 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | VIZ MEDIA | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | ARINA TANEMURA | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | JAPANESE / B&W | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 192 | | | ▪ | RATING: | | T+ | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 06/03/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 06/01/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
Haine at last learns the truth behind the “Emperor” Shizumasa and his double, Takanari. The secret is revealed but is it the whole truth? Either way, Haine now finds herself torn between the two “Emperors”. Which one does she truly love? It’s a pivotal volume in Gentleman’s Alliance, a shojo manga that had me hooked from the very first volume I read. At last Haine learns the truth but the book gives you the distinct feeling that there is far, far more deeply buried within this web. One of the Emperor’s comes off a slight bit sinister this volume without any display as to why. Meanwhile the double that Haine thinks was only pretending to love her in order to keep up the charade, may in fact have feelings for her. When the opportunity presents itself, Takanari takes it and lets Haine know his feelings. But what about hers? If things couldn’t get more turbulent in Haine’s life, Maora comes clean as well with a declaration of her - or his – own! Just who is the Postman and what is Mao-chan up to this time? It seems Haine is now in the middle of two fights for her hand. One is between the two Shizumasas while the other is a spat between Maora and Maguri. So many hearts to juggle, Haine is overwhelmed, but one thing for sure is that she is a fighter and when Maora declares a challenge to the Emperor’s “Throne” and the Platinum’s hand, Haine is about to put up quite the fight! It’s been a volume filled with surprises, romance, drama and high energy. It sweeps you up in the tale and it’s a whirlwind of emotions. Maora gets a chance to have center stage for quite some time in this volume and key changes happen between Maora and Maguri as well as between Haine and Takanari. Arina Tanemura’s art style is beautiful. This time however, with so many characters being brought to the fore, there were times when, especially during close-ups, that it was hard to tell the characters apart easily when certain ones looked so much alike close up. That aside, the illustrations truly are gorgoues and well worth the time it took for a closer look to appreciate the splendor of the character designs fully. Also keep your eyes open for the final panel of volume 6. The story ends on a note of absorbing intrigue touching upon the mystery surrounding Haine’s mother. There is also a bonus story focusing on Haine’s younger siblings that was a fun and light hearted back story.
IN SUMMARY:
The most recent volume of Gentleman’s Alliance sees new romances being forged, a secret revealed, but even deeper mysteries hinted at! It’s a splendid romance with comedy, drama, high energy and absorbing intrigue. |
