictional novel series that Oz and Elliot are fans of. The author seems to have gotten carried away making a story within the story, complete with artwork of the two leads and Oz and Elliot’s favorite moments. I just hope the same fate doesn’t befall Oz’s valet as the valet in his favorite story!
The first printing of this volume contains a color title page.
In Summary:
Pandora Hearts rarely misses a beat, rushing along and packing each chapter with some new plot point, character or location. The art is as detailed and attractive as ever, with most of the cast wearing school uniforms this time in hopes to blend in with the students and faculty. Thankfully there’s no danger in this turning into a school drama, and with Oz’s new determination hopefully we’ll see him finally learning how to control Alice’s powers on his own.
Content Grade: B +
Art Grade: A –
Packaging Grade: B +
Text/Translation Grade: B +
Age Rating: 16+
Released By: Yen Press
Released Date: July 19th, 2011
MSRP: $11.99
