I think I’m really getting the hype now. I can’t gush enough over how good the dramatic writing is. Like, super-nervous, can’t-stop-reading, (4.5 ★’s)
I think I’m really getting the hype now. I can’t gush enough over how good the dramatic writing is. Like, super-nervous, can’t-stop-reading, someone-save-me-cos-I-think-I’m-addicted good.
This issue specially was adorable just as much as it was intense. We really got a glimpse of the original fencing team’s friendship and awww, cuteness overload. Not to mention the humour, ah, that wall of forbidden sentences never gets old.
Merged review:
(4.5 ★’s)
I think I’m really getting the hype now. I can’t gush enough over how good the dramatic writing is. Like, super-nervous, can’t-stop-reading, someone-save-me-cos-I-think-I’m-addicted good.
This issue specially was adorable just as much as it was intense. We really got a glimpse of the original fencing team’s friendship and awww, cuteness overload. Not to mention the humour, ah, that wall of forbidden sentences never gets old....more
(4.5 ★’s) There are four things you need to know or else your life is forfeit:
One. Aiden is the devil and my love and yes you should be absolutely ter(4.5 ★’s) There are four things you need to know or else your life is forfeit:
One. Aiden is the devil and my love and yes you should be absolutely terrified because he plays with emotions and minds as a lil baby boy does with his toys.
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Two. If you remove noses (and no not the way Voldemort wore it) and make everything and everyone round, you’d achieve unprecedented cuteness in your drawing to match the mood as you switch from refined to omg-why’s-this-so-adorable. And y’all know how I stan creativity and thus I can do nothing but stan Johanna the Mad because damnnnn her growing creativity in emanating the matches is mad. But also the hilarious cuteness.
“Aiden beat Seiji. If I beat Aiden that’s like...I beat Seiji.” “Ah! An indirect win. The same concept as an indirect kiss!”
Three. I’m sure I’ve already said this by I feel obligated to say it again: Nicholas is an unstoppable, adorable, clueless dork and Seiji an insufferable, suffering, emotional hedgehog and how they mutually rile one another up and are the other’s motivation for trying harder makes them the perfect match while providing me with the best servings of humour.
Four. Coach has practically called dibs on shipping Nicholas and Seiji oh boy, this clever clever woman is a mastermind and totally that one friend who stays up late plotting how to set up two of their gay friends together.
Okay you can now shoo. The days lessons are over and yes I loved this even though it wasn’t add layered as the previous one it still thoroughly monopolies my attention and that’s what I call good entertainment. Moving on.
(4.5 ★’s) There are four things you need to know or else your life is forfeit:
One. Aiden is the devil and my love and yes you should be absolutely terrified because he plays with emotions and minds as a lil baby boy does with his toys.
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Two. If you remove noses (and no not the way Voldemort wore it) and make everything and everyone round, you’d achieve unprecedented cuteness in your drawing to match the mood as you switch from refined to omg-why’s-this-so-adorable. And y’all know how I stan creativity and thus I can do nothing but stan Johanna the Mad because damnnnn her growing creativity in emanating the matches is mad. But also the hilarious cuteness.
“Aiden beat Seiji. If I beat Aiden that’s like...I beat Seiji.” “Ah! An indirect win. The same concept as an indirect kiss!”
Three. I’m sure I’ve already said this by I feel obligated to say it again: Nicholas is an unstoppable, adorable, clueless dork and Seiji an insufferable, suffering, emotional hedgehog and how they mutually rile one another up and are the other’s motivation for trying harder makes them the perfect match while providing me with the best servings of humour.
Four. Coach has practically called dibs on shipping Nicholas and Seiji oh boy, this clever clever woman is a mastermind and totally that one friend who stays up late plotting how to set up two of their gay friends together.
Okay you can now shoo. The days lessons are over and yes I loved this even though it wasn’t add layered as the previous one it still thoroughly monopolies my attention and that’s what I call good entertainment. Moving on.
“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
In this house we st(4.5 ★’s)
“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
In this house we stan only one king and that is the adorable, manipulative playboy Aiden Kane fight me.
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YES LET HIM. I absolutely support it because he’s not just a privileged rich kid, he’s also an observant, exploitative genius and that’s truly all I care about and no that’s not problematic and yes I thank Ms. Pacat from the depths of my haunted heart for showing us how utterly he slays in action—it was delightful.
