Tokyo Ravens – 14
B-ba-b-b-b-b-baka janyai no?!
Wow. That was perhaps the most thrilling display of sorcery from Tokyo Ravens yet. And it’s barely only halfway through the show! I can only wonder how it’ll top this episode in future ones to come.
Epic Battle
Shaft’s got nothing on this.
So yeah, Douman shows up and he’s everything we imagined he would be. Which is to say, ridiculously overpowered. And knowing that puts Jin’s and Zenjirou’s capabilities in perspective. The two surely deserve their titles (only formerly for Jin), though it is apparent that neither of them alone could have won in a straight showdown with Douman. Fortunately, that’s not what Jin was going for. And it seems that even with all his prowess, Douman was unable to see through the crafty Onmyoji’s elaborate plots. At least, not in time to properly counter them. Which is what lead to his defeat. That, and also his “sportsmanship.” The guy may have been played off as sick and twisted, but he certainly held on to his own values and sense of honor. I thought his outrage at Jin’s use of the mass-produced Swallow Whips and Jin’s response that he was simply being conceited for insisting in only elaborate sorcery was absolutely brilliant.
Jin uses an unexpected move.
To further reinforce Douman’s obsession with sorcery, there were also plenty of moments throughout the showdown when I’m sure he could have countered or evaded specific spells (again, without anticipating the intent behind them), but he instead chose to admire the sorcery being cast almost as a work of art. At least, that was the impression I got. I’m sure it could be argued that the seemingly invincible spiritual disaster was made to stand there and narrate “oh man this ballsy guy is casting this spell!” for plot reasons so that he could be whittled down and eventually exorcised. But that’s not how it appeared as the battle unfolded. It really felt like Douman was sincerely enjoying himself after many decades of boredom. So hats off to the charismatic villain. Tokyo Ravens did a superb job with his portrayal, from his initial sinister appearance (backed up with convincing BGM) to his eventual calm acceptance of defeat. I might actually miss the guy.
Who’s Next?
That’s one bright fridge. Does it have a loli inside though?
So now that Douman is gone, where do we stand? I mentioned last time that I was surprised he made his move so soon, and I was equally surprised that he met his demise just as quickly. The show really had me convinced that he was the final boss, given his legendary stature (apparently exceeding even that of Yakou). Well, it looks like there might be a couple of new contenders for the position of real final boss. First, there’s Atsune. I always figured he was just a pawn. But for him to destroy the defeated Douman before the guy could leak any information suggests there’s more to him. Perhaps he will be revealed as the true head honcho of the Twin-Horned Syndicate? Also suspicious, or rather downright confirmed to be a baddie, is the weird loli-loving senpai. We still know next to nothing about Suzu beyond her love of little girls. But at least now we’ve learned she was Douman’s disciple? I’m not sure what to make of this though.
Really, this was a very excellent episode for Tokyo Ravens. The action-packed battle kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and even had me awed at several moments. Going ahead, I don’t think we have to be worried about Jin and Zenjirou. They’re both highly competent, and even after the tiresome battle I’m sure they would be able to repel or defend themselves against a simple explosion. At the very worst, I expect them to get away with only a few injuries. Nothing a few days in bed with lots of bandages can’t fix in anime. On the broader side of things, I guess Tokyo Ravens will be moving on to a new arc probably dealing with Suzu. She’s going to have a hard time filling in Douman’s empty spot if you ask me. But maybe she’ll bring a quirky sort of evil instead of the sinister kind, if her loli obsessions are any indication. Which would be entertaining in its own way. Oh, and we never did learn the fate of the Raven’s Wing, so I guess that means it’s still safe? Unless that’s what was inside Suzu’s fridge…
About Sumairii
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
I should add that I also like how Jin used deceit to bring Douman down. It really makes those Yakou quotes about the “heart of sorcery” ring true.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Deception is a powerful weapon.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
Bakatora!
LOLi in DA fridge? Oh, I hope not.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Maybe it’s a portal to LOLiland, where all of Suzu’s little girl fantasies can come true? 🙂
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
So it has the complete set of Odo Nobuna no Yabou and Fate Illya on Blu Ray?
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Wait, I’ve got it! Suzu’s fridge has a portal to Natsume’s closet. And that is where the Raven’s Wing is hidden. Case closed.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
The mystery now is where Suzu’s true loyalties lie.
Either she is willingly serving Douman, OR she is serving him as an agent of another party(ie. the Syndicate, or some 3rd party), especially since she asked him to find the Raven’s Wing for her.
I read comments elsewhere that the LN cut out some of Tenma’s character development here. Perhaps an LN reader could elaborate?
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 139 comments
Just some more backstory details and internal monologues. I think the got show across him getting more confidence himself thanks to Suzuka and co’s talk. Then Ohtomo’s statement about geniuses and appreciation and use of the Sallow Whip familiars to defeat Douman.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 139 comments
Hee! Your analysis on Douman was spot on! That’s why like him too, he’s really more chaotic neutral type person.
I had to say, one of nice I like about this series is how competent the adults. They don’t just play second futile conveniently to the kids, they are also active characters in the plot too. That’s rare in a shounen.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Interesting. I’m guessing Suzu becomes more important later on. Any hints as to which side she’s on?
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 139 comments
It’s really hard to talk about her without giving too much faway.
Let’s… just say she may or may not necessary be a villain.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 139 comments
*away*
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
If Suzuka doesn’t get resealed, Haru and Natsume will become her permanent maids!! 0_0
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
That will be a living hell for them. They better hope she gets resealed.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 104 comments
The epicness of this battle somehow reminded me of the one between Orochimaru & Sarutobi in Naruto waaaay back. Regardless of my feelings towards the series nowadays,I’ll always remember that awesome fight.
I really liked last week’s setup episode too and this was a great follow up climax one. I’ve been enjoying Tokyo Ravens but like Strike the Blood,I never really considered it more than above average which is why I’m quite impressed on how strong it started in it’s 2nd cour. It makes me want to raise my expectations for it but with higher expectations also comes disappointment if the series doesn’t live up to them. For now,I’ll play it safe and let myself be surprised : P
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I was so drawn by the events that it felt really short when the episode came to an end. Honestly, it didn’t feel like over 24 minutes passed. The sorcerer’s battle between Jin and Douman was epic and if a comparison had to made, it’s at the same level as Dumbledore vs Voldemort from Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix.
I’m wondering what happens to Jin as his change in appearance surely means he paid a heavy price for spell to work. Also, there’s the inquiry as to how Douman became a ghoul. As for Douman’s reasoning to attack to stave off boredom, this is what happens when powerful, eccentric people have lived for far too long. Strike the Blood’s Vatler is another example of one with idle hands.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
I was indifferent towards Doman, just thought he was a crazed Yakou cultist. This episode totally changed my opinions of him 180 degrees. At some point I found myself cheering for him rather than against him.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
How often does one find themselves rooting for the bad guy? That’s a good question right there.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
And now that we look back upon him with hindsight, we realize that there’s actually not much overt truth to Douman being a “bad guy.” He’s only suggested as such by association with the Yakou fanatics (I think his motive was simply to play with Yakou some more to kill his boredom) and by the show’s BGM. =P