Pain brings strength … but is it worth the misery?
Creative Staff:
Story and Art: Yoshiaki Sukeno
Translation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
English Adaptation: Byrant Turnage
What They Say:
Two of the Twelve Guardians are slain in battle—but not before passing on their spiritual guides. Are the recipients truly worthy…? And in the ongoing chaos, will Rokuro be able to protect the Enmado Family?
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
On a main layer of Magano the Ioroi family are attempting to destroy a capricious basara named Gabura but Shizuru watches on in horror as this sadistic being takes great pleasure intercepting all of their attempts and allowing them to fail miserably. Even as her brother falls beneath this creature’s effortless diversions, group members cannot stand idly by and watch without some effort in retaliation and yet each attack is blocked with ease all as another of her kin jumps into the fray to avenge a fallen sibling. However as one family tries in vain to stem the tide, another group within a separate area has an equally meaningless battle against a monster named Shiromi, but this time Rokuro is leading his Enmado clan with the same fruitless results. And yet as this beast clearly states he is after the Twin Star, the members of his clan will not allow it to have their leader and go to any lengths to protect the only salvation humanity may have left against the kegare.
However as a powerless Shizuru watches a third family member valiantly fall against this ruthless monster she can no longer contain her provoked anger, raging forth with mammoth golden hammer swinging it down in a powerful arc fueled by a scream of grief, however as with all other attacks Gabura easily crushes her weapon and she awaits the inevitable. However, the seconds tick by and nothing until she is stunned to see what has raised the ire of this callous beast – several cute stuffed dolls which are slowly creeping forward to enclose the battlefield. As both combatants question the purpose of these plush toys it is soon made clear as a ritual circle begins to energize and the stern voice of Lady Miku is heard, but as the power continues to build none of this matters once another powerful voice cries from above with a piercing battle cry. The earth below the basara is shattered as he endures the blow while the rest of the exorcists surround the conflict zone, with all eyes glued to the domineering woman who created the crater which she now stands in and proudly proclaims she will avenge her father’s death at the hands of this beast … it is Sakura and she stands ready to inflict more punishment.
In Summary:
As we return to the battles within Magano it is strange to see Rokuro pushed aside to a minor role, but at the same time it is highly refreshing to have Sukeno-sensei finally give the other families a chance in the spotlight and allow us an opportunity to read about their sincere histories and bathe in the misery of what it truly means to be an exorcist. Narumi Ioroi has always been portrayed as a selfless father and boisterous friend, always helping Enmado and wishing the best for his children – but to see him and his sons suffer at the hands of one basara is remarkably painful for one who we would never think could be defeated. And while their story was painful, to watch the history of Lady Miku and Sakura unfold before our eyes as being something so touching is just as powerful, especially when we consider one never knew of the truth behind their relationship until now. However as the battle increases in intensity the suffering these families must face to keep humanity safe is heartfelt and allows the audience to understand what they must sacrifice all to be called true heroes.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: A-
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: September 3rd, 2019
MSRP: $9.99