Honestly, I’m surprised to be shelving an issue of this series as a fave, but this one was undoubtedly the best so far—and no, that has nothing to do with the fact that it focuses on Aiden the talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before hot rich guy I adore. Nope, whatever do you mean?
Merged review:
(4.5 ★’s)
“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
In this house we stan only one king and that is the adorable, manipulative playboy Aiden Kane fight me.
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YES LET HIM. I absolutely support it because he’s not just a privileged rich kid, he’s also an observant, exploitative genius and that’s truly all I care about and no that’s not problematic and yes I thank Ms. Pacat from the depths of my haunted heart for showing us how utterly he slays in action—it was delightful.
Honestly, I’m surprised to be shelving an issue of this series as a fave, but this one was undoubtedly the best so far—and no, that has nothing to do with the fact that it focuses on Aiden the talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before hot rich guy I adore. Nope, whatever do you mean?...more
Seiji (ISTJ) + Nicholas (ENFP) ⤵ Basically A Match Made in the Heavens
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——START OF USELESS
(4.5 ★’s) I’m just gonna come out and say it;
Seiji (ISTJ) + Nicholas (ENFP) ⤵ Basically A Match Made in the Heavens
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——START OF USELESS RANT——
I take it you’re probably pretty confused now and thinking wtf is that gibberish—so I’ll clarify. That four-letter combination is an MBTI personality type, the most popular of the typology systems applying the 8 Jungian cognitive functions of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology to divide people into 16 types—other systems include socionics (3 subtypes for each type), CPT (4 subtypes), OPS (32 subtypes), etc.
Now, before you get your feathers ruffled and go on a rant about how people are more complicated than to be put into 16 or 48 or 64 or even 512 predefined and clear boxes, I should say that I wholly agree! These types and functions limit the processes of the human brain if viewed too strictly (with the stereotypes of this doesn’t do that and that can’t do this, especially considering how no one can agree on the true interpretation of each function and what Jung even meant) and the human brain was never made to be limited. BUT, they still have some merit in pointing out general tendencies in the way we perceive and judge the world and can be very helpful in self-development.
There’s also the Enneagram (a system that doesn’t work with dichotomies or rigid functions and just focuses on trauma, fears, and nurture and is much more flexible) so you can look that up instead (I’m not gonna give a presentation about typology here as much as I want to)—it has 9 types, and with all the additional subtypes and instincts and whatnot, you get 2,916 Enneagram types; LOL, yes, you read that right.
Anyway, either shoo and do your research, or read on if you already know what these are to see how I’ve typed the characters of this series with MBTI and, in the parenthesis, the general Enneagram types (1 to 9) and also their wing (adjacent numbered type) if they have one. You could just skip the whole thing, too. Or leave a comment if you want me to dump my significant(ly nonsensical) well of knowledge on your head, or have a debate on typology or my reason for choosing these types for the characters. Options, options, OPTIONS, you have.
“‘I’ll win alone and nothing will stop me’ is a great attitude to succeed in individual matches, but it’s lethal on a team.”
But ladies and gents and all in between, let me tell you why, despite my expectations, I’m loving this comics series! Can you guess?? C’mooon. What do I, the obsessive schemer, love more than anything else?? Strategy, of course! So it’s a simple two plus two to realise why, with every step C.S. Pacat takes towards exploring team strategies and imparts insight on how fencing is an individual combat sport and attracts personality types who are not so good with teamwork, I love her work a little more.
Second to strategy is always humour for me, of which Ms. Pacat and Johanna the Mad’s mad art have provided aplenty from the beginning (I’ve literally talked about this in every single one of these 16 reviews tf) but just—HOW IS THE TEAM BANTER GETTING EVEN BETTER I CAN’T THIS DRAMA QUEEN IS DYING HELP.
Plus, the recurring themes and remarks are sounding like the series’ own signature moves—you know, like a dancer (have we now established that I dance?). At this point, I’m just starting to feel like we’re an old married couple, this series and I, with all our own secret jokes I swear.
—Same man, same. Seiji is annoying and that is, in fact, a valid defense. No, his presence and harsh criticism pushing the team to see they’re slacking and now working harder does not redeem him because it’s not encouragement—he’s just putting them down (except for a few exceptions) and it’s a sign of their strength that they won’t give up.
