User blog:Ash9876/Ashy's Reviews - Fairy Tail 483: The Seven Stars

Ohai everyone. Ash here with another review. As per usual, civil discussion if you decide to comment. Thank you very much~

"Here and now, I shall commit just one more sin."

- Jellal Fernandes.

"In that case, the beginning of the road is right here in front of you! It's true; I've come a long way. But I didn't get this far by stumbling aimlessly around! I knew in my heart that I had no choice but to keep moving forward...and that's why I'm standing here now!"

- Gray Fullbuster.

"When you can't walk on your own, I'll be your legs! I'll be your wings! The two of us will always be together...forever!!!"

- Charle.

"This abomination...is not my brother!"

- Kagura Mikazuchi.

"If August is the strongest man, then...she is the strongest woman. Irene Belselion...the one who carries the moniker, "The Scarlet Despair.""

- Brandish μ.

Sorry for the quote spam. I just thought all of these were fitting to the core of the chapter. While it was a bit everywhere, it's pretty clear some intense stuff was packed into this chapter.

In other news, Erza's rocking the ecchi-style classic "shield and saber" (the weapon, not the character) combo.

I ain't Belselion this body!

Excuse my ridiculous attempt at a pun. I was trying to say "I ain't "be sellin'" this body!"

In any case, we are introduced to Irene Belselion, the one who carries the moniker, "The Scarlet Despair" and there the chapter ends.

Ultimatum
Whoo, long chapter this time around. A lot to go through. As I mentioned before, I enjoyed Hiro's consistency in how he writes Jellal. Jellal is not inherently a good person. The deeds he has accumulated over his lifetime have, much like Ultear, built into his psyche. Even an attempt for atonement cannot fully lift the anchors he has to his dark past. I think this is also why he made use of Grand Chariot. The seven stars, also symbolic of the seven sins, are judging Neinhart for his careless revival of buried pasts.

I also enjoyed the small moment between Gray and Lyon. While somewhat rushed, perhaps, in this chapter, Gray has overall demonstrated a very steady, but sure development of his character as the series has progressed. From a guy to lingered onto his past to someone who is actively looking towards the future. All of the events that have occurred with Gray have ultimately lead him to grow into what he is today. (Also yay lowkey Gruvia moment)

The moment between Wendy and Charle was, to me, quite meaningful too. If you've noticed, the past few chapters have Wendy attempting to pull off a lot of things on her own. Perhaps it's a form of arrogance coming from her new powers? But she's been shoving aside her friends in a bit to protect them. But that isn't how she works. Wendy isn't able to do everything on her own, and that's what Charle's there for. I think this chapter reinforced that a little bit.

Otherwise, the story progression of the story was relatively average. There's not really much to say about everyone suddenly beating their enemies. I understand Neinhart's rather pitiful defeat. The guy doesn't look like a fighter at all. He performed one energy blast, but the guy was more suited to be a playwright. He invokes the Historia of others, but no true playwright gets up on the same stage that his actors are on. In addition, the one hit was understandable because, I mean, Jellal is quite obviously on the same league as these Spriggan. Making an entire horizon around a town look like the night sky? Ain't an easy feat to accomplish.

Likewise, while Brandish, to many, might seem like she's betraying Zeref, she really isn't. She has never actively helped Fairy Tail beyond getting rid of Natsu's cancer as a way to pay back her debts to Lucy. While she has stated facts about Irene and August, she has never actively mentioned any of their abilities or weaknesses. While a woman loyal to Zeref, Brandish also has her own sense of honor and despite Hiro not characterizing many of the Spriggan too well this arc, I do believe he has done a rather interesting job with Brandish thus far, even if the revelations regarding her past were a one-chapter-wonder.

Irene's introduction was extremely badass. To have two members of a relatively equal playing field is what I'm talking about. While obviously Hiro does sexualize his females significantly, ultimately he keeps them involved in almost all conflict in some way, shape or form. They're more than just sex appeal, as proved by Kagura's bold actions this chapter. As such, I'm looking forward to what Irene brings to the table and what relationship she has with Erza. On a side note, god dayum Irene is smokin' hot. That character design with an ode to witches is so suiting her. Also she definitely has an oddly refined, mature look that Erza lacks. Perhaps it's the makeup or her smaller eyes.

That's all I have this week. I (believe) after a break next week, Fairy Tail returns with 484: The Monstrous Six. Look forward to it!

Thanks for reading, everyone!