/jp/ - Otaku Culture

Finished Minagoroshi. That's probably my favorite now after Meakashi. I'd seen complaints that it gets repetitive, and I can see why that bothers people, but I really felt Rika's struggle between being motivated and wanting to give up. I imagine many, many people rolled their eyes by the 100th time Rika talked with Hanyuu about fate, even at the end, but I found it really beautiful. It's hard to keep believing in something, and Ryukishi really nailed that here. I also see people complaining about the custody battle going on too long, but I enjoyed the FUCK out of it because it's the first time in 7 chapters that we see the unity of Hinamizawa in a positive light. I was grinning like a jackolantern the whole fucking time, god I loved every bit of that shit.

The answers to mysteries like Tomitake and Shion hearing Hanyuu in the Furude storehouse because they're L5 patients was satisfying enough, and I understand a lot of people don't like that IT'S PARASITES but I didn't mind because I'm so invested in these characters that I just want to see them all escape this bitter cycle. I was mildly disappointed that Takano just has this elite troupe of men at her beck and call,felt really handwavy as to certain events in the story, but I rolled with it and was rewarded with Keiichi saving Rika and Satoko, albeit momentarily, when they're running from the Mountain Dogs. I haven't reacted that positively and THAT strongly to a story in fucking years, I was so goddamn happy and cheering to myself, holy shit that was so awesome. Takanois a great villain, completely dislikable holy shit. I'm shocked that people don't hold Minagoroshi in high regard. I found it definitely more enjoyable than Tsumihoroboshi.

I found it a touch hokey when everyone was by Rika's side during her death. If it was just Hanyuu, and if Ryukishi really sold Rika's agony of being ripped open alive, I think that would have made a more powerful image to end on before segueing into the cleanup operation. Keiichi and co. conversing with Hanyuu just felt too sappy for what was a really horrible event that would help cement Takano as an antagonist. Oh well, the mop up did that well enough. All these people dying without knowing why, but it was a missed opportunity not showing other villagers reacting to the operation like Kimiyoshi, Keiichi's parents, etc. Complete misstep on Ryukishi's part.

I'm sad I didn't have bandicam on because I meant to take screenshots of my favorite bits, oh well. Gives me an excuse to skim over the story for bits I enjoy, particularly Rika's continued musings on fate. I loved seeing her resolve, definitely my favorite character. I'm so stoked, I should be asleep but I just finished installing Matsu with the patches so I'm gonna dive in.