Reviews

I really loved the art in this volume in particular. I think this is the first volume where I preferred the manga to the show if not just because Kui has such a knack for drawing big monsters. There's so much thought and consideration put into the structure of her world. I loved all the dynamics between our main cast and the other characters. She really is a master of showing over telling. This series really is so special.

mxunsmiley's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Yet more interesting character developments here, particularly from Chilchuck who is learning from Laios’s affinity for and recognition of the utilities of monsters, with my man actually tearing off the dead frog’s skin to protect the party from the tentaclus. Also, that panel with the party all wearing the frog suits is one of the funniest in the manga. (And Marcille, Falin would have adored you in that suit, c’mon.)

I also love Marcille’s backstory; of course, as the party insinuates, she could be giving herself a much more favorable image, but to see her act in such a striking contrast to her typical awkward and reactive as a student is so interesting. The difference between her and Falin is notable also, begging questions of Marcille’s perception of morality and value in living beings of the ecosystem, both inside and outside of the dungeon. Marcille is often a gag character, but she has such rigid views of the world that it only makes her later decisions that more compelling. How Marcille jumps to eradicate a perceived threat, whereas Falin is more curious and observant and seeks alternative solutions, illustrates a central dilemma of the manga: the problem of making hasty, ill-advised, and harmful decisions out of emotion and passion, rather than considering different possibilities and options. Openness to new ideas and experiences in general is such a mainstay throughout.

Further world-building through the chapter with Namari, Kaka, and Kiki demonstrates the separatist attitude between the races. It’s funny how Namari can’t tell relative ages between dwarves and humans, though. She’s such a great character as a whole, and I love her indignation at the sad state of the party’s weapons and Senshi’s kitchen tools.

The complications surrounding resurrection are also a great set-up to the manga’s handling of death and immortality, with Namari alluding to the unrealistic expectations imposed on magic.

More...