Wakaranai

I don’t know if I’ve ever read a chapter of a manga that was this breath-taking. The second part of what’s now known as the ALA RUBRA SAGA comes to a powerful and spirited conclusion as Nagi and his band of heroes pull off the inevitable and the impossible: a last-minute rescue of the defamed Queen Arika from certain death on the day of her execution. Although I’m happy to admit this was a simple and predictable fantasy-fairytale ending – the heroes showing up and saving the day for the cause of justice and love, and the typical setup of the knight in shining armor rescuing the beautiful princess. But with amazing artwork, impeccable timing, and intimate dialogue, Ken Akamatsu pulled it off with a sense of awe, passion and romanticism that, for me at least, defines the perfect story climax. And to think, this is just the end of a flashback sequence. If things work out well, the culmination of the present day plot, with its vast complexity and characters we’ve come to love over years of the manga, should be truly mind-blowing! This grandiose chapter had it all and it was so amazing that I’m not even in the mood to make the usual complaint about not having seen some of the characters for too long!

Although the other members of ALA RUBRA had a fleeting moment of badassery in the limelight, this was primarily a chapter about the love story between Nagi and Arika. But even if we only get see them for a brief moment, after getting to know their deeds through this flashback, every time they appear I just have to cheer. Rakan’s appearance was just perfect, and his arrogant dismissal of his opponent’s armies on behalf of his untouchable team was just about as hot-blooded and GAR as this manga has so far been. In terms of our two stars, I actually found their dialogue together this chapter really poignant, sweet and funny. Prior to this chapter I never really cared much for the pairing, but their romantic reunion here was just executed so well that they finally clicked and I felt their great chemistry. Nagi was so cool here that my respect for him has greatly increased - I can see why Arika would fall for him (hell, I even understand why all the girls of the magical world fangirl over him)! And Arika was just so adorable as the smitten but stubborn damsel, swept from death by her knight. I just loved how she couldn’t confess properly, despite the utmost chivalry with which Nagi gave her the chance. Although I have to say I was relieved when Nagi headbutted her to break up her “why did you save me you crazy fool?” tirade. I’m starting to think it’d be great to see a bit of a spinoff manga set in the magical world with these guys..

I don’t really have a lot to say about this chapter because it didn’t deal with the intricacies of the plot and didn’t give me anything to complain about! The only thing of interest beyond the tale of the Queen of Calamity is the fact that this chapter gives a proper background for Godel, explaining his methods. Clearly, despite using subversive methods to achieve his goals, that we wouldn’t normally attribute to a hero, he is an ally of Negi’s who wants justice for the senate’s persecution of Arika. Brilliant fantasy imagery, probably the strongest dose of romance Negima has ever delivered, and great entertainment – this is why I love Negima!