Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this manga review. Please read with caution.

Synopsis: The Chaldea Security Organization is a group made up of high-level mages and brilliant scientists dedicated to preserving mankind’s history. One day, the organization learns the timeline had been changed and mankind is now set to become extinct by the end of 2016. After a horrific accident, one Master, Ritsuka, and one Demi-Servant, Mash are left humankind’s last hope. Do they have what it takes to save the future?

After the events of Volume 1 (Prologue), Mash and Ritsuka are forced to travel to 1431’s France. History has said the country should be at peace, but there are dragons flying in the skies. Also, Jeanne has resurrected after being executed like Jesus Christ and is now evil. Jeanne has become Jeanne Alter the Avenger. In addition, there are more Servants summoned but no Masters around. That’s an unusual subversion for Fate, but a normal thing for Fate / Grand Order. Ritsuka is the only Master these Servants need.

Released in November 2020, this volume struggled with the same issues as Volume 1 in regards to the breakneck pace. There is no time for emotional moments to truly express themselves organically or for the new characters to grow either. Ritsuka and Mash aren’t given much time to breathe either. Although, the character designs were still beautiful. The only issue was evil characters being in sexy outfits—like Jeanne Alter—but that’s a trope that must be met for the fan-service.

The only character’s design I truly enjoyed was Chevalier d’Eon, a transgender French spy and soldier. They are gender fluid in design and mannerisms, which is welcomed for that representation. The character uses “they / them” pronouns in the Fate / Grand Order game, so those are the ones I’ll use when referring to the character. I loved d’Eon’s character and abilities in the mobile app, and the commitment to their historical roots was also a great way to honor the real person.

The background designs are still too bland or plain, so I never got a feel for the setting. I addressed this issue as part of the plot pacing issue in my Volume 1 Review, and it’s such a disappointment honestly. However, the anime adaptation might be better. Fate is that series I watch for the animation and fight scenes. You know, similar to Digimon Adventure Reboot.

Volume 2 ends in the middle of an arc, so hopefully Volume 3 doesn’t take three years to get released. I wouldn’t mind waiting personally because I played the game, but Fate GO readers who don’t play the game might get impatient. So, yeah, maybe they should play the game. I found Volume 2 more engaging than Volume 1, but not by much. I am going to watch the anime because I read these volume books and already watched the movie, so that counts for something. Right?

Thank y’all so much for reading this manga review! I appreciate it! Let’s keep it reading! I’m going to finally read manga books, My Hero Academia Volume 26, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Volume 8, and then Digimon V-Tamer Manga online!

I’m trying to go into FEB 2021 strong! Reader strong!

back to blog