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Title: Crimson Hero Vol 10

Author: Mitsuba Takanashi

Publisher: Viz

ISBN:  9781421523637

May Contain Spoilers

Now that Nobara knows how Yushin feels about her, she can concentrate on volley ball again.  Since they are keeping the fact that they are a couple under wraps until after the Spring Tournament is over, she has something to work towards.  Nobara wants to win, so she can claim a double victory.  Why, then, does she feel flustered every time Haibuki speaks to her?  Doesn’t she love Yushin?

Aw, why does Mitsuba Takanashi have to go and put a little niggling of doubt into Nobara’s heart?  After all of the effort that she put into winning over Yushin, even making a fool of herself by publically declaring how she felt about him?  Now she’s getting confused whenever Haibuki is around.  He’s the guy who would have treated her like a princess, but she bluntly pushed him away.  I like Haibuki, at least when he’s not being an arrogant jerk and trying to steal kisses from Nobara.  One of the conventions that can be so frustrating about shoujo series is the yo-yo effect as the heroine is torn between two really hot guys.  Just pick one!  Don’t be greedy and go after all of the cute guys!

Nobara also learns a lesson in teamwork.  Again.  When a team doesn’t play as a cohesive unit, they are not as strong as when everyone is on the same page.  Volley ball is a team sport, but when players are out only for their own personal glory,  team dynamics are compromised.  When an entire team is made up of glory hounds who fight to be starting players, they are a fundamentally weaker unit.  Nobara witnesses a practice session of their upcoming opponents, and she’s appalled.  The spirit of team unity doesn’t exist with them, and when players are willing to injury their teammates, Nobara vows that Crimson Field will never lose to the likes of them.  Too bad the team, Aiyu Gakuin, has made it to the semi-finals ten years running! 

Crimson Hero isn’t as fun as Prince of Tennis, but that’s probably because there aren’t as many hot guys.  The series does suffer from some uneven pacing, but overall, it’s a pretty solid title. Like the volley ball, emotions are batted about, usually with some very entertaining results.

Grade: B-

Review copy provided by Viz