THAT! That’s why I don’t like Seiji. And no, you’re not allowed to point out how I was just saying I like him now or how I’ll be going aww and defending him in the next paragraph. Nope, hush. So yes, he can’t be captain anytime soon because has no team sense or understanding of complicated team strategies. Please stop taking out your damn frustration on everyone else, you baby!
But ahhhh okay fine as much as that’s absolute idiocy and makes me wanna punch him in the face, I understand that, at its heart, it’s all his insecurity and loneliness. It’s a delight to see him show his genius too and yeah maybe he’s not that cleverly strategic, but he is cleverly tactical and that is applaudable for itself. And it’s even more precious to see this baby grow, too, and try and realise how each person in a team has a role.
Dear Seiji, I beg you go on like so I can continue to like you; please and thank you.
While you’re at it also stop the other thing you do that goes on my nerves and cease being obsessed with Jesse cos I HATE THIS SEIJI DON’T PINE AFTER SOMEONE WHO DISCARDS YOU AND WALKS OVER YOU SO EASILY AND IS AS UNDESERVING AND MANIPULATIVE AND ABUSIVE AS THIS BASTARD ⤵
I fogging hate how Seiji and Jesse’s dynamic is such a parallel of him and Nicholas (or is it the other way around) and nope lady, I am not a fan of this drama because it’s hurting my boy Nicholas and also keeping Seiji from growing, just saying. STOP THIS STOP IT RIGHT NOW.
“Jess, would you like to pick a partner?”
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Mary is sad and angry and why is life so effing unfair that some people get a lifetime of training and opportunities and some people just...don’t!?!? Whyyyyyyyy? Nicholas, my boy, keep being awesome and unstoppable and use every obstacle and moment of injustice as fuel for the fierce bulldozer you are. Yo, you reader right there—you should probably learn a thing or two from this boyo. So listen well and listen close.
“I can take you to the next level but it’s going to be a lot of work.” [image]
Be like Nicholas—when the world tells you you can’t have something, punch it in the face and say I will. Be like Nicholas—when someone tells you you’ve been left in the dust, down and behind, smile and set your jaw and accept the challenge, see it as encouragement to push and develop and grow. Be like Nicholas—let the thrill of the challenge fill you with so much drive, let the gratitude for the opportunity to live and thrive overwhelm you with so much positivity that nothing, no amount of pressure, could ever make you falter.
Be like Nicholas—impossible to put down, impossible to discourage, simply impossible.
It’s so damn easy to be lonely and sad and insecure, but it’s so much harder to be nothing like that. Nicholas, you’re my unique, special snowflake and you deserve the world. It’s good to remember that, sometimes, recklessness and the willingness to take risks is what saves the day; and that’s the reason this appreciative, possessive cinnamon bun is a gem—well, despite also being idiotic and cluelessly difficult...
He’s really a bulldozer and I think his infinite enthusiasm peppered with compliments, admiration, and showers of love and friendship are truly getting to Seiji and drilling into his protective shell. It was a rocky path, my friends, but Nicholas smoothed it over alright (not that Seiji would admit it, ofc).
⑴ Duh, who did you think it was gonna be other than my actual fave character Aiden the Magnificent(ly adorable, hilarious, and manipulative)? His D&D alignment is soooo Chaotic Evil it’s not even funny—a little baby demon who enjoys messing with things. If anyone deserves a rabid fan base, it’s this guy; not least because he’s a genius at reading and predicting the minds of people and thwarting them like a madman. Can he please save the day more often?
⑵ How can one mention Aiden and not immediately get to Harvard? This romantic, loving, true leader needs more respect for always shouldering everyone’s responsibility and attempting to bring harmony to their chaos, just as he’s been gifting the chaos of Aiden the Lost Boy with solidarity and support all through his life. Please, is there anything more beautiful?
⑶ Other honourable mentions include: Dante the Boy Who Cares Nothing About Fencing And Yet Happens To Be Dragged Into It (who is cutest embodiment of wth am I even doing here), Bobby the True Hero Of This Story Who Happens To Be Short Yet Love Fencing (whose glow up we’re all waiting for), and Eugene the Epitome Of Hope And Hard Work And Cool King Jocks (who is so soft and nervous inside).
While this volume was not as solidly good as the previous one, it still stood testament to Pacat’s masterful storytelling as we witnessed the team take its first baby steps and fail and fall down and apart, and then get back with again but this time together. The vulnerability and well placed (and conquered) hurdles that elevated Rivals are the same thing that made Avengers (2012) a successful for considering them and Justice League (2017) a failure for lacking them.
