The final days.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Shiro Amano
Translation: Althea and Athena Nibley
What They Say
With Xion back in the Organization, she and Roxas can finally work together again. But strangely, Roxas is getting weaker and weaker, while Xion is getting inexplicably stronger. Meanwhile, the leaders of Organization XIII decide that they only need one Keyblade bearer. What fate is in store for Roxas, Xion, and Axel in the conclusion to Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days?!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As a virus makes its way around the Organization, Roxas notices that he’s also starting to feel weaker. Rather than a cold, though, it’s Xion unconsciously sapping the young Nobody’s power. She’s a replica meant to duplicate Roxas’s powers, and it turns out that lately she’s been borrowing too much, though as it’s unintentionally she has no way to stop it. Wanting one complete power rather than two incomplete ones, the Organization uses illusions to try to trick the pair into a fight to the death, but Axel steps in and puts a stop to it before anyone gets seriously hurt.
Realizing that she can’t hurt Roxas any longer, Xion deserts the Organization and heads to Riku. During an emergency meeting of the Organization, the truth is revealed about the Replica program, bringing Xion’s identity to light for Roxas. In light of this betrayal, our hero breaks down and makes up his mind to leave the Organization. Awakening to a new power, he bursts past Saix, and sadly but firmly turns his back on Axel. Meanwhile, Xion prepares to go back to Sora, even though doing so will annihilate her very existence. Before she can do so, though, Axel gets her back, refusing to see his bonds fall to pieces any further.
When Xion appears before Roxas once more, now wearing Sora’s face, just what will occur? And even if things are doomed to end in tragedy, can the pair at least manage something of worth from their sacrifices?
In Summary
With this final volume, things come to a tragic yet touching end. Obviously the ending is bittersweet, but it’s still very powerful to see the plot steadily approach that final day where everything falls apart. The relationship between Xion, Roxas, and Axel has always been the strength of the series, and here where it’s strained to the limit, it practically jumps off the page. Though the game this series is based on may not be most people’s favorite in the franchise, here it’s made into something special that manages to transcend its source material. Any fan of Kingdom Hearts should be sure to give this series a look, as it’s a really powerful and heartfelt surprise that’s sure to please.
Content Grade: A
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: All Ages
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: January 20th, 2015
MSRP: $11.99
