By Dustin Cabeal

There are things to absolutely love about this volume and other things to just get through. The opening is incredibly strong and continued the thrilling cliffhanger from the last volume. We learn a least a part of what makes Rokuro so different. It’s just a taste though so don’t get excited. Whatever this mystery is, it’s the one thing that Yoshiaki Sukeno doesn’t blow through.

After the opening scene plays out, we see some Kegare that makes all the previous Kegare look weak. This aspect was interesting because the series hasn’t had as many antagonists as protagonists. Which is important to a shonen story. If you’re not building up your villains, then you’re painting yourself into the corner. The seventh volume of Twin Star Exorcists changes all of that. The only hint I’ll give is that the Kegare are ranked the way the exorcists are, but it’s not a one to one ratio.

The rest of the story is spent fighting which wasn’t bad, but it’s as if Sukeno wanted to have one more battle before going to the island and it feels a little like filler. Our small group is out to save the girl in love with Rokuro (I’ll let you figure out who that is on your own) and they’re getting their asses kicked. It feels like a rehash of Rokuro and Benio’s last battle together, but it’s a bit too soon to play upon those emotions.

The art continues to win me over in a big way. The opening scenes, in particular, were so fantastic. They’re pure beauty, but not outdone by the gore that happens later in the story. The gore continues to walk this careful line of mainstream and hardcore. It’s just enough for everyone which gives it a mass appeal. With plenty of fighting going on in the story you’ll also be treated to those visuals as well.

While this review is short, it’s kind of hard to drone on and on about this volume. The opening is strong, the set-up for the next volume is just okay. If you’re following the story, then there’s only one surprise in store for you, and after that, it’s more of the same. Granted, that same is damn good, but it’s not as perfect as the rest of the series has been. It’s still worth the money so check it out.

Score: 4/5

Twin Star Exorcists vol. 7
Creator: Yoshiaki Sukeno
Publisher: Viz Media