Rokuro will never give up when Benio’s life is on the line!
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Yoshiaki Sukeno
Translation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
English Adaptation: Byrant Turnage
What They Say:
Vicious Kegare Hijirimaru is getting the better of the Twin Stars in their battle to rescue young Sayo. Will the cavalry arrive in time to save her … and the outside world? Then, the spiritual protector of one of the Twin Stars disappears! Who will go to Tsuchimikado Island to fight the Kegare in that Twin Star’s place?
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Now that the Ascertainment Rituals to qualify the Twin Star Exorcists have begun, there is nothing more which can be done aside from the cruel waiting. But as the tests pass into Magano for Benio, it is not soon before test proctor Chiko is struck down and is on death’s door, all thanks to the cruelty of Hijirimaru. Even her brother Shimon is helpless after his injuries, and with his spiritual power severely depleted he barely has enough energy to stave off her wounds. However things become much worse when the Basara begins to merge his dark powers with his partner Higano, and the reverberations are felt even into the physical world. As the exorcists within the city are barely able to hold their own, things become more desperate as kegare pour through the gate, and even Seigen begins to have his doubts.
As the final incorporation of the two basara nears completion, the kegare within Magano grow ever more restless, while Hijirimaru tries to adjust to his new form. Mayura becomes more nervous and cannot but wept for her inadequacies as the enemies press their advantage, and with Benio so badly injured she cannot move, there is no one left to protect Sayo. The palpable malice within this realm grows ever stronger and the hesitant exorcist cannot but grow ever madder with her unsteady judgment. Once his new physical form becomes ever more definite, Hijirimaru is more than happy to test out his new powers, the ground shattering beneath his feet. With no one able to even raise a talisman against this new threat, it seems they have no chance in challenging this overwhelming foe, and all brace for what will surely be a painful death. It is only then do the flowing white locks of the Chief Exorcist come into view, his slim form barring the way, but will even his impressive abilities be enough to stop this monstrosity?
In Summary:
This volume begins as a confusing mess, with the viewpoint constantly shifting between Megano and events within Narukami City. While Sukeno-sensei may have been trying to express desperation growing within the two worlds, fluctuations of the artwork also makes it hard to understand what is happening within the story, and it takes a few minutes to digest the narrative. Even then once you begin to comprehend the nuances, it begins again after Rokuro stirs from unconsciousness and has visions of what he thinks is the future; his battle with Hijirimaru is of course the main emphasis of the book, however even then the mangaka cannot resist jumping back into the fray within the city, thus stirring the mess and unsettling what little understanding we may had of the story. I would have also liked to see Mayura’s hesitation become less cloudy and at least have her make a passing stand against the normal kegare, but of course the Twin Star Exorcists are the stars of the book, and therefore that wish will never come to pass.
While we may not be disappointed with this title if you are wanting unadulterated excitement and violence, the underlying story of Rokuro and Benio has become a bit muddy within this volume. With neither making a firm appearance until halfway through the book, everything leading into the epic battle is so confusing at times, it is tempting to skip ahead just to get to the action. And then once it is over, we are lead into an epic event which changes the premise of the title so drastically, you have to wonder if there will be a future for the book? I guess we will have to wait until the next volume to find out … giving us plenty of time to re-read in order to understand what just happened.
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: A
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: July 04, 2017
MSRP: $9.99
