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wolfiegrrrl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
With the introduction of SSS officer Yuri into the family, doubts creep to the forefront of Loid's mind as his relationship with Yor is tested, meanwhile Yor contends with her own doubts about her status in the family as a wife and mother. While they work on resolving these tensions in their own ways, the awkward flirting between Yor and Loid is a very cute part of the family dynamic. But how much is just an act and how much may be a product of developing feelings? Loid in particular has to grapple with his own emotions in a way he isn't used to. At the very least, they are united in their love and protectiveness over Anya for now, so we are treated to many touching family moments, especially in the bonus mission where we see what a date night would look like!
Anya really gets to shine in all her wide-eyed charm and adorably awkward social skills on her own mission to acquire a stella star for the sake of world peace... and a shot at getting closer to Desmond so Loid can continue his mission. Her real standout moment occurs in the bonus mission where she takes the safety of her found family into her own tiny hands, featuring more fun shenanigans from the chaotic duo of her and Franky. They really are such a treat when they get together.
As usual, the supporting cast has so much personality and charm that not a single one falls flat. They all help round out the interesting world these characters are living in and bring it to life in ways that are highly entertaining. Yor's brother is my only exception so far, only because I'm not a fan of the "siscon" trope. Up to this point, he has not been rewarded for this behavior, but it is still pretty uncomfortable to watch play out. Your mileage may vary.
On a side note, I personally appreciate how Loid's (cover) job as a psychiatrist is treated with respect and talked about as something legitimate that helps people who are struggling in their day to day lives. The topic has come up many times in these first three volumes and there are still characters (mostly children) who brush it off as something unimportant, but the main takeaway has been that this career is comparable to the importance and nobility of Loid's mission to build a world where everyone can be safe, happy, and exist in peace. Given the stigma of mental health, I think that's pretty significant.
Anya really gets to shine in all her wide-eyed charm and adorably awkward social skills on her own mission to acquire a stella star for the sake of world peace... and a shot at getting closer to Desmond so Loid can continue his mission. Her real standout moment occurs in the bonus mission where she takes the safety of her found family into her own tiny hands, featuring more fun shenanigans from the chaotic duo of her and Franky. They really are such a treat when they get together.
As usual, the supporting cast has so much personality and charm that not a single one falls flat. They all help round out the interesting world these characters are living in and bring it to life in ways that are highly entertaining. Yor's brother is my only exception so far, only because I'm not a fan of the "siscon" trope. Up to this point, he has not been rewarded for this behavior, but it is still pretty uncomfortable to watch play out. Your mileage may vary.
On a side note, I personally appreciate how Loid's (cover) job as a psychiatrist is treated with respect and talked about as something legitimate that helps people who are struggling in their day to day lives. The topic has come up many times in these first three volumes and there are still characters (mostly children) who brush it off as something unimportant, but the main takeaway has been that this career is comparable to the importance and nobility of Loid's mission to build a world where everyone can be safe, happy, and exist in peace. Given the stigma of mental health, I think that's pretty significant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Incest, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, War, and Classism
rnbhargava's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is an absolutely wonderful volume. I gave this volume a perfect rating because episode 14 has at its centre an encounter between the characters that poses a quite thought provoking moral dilemma and to elaborate further would be spoilers. Yor’s brother Yuri is a great addition to the cast that complicates things in a fun way that will likely pay off down the line. Also great is beefing up the role of Franky, Loid’s intelligence asset liaison. Having him more present makes everything more fun. This volume is Tatsuya Enzo firing out of all cylinders. I can’t wait to start volume 4.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Gore, Gun violence, Incest, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
There is a sequence where there’s a depiction of drowning and frankly I’m surprised drowning isn’t in the content trigger warnings list on StoryGraph.