Sometimes the hiding the truth is not always the best thing for everyone.
Creative Staff:
Story/Art: Yoshiaki Sukeno
Translation/Adaptation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki/Byrant Turnage
What They Say:
Rokuro dreams of becoming anything but an exorcist! Then mysterious Benio turns up. The pair are dubbed the “Twin Star Exorcists” and learn they are fated to marry… Can Rokuro escape both fates?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
Now that Rokuro’s former mentor Seigen has returned to town, he brings with him the truth behind the Hinatsuki Tragedy, but not everyone is ready for that reality. Benio has noticed that something has been bothering her companion, however she has been too afraid to ask Rokuro about the problem. Now that she has a chance to uncover the events which took her brother, does this proud exorcist have the courage to reveal them or will she continue to live in ignorance? The struggle between her feelings and the want for that knowledge has brought her to a crossroad she does not want to pass, but circumstances may not give her a choice.
Mayura has not seen her father Seigen for many years since his work as one of the Twelve Guardians, the most powerful exorcists of the Association, keeps him busy; but whenever he does return, it is always as major event in Magano is about to take place. She knows him all too well, and his deception of wanting to visit her does not fool the knowing daughter. Mayura has also noticed that Rokuro has not been himself as of late and now that her delinquent parent is here, his presence only confirms it. As his childhood friend, she is worried about him and not being able to help Rokuro only unsettles her even more. But, the mystery of his apprehensions, the reason for her father’s appearance and the facts surrounding Hinatsuki are about to be unveiled. It may be a long time coming, but will everyone be able to reconcile with the truth … or will they wish to be kept in the dark of that tragic time?
In Summary:
We have waited for two volumes to learn the background behind this series and that now that it has been revealed, that same truth makes the Twin Star Exorcists all the more compelling and memorable. I will admit that I used more than a few tissues when I read this issue and it makes the emotions all the more powerful when you understand the realities driving the characters. We now know Rukuro’s reasons for not wanting to continue his life as an exorcist and why he was so hesitant in sharing with anyone, even Benio, what happened on that day which changed his life and so many around him. But, now that the secret is out, what will happen now?
Now that we understand the meaning behind Rukuro’s confession from the last volume, how can Benio ever trust him as she did before? Not that she really felt any connection with her future partner, but now that she knows what happened to her brother and the others in the dorm, their friendship will be tested. They are supposed to be the Twin Star Exorcists and with their marriage, they were to raise the greatest exorcist. But, if Rukuro is one of the reasons behind everything that happened at Hintsuki, there will always be doubt and with that, there can never be complete trust; however, if they build off this new relationship, perhaps they can become stronger than ever before? Though now that they now know the true face of the enemy, how can Benio and Rukuro do what they know must be done?
When I first started reading Twin Star Exorcists, I thought it was going to be another one of those supernaturally laden manga laced with teenage angst and comedy. But now, I am thoroughly pleased that it has evolved into a emotionally driven series undermined by true feelings, and in turn, it is those uncertainties that cause friction between the two main characters. It is that force which makes this series something special, a manga which makes you care for Rukuro and Benio and what the future may bring for this unusual couple. We know that we will laugh at their escapades, but at the same time, we will also cry when they must confront the tragedy which has brought them closer than any other story ever could.
Content Grade: A+
Art Grade: A
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: January 5th, 2016
MSRP: $9.99
