Monday, August 3, 2020

Book Review: Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World Vol. 9


Review:  #924
Title:  Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World Vol. 9
Series:  Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World – 9th volume
Author:  Tappei Nagatsuki
Comments:  Volume 9 marks the end of the current arc that involves one of the Archbishops, Sloth.  Having Subaru start over again can be painful to watch but thanks to his ability, he is able to anticipate and present countermeasures to everything that Sloth throws his way.  Considering the horrific things that Subaru has to endure previously, it is quite satisfying to have the tables turn and Sloth being the one that is cornered.  While it may seem to be a staple of the author’s, it is nonetheless surprising when you just about think the major event has ended, that more just keeps on coming.  This is the case here and it doesn’t end.  One problem after another keeps popping up, each one more significant harder to deal with than the last.  It is impressive that Subaru has managed to overcome these unexpected problems on the fly.  The arc’s ending is really sweet and made everything that Subaru has experienced worthwhile.  It instantly ups this by presenting a what-if scenario involving Subaru and Rem.  It’s hard to pick who you like more, Emilia or Rem.  This is cruel considering what happens afterwards with further interludes and epilogues, which doubles up as setting up the next arc.  It feels like a massive downer after the happy ending, and a situation that is even more despairing and helpless if that is possible.  The final scenes are the highlight of the volume due to the sensitive situation that Subaru has been put in, and makes you eager to find out how Subaru will be even able to try to defuse it.
Rating:  6.5/10
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