X/1999, Vol. 17: Suite

Now, granted, I am hoping that this review is indeed for the 17th volume of X, as there's no cover photo and navigating by links of what's been freshly delivered to my residence is a bit iffy at best. Just joking around about that title. However, Kusanagi IS one of the more poorly developed and least prolific characters in this story. Such a pity, too, considering just how much pure potential that particular character has. Now for what this volume DOES have: Viz is getting less and less afraid of more-or-less 'proper' translations, it seems. While the hints at relationships beyond simple friendship were all but missing in the earlier volumes of X (come on. You can't tell me it was as blatant as it was in the original japanese print. I've plowed through the translations, and my mediocre *yep, I spelled it wrong* skills at turning kanji into english were more vivid than 'special' for crying out loud) they're regularly blasting across the pages now. Kamui's uber-angsting over Subaru, Fuuma's rather touching display as he handed ye auld cup-o-eyeball over to the new Sakurazukamori, etc just made the heart do flip-flops of utter happiness. And for you Sorata/Arashi fans: Just guess. Just take one wild guess what's happening. Alright, not in this volume, but just hold your horses, 'kay? *cackle* Yes, Sorata ends up bloodied and beaten. Yes, Sorata jokes happily as he's been doing for the entire series. However, be prepared to see Arashi attacked with the artists' pens - she's been granted *dramatic pause* the ability to cry! And just take one wondrous guess where that's leading too. Woo, escape the hospital room or else you'll drown in the steam, I tell ya! Yuuto's fate is quickly and certainly being plastered out for all of us to see. How many of us can see what should happen to the smiling water-master of wonder at the cables of Beast? *raises hand* No action in this volume, but more dire threatening looks on the part of ye auld chunk-o-metal. And such pretty doodles of Yuuto and Satsuki together! More Hinoto development. Mmmmmmm. Hated her? Loved her? Well, this volume may just turn your opinion of her topsy-turvey once and for all. Interesting developments between her good and evil selves. Fuuma is - Fuuma. Stylish. Annoying. Sexy yet aggrevating to the point where you want to rip that silly-looking hair off his head. But uncharacteristically touching. And oddly sedate. It'll land you on your butt if you're expecting exploder-boy to the rescue. More duh-duh-duuuums in X, this time revolving around Karen and Aoki and *gags herself before she blasts spoilers for the next - and as of yet, final - volume of X* And as for Subby-chan... we'll just leave it at the supreme Kamui-angst-fest and sniffles with eyeball in hand. *shudder* Creepy. Well, I'm content. And I guarantee anyone that's been following this series will be content too. Massive romance, tons of angst and heart-squeeze, stuff blowing up with spiff