Noblesse Chapter 236 Review

[Jammin]

Nothing to say here, as there aren't any clear results from any polls *pouts*.

Now onto the review!

Chapter Summary

An ordinary life is forever beyond his reach. The burden of being strong, smart, and good looking.

This week begins with Crombell receiving word from Yuri of the events in Korea and the Elder's death. He is surprised by the death of the 12th Elder, having not been aware of anything in Korea that could manage that. Then he thinks of Frankenstein and resolved to reassess the threat he poses. Yuri goes on to say that he confirmed Tao and Takeo were alive and that, more importantly, they took out Lutai; meaning that they have gotten significantly stronger. Crombell seems pleased with all aspects of Yuri's report and tells him to return.

Back at Frankenstein's house the RK-4 and Seira are waiting around and still mildly shocked at being told by Raizel that it's time to part ways. Frankenstein walks in and asks Tao if the KSA has made any attempt to make contact. But Tao explains that the KSA took 70% losses and that it will probably be a while before Yontsu or Sangeen have any spare time, especially considering all that's happened.

Tao then wonders aloud what they should do now. Frankenstein explains to him that Raizel intends for them to go to his mansion in Lukedonia where they will be safe. This pisses M-21 off a little and he makes clear that Tao wasn't asking "what they should to do to be safe" but rather "what they can do to help Raizel deal with the Union"; and that none of them have any intention of hiding while Raizel fights.

Frankenstien explains to them that they don't really understand. From here on Raizel and Franky might not be able to protect them. He goes on to tell them that every-time Raizel uses his strength he uses up his life and since the battle 820 years ago he has gone well past his body's limits. Even hibernating for so long didn't really restore him.

Then he explains that the role Noblesse isn't just a symbol strength or a defender of Lukedonia. More than that it's a symbol of the path of nobility and when nobles stray from that path the Noblesse is to serve as their judge, jury, and executioner. Due to this, in the thousands of years of his existence he has always been alone. A noble that nobles fear. He spent all those solitary centuries gazing out a window of his empty mansion and now for the first time he can gaze out the window of classroom filled with friends.

Frankenstien explains to them that the reason Raizel won't let them be involved is that he won't allow them lose the precious thing that he cannot have.

Chapter Review

It's not as bad as it sounds. The Lukedonia women's bathhouse just so happens to be located outside that window.

Substance

We got tons of information or Raizel this week; and so did Seira, Regis, Tao, Takeo, and M-21.

We've known Raizel was dying for quite some time but this chapter was the first close look we've had at just what kind of life he led before his time in Korea. He was essentially an executioner of Nobles, with a license to kill whomever he feels deserves it. Which made him a pariah amongst his own kind. A lonely man who spent his days staring out the window of an empty mansion. Receiving visitors once every hundred years or so. This really serves to drive home why Shin Woo and the gang are so important to him. Showing up at his house almost every day. School, to him, is a place where he can look out a window while surrounded by the warmth of friends; and now that I think about it he's been looking out that window pretty much since the beginning.

Unfortunately, Roctis and the traitors have abused their power and that means Raizel has a job to do; and even though he may use up the last of his life I have no doubt he intends to do it.

Some other things we learned in this chapter are that Crombel has no idea of Raizel's existence and did no expect the 12th Elder to die, Raizel intended for everyone to head to his Lukedonia mansion, and we got a tidbit about Werewolves; who were/are powerful enough to be mentioned alongside Lukedonia nobles. Lots of fun interesting stuff.

Presentation

In terms art was fairly ordinary. Their is one really impressive character panel of Raizel at the end but the rest was about average. Though despite this I thought it all did a good job of helping tell the story. The nearly colorless panels of the Lukedonia mansion and the vibrant panels of the school helped establish the a nice contrast; but there wasn't much detail or fine touches on either.

In terms of pacing I liked it a lot. A touch of Yuri's report to Crombel then right to Frankenstein explanation to the gang about... pretty much everything. It also ended on such a strong note with the deeper reason why he looks so contented as he stares out that window.

Final Rating

This chapter wasn't flashy but it was BIG story wise. We learned so much about who Raizel is and how he has lived. Which allows us to fully understand what he holds dear and why. I can't quite call it perfect though because the art didn't quite deliver.

