Ruka announces she’s leaving the Art Squad!
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Bisco Hatori
Translation/Adaptation: John Werry
What They Say
The Art Squad has always felt like home to its members, but as their chief’s final year winds down, doubts begin to assail them all. Tomu worries he has no talent, Ruka decides to quit the club early to live up to family expectations, Izumi’s amnesia finally starts to get to him, and Maasa plans to give up zombies in order to find a man. Now it’s up to Ranmaru, the newest and most neurotic club member, to save the spirit of Art Squad!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
This is the final volume of the series, and it’s a whirlwind rush to conclude the story’s various character arcs. First it starts with Tomu. Unlike the others in the Art Squad, he doesn’t have artistic talent, and his main contribution has been his dad’s garage space and his boundless energy. As it turns out, that boundless energy is a talent of its own in front of the camera, and he discovers his true calling when he gets scouted as a costume actor for an action film.
Next is Soh’s crush on Izumi. Although chit chat abounds about stage work, these chapters take place against the backdrop of an outdoor barbeque and a fireworks festival. Ultimately, Soh resolves to get over Izumi by agreeing to a date with another boy, an event which has both her and Ranmaru freaking out. While it’s fun to watch the squad keep Soh’s outing from turning into a disaster, her resulting interest in Ranmaru feels forced and somewhat squicky. (They are cousins, after all.)
Then the focus turns to Ruka when she tells the squad she’s quitting after the school festival. No sooner has she made the announcement than she gets slammed with costume and hair requests. This two-chapter arc is part Ruka resolving her family issues, part Art Squad team effort, and part Goda fessing up to his feelings for Ruka. Of those three elements, the third is the most subtle (a bit too subtle, IMO) but delivers the biggest payoff in the end.
The last chapter is a final tying off of loose ends with Goda finishing his script at last and directing his film. The film’s production winds up the catalyst for good things for everyone in the Art Squad, and to eliminate any doubt about their happy futures, Hatori-sensei concludes with a five-page glimpse six years into the future.
Extras include mini-profiles on the mangaka’s assistants, embedded notes from the creator, glossary, and author bio.
In Summary
It’s a wrap for Behind the Scenes!! Rather than focus on the production of any one film project, these chapters are mainly geared toward providing closure to romantic elements. The one exception is the final chapter which relates the making of Goda’s film, and mixed up in the backstage chaos are key moments that set the trajectory of the squad members’ varied futures. Parts feel rushed, especially Soh’s abrupt change in love interest. Otherwise, there’s plenty of success and happily-ever-afters to go around in this conclusion.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: 12+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: August 6th, 2019
MSRP: $9.99
