Phantom Thief Jeanne Vol. 4by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Finn betrays Maron in an attempt to destroy her heart and steal God's power for the Demon Lord. Access reveals Finn's history. Chiaki and Maron grow closer in some ways while still struggling with other aspects of their relationship. Maron and Noin get sent back in time where she meets Jeanne D'Arc and gains her power, allowing her to transform without Finn's help. The outcome remains the same, but now Maron (and Noin) know the truth about their past selves at this moment in time.This volume focuses heavily on Finn's story. I'm really glad we get an explanation, but I don't understand why Finn still thinks she can't trust anyone except the Demon Lord. What about Maron, whom she has spent so much time with? Does she truly hate her? What about Access? We don't have a complete history for him, including why he's on Earth without the white wings signifying a minor-angel status (his are still gray / black), but he's trying to save Finn (and still trying to become a minor-angel). Finn is definitely a redeemable character, and I fully expect her to be redeemed by the end of the series. We also get an idea of just how powerful Finn is, though I have to wonder why that power's not been more manifest through the story. Was she hiding it? Does she no longer have access to that kind of power? This part of the story is an interesting and different take on God, angels, and aspects of the Christian religion (though Christianity is not specifically mentioned, that's the religion tied to Jeanne D'Arc). I do like that the other reincarnations of that soul encompass women from many different cultures (we're shown images of a few). I appreciate that the attempted rape is touched on again. Maron needs to trust Noin for the plot to move forward, but she seems to trust too easily. However, her needing to trust him happens after he sees Jeanne D'Arc again, and it does appear that he's no longer blinded by his love in the same way he was last volume. He also comes off as much less creepy. It's also unclear if his actions are interfering with the Demon Lord's plans or not, and I wonder if he'll also be a redeemable character (though I suspect that would have to come with his death, as he's lived so long due to becoming a demon). On top of this, Jeanne D'Arc points out that she was raped to remove her innocence, and Maron argues that being raped doesn't defile her as long as her heart is noble, and that she should believe in herself the same way she believes in a God she hasn't met. It's well played, and I love that it fights the image of women being objects where innocence equals virginity; that also gives hope to a more intimate relationship between Maron and Chiaki! I love Chiaki so much in this volume. His feelings for Maron are in full force, as is his desire to protect her. She needs him, but on top of that, she needs him in a certain way. He tells her he's just happy to be with her and that he expects nothing in return; this allows her to open up to him despite the internal struggles she's having. He does have some jealousy issues, especially when it comes to Noin, and he's possessive, but mostly that comes off as protective. There are several kisses between Chiaki and Maron in this volume, but the panel that really touched me was when he embraced her after she wakes up in the hospital, and the rest of the scene where he's refusing to let go, tears brimming in his eyes. He's also willing to show that he's afraid of losing her, and I like how he stays with her after Finn betrays her and Access fills them in on some history. He's the kind of good guy you really hope Maron ends up with (especially in comparison to Noin, who's love is true but twisted -- even after his eyes are opened, it's not the same kind of devoted love as Chiaki has). I should have seen the twist coming, but the final page surprised me. And frustrated me. While it makes total sense, it's the kind of angsty twist that I don't care for. It's cruel. But that cruelty is to be expected given what the Demon Lord (and Finn) are trying to do to Maron (and God). Because of this I'm not looking forward to the next volume, but I need to know what happens, especially regarding Maron and Chiaki. This volume adds a lot of depth to the series and the relationships within it -- as well as more angst. It's a story you get invested in, with all its difficulties and joys. Written: December 15, 2014
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