I give this chapter a 4 out of 5

My Predictions

• Raizel will name Shin Woo his successor; resulting in him inheriting the title and power of the Noblesse.

(How did I not already make this a prediction?)

My Previous Predictions(Current Record 15-16)

None confirmed nor disproven.

• Rael will lose his next battle to the RK-4.
• I think Lee Youn-In is going to be more than just a soon-to-be-forgotten sub-character. I suspect she may have a role in the plot.
• The female operative from the Union will eventually end up on Raizel's side, like M-21 and the others.
• Rael will show up at Raizel's school seeking revenge on him and his human friends.
• The Agency Director is evil(obviously).
• Na Yontsu will get mixed feeling about recruiting Shin Woo and Ikkan.
• Raizel will ultimately choose to use himself up completely in order to help his friends.
• The trainees that disappeared are dead or worse.
• The Union was originally created by the Traitorous Nobles.
• More traitors than just Roctis are in league with the Union
• The RK-4 will not leave Raizel, they are his knights after all.

Thread Question of the Week
Werewolves. Are they still still around somewhere like the nobles? What are your general thoughts on them?

[scav]

for your prediction. Shin woo is human, he can't become the Noblesse. However Regis will make a great successor but let's not dig Rai grave already.

[Jammin]

for your prediction. Shin woo is human, he can't become the Noblesse. However Regis will make a great successor but let's not dig Rai grave already.

He is human but humans can indeed be imbued with a nobles power as was shown by the 12th Elder gaining Roctis's power through a contract. If you combine that with the information we have about Soul Weapons; namely that nobles can pass their power on as they enter eternal sleep and you've got the recipe for a new human Noblesse.

Which is actually fitting with the series themes. Shin Woo as Noblesse would be a bridge to a new age for the nobles.

Which isn't to say it's a certainty by a long-shot, but it can conceivably happen; and I think it will.

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I'm pretty sure Raizel is going to die, and sooner than you might think (I suspect long before the end of the series). There are 11 more elders and Crombel; plus, who knows how many traitors. He simply doesn't have enough life left for that.

The moment I heard the previous lord's message to him. "Don't follow too soon." I was realized he was dying (you can actually confirm that as I wrote it in my review at the time). Raizel is not injured or poisoned or anything like that; he's an old man living out his twilight years. I don't think you can cure that, it's just his time to go.

[The Red Dog]

My Predictions

Raizel will name Shin Woo his successor; resulting in him inheriting the title and power of the Noblesse.

Bold Prediction,I don't agree with this I believe the Rank of Noblesse is for "The Chosen One" among Nobles. As for ShinWoo,he'll serve Seira as his Mistress as a Contract with her(Best way to develop their Relationship)

Thread Question of the Week
Werewolves. Are they still still around somewhere like the nobles? What are your general thoughts on them?

Very Eager to see The WereWolves grabing a piece of the Action,I wonder how they do Communicate....Do they know Human Language & Do they Behave like Wild Animals....(If it's The Case,the WW would immediatly "Sniff" M-21 Should The RKs encounter with the secretive Breed)....

Yontsu & Sangeen ar'nt safe either(the same goes with the rest of the KSA) Franky will make a proposal,that's why he is looking after them

[phio_chan]

We've known Raizel was dying for quite some time but this chapter was the first close look we've had at just what kind of life he led before his time in Korea. He was essentially an executioner of Nobles, with a license to kill whomever he feels deserves it. Which made him a pariah amongst his own kind. A lonely man who spent his days staring out the window of an empty mansion. Receiving visitors once every hundred years or so. This really serves to drive home why Shin Woo and the gang are so important to him. Showing up at his house almost every day. School, to him, is a place where he can look out a window while surrounded by the warmth of friends; and now that I think about it he's been looking out that window pretty much since the beginning.

Indeed, that looks to be the case. I didn't think his habit of looking throughout the window is based on such a sad past... That also explains why Noblesse are so lonely.

Werewolves. Are they still still around somewhere like the nobles? What are your general thoughts on them?

I don't think they are still around, honestly, given from the situation. Perhaps Crombel has one or two werewolves hearts in store but I don't think they are around anymore. Though that makes me wonder what was the cause for their destruction.