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If you haven't nominated your favorite Noblesse characters in the Manhwa Awards, going on now, now's the time. I suppose you can vote for other series too...but why would you, right?
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Last week's poll was a big one. The question was "Is Raizel dying for real this time". The overwhelming response was no. Or possibly more accurate to the feelings behind some of those votes...
So most people still think he's gonna make it through this. With me and a few others in the minority on the other side.
Now onto the review!
This week begins with the Crombell taking part in a teleconference with the remaining Union Elders about reports of conflict at Roctis', the 4th Elder, base. There is quite a bit of confusion at first, as they try to guess what's going on, but eventually the sky clears enough for a satellite image of Raizel and Muzaka facing off against one another. They all pretend not to recognize Muzaka, and agree to wait for the 5th Elder to report. But the 2nd Elder, at the very least, recognizes him instantly; and is furious at the realization that Roctis had been hiding him all this time.
As the meeting adjourns Crombell mentally pats himself on the back for setting this in motion and contacts people he has waiting near Roctis' base; waiting to snatch all of The 9th and Roctis' research as soon as the area is clear.
Back at the site of the battle, Raizel's last seal is shattered now and he goings all out. As he fights the former Werewolf Lord Muzaka with all that he has the toll upon him is obvious and grows with every second; with blood running freely from his eyes, ears, and mouth. But he does manage to hold him back as the Muzaka curses him and promises that no matter what he does, in the end he will destroy all humanity.
In his rage he unleashes another flurry of attacks just as Raizel doubles over and coughs up blood. This time the attacks land, cutting his body and doing enough damage to disperse his blood wings. But when Muzaka charges in to finish him, Raizel collects what power he has left in his palm and meets the Werewolf Lord head on causing a massive explosion.
Raizel is still standing when the dust settles and Frankenstein rushes in to try and convince his master once more to let him fight in his place. But Raizel tells him there is no need, though he doesn't know why, Muzaka's presence is gone. Adding that his last attack had landed so he probably won't be fighting for a bit either. When he's sure the children are safe he admits to Frankenstein, as blood runs down his face, that he is a little weary.
Substance
Wow, now that was a fight. Never have we seen Raizel pushed to his limits and beyond like this before. Unlike in every fight before in this one we got the feeling that Raizel gave everything he had and, if Muzaka hadn't fled, it might not have been enough.
The biggest thing is going to be how this effects Raizel. I know I'm in the minority on this but I really think Raizel is dying and soon. Can he fight like that again? I don't see how. Can he rest to regain some strength? Not with Muzaka running around; and Ignes too. His friends, and the rest of humanity, are all in danger. Raizel would never agree to rest now even if it means his own death.
Muzaka is free, and he hates humans. I think we can pretty much be certain of the cause of the first battle between him and Raizel now. Humanity. Whatever the cause of his grudge against humans he wanted humanity dead; and Raizel stood in his way. This probably means Raizel will have to stop him again or die trying.
The Union's reaction to all this was fairly interesting as well. They were clearly not aware that Roctis had Muzaka and the 2nd Elder did not look at all pleased at the concept of facing his predecessor or that Roctis had hidden him. The only one who is pleased in this situation is Crombell who is as happy as a cat in a aviary at having caused all this; and even more pleased with getting his hands on Roctis' research. The trend of the Union getting weaker as Crombell gets stronger is starting to become rather noticeable and a little scary.
Presentation
Artwork was good. Detail was only moderate but it didn't matter too much due to the very different way this chapter was drawn. It was one of the more abstract fights in the series, being more light show than boxing match, but I thought it served the chapter well. This chapter had two significant art challenges to meet. One was making this fight look like something that even a superhyped character like Frankenstein wouldn't have been able to compete in and the light show style succeeded in that. The other was to make normally invincible Rai seem vulnerable while keeping his strength consistent and I think it succeeded there too.
Pacing was typical battle pacing. Meaning slow. But I didn't mind because of how meaningful this fight felt to me. There are fights you win or loss and then just forget; and fights that leave scars. This seemed like the latter and so the slow pacing was something I savored rather than felt impatient with.
Overall Rating
Raizel's fight versus Muzaka ended with a bang; and as the smoke clears I'm not sure who really won. But I feel like I did.
So I'm giving it a 5 out of 5
New Prediction
Old Predictions: (31 Wins/ 39 Losses)
---------------------
Last week's poll was a big one. The question was "Is Raizel dying for real this time". The overwhelming response was no. Or possibly more accurate to the feelings behind some of those votes...
So most people still think he's gonna make it through this. With me and a few others in the minority on the other side.
Now onto the review!
Chapter Summary
I think we can add this one to the stupid questions hall of fame.
I think we can add this one to the stupid questions hall of fame.