I can’t wait to see them march forward—
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AND I’M DONE THAT’S IT I F##KING REVIEWED ALL THE ISSUES AND VOLUMES SOMEONE PLEASE APPRECIATE ME. Please, no need to get up—oh, why, thank you for the applause.
Before anything else, let’s just appreciate this first ⇓
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DED. OK onto the actual issue which, well, I guess the streak of good luck Before anything else, let’s just appreciate this first ⇓
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DED. OK onto the actual issue which, well, I guess the streak of good luck had to end somewhere, didn’t it? It’s sad that this one didn’t live up to the previous two masterpieces but I’m probably being unfair because this was a cute little wrap up of the tryouts and it had feels.
FRIENDSHIPS. This 12th issue is closing a main chapter of the comic series and we get to truly witness the bonds formed and blooming—from Seiji and Nicholas’s miniscule moments to the latter’s understanding of Eugene and the way they boast yet vouch for one another, I know I will one day die of cuteness overload, I’m telling y’all.
BABY TEENS. I genuinely have no idea what else to call it but man are these characters all such babies with their rivalries and school competitions. I actually feel sorry for the neat and responsible Seiji—he’s getting so overwhelmed and scandalised I’m dead. ...more
I’m actually crying (no, not over the above pic) like literally crying what the fog the heartless bLadies and gents, lo and behold!
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I’m actually crying (no, not over the above pic) like literally crying what the fog the heartless beach that I am is crying over a cute lil young adult comic what is this.
But sometimes—no matter how hard you work, no matter how strongly you feel—you still won’t get the one thing you want. This is what it feels like to have your dreams go up in smoke.
I hereby rescind my previous claims and declare this issue the best of the series yet and thus it shall be granted the rare honour of being marked as a fave of mine—an honour that had previously been solely bestowed on the wickedly delightful 5th issue, yes.
OK, I think I should slow down and explain. Let’s start with the drama and then the ever-present adorableness and then get to why my soul is bleeding. We have...
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ONE. Draaaamaaa. It’s the final match and oh boy, the tension is real. Pacat’s dramatic writing is as top notch as always, and her humour boldly blesses these pages. I mean, Nicholas and Seiji the clueless, innocent babies will one day kill me ...more
Nope, I’m totally not addicted to this delightfully diverse, engagingly dramatic, and adorably young adult series peppered with humour like this (see Nope, I’m totally not addicted to this delightfully diverse, engagingly dramatic, and adorably young adult series peppered with humour like this (see below)—whatever do you mean?
Fiiiine, who am I kidding? I totally am. The aforementioned fantastic, intense storytelling and one-of-a-kind art still prevails, but the real gem of this volume was the added depth to the characters and their bonds that ended up breaking my icy heart and healing it. I mean, I even cried, I swear!
I shall now proceed to explain.
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I said it before, I won’t say it again (*starts singing in Dan Reynolds voice* love is a game to you, it’s not pretend; maybe if I fall asleep, I won’t breathe righ—*realises she’s in the middle of a review, smiles sheepishly*) OK let’s not pretend I’m not gonna say it again because I absolutely am.
See that dork in the above image? The one who scored one hit when he was 14 marks behind and acts as if he’s been handed heaven on a string? Yeah that one—that’s Nicholas Cox the overconfident cinnamon bun who will make everything a race and is determined to succeed yet never wants to win at the cost of walking on someone else. And yet people keep dragging him, saying he’s confident for no reason; well let him! At least he’s not arrogant and dismissive like another certain guy...
Yup, that guy. Though TBH I no longer hate Seiji (I even like him) and yes I still want to kick him for being stuck in his head like an insecure obsessed little teen (which I’m realising he technically is??) but I just appreciate the friendship blooming between these two idiots (I’m also realising I tend to refer to them like this in almost all my reviews of the series *grins*) and how their palpable chemistry spills into their fencing gah.
Look at the above pic and tell me that’s anything other than the epitome of the dynamic of an ESFP and ISTJ (these are Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types BTW, I’m not actually spewing gibberish). Speaking of MBTI types...
