Beastars Vol. 11by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Legoshi and Riz put their lives and their principles on the line in their fight. Louis has a realization and chooses a new path.Haru calling Legoshi from home to wish him a happy New Year is wonderful. I appreciate that this volume takes some time to let us see things from Riz's perspective, including how he's twisted the last memories of Tem. Because of that, things that happen during the fight take on a more powerful meaning. I like that it's strongly a fight over their carnivore principles. Oh, there's plenty of violence, but there is heart and soul on the line too. I like Legoshi's strategy of bonding with Riz by reclining and showing his underside, and I like that this moment of bonding is important for both of them. The moth illusion is totally random, but very cool. There is zero explanation for it, which is mildly irksome, but it's forgotten as quickly as it appears. Louis continues to bond with Ibuki, but it causes Louis to realize something about himself and about Legoshi that makes him want to choose a new path. This takes a dangerous turn, which is very well written, including a little flashback that explains things just a bit further. During a break from the fighting, Legoshi and Louis have a heart-to-heart that changes everything. I won't spoil anything, but the outcome is completely shocking ... in a very fitting way for this series. Dark. Heavy. Serious. Brutal. And yet, their friendship helps Legoshi stay true to himself, even while coming to terms with what they are doing. I am somewhat disappointed that the plot took this route instead of giving Legoshi some weird edge because he has Komodo Dragon blood in him, but I will hold out hope that one day my patience will be rewarded in this. The end of the fight (and this volume) is handled well. I'm glad it didn't end as poorly as it could have -- that would have been a backwards step. This ending manage to have a touch of humor, and some very touching interactions. I especially like where this takes things for Legoshi and Louis and a friendship that transcends anything else. (And for those wondering, there is still nothing to suggest shipping these two romantically -- I have no idea where people are getting that.) Written: August 20, 2021
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