Unravel the mystery of the Grigori project!
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Toshiaki Iwashiro
Translation: Camellia Nieh
What They Say:
Ageha’s friend Kagetora and his team head to the Spring Breeze Academy to look for information about Miroku Amagi, the man destined to end the world. Once there Kagetora clashes with Junas, Star Commander of the shadowy group known as W.I.S.E, and Miroku takes on a powerful psionist whom Miroku hopes to recruit for his new world order.
Content:
Though Kagetora and company arrive at the Spring Breeze Academy, they find that it is closing down, and that the director and staff have disappeared. Unfortunately for them, one of Miroku’s men is there as a “part-timer,” looking for a mysterious “creator,” and quickly catches on to their presence. To make matters worse, all traces of Miroku having been there have been destroyed. However, they do manage to meet an interesting little girl with the power to create things, which she demonstrates by bringing to life a “flower” that she drew. Before the group can investigate this further, though, they come under attack from Miroku’s murderous henchman, Junas, who makes off with the young girl, Riko Hachiboshi. As Riko is innocent and naïve, she takes Junas’ word that he’s not a “meanie,” and willingly allows herself to be abducted by her new “friend.”
Kagetora and company continue their pursuit and manage to catch up to the escaping pair. Kagetora puts up quite a fight, proving to be something of a monster even against his formidable opponent. In fact, it looks like Kagetora (with a little help) will manage to win the battle and capture the mysterious enemy, only for a monstrous giant to appear and grab Junas. This beast, apparently one of Riko’s creations, tears through our heroes and allows the enemies to escape, even though it only lasts for a moment. Even so, Kagetora attempts to continue pursuit, keeping Junas on his toes. Meanwhile, Matsuri discovers that the Rebirthday DVD has now gone blank, leaving them without any further hints as to the changes they’ve been making.
Most of the rest of the volume is spent on an awesome brawl between Miroku and Grigori No. 01, the first test subject. It’s an absolutely jawdropping fight proving both how strong the pair are, as well as how little care they have for the lives of civilians, which does a great job setting them up as villains. As the fight wraps up Miroku decides to announce himself to the world early, and Ageha and Sakurako visit Ageha’s father to learn a little more about the meteor, only to find a chance at learning the secrets of the Grigori project in the process.
In Summary:
Though the last volume may have been a little slow, things pick up in a big way here. Though Ageha may be a bit sidelined there are some great fights throughout, including what may be the series’ best thus far. Of course, we also get a great look at the pasts of the W.I.S.E leaders, helping to flesh them out a little more from the enigmas that they used to be. And furthermore, we get a great display of power from a number of the characters involved, proving just how frightening PSI powers can really be, even outside of Psyren’s dystopian landscape. Add in some interesting plot development at the end, and you have another great entry into the series.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: B+
Package Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released by: Viz Media
Release Date: July 2nd, 2013
MSRP: $9.99
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