This week begins with the Crombell taking part in a teleconference with the remaining Union Elders about reports of conflict at Roctis', the 4th Elder, base. There is quite a bit of confusion at first, as they try to guess what's going on, but eventually the sky clears enough for a satellite image of Raizel and Muzaka facing off against one another. They all pretend not to recognize Muzaka, and agree to wait for the 5th Elder to report. But the 2nd Elder, at the very least, recognizes him instantly; and is furious at the realization that Roctis had been hiding him all this time.
As the meeting adjourns Crombell mentally pats himself on the back for setting this in motion and contacts people he has waiting near Roctis' base; waiting to snatch all of The 9th and Roctis' research as soon as the area is clear.
Back at the site of the battle, Raizel's last seal is shattered now and he goings all out. As he fights the former Werewolf Lord Muzaka with all that he has the toll upon him is obvious and grows with every second; with blood running freely from his eyes, ears, and mouth. But he does manage to hold him back as the Muzaka curses him and promises that no matter what he does, in the end he will destroy all humanity.
In his rage he unleashes another flurry of attacks just as Raizel doubles over and coughs up blood. This time the attacks land, cutting his body and doing enough damage to disperse his blood wings. But when Muzaka charges in to finish him, Raizel collects what power he has left in his palm and meets the Werewolf Lord head on causing a massive explosion.
Raizel is still standing when the dust settles and Frankenstein rushes in to try and convince his master once more to let him fight in his place. But Raizel tells him there is no need, though he doesn't know why, Muzaka's presence is gone. Adding that his last attack had landed so he probably won't be fighting for a bit either. When he's sure the children are safe he admits to Frankenstein, as blood runs down his face, that he is a little weary.
Chapter Review
Ok..so...I'm not a doctor but that doesn't look so good.
Ok..so...I'm not a doctor but that doesn't look so good.
Substance
Wow, now that was a fight. Never have we seen Raizel pushed to his limits and beyond like this before. Unlike in every fight before in this one we got the feeling that Raizel gave everything he had and, if Muzaka hadn't fled, it might not have been enough.
The biggest thing is going to be how this effects Raizel. I know I'm in the minority on this but I really think Raizel is dying and soon. Can he fight like that again? I don't see how. Can he rest to regain some strength? Not with Muzaka running around; and Ignes too. His friends, and the rest of humanity, are all in danger. Raizel would never agree to rest now even if it means his own death.
Muzaka is free, and he hates humans. I think we can pretty much be certain of the cause of the first battle between him and Raizel now. Humanity. Whatever the cause of his grudge against humans he wanted humanity dead; and Raizel stood in his way. This probably means Raizel will have to stop him again or die trying.
The Union's reaction to all this was fairly interesting as well. They were clearly not aware that Roctis had Muzaka and the 2nd Elder did not look at all pleased at the concept of facing his predecessor or that Roctis had hidden him. The only one who is pleased in this situation is Crombell who is as happy as a cat in a aviary at having caused all this; and even more pleased with getting his hands on Roctis' research. The trend of the Union getting weaker as Crombell gets stronger is starting to become rather noticeable and a little scary.
Presentation
Artwork was good. Detail was only moderate but it didn't matter too much due to the very different way this chapter was drawn. It was one of the more abstract fights in the series, being more light show than boxing match, but I thought it served the chapter well. This chapter had two significant art challenges to meet. One was making this fight look like something that even a superhyped character like Frankenstein wouldn't have been able to compete in and the light show style succeeded in that. The other was to make normally invincible Rai seem vulnerable while keeping his strength consistent and I think it succeeded there too.
Pacing was typical battle pacing. Meaning slow. But I didn't mind because of how meaningful this fight felt to me. There are fights you win or loss and then just forget; and fights that leave scars. This seemed like the latter and so the slow pacing was something I savored rather than felt impatient with.
Overall Rating
Raizel's fight versus Muzaka ended with a bang; and as the smoke clears I'm not sure who really won. But I feel like I did.
So I'm giving it a 5 out of 5
Predictions Section
New Prediction
- Muzaka will strike at humanity again.
Old Predictions: (31 Wins/ 39 Losses)
- Rael will lose his next battle to the RK-4.
- Raizel will name Shin Woo his successor; resulting in him inheriting the title and power of the Noblesse.
- The female operative from the Union will eventually end up on Raizel's side, like M-21 and the others.
- Raizel will ultimately choose to use himself up completely in order to help his friends.
- The Union was originally created by the Traitorous Nobles.
- M-21 and Yontsu. I think it's going to happen, even if I have no idea how.
- At some point the Lady Werewolf will turn on the Union.
- Rael is going to end up attending school. (I hate it, but it's gonna happen)
- Somebody is getting a contract next arc.
- The Current Werewolf Lord backstabbed Muzaka somehow.
- This is the final time Raizel will use this much power.
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