Eureka Seven: Psalms of Planets Eureka Seven: Volume 3

Heartstopping action and drama abound in the third volume of the "Eureka Seven" manga. Still affected by the events of Vol. 2, Renton refuses to take part in Gekko State's latest battle with the military--with dire consequences. When the military's newest weapon critically injures Eureka and steals the Amita Drive--the source of Nirvash's power--GS leader Holland acquires unlikely help in wrapping up some unfinished business. Vol. 3 is probably the most exciting installment in the series so far, as the characters struggle with old scores and new challenges. That and the featured mech battles are nothing to sneeze at, either. As usual, the manga includes more bonus strips. This comic is rated for ages 13 and up: Graphic Violence, Adult Language.

Renton is pretty much nonfunctional after learning about his father's connection to Holland and even begins to reject Eureka, claiming that she cares more about the Nirvash than him! When Holland calls on the two to confront the psychotic Anemone and her mecha aptly titled "The End", Renton refuses to go, leaving Eureka to fight alone. He feels a little different as he watches the Nirvash being literally torn to pieces and then the sight of Eureka being brought back to the ship in critical condition! Volume 3 of Eureka Seven is high powered stuff and very emotional. You can see that Eureka is making her first faint realizations of what love means and how important Renton is to HER, not just the Nirvash. The scenes of the battle between Eureka and Anemone are very intense, even if the actual action is a little hard to make out, due to the artist's low aptitude for drawing combat. But to me, that's always a problem with mecha manga, because the robots all look pretty much the same in black and white. I also like the fact that Renton is growing, even though it takes pretty horrible situations to make him grow. I almost feel sorry for him because after all, he's just a kid. All these people shouldn't be burdening him with all these responsibilities. Great writing. Great art.