The contest for the fashion designs is quickly approaching and the pressure is on the members of ParaKiss. Each of them feels the strain, including Yukari. The announcement of the winners surprises Yukari and the reactions of those around her stun her and cause a series of events and self-reflection for each of them – Yukari, Miwato, Arashi, Isabella and George, that will see them at a crossroads. Decisions are made and fates are sealed. Now what will the future hold for these aspiring artists of the fashion world?

Instead of focusing on Yukari as the bulk of the series has done, this final volume gives a better well-rounded look at the members of ParaKiss and their struggles, hopes and outcomes. Many insights are given to these eccentric characters, including a pivotal moment in Isabella’s past, revealing her childhood friendship with George and how that impacted the rest of her life. There is also the appearance of a talented designer from George’s past which ignites Yukari’s jealousy and may prove to be a breaking point between the tumultuous couple. However, a larger obstacle looms as graduation approaches and each must choose their career paths. As decisions are founded, will the dream of ParaKiss be left forgotten in the dust of the future?

The conclusion of this series holds many unexpected endings and new beginnings. The way it unfolds, with some of the characters leaving their precious youth behind, holds a ring of truth to it. The underlying theme in part seems to be that to grow up and move on a price must be paid. To do so, sometimes precious things have to be sacrificed. It lends to a particularly heartrending moment at the end that proves very poignant in the whole theme of the cost of pursuing ones dreams and growing up.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features on this final volume continue the tradition of the series by holding some above average extras. There are the usual extras such as Geneon previews, character conceptual art gallery, and clean opening and closing animation. There’s reverse cover art. This third volume also has a gallery of the winners of the Designs by Fashion Contest and shows some impressive fashion designs. There is also a video round table discussion with the Japanese music crew and cast which includes Osamu Kobayashi (Director, Screenplay, Series Composition), Narasaki (Composer, Guitarist) from The Deepers, and Syunsuke Mizutami of The Babys.
  
IN SUMMARY:
Paradise Kiss draws the curtain on the youth of these endearing and eccentric characters as their aspirations as artists lead them to different futures and open new doors.

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