Treachery can come in all forms … whether from without or within.
Creative Staff:
Story and Art: Yoshiaki Sukeno
Translation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
English Adaptation: Byrant Turnage
What They Say:
The Hadarae Castle Imperial tournament continues! Rokuro is determined to win his match and earn the right to join the hunt for Yuto. Then Shimon faces Tenma. What savage method does Tenma’s family use to determine who inherits their Guardian…?
An Enmado Family team member suffers a terrible loss at the tournament with an unexpected consequence. Meanwhile, Benio journeys to Magano in hopes of regaining her powers so she can fight by Rokuro’s side. What she learns there leads to a fateful decision…
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The Hadarae Castle Imperial Tournament is well under way and Rokuro has made it to the Sixth Match in the Men’s Final, however with dread he learns his opponent is Kankuro, head of the Mitosaka family and one of the strongest among the Twelve Guardians. But before the contest can start, Dr. Kanny’s close friend Kengo reveals to this upstart boy his companion has been sheltering a dark secret, and if he wishes to face this rival at full strength, the caring physician must face his past and come to terms with it. Furious someone would expose such tragedy is something he cannot forgive, however as painful memories are brought to the surface and the reason he wears a surgical mask is exposed to the light, Kankuro soon learns he has more in common with Rokuro than he knew. Even as he endures the endless assault to crack open his shell, it is forgiveness which now allows him to unleash his ultimate ability – Dragon Swallow Technique. However as the two competitors now face off in a final showdown, who will emerge victorious and which one will surrender to fatigue?
As their contest comes to a close it is not long before the final match is about to begin, and is one which all in the audience has looked forward to – the Vermillion Bird Shimon versus Tenma, said to be the strongest exorcist upon Tsuchimikado Island. However even before the battle officially begins, it is clear this prodigy will not take the situation seriously, launching into a verbal tirade of insults to anger his opponent. Once the match begins it is apparent this strategy has worked to Shimon’s favor, his pent up rage resulting in a surprise attack which catches Tenma off guard and propels his body across the ring. But the assault does not end once the Vermillion Bird casts one his signature enchantments and launches endless blows against his foe, however this battle seems not to be taken seriously by the competitor as he casually protects himself by parrying each with the scabbard of his sword. Even the crowd within the arena are stunned by this result, and yet no one is more annoyed than Shimon as he accelerates the physical tirade with more powerful blows. Yet during each exchange even though Vermillion Bird proves he has the upper hand, none are given anything more attention than feigned boredom, dampening Shimon’s proud declaration he would surpass this rival … but as the fight drags on, will Tenma allow this one sided battle to continue?
As the Hadarae Castle Imperial Tournament comes to a tragic and morally unsatisfying end, Benio herself is now more determined than ever to regain her spiritual powers. And yet as the days on the mainland pass peacefully, she still cannot comprehend why she lost her abilities during the Twin Stars’ last battle with the kegare, until while eating lunch in the park when an ominous presence makes itself known … it is the basara who slaughtered her parents – the one which calls itself Kamui. Instead of striking down a helpless human like most of his kind would do, this monster offers a counter proposal: if Benio wants to learn the mystery behind her loss, then return to this spot in one hour, and make arrangements for an extended journey, since if she does not succeed in this trip, she will never return to the human world. But as this former exorcist prepares for what may be the last time she sees her home, Seigen makes an unannounced visit to calm the worries of those concerned about her avoidance; however before she can say anything, he immediately senses the stench of the basara and demands Benio explain herself – but if her reasoning for such betrayal is not suitable … the former White Tiger will kill her on the spot.
In Summary:
Just as the story behind Twin Star Exorcists began to seem one-sided, Sukeno-sensei finally creates an atmosphere where the reader can begin to empathize with side characters as they interact with Rokuro. To watch the battle between himself and Kankuro was enlightening, allowing us to see the tragedy which motivates so many exorcists, all having a common bond after having lost someone close to them due to the kegare. However, it was the conflict between Shimon and Tenma which leaves a foul taste in the readers’ mouth, questioning if great power is all it takes to make an exorcist … plus a disgusting streak of sadism. To watch someone which who helped the Twin Stars and Mayura so much in the past now struck down this easily is disturbing, and worse still to realize he was supposed an ally is disgusting. Sadly due to his importance in the fight there is doubt he will ever be seriously punished, but in the back of our minds most probably hope somehow justice will find a way for vengeance.
And yet between all of the intensity of watching these emotional clashes, the most fulfilling moment within the narratives from these volumes is Benio’s quest to seek the truth. Just as we thought Sukeno-sensei had forgotten about this feisty exorcist, he springs upon us this heartfelt story of redemption and a need to conquer the unfathomable. It is strange to see this conflict of her struggling with feeling useless, after all she has always been the indomitable one within the partnership since the start of the series; and yet now this vulnerability which Benio is forced to confront makes her seem more human, as compared to her headstrong attitude in the beginning, and what makes it all the more sensational is her uncomfortable alliance with the monster who created the entire escapade which undeniably lead to the collapse of the Adashino family. I cannot wait to see how circumstances lead out to what Benio wants: either regain her powers or die trying, all while allowing her to confront the truth behind the kegare and more importantly, how the Twin Star Exorcists’ destiny is tied to their mortal enemies.
Twin Star Exorcists began as a stunning series confronting the horrors of the unknown, but as the narrative progressed, we begin to understand the circumstances tying enemies together. However, it is only now do we understand this story goes deeper and involves the tragedy of war and how conflict can lead to both physical and mental loss, even if some see victory as the only prize. But once you begin to understand the reality behind the conflict, it is only then does the true meaning of loss start to sink and a need to end the cycle becomes the only potential method to prevent insanity.
Content Grade: A-/A+
Art Grade: A-/A-
Packaging Grade: A/A
Text/Translation Grade: A/A
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: September 04, 2018 / January 01, 2019
MSRP: $9.99