THAT’S AN ESFP-ESTP INTERACTION RIGHT THERE, YES. And nope, just because Trump is an ESTP doesn’t mean all ESTPs are Trumps; Eugene is my optimistic, loving baby who might have seemed like a bullying jock at first, but he’s a layered human being so you fiends will back off! *brandishes sword*
Now allow me to bother you with a commercial break. Just reminding you that this wall of forbidden sentences exists and y’all should get one cos it ain’t ever gonna get old. ⇓
Yes, Aiden dumped him. Yes, my fave fencer and delightfully manipulative Aiden KaneKing is a careless, lonely kid with no present family and childhood of neglect and he dumps everyone except one guy and that is Harvard the benevolent, wise leader who is trying so hard to shower the flighty playboy with love and support and save him from himself and Aiden has no idea what to do with it except protect it and awwww this is the cutest thing ever, no?
Whoever doesn’t agree can take a left down the cliff. *grins*
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Among other treasures contained within this volume are: ➊ Tanner the spiky, loyal, caring angry hedgehog trying to keep his friends together, ➋ Kally the hardworking and admirably gracious scholarship student who shocked me with his wisdom, ➌ a diverse cast with beautifully represented and fleshed out families and, finally, ➍ a team that looks out for each other.
You know me, I’m always craving team spirit and found families like a lil kid demanding his favourite toys, so the glimpse into the depth of these teens’ bonds and the promise of more, more than satiated me. I LOVE THEM ALL OKAY.
This 3rd volume is the best one yet, aiming to close a main chapter of this comic series and oh boy does it do so with a bang—because, duh, cliffhangers. Now, off to the future we gooooooo.
I hereby announce this showdown of my two rival gay boys was even better than I could’ve hoped—Ms. Pacat, I salute you for improving this series with I hereby announce this showdown of my two rival gay boys was even better than I could’ve hoped—Ms. Pacat, I salute you for improving this series with every damn issue!
The feels.
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It’s so adorably heartbreaking to see how lonely both of these idiots are (not that I’m saying loneliness is adorable or anything—wouldn’t wanna romanticise pain and have y’all chase me down with pitchforks, now would I?), and I really, really wish Seiji would stop dismissing everyone and everything to escape his damned feelings. This little addition definitely injected some hope into my heart—I mean, HE GAVE NICHOLAS RESPECTABLE FEEDBACK I’M DEAD.
But, like, can we just—THE CHEMISTRY.
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There is more chemistry in these pages than there was in my entire highschool chemistry textbook—back in the good ol’ days of highschool, that is. More than anything, I appreciate how Seiji and Nicholas’s connection extends to even their fencing and we watch rile one another up, pushing the other to do better, be better.
Gah, if only Seiji wasn’t so obsessed with another certain boy as Nicholas is with him. Life’s so effing unfair I wanna throttle someone. My little otter Nicholas had nothing and it’s time life get in the business of paying back.
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And to mention other cute gems: the diverse, beautiful families. Harvard the benevolent, wise leader. Tanner the spiky, loyal, caring angry hedgehog trying to keep his friends together.
Gee, I guess I like Seiji now? This day will go down in history. I’m just saying. Not that I’m implying my opinion is important enough for it(4.5 ★’s)
Gee, I guess I like Seiji now? This day will go down in history. I’m just saying. Not that I’m implying my opinion is important enough for its shift to be recorded in history or whatever. Just—shhh.
TBH, I might still be inclined to hate him for being so good and yet ruining it with his attitude (no, I don’t mean his prickliness or cutting words cause those are things I usually stan, I mean his lack of respect for anyone and anything who is not Jesse), BUT—
Awww okay I might feel for him just a little.
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His steely determination is admirable and something I can relate to. Besides, I can see how, beneath that nearly (and I say nearly because we’ve all seen Aiden the the king of manipulation delightfully slip between the cracks of his armour) impenetrable turtle shell, he’s sad and dissatisfied and always feeling empty.
And yes, it does make sense that he would not only dismiss everyone but also treat them all as dirt—I mean, beating everyone with the same stick is the most common, most predictable mistake of humans as a general species, and he must’ve endured frequent bullying for his talent and I doubt his horrible dad took time to teach him respect, understanding, or compassion—I doubt the guy himself knew any of these things.
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I rather love how, despite having everyone stand against him, he cares naught for their opinion and actually thrives under the pressure. Seriously, the no nonsense attitude is probably my favourite to see in a character and it was refreshing to see his Jerk of the Year behaviour be justified for once. All he needs to do is be more respectful like how he was towards Harvard in this issue, and I’ll love him!
