This is the finale for the unofficial Grand Orchestra, which should leave many readers wishing for an encore.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Kaori Yuki
Translation/Adaptation: Camellia Nieh
What They Say
Everything is finally in place for Lucille to face down the horrifying Queen Gemsilica. But unbeknownst to him, Eles switched the powerful Black Oratorio for Lucille’s own blank hymnal. How can Lucille keep the queen from destroying the world with nothing but his voice to back him?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Wasting no time, this final volume of Grand Guignol Orchestra jumps straight into action. Lucille, Gwindel, and Kohaku focus their resolve and storm the royal palace, marching toward the Queen’s chamber. The way is blocked by Morion and the real Grand Orchestra. It’s here that the hidden secrets we sought about Lucille, Morion, and Cordelia’s past are finally uncovered.
All of the missing antagonists catch up with the heroes in short order. Berthier and his new lackey included. With having so many enemies to deal with for this confrontation a few characters are brushed aside. We don’t get much with Kohaku and Gwindel, Carnelian is present but does nothing.
Almost all of the unanswered plot points are wrapped up, although some of the finer details are left out. The truth behind the divine lightning and how it’s controlled is both nonsensical and ridiculous, but the random touches of science fiction in this series was never it’s strong point. For that reason, it’s probably for the best that we don’t get an explanation about what’s involved in making philomela. The relationships between all of these characters have been the true draw for the readers, and working out all of the angst and love takes up the majority of the finale.
With so many personal conflicts to settle the artwork does become compressed. With dwindling space the action becomes frantic and confused, jumping from scene to scene while the scenery comes crashing down. By the end of the finale confrontation there’s just enough space left for a proper epilog addressing the fates of our leads. I have to admit the ending was pretty unexpected, based on how most of Kaori Yuki’s previous works conclude. She even comments on it in her author note about how it isn’t like her.
Whatever time and space constraints the author was under forced the final half of this book to consist of a stand alone story called Camelot Garden. A boy named Ryu finds himself trapped in a strange boarding school where students are given identifying numbers based on a card deck. Everything seems to focus on a strange beautiful boy who is exempt from most of the rules governing the other students. As time passes Ryu has to piece together the truth of the strange place and the reason he’s there. Despite it being a new tale, many of the thematic elements seem to carry over from Grand Guignol. There’s a strange fantasy-science fiction mix, gothic designs, gender ambiguity, and plenty of mystery until the final page. Sometimes confusing, the short tale is more melancholic than Grand Guignol Orchestra, but at least it fits the style of the series.
At the end of the volume there’s a small author’s note reflecting on and clarifying some of the character’s fates that weren’t seen at the end of Grand Guignol Orchestra.
In Summary
Grand Guignol Orchestra is a fun and quirky gothic horror story with plenty of pathos. The art is a nice mix of victorian costumes combined with some modern flair. Lucille and Celes are fun characters, and I was rooting for them until the very end. While the finale of the series is slightly rushed, and it does get confusing at times, it still satisfies many of the readers questions, including the eventual fates of the characters. Not as confusing as some of Kaori Yuki’s other series, it’s a good short read that won’t break the bank account. Fans of her other works should snatch it up.
Content Grade: B +
Art Grade: B +
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: B +
Readers Rating: [ratings]
Age Rating: 16+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: December 6th, 2011
MSRP: $9.99
