Beastars Vol. 3by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 7 Legoshi and Haru get to know each other better. Legom is a hen who loves her job laying eggs for carnivores and secretly appreciates Legoshi's ability to taste the difference. A female gray wolf (who looks like a cute dog) joins the drama club. Carnivores from the drama club go to town on an errand and take a detour to the black market. A panda tries to "save" Legoshi from the carnivorous instinct inside him that would want to literally devour Haru, but his methods are unorthodox.This volume got dark in a hurry. There are aspects that remind me of Zootopia, but it heads into dark territory when carnivores use a black market to eat meat, and then go crazy if they can't have more. Also, there are discussions of the similarities of wanting to devour someone sexually and literally. It's very disturbing! When the drama club carnivores arrive at the black market, there's someone selling their fingers to carnivores to eat! It's hard to comprehend that level of desperation. And it's juxtaposed against Bill's desire to actually eat one of those fingers -- thrilled at the thought of it. It's quite off-putting. Why is the black market full of kids? Why is it so easily accessible and not at all hidden from view (it's a literal street market)? Why is Legoshi the only carnivore (apparently) that doesn't want to even acknowledge these predatory aspects of being a carnivore? I don't understand why Legoshi ran through the market to get away when they were at the entrance. Legoshi getting abducted by a panda, beaten, and chained and muzzled is another dark turn. Panda is an interesting and fitting choice for this role of "saving" carnivores from themselves, as the panda is a bear (sharp teeth, size, and strength), but a herbivore. The knowledge he has, having "saved" and tried to save many other carnivores before Legoshi, is eye-opening regarding this world, as well as terrible and frightening. I'm shocked at how dark this series gets at this point. The conversation comparing the two types of devouring is interesting and is definitely Legoshi's struggle, but now I wonder where this story is going to go. The female wolf seems to be introduced as the "natural" choice for Legoshi, over Haru. This wolf is certainly smitten with Legoshi, but she doesn't look anything like a wolf. It's clear she's designed to be cute and feminine, though her own body dysmorphia is an interesting aspect to her character, as she's basically aware she doesn't look like a wolf. My favorite part is the chapter on Legom. I love that she loves her job and takes it seriously. I love the pride she has in her work while also appreciating that she doesn't want Legoshi to know it's her eggs he's eating. It's quite an insightful look at another aspect of this world's society, but with more lightheartedness (even though it's serious) than the rest of the volume. It makes me hope to see more about or with her in the future. This is rated for teens, but use precaution and judgment, as not all readers (including older readers) will be able to stomach some of this. Written: January 18, 2020
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