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There it is. The speed. The determination. The sheer talent that is not like anyone else. They’re beginning to understand. You can see it in their faces. You can see it in the way they’ve stopped talking. The way they’re focused on the match. With total concentration—forgetting even to cheer—until everyone in the hall is just watching in silence. They’re beginning to understand just how good Seiji really is.
But anyways, I appreciate how Pacat focuses on a different character in each issue, and the depth and additional info on Seiji plus seeing Harvard shine as a leader and also handle Aiden the wild fox was precious—yes, read it LotR style. I just need more of Nicholas’s usual messy cluelessness marching on to invade Seiji’s personal space and isolation. What’s more adorable?
➊ be so sloppy you’re unpredictable ➋ be so bullheaded nothing could penetrate your thick head ➌ be clueless and never pay attention ➍ be confident for no reason that could be exploited yet never be cocky
In other words: be Nicholas! And you will be rewarded and find out that sometimes—
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Yes, I adore Nicholas the little idiotic cinnamon roll and I’m so proud of him for being so stuck in his own head. Who knew that would ever turn out to be a good thing? In fact, he is so completely living in the world in his brain that he’s grown and cultivated this absurd obsession with Seiji and his jealousy and drive to work harder for it are weirdly adorable and entertaining.
The idea of Aiden beating Seiji makes me mad. Not mad. Jealous. Seiji, I want to be the one who beats you. I want to be good enough. I want to win this match and earse Aiden’s win against you. So that the one you look at as a rival—is me.
And oh is the chemistry becoming so palpable the air is crackling with dense energy. I gotta say, I’m finally definitely rooting for them because Seiji is acting less like a weak bully and more like a stiff, rude critic now ,which I rather love actually. If he continues like this, I might even like him!
Nicholas and Seiji aside, my number one character AKA Aiden is glowing and the glimpse into his vulnerability for and bond with the strict, pure baby leader Harvard just about undid me. Genuine Aiden will destroy me and I SHIP IT YES MY OTP.
This was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Yes, that is an actual word, not just gibberish. And yes, I can totally pronounce it without a hit(4.5 ★’s)
This was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Yes, that is an actual word, not just gibberish. And yes, I can totally pronounce it without a hitch.
Now reasons why this was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious:
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☛ Aiden Kane KING, the genius playboy: If you thought I’m starting my list with anything other than incessant gushing over my adorable master manipulator (of which my review of Fence #5 provides plenty) then you do not know me, uh uh. Let’s just say this privileged dude became my gay baby when he showed that he’s actually got the brains and charm to observe and read people like none other and play with emotions like an uncontrollable lil kid throwing toys around. No, I don’t need a lecture on how wrong that is, I need y’all to appreciate his hidden softness and vulnerability for the pure baby that is Harvard the leader.
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☛ Nicholas Cox, the bullheaded, thickheaded cinnamon bun: The fact that I love this little angry snowball because of how obliviously stuck he is in his own small head and not despite it tells you all you need to know. He is a cute, bold and brash baby who admirably reminds himself not to get cocky while being sure and overconfident, and it’s the most impossible and perfect combination ever.
☛ Seiji Katayama, the bitter sad boy covered in thorns: You can find my more in-depth analysis in my review of Fence #8 but I’m happy to announce I like him now??? While focusing on his character in the 5th and 8th issue, Pacat dived into his turtle shell, showing his humanity and the why behind his lack of respect and understanding for others. I absolutely look forward to him learning what he was not taught and growing as a person while finding the contentment and satisfaction he’s always denied himself.
☛ Last but not least, everything else from beautiful depth to heartwarming queerness to humour and delicious art: This comic series is a blessing upon the earth and I cannot get enough of Coach Williams’ wisdom, the layered queer characters and their bonds, and the increasing tension and exploration of the games’ psychology and dynamic.
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“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
One main reason for how entertaining and unputdownable the comics are is, I think, the storytelling that is true chef’s kiss with how it juggles heartbeat and humour and dramatic deliverances—this allows the entries to care less about being unpredictable and more about being enjoyable, like that rom-com TV series you can’t resist binge-watching on repeat. The ever-awesome drawings don’t hurt either.
I’ve said it before but I feel like it’s pertinent for me to say it again: my rainbow heart is singing—bless you, woman! Lessons to take away from thiI’ve said it before but I feel like it’s pertinent for me to say it again: my rainbow heart is singing—bless you, woman! Lessons to take away from this issue ⤵
➌ Under no circumstances should you utter any sentence in the gym without first fully reading the wall—oh you sinful, lost soul, fear the coach’s wrath (and the captain’s lying smilessss).
