GATE (2016)

[ゲート 自衛隊 彼の地にて、斯く戦えり]

Volume 10

Author: Takumi Yanai
Artist: Satoru Sao
Publisher: Alphapolis

Synopsis:
Zorzal's reign of terror grips the Capital as Piña tries to salvage the crumbling diplomatic situation and the Jieitai plans its next move.

Story/Characters:
We start with the Red Light District of the Capital and the dynamics there under the current restrictions are interesting. I was particularly intrigued with the dynamic between Misery and SF operator Kenzaki. You don't typically see any Jieitai member so forward with the ladies and it's really cute seeing someone make a very jaded prostitute blush like a schoolgirl. Meanwhile, Piña's efforts to keep the peace aren't going very well. There's quite the scene between her and Diabo that isn't in the anime. It's disturbing but also strangely sweet. We also get something interesting developing between Furuta, who is undercover as one of Zorzal's personal cooks, and Tyuule. The big event, however, is Itami and the gang going to visit Hardy. It's a crying shame this was excised from the anime because it was really fascinating getting to see Hardy in person. The way that gods operate in this world is also interesting, plus we get some good information out of the deal.

Art:
As mentioned before, blushing Misery is super cute and let's not get started on Grey having to borrow clothes provided by Itami. ^o^ Hardy proves to be a little more expressive than I would've expected, which is amusing.

Other:
Besides the usual 4-koma (which do things like explain the Ceremony of Three Nights and have some more fun with Hardy), we get a special side story about Wolf and Meia getting some time off from work. It's neat.

Conclusion:
Particularly for the Hardy encounter, this volume is well worth getting. Some of the side stuff is pretty good too. Light on action but still an all-around good package that should please the fans.

Rating:
Own It