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A review by sleeping_while_awake
空ろの箱と零のマリア 5 [Utsuro No Hako To Zero No Maria 5] by Eiji Mikage, 御影瑛路
3.0
In Volume 5, Daiya takes the starring role. In the author's note at the close of the story, Mikage states that Daiya is his favorite character, and he initially wanted to do the story from his point of view. It makes sense, as Daiya is very interesting compared to Kazuki, although Kazuki is starting to man up a bit. However, I do not feel sympathetic to Daiya at all, and think the overall series is better served from Kazuki's point of view, if there was a choice between the two.
Daiya is in control of a box (of course). He makes his wish in a careful manner. He wants to get rid of people in the world who are shallow and thoughtless, and commit criminal acts, and attempts to do this by wishing he can control other people. Daiya passes through a person's shadow and absorbs their sins. Then he can control them.
Much of the narrative is through Daiya's point of view. I can't decide whether I like him or hate him, I am on the fence.
Kazuki and Maria are opposed to him. Kazuki creates a cinema, through the use of a box, to show Daiya memories that would affect him and change his mind about subjugating other people. Kazuki brings up the point that although it is easy to get rid of the people who everyone would agree are criminals, it becomes harder when it isn't so clear cut.
Compared to the first volume, Kazuki has grown as a character. I am surprised he did because he was initially such a helpless character. He is more independent and doesn't rely on Maria. I wonder what their relationship will end up being, as it seems kind of doomed at this point, considering Maria is not a human.
The story isn't resolved in this volume. I wasn't too disappointed about that because it is still an engaging story. I think this volume gets a little darker in its exploration of ethics that go beyond the themes of killing in previous volumes.
Daiya is in control of a box (of course). He makes his wish in a careful manner. He wants to get rid of people in the world who are shallow and thoughtless, and commit criminal acts, and attempts to do this by wishing he can control other people. Daiya passes through a person's shadow and absorbs their sins. Then he can control them.
Much of the narrative is through Daiya's point of view. I can't decide whether I like him or hate him, I am on the fence.
Kazuki and Maria are opposed to him. Kazuki creates a cinema, through the use of a box, to show Daiya memories that would affect him and change his mind about subjugating other people. Kazuki brings up the point that although it is easy to get rid of the people who everyone would agree are criminals, it becomes harder when it isn't so clear cut.
Compared to the first volume, Kazuki has grown as a character. I am surprised he did because he was initially such a helpless character. He is more independent and doesn't rely on Maria. I wonder what their relationship will end up being, as it seems kind of doomed at this point, considering Maria is not a human.
The story isn't resolved in this volume. I wasn't too disappointed about that because it is still an engaging story. I think this volume gets a little darker in its exploration of ethics that go beyond the themes of killing in previous volumes.