Shonen Beam

[scanlation by [C]hán]

The opening pages are building up a feeling of tension for Nagi meeting Luka, which is understandable from the reader’s perspective as we now know who Luka is. I can’t help but feel a little bit of Nagi’s tension myself, for her this is the author whose works she has been such a fan of. Also, after the page actually showing us Luka’s manga, I feel like a fan myself. This is such an awesome idea, while at the same time being hilarious. Nagi’s perspective on the manga is perhaps slightly different than my own, but no less valid.

A tale of love and loss

Man, Chiharu sure is stringing Nagi along as to Luka’s identity. She’s having a lot of fun, and it’s fun to watch Nagi getting more and more fed up with the small tidbits she’s being fed about this mystery author. Of course, not so long ago, it was us in that position, having only received a name and the same phrase a few times (“She’s a girl that closely resembles Hayate”) and just as ready to have her revealed. I do appreciate having been told before Chiharu’s teasing, because otherwise we’d be getting teased, too.

The interactions between Luka and Hayate are still funny, and they’re even funnier when you have to constantly make yourself see things in the story’s setting: Luka still thinks Hayate is a girl. Luka’s dedication to her job despite being seriously injured already goes a way towards making her an endearing character. She obviously cares a lot about her fans, and isn’t willing to miss the concert despite having a pretty good reason. She’s a hard worker, but I think we expected that given her resemblance to Hayate.

Because she can take it. Because she's not our hero.

Finally, all the buildup the whole chapter for Nagi culminates on the final few pages, when Chiharu brings Nagi into the concert. Luka is standing onstage in full idol gear with the lights shining down on her, and Nagi is staring up at her awestruck, with the internal monologue boxes relating her thoughts to us. It’s a huge moment of impact, and after going through the Athena arc, you can’t help but think that this is something that will affect the course of our story for many chapters to come. Nagi thinks Luka looks like a god, and it must seem that way from her perspective. I have to wonder if maybe Nagi will want to try and become an idol.

Final Flash: A good chapter with less than normal amounts of comedy, but that only served to enforce the feeling of the serious moment at the very end.

[chapter link]

Great color spread. Nagi’s shirt is fantastic and should be made available for purchase.

Fourth wall-breaking advertisement! That’s the Hayate I like.

If Hata really does intend to follow through on Mikado’s intent to take away Nagi’s inheritance, it will mark a huge change in the manga. Not necessarily bad, but considerably different. Should be interesting to see where we go from here.

Tama! It’s been a while.

Final Flash: Not exactly sure where this is going. I like authors that have the conviction to force real change in a series with an established formula, but Hayate without infinitely-rich Nagi may not feel right.

[chapter link]

Bikini-clad girls splashing around in the sea. Quite a sharp difference from the last few chapters.

Hina found out, which will surely lead to her not giving up on Hayate. Hina fans, rejoice.

Sand Gundam! Working our way back towards familiar comedy, I see.

Good, I was wondering if Athena and Nagi would ever meet. That’s a pretty spread, too. If colored, it would make for an excellent wallpaper.

“I’ll return that for today.” Great layered conversation going on.

She’s returning after all? That might work out for the best. The rejection saves the harem comedy style, but she can just join the harem now.

Poor Klaus.

What a cute and interesting last page. If this is a new storyline, let’s hope for more Genshiken than Comic Party.

Final Flash: This concludes Hayate‘s first major serious arc. Overall, considering the existing style and perception of the series: Extremely well done.

Hayate looks devastated on the first page. That’s a depressing look.

“I loved you” is always awfully depressing. This arc has been great, but I hope this series remembers soon that it’s a comedy.

Hayate answering her feelings and apologizing is too sad.

So. It’s over. I wonder where we go from here.

Final Flash: A suitable conclusion. The series could use some time off from the drama, but I hope it doesn’t become too episodic.