Beastars Vol. 9by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 Tao accidentally tears Kibi's arm off, and Legoshi takes him to the infirmary. Legoshi confronts Riz, a brown bear, about killing Tem, and Pina intervenes. Legoshi and Louis have a talk. Juno and Haru have a talk. The school board decides to segregate carnivores and herbivores.I was not expecting that opening -- with an arm getting torn off by accident! However, that introduces us to a somewhat common issue because of the carnivores' sheer strength. More importantly, it introduces something specific to bears who grow over six feet tall -- they must take strength suppressant pills! Why is this important information? It has to do with the how and why of Riz killing Tem. It's a very tragic scene, and I'm glad we actually get to see it, but it's also unfortunate to learn how necessary those pills seem to be. This builds other aspects of the plot, too. Legoshi realizes he's not ready to physically take on the Riz, who is much bigger. Pina's intervention is interesting; it's somewhat insightful into Pina's take on things, but it also aligns Pina and Legoshi, so we'll see where that goes. They know the murderer, but aren't making that knowledge public for now, which makes sense in the story, though I do wonder where that aspect of the plot will go. And the school announces the decision to segregate, which other schools have done, even though the students here don't want it. I am thrilled to see the students all coming together to fight this decision! Sadly, we learn Juno's true thoughts. She wants "separate but equal". Ouch. At least her interaction and conversation with Haru makes her realize a few things, but she then decides to not let herself be "twisted" by these things. Looking back, there were definitely hints at this with some of her interactions with Legoshi. Interestingly, this volume also lets us in (partially) on Legoshi's secret that Jack knows -- it's a secret that I'm sure would crush Juno's aspirations towards him. Legoshi's interaction with Louis and the Shishigumi (the lion yakuza group) is interesting. I can see here why some might ship Legoshi and Louis romantically, though it still reads more platonic to me. There's clearly a closeness and a connection that neither fully realize or accept, but there's still nothing here to suggest they want to kiss or anything. They admire each other. I love that they both encourage each other in this section, surprising the other. I love how Legoshi can't control his wagging tail, and I love that the story he comes up with has the Shishigumi thinking he's a BDSM host. It's too funny, especially as Louis is practically breaking the fourth wall to roll his eyes at us over this. I am massively disappointed with how badly Legoshi lets his guard down in this section. The Shishigumi sneak up behind him more than once, and he had no clue they were there. There is so much to take in with this volume, I recommend taking your time with it, even re-reading sections or the whole thing. There's a ton of important plot points and character interactions. It's some phenomenal writing, and it impresses with how it brings so many things together, making the story pop. I'm now eagerly looking forward to the next volume. Written: February 27, 2021
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