Shonen Beam

[scanlation by Binktopia]

Fanservice? On a Fairy Tail cover?

It’s a huge relief that everything so far seems back to normal, but the other shoe is poised to drop.

The miserable sound of tumbling shoes

The Exceed are being further glorified with a new convoluted explanation of their plan to send their children to the parallel (real) universe. In the end, Mashima is unable even to follow through in keeping the cats even minutely evil. It’s not insulting, because I have no remaining faith in the cats or in Mashima that is left to be insulted, but it’s the sure sign of a poor author, trying to make any ending as comprehensively happy as possible.

In fact, it’s a bit worse than that: Charle has the power of prediction, and all Exceed were just being manipulative and two-faced to her, “for her benefit.”

… and Charle is a princess. Why not have everyone get married, while you’re at it? I can’t stand any more saccharine.

Some things are better left unlearned, Natsu

Pantherlily is small and cute now. Great. He was fine just as he was, thanks, particularly considering whose cat he is.

Lisanna. That actually is interesting, given how serious Natsu has become every time she’s been brought up in conversation. That said, I refuse to get my hopes up, considering how promising the disappearance of Fairy Tail was, compared to how hugely awful the Edolas arc has been.

Final Flash

[scanlation by Binktopia]

“Bye Bye Fairy Tail” is a misleading and cruel title.

In case it wasn't already obvious

Natsu combining the fight with the Fairy Tail farewell ceremony is a pretty good touch, but I have absolutely no emotional connection to the scene, because it involves Gérard. Why couldn’t Mystogan just have been a completely original character?

The Moria-lookalike cat is unnecessarily creepy.

Also, that hand gesture...

It seems Gazille will get Pantherlily as his cat after all. Unfortunately, it also seems like all the other cats are coming back to the real world.

Final Flash: This miserable arc is finally over.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

As stupid as the plan for Pantherlily to kill Mystogan is, it’s even worse to see Pantherlily tell Mystogan (and the audience) how great he is. Might as well just kill him already.

Even less acceptable: Pantherlily turning this ridiculous plan around, and becoming the sacrifice himself. Mashima is obsessed with Gérard.

Thanks for wasting our time, then

Unsurprisingly, Natsu is here to save the day.

Undeniably cute

Natsu’s involvement here isn’t bad, and he and the other two dragons contribute pretty nicely, but ultimately this is still all for the sake of further building up Gérard. Tiresome.

Final Flash: A little comedy here is fine, but as always, any Gérard is unacceptable.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

Can you think of an event you’d rather attend less than a Mashima Hiro autograph session?

The two-page spread of the dragons towering over the king is rather well-drawn.

Zeal Kingdom is falling!

Since when does nearly destroying the world and sending all its citizens into panic an acceptable plan? At least prepare the populace for what’s coming.

Anything in this series involving Gerard is completely uninteresting. His face is like the exact opposite of the Nintendo Seal of Quality.

King Pantherlily? Not only is this a rubbish idea, but it also seemingly nullifies the most interesting subplot in this entire arc, which is the possibility of Pantherlily becoming Gazille’s cat.

Final Flash: At least one of the Gerards might be killed.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

The first page is colored strangely. It doesn’t feel nearly organic enough. Looks like plastic.

As usual, a Fairy Tail cover page is used to show off a female character’s assets. It’s not enticing if you lay it out there for everyone to see all the time.

The king’s mech is embarrassingly ugly and not particularly menacing.

The Super Soaker of mechs

All three Dragonslayers decide to fire their beams in one direction, yet don’t consider the possibility of their target moving out of the way. No, heroes, I don’t find it unreasonable that a mech can jump.

Our heroes are down and out. Cue Natsu’s willpower reserves in 3, 2…

Right on time.

The combination final attack is actually pretty well-designed. It’s just a pity that these characters can’t act before a generic show of willpower.

Final Flash: Dull chapter, but it signals the end of this arc is forthcoming.

[scanlation by Binktopia]

Four pages wasted on establishing that each character has an opposite. We were already well aware of that, thanks.

Finally, the Erza fight continues. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and it’ll end in this chapter.

Mashima has again revealed his complete lack of creativity, rehashing another idea from Rave. This time, it’s Ravelt.

Might as well have Haru join the cast

Of course, each Erza’s trump card is destroyed, so we’re “treated” to a catfight.

In Fairy Tail tradition, the fight is ultimately won by force of willpower rather than any tangible or interesting means.

Not content to allow a hesitant positive (end of the Erza fight) to take the spotlight, Mashima has to reintroduce Gerard’s face, which is factually impossible to like.

Final Flash: At least that fight is over. We’re nearing the end of the arc.

[chapter link]

Happy and Charle are the only two cats remaining! Keep going, evil forces! You’re almost there.

There are plenty of attack names and flashy explosions, but it’s difficult to follow what’s actually happening between Erza and Erza.

No, please don’t take the focus away from the Erza fight. That needs to finish quickly.

King! What does the scouter say about how bad this is?

Gratuitous fanservice shot of Lucy collapsed, angled from behind. Totally unnecessary, not at all exciting.

The enemies are being attacked by trees? … It’s Ueki! Ueki came from a different (and far superior) manga to save the day!

Oh, it’s only Fairy Tail.

Final Flash: Finish the damn Erza fight already.