Posted by Akahige on July 31, 2002 at 11:57 AM:
A good issue and a great ending to "Crows". Really liked the conversation between the two bandits, showing a bit of their humanity and reflecting on the situation of ex-samurai. Clever plan they devise against the bandits, using trickery as well as swordsmanship. Jotaro is one brave kid! Great panel of his confronting the bandit chief. He's too much like Usagi was as a child for his own good. Great illustration on the back cover. Interesting: It's Jotaro holding Usagi's sword? But the kid's got Usagi's small nose instead of Jotaro's big, round nose. Symbolism, Usagi as a kid foreshadowing Jotaro in the future, since he's wearing Jotaro's purple kimono? O.K., next month it's the long-awaited duel at Kitanoji Temple. I'm both anxiously awaiting and dreading this issue. I've had a sneaking suspicion for a long time that neither Nakamura Koji or Katsuichi-sensei will survive this duel. Which would be a shame, as they're both such terrific characters. I think Katsuichi-sensei would suggest a duel with bokken, while Koji would demand to challenge him with actual swords. Usagi's former teacher would probably be content with an honorable duel, but Koji is very determined to prove himself, so it may become a fight to the death. Any comments/speculations on what's going to happen?