Yuki Kaori - Grand Guignol Orchestra, vol. 03 (Chi. trans.)

[oyceter]

I am kind of amazed at the relative lack of genderfail in this series so far (relative as compared to some of Yuki Kaori's other series), though given Yuki Kaori's track record, I expect this to change at any second.

The return of Spinel! AWESOME! And I'm glad there's still a bit more on the relationship between Lucille and Eles, since I continue to be afraid that it will be All About Lucille. I mean, it clearly already is All About Lucille, but I am afraid it will be even more so! Still, I am very much amused by just how many people are out to kill (fuck) Lucille because he is just that beautiful and amazing and broken. I am also for hoping for much more re: Cordie/Gemsilica and Morion, aka, the Trio of DOOM for this manga.

I also suspect I will be requesting fic for this come Yuletide. Hopefully by then a few volumes will be out in English so people who are not me will have read it! But I doubt it will be up to volume 3 and its tempting bits of Spinel backstory!

I am a bit boggled by all the double and triple crossing going on in the Gwindel/Jadeite story. He did actually infect his daughter so he could sculpt her, right? Because EW. Despite my loving Yuki Kaori's id, sometimes what she thinks of as sympathetic motivation does not really work for me. See: Jezebel Disraeli.

I also laughed and laughed and laughed at the Garnet/Carnelian reveal and how he is also in love with Lucille! Because everyone is in love with Lucille! Sadly, Lucille is not yet as awesome as Alexiel, but then, who is?

I am still waiting for Barthie's backstory and how he came to cut his own throat and why in the world he's walking around in a cat mask.

But mostly: Spinel! WHOO!

Comments

[jibrailis]

Trying to keep up with this review made me go a little dizzy, but such is the case with a Kaori Yuki manga! I can't wait to read Grand Guignol Orchestra when it comes out in English.

Sadly, Lucille is not yet as awesome as Alexiel, but then, who is?

*snort*

[rachelmanija]

He did actually infect his daughter so he could sculpt her, right?

I feel that no context is needed to appreciate this sentence! Also, by the time I read any of this, all spoilers will be forgotten anyway (except that a nun in impaled by an evil organ? Or did I imagine that?)

[wingblossom]

I have to say, I'm not sure how I never heard of this manga before, but that is one amazing title. XD If nothing else, I would read the series just for that.

[oyceter]

I can't wait either! I only hope the translation is better than the ones for Cain Saga and Angel Sanctuary.

[oyceter]

Also, I will note that he is infecting his daughter with something called the Galatea virus that stiffens the limbs so the person is basically a deadly zombie doll!

Yes! Yes! There was a nun impaled by an evil organ! (The musical instrument, not internal organs, for any random person who may be reading and wondering.)

[oyceter]

The best thing about Yuki Kaori is that the inside not only lives up to the title, it totally surpasses it!

[rachelmanija]

She was a deadly doll ALL ALONG!

Jadeite story

[(Anonymous)]

The Gwindel thing is definitely very confusing. Yuki-sensei sure likes to mess with her readers' minds!

SPOILERS for Ch 12 in case you haven't read it...

The way I read it, in Chapter 12 it's revealed that Gwindel/ Jadeite didn't infect his daughter, rather she was brought to him infected and he was mad enough (with grief as well as artistic manic zeal, perhaps) to sculpt her as a guignol. But he felt redeemed by Lucille who punished him for his behaviour by removing his ability to create such art, and the fact that Lucille disapproved of his obsession with guignols helped keep him on the straight and narrow. Gwindel also earlier hints that they will never be forgiven, and that this is actually a good thing, which looking back, hints that he wants to be reminded of how awful what he did was, so that he can never forget or repeat it. So I think he's as sincere as a messed up Kaori Yuki character can be expected to be...I think...haha

Next chapter has a shedload of Kohaku backstory from what I saw of raws... now for THAT I cannot wait :