Uncovering the truth leads to more questions.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Ryo Hanada
Translation/Adaptation: Jocelyne Allen
What They Say
Ishimaru tries to bring in Zero Seven and Nine to get inside info on the CCC. In exchange for her cooperation, Zero Seven asks for information on the devil that murdered her mother, and the fateful meeting between Seven and Kikuhara is revealed. The house of an activist for devil rights is set on fire, and at the scene, Kikuhara pushes Anzai to remember his past…
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Ishimaru and the rest of his newly formed unit try to convince Seven and Nine to work with them. They’re interrupted by high school devil being provoked. Anzai jumps into stop the situation and the devil unexpected transforms. Seven and Nine remain unsure of joining and Ishimaru’s team.
Ishimaru decides to test Anzai as the high school caught him off guard earlier. Anzai doesn’t fare well and Ishimaru wants Anzai to fight even if he transforms. He knows Anzai holds himself back and with just the two of them there, Ishimaru wants to Anzai how to fight at his optimum and teaches him how to use his devil strength to do so. Their training goes well, and Ishimaru reveals he has been interested in devils since he was a kid and that’s why he knows so much about devils. Ishimaru also pushes the limits and forces Anzai’s transformation to the limit when he puts some droplets of blood in his mouth. While doing this partly for research, Ishimaru doesn’t realize the emotional toil he caused Anzai.
On Seven’s request, the unit looks up information a Morisawa. More is learned about Seven’s past and her relationship to the deceased cop, Morisawa. The investigation goes on to learn more about Kikuharu’s connection with Seven and the CCC. Seven admits to herself that she did love Morisawa and then after fell for Kikuharu.
Meanwhile, Nine is helping out Ishimaru’s unit while Seven is off on her own. They can’t hack into CCC’s computer but were able to make a preliminary list of members that Nine is aware of. They eventually track Seven down. Seven agrees to temporarily put her hatred of devils away and help Ishimaru’s unit.
Dr. Kano returns and talk moves to devils’ ability to heal their self with blood and why it’s a secret. Kano also takes some time to talk to Anzai privately about an email he sent regarding past visions, specifically about Kikuharu, when he transforms. However, Anzai forgets to mention that Ishimaru had him drink blood, but Tsukasa saw it and admits she wishes she could be the one that gives him blood. Their times alone also progresses too.
Just at the unit is learning more about CCC and the members, especially Eleven, it’s found out that Ishimaru is actually Jason Thirteen. Kikuharu is recruiting new members and Thirteen is giving him all the intel on his unit’s actions. Ishimaru brings with him Anzai, Lee and Tsukasa to an arson attempt and sees Kikiharu. He remembers that Kikuharu looked for him in the past about Tamaki Anzai, a serial killer. He confronts Kikuharu, who doesn’t reveal anything.
In Summary
I’m definitely getting more into this convoluted story. I continue to think that some of the verbiage is responsible for the confusion, but beyond that, it a very interesting story is shaping up. It’s not a surprise, but I like the relationships and mysteries the best. I also am not completely surprised that Ishimaru was a spy, but it was a sad revelation. I do hope that we see more of Anzai and Tsukasa’s alone time and Anzai’s increased ability to control the devil part of him. Looking forward to how much the story progresses in the next volume!
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: B
Packaging Grade: C
Text/Translation Grade: B-
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Vertical Comics
Release Date: April 11th, 2017
MSRP: $12.95
