MAO (2020)

[MAO（マオ）]

Volume 3

Author/Artist: Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher: Shounen Sunday Comics

Synopsis:
As Tokyo burns in the wake of the Great Kanto Earthquake, Mao confronts his archnemesis Byouki.

Story/Characters:
The confrontation with Byouki answers a few questions but makes you ask at least as many in turn. Naturally, I wouldn't expect everything to be laid out this early, so the reveals are being doled out at an even pace. This is a rather big volume for revelations, though. We get to understand more about Mao's connection to Byouki and through the introduction of fellow disciple Hyakka, we start to see more glimpses into Mao's past, particularly in regards to Sana, the daughter of their master. With plenty of new questions on our minds, we move on to the next villain, a serial killer with an onmyouji valet who disposes of the bodies. Said valet may or may not be another of Mao's fellow disciples. In the midst of this we find out more about Nanoka as well. I'm pretty sure it'll surprise no one that Uozumi-san isn't just an ordinary housekeeper.

Art:
We get a big action set piece versus Byouki amid a burning Tokyo and we see a new side of Mao (only partly a joke there; Nanoka's reaction in the aftermath is adorable). Hyakka's powers look like they'll make for some visually interesting fights in the future. What the onmyouji master is hiding behind his mask is creepy as all get out.

Conclusion:
This is a rather satisfying volume, revealing some mysteries and opening the door to some more. I don't know how many of Mao's fellow disciples are going to show up, but they do add an interesting element to things. Definitely give this one a read.

Rating:
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