Ragna Crimson Half 11 successfully ends the manga’s first main arc, recapping the strengths and struggles of what has occurred thus far. The e-book is actually divided into three components: the battle, a flashback with Ultimatia and Woltekamui, and the aftermath. Let’s sort out each in flip.
The battle itself is all the pieces we have come to count on Ragna Crimson. You might argue that that is what motion fantasy manga is about in probably the most excellent sense: larger-than-life battles between beings of immense energy. It is troublesome to explain the precise particulars of what is taking place at every second, as dragons fly via the sky and silver mine-powered warriors rush into battle. There are fireworks, magic spells and bone-crushing results galore. The motion by no means slows down and Daiki Kobayashi‘s artwork by no means skips a beat. His skill to execute high-concept fight is actually one thing to behold, a near-endless parade of bombastic explosions and defiant screams. It seems to be nice and the hits land with aplomb.
The issue is far the identical as earlier components, as a result of there’s a lot of it. I like the thought of these fights in idea and the way all the pieces performs out from second to second. My predominant downside is one among readability, as a result of it is difficult to inform what’s taking place within the precise circulation of fight. We have lengthy since left the realm of something approaching regular battle between on a regular basis fighters and the relentless cacophony of monstrous creatures launching huge assaults, which means it is arduous to think about what goes on between the panels occur. Regardless of the objectively unimaginable presentation of every shot, I discovered my consideration drifting because the high-octane battles continued. Finally it began to scrub over me and the one impression left was, “They’d a extremely massive combat.” It was like listening to an eight-minute guitar solo with out a verse choir to assist break up the longer components: whatever the technical acumen on show, the impact is diminished by the dimensions of what’s introduced. I do know Ragna and Crimson win, and I do know Ultimatia and Woltekamui lose, however plenty of how that occurs will get misplaced within the combine – regardless of me actually having fun with that blend on a purely intuitive stage.
The flashback between Ultimatia and Woltekamui is one other essential a part of this half. The massive emotional beats of this half (and several other earlier character threads) depend on the success of those sequences. They’re informative flashbacks that reveal the character of those two characters and in addition an try so as to add a contact of melancholy to their defeat. This can be a blended bag, as is the motion, however whereas the motion scenes are a web constructive, I am extra within the leaning-negative camp in terms of the emotional side.
I do not purchase Ultimatia or Woltekamui as sympathetic villains, nor do I believe their motivations are attention-grabbing. From the second we meet these characters, they’re genocidal quasi-divine beings carving a path of destruction via thousands and thousands of harmless folks. Like earlier makes an attempt so as to add nuance to their characterizations, the tone is of “Effectively, earlier than they did all that magical genocide, they had been younger as soon as!” does not transfer the needle for me. And nevertheless sophisticated they had been on the within, the outward expression of that plan was easy extermination. I admire the hassle and I acknowledge that this backstory may make them extra attention-grabbing to others, however for me it was time that might have been spent on characters I discover extra fascinating, like Ragna and Crimson.
On the very least, the visible splendor of those flashbacks nonetheless meets the identical excessive marks we have come to count on. Not solely Daiki Kobayashi expert in comedic craft and his skill to show impeccable artistry, however the creativity within the Ultimatia sequences is phenomenal. Many grim photos evoke half-remembered nightmares or terrifying visions simply earlier than daybreak. It is clear how hopeless and trapped Ultimatia feels due to the issues she’s been via and the brilliantly creepy shows convey the viewers into her plight, even when I can not join with it on any emotional stage.
The aftermath is a bit quick, however the potentialities really feel fairly open. To date, it appears that evidently Ultimatia and Woltekamui had been the primary threats that Ragna and Crimson needed to face. Woltekamui’s magical and bodily would possibly, mixed with Ultimatia’s time-stopping powers, created an imposing wall for them to climb, and it was clear that these two had been the heads of the evil dragons that worn out humanity. Now that they are gone, it is unclear the place the story goes from right here. There are extra dragons to face – a minimum of one new unknown drive has put its hat within the ring, eyes filled with malevolent intent – and the momentum remains to be there. However the clear path to a identified enemy has disappeared with victory.
Regardless of the readability shortcomings and my lack of ability to attach with the villains, Ragna Crimson Half 11 was nonetheless an thrilling studying expertise with the identical lovely visible craftsmanship as from the start. I stay interested by what comes subsequent within the story.
