GATE (2017)

[ゲート 自衛隊 彼の地にて、斯く戦えり]

Volume 12

Author: Takumi Yanai
Artist: Satoru Sao
Publisher: Alphapolis

Synopsis:
Sherry and Lord Casel go to the Jade Palace in a bid to defect to Japan, but the Oprichnina is right on their tails.

Story/Characters:
The plotline with Sherry reaches its climax here and it really has some punch to it. There's some great tension with the Oprichnina closing in, the Japanese diplomatic mission under orders to not get involved and the Rose Knights stuck in the middle. I want to make a particular note of this one old veteran in the Rose Knights who's a really cool guy, a nice aversion to what we usually see from Imperial soldiers. Also, giggle at her name if you must, but Beefeater really impresses in this volume as well. I particularly liked her interaction with Sugawara before the moment of truth came.

In Londel, we learn that Itami is a sage, so we can add that to his list of titles. (You see, the way Lelei translated the academic levels in Londel corresponds to our own, so having gone to college and gotten his bachelor's, Itami is considered to be a 1st degree sage.) Humor ensues. Also, while Lelei is on her way to deliver her thesis, she shows that she has the sense to limit what she reveals about Earth science, especially gunpowder. I like that she's so far-seeing. (It'll definitely keep her alive longer.)

Art:
Well, we didn't have much action last time, but here we have the brutal skirmish at the Jade Palace and as per the series' norm, no punches are pulled. I also want to make particular note of a very powerful panel where Itami is about to ask Rory what would happen if Lelei would make gunpowder the topic of her thesis and let's just say the look she gives him eliminates any need to ask.

Other:
We get more 4-koma, but no side story this time around. I will say that I enjoy the fact that it seems at least one 4-koma is devoted to Kurata and Persia each volume.

Conclusion:
Things have finally come to a head and this is something of a mini-climax leading up to the final culmination of the current arc. Again, if you like Sherry, her character really shines here. I think about the only reason someone who's otherwise a fan wouldn't want this in your collection is if you're just that vehemently opposed to the Sugawara/Sherry dynamic. Otherwise, this is definitely one you want to get.

Rating:
Own It