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houxli's review
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The circling conflict between Mikado's, Anri's, and Kida's factions as they hold tight to their friendship is the center of this volume, mainly focused on Kida's Yellow Scarfs. I wish we got to see the three hang out and flesh out the friendship they do have, as opposed to being told how close they are. At least when they all do share a scene it is a believable chemistry. As an ensemble story, lingering too long on any part unbalances the perspective, but I felt like Narita could've gotten away with it here. But the culmination of the tension between them is engaging. The stakes are finally grounded, without the handwringing of "no one actually dies don't worry. Ikebukuro is tough and seedy, but no one dies everyone only get really big boo-boos! Don't worry, kiddies!" that the first and second volume had. Age comes into play in a way that's satisfying (youth gangs vs adult gangs), the characters act their age, and the adult factions of the city are regarded as serious threats! A little goes a long way, and it ends up meaning that this volume is the strongest so far.
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