The Quintessential Quintuplets (2019)

[五等分の花嫁]

Volume 10

Author/Artist: Negi Haruba
Publisher: Shounen Magazine Comics

Synopsis:
A field trip to Kyoto becomes the perfect opportunity for the Nakano Sisters to make their big move.

Story/Characters:
Okay, I'm going to guess you've read the previous volume before getting to this one, so I can talk about Ichika now. Ichika, Ichika... You were my #2 on the list, but you got yourself kicked down to dead last. Who would imagine if you told me back around Volume 5 that I'd be rooting for Nino to completely destroy Ichika? As noted in the previous volume's review, narratively I appreciate what's being done. There's actually a lot going on under the hood and it reveals a lot about Ichika's character. I don't think it's badly written. There's no way you'd have a romantic knot like this without someone playing dirty. It's just disappointing seeing one of my favorite characters jump right off the slippery slope, especially since it's against my #1 girl. The Sisters War arc really escalates the conflict, does a lot with the characters and ultimately brings the sisters closer even as they're trying to advance their romance with Fuutarou. (Yes, two of the five aren't as actively engaged, but I wouldn't count them out either.)

Art:
In addition to the usual praise for the art, there are quite a few powerful emotional notes that get delivered expertly. Then there's Ichika and her daggone crazy eyes.

Other:
Our bonus comic this time has a face-swapping smartphone app. You can imagine how well it works with quintuplets.

Conclusion:
The nine-chapter epic of the Sisters War is well-named. We get some real fireworks, so if you're looking for some spicy drama, we get it here. It could have easily turned into a mess that wrecked the story, but we get progress and consequences without ruining anything. It's impressive work and, as always, well worth adding to your collection.

Rating:
Own It