Negima

Review Date: 2007 August 22 15:45

Reviewed by: Azure

Released by: Tanoshimi

Publishing Country: UK

Author: Ken Akamatsu

Age Rating: 16+

Page Count: 208

ISBN-13: 0099506548

ISBN-10: 978009950

Summary

The Mahora Budokai draws to a close. The final fights promise to be something spectacular. Just why has the mysterious Ku:nel Sanders come to the tournament? Meanwhile Asuna take it upon herself to rescue Takahata-sensei who is being held deep underground.

Review

Volume thirteen marks the end of the tournament, Negi predictably has made it right through to the ending rounds. He is spurned on by a challenge by the mysterious Ku:nel, who reminds Negi strongly of his father. The confrontation with Ku:nel sets the tone for most of the book as it becomes increasingly obvious what will happen. Negi’s search for his father dominates the plot of Negima, and it seems pretty obvious that he’s not going to get any conclusive answers soon. That said anytime the plot touches on this particular point it’s when Negima is at its best, and it’s hard not to sympathise with Negi. It’s also nice to see Asuna jump into action without Negi, even if her quest ultimately ends up a little redundant.

Having read this volume before reviewing, and again as a refresher before writing up the review it’s interesting to note that Negima gains from re-reading as there’s such a lot going on. On first read it’s easy to skim through in order to find out what happens, but there are so many little moments between the extended cast that can be missed it’s highly advisable to re-read it.

This volume includes the usual Japanese fan art, 3D background breakdowns as well as rough cover art, translator’s notes as well as a Japanese preview of the next volume.

Negima manages both to tug on the heat strings and dish out the fan service. By volume thirteen I suspect most will have decided if Negima is for them or not. Whilst the fights are probably enjoyable by themselves to get full enjoyment reading ( and probably re-reading ) previous volumes is essential.

Rating: 8/10