Now that that’s established, I just need to ask something: how no how is it possible for this series to keep getting funnier??? I was dying from the humourous goodness plus the delicious dive into characters and their relationships—bewilderingly hilarious Tanner and adorably put-together Kelly, the loud energy-ball that is Boby and the quiet cuteness that is Dante, Aiden the playboy who should definitely come with a warning and who’s got my attention with Harvard the true leader...I am on board with all these ships thank you.
Pacat spends this issue introducing characters and their bonds while also teaching us a little about fencing (which I really appreciated), and with the chemistry that is revealing itself and the tension that is building up and up to a breaking point, I can confidently say this is my favourite of the first volume.
The stage is set. The players are here. We are ready to begin!
A new school, a tough competition, a scholarship depending on making the fencing team...it might sound stressful, but Nicholas the overconfid(3.5 ★’s)
A new school, a tough competition, a scholarship depending on making the fencing team...it might sound stressful, but Nicholas the overconfident, unstoppable cinnamon bun is undaunted—it’ll be super easy peasy, you just wait.
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Sure. Except for the insufferable douchebag of a roommate you’ve vowed to defeat and put in his place even though you’ve barely had one tenth of his training...
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...and how you’re a cute lil angry obsessive mess with a secret crush in a childish, petty rivalry...
No? Then how about the bullies and cutthroat competitors reaching for a spot on the team you need to win to even have a chance to fence because your life is a tragedy and you have nothing and no one?
But nope, Nicholas is determined, and that’s so utterly admirable. Because in this cruel world, when you’re dealt a bad hand all you can do is refuse to give up—or else you’ll be trampled beneath the feet of the privileged.
I gotta say, I hate Seiji a little less because, despite being a bastard, he’s got his own hidden weaknesses and Nicholas is getting under his skin yessss. I can’t wait to see how Bobby’s vision of Seiji will become Nicholas’s, too, though it’ll need to be a very convincing transition because all I wanna do to Seiji right now is pummel him. *grins*
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To wrap it up in a nice little bundle: the writing was just as fab as the previous issue while the humour was even better and had me choking and rolling and clapping at its genius, and oh the queerness is making my rainbow heart sing (blame my baby Bobby the overenthusiastic cheerleader).
Everyone get ready because tensions are building in this small school aiming to win against the giants of fencing, and somewhere in this room are the boys who are going to do that. You just ask yourself—
Fencing is a sport of champions. You step onto the piste full of hopes and dreams. Sometimes you win. And sometimes...you’re just a steppi
(3.5 ★’s)
Fencing is a sport of champions. You step onto the piste full of hopes and dreams. Sometimes you win. And sometimes...you’re just a stepping stone on someone else’s rise to success.
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So let’s make something clear: comics are not a “me” thing—I want them to be, I’ve been itching to dive into the sequential arts on my TBR, but to be honest the only ones I’ve read yet are Hergé’s classic Tintin series which, frankly, I adore (and yes I’m an old soul). My nonsensical 2020 reading challenge with its 202 books finally gave me the push I needed to dig in and so here I am, picking up this series on a whim and with no expectations...and I am pleased to say I’m satisfied! Also yes, I’m reviewing all the issues just because I can.
Meet Nicholas Cox, the smol bean of a dreamer who has no one and nothing, the poor petulant baby who wants to follow the footsteps of a father he never knew, the angry underdog who is an unstoppable force of nature and doesn’t know what it is to back down.
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But his confidence and boldness are gonna be dosed in ice water because he’s up against Seiji Katayama. Of course, the clueless cinnamon roll he is has no idea who Seiji even is.
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Meet Seiji Katayama, the second best under 16s épée fencer in the country and also an arrogant shetbag who can kindly go eat shet. As you can tell, they hit it off really well (yes I spy with my little eye, an enemies-to-lovers gay romance on the horizon) and the rest is, of course, history.
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I absolutely enjoyed this cute little issue. The storytelling technique was chef’s kiss, the art was wholly captivating, and the humour and witty writing provided the perfect icing on the cake. I admire how, in only a few pages, Pacat made me feel for Nicholas with that heartbreakingly told backstory and immediately root for him. It was too short, and not much happened, but I am invested guys, and that is a miracle!
She was supposed to cure the Coronavirus. Instead...she fell in love with it.
This iconic book has received all kinds of reviews, yet there i(0 ★’s)
She was supposed to cure the Coronavirus. Instead...she fell in love with it.
This iconic book has received all kinds of reviews, yet there is one question no one has offered an answer to: What the FUCK?
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I shall now proceed to answer that question—dividing it into four parts to help specify what the actual fuck ⤵
⓵ What the fuck would make humanity come up with the idea of this book? ⓶ What the fuck would make humanity go ahead and write this book? ⓷ What the fuck would make humanity want to read this book? ⓸ What the fuck does this book mean for humanity and the future of this species’ life as an occupant of the Solar System and the cosmos?
Before we start, I should warn you that my review will include lines and quotation from this “steamy viral-erotica” meaning there will be mature content, sexual innuendos, and explicit language; so proceed at your own risk. Now, *rolls up sleeves* let’s discuss this baffling phenomenon and attempt to comprehend what has just happened to humanity and whether this pandemic has addled our minds or our minds have always been addled?
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Question #1: What the fuck would make humanity come up with the idea of this book?
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Allow me to tell you a story.
Once upon a time, there was a young woman (let’s call her Merika, to ensure it’s no one’s name) and she was alive in the year 2020. As you can guess, this tale is already a tragedy even before starting—but bear with me.
So Merika was going about her day as usual, which is to stay she was stuck in her rental apartment doing absolutely nothing. It was noon and her stomach was being a demanding ass as usual, so she headed to her smaller-than-her-brother’s-wife’s-bathroom kitchen, scolding, “Hush you baby one of these days I’ll kick you out of the house I will; who needs a stomach anyway you just take up space, there is only room for one person in this sweatshirt.” As the monologue—excuse me one-sided dialogue—continued, she picked up her last remaining steak and wondered where the hell she was gonna find any money because dammit but with only one meal a day her fridge was still emptier than her bed and fuck but who was gonna pay the rent and gahhh but life sucked and she was only interested in one definition of sucking and this wasn’t it.
Dear reader, I believe you have figured this out by now but this narrator feels obligated to clarify it for you: Merika was, frankly, horny.
She needed ideas and she needed them now. But, more pressingly, she also needed to pee. Killing two birds with one stone, Merika quickly entered the Workroom of Creation—which, if you live in a cave and are not informed, is W.C.—and, in that holy corner of creativity, she pondered. She thought about the reason why life is such a hot mess, being the coronavirus, and how easier it all would have been if the virus didn’t bring this dull grim feeling but one where the hot was more prominent than the mess, and in that profound moment of boredom, a genius vision creeped up upon her ⤵
Despite the devastation the virus was causing across the globe, Alexa felt a rush of excitement every time she picked up the Corona sample, like a pulsating, erect penis, desperate to unleash its devastation on anyone who touched it.
I know what you’re going to say—that you’ve been plenty bored and not thought of a virus making you wet and whatnot, but the thing is that you have. Studies have found boredom is the best thing to happen to the human species as it’s a breeding ground for ideas. So as you wallow in misery, your brain grasps at anything and everything for some reprieve, and the wilder your mind the more absurd the idea it will come up with. But in normal circumstances, these thoughts would be dismissed in a flash until you’d stumble upon a solid creative thread. This was not normal circumstances.
So where were we before you interrupted me?
Her mind preoccupied, Merika left the Workroom of Creation and tried to go about her day as usual—that is, tried and failed, as we’ve already established that includes “being stuck in her rental apartment doing absolutely nothing.” Thus, switching TV channels and assaulted with death after death, Merika opened her chat with her bestie ⤵
Merika: u alive? Bestie: Duh yes Bestie: What’s up? Merika: my dick Merika: oh wait, i dont have one Bestie: Gee Mer *face palms* Merika: gahhh dunno i just had a thought tho Bestie: Really? What Merika: so remember how u said yesterday that this virus is fucking us all Bestie: Yeah? Merika: well what if that fucking was actually, u kno, enjoyable Bestie: What Merika: but that would mean the virus would need a dick, the one i dont have Bestie: What the Merika: sooo itd need to be a guy Bestie: Mer actual people are dying Merika: how about the virus hulking out Bestie: What the fuck, are you even listening to me? Merika: and maybe a scientist falls in love with the subject of study and experiment Bestie: I’ve heard that before Merika: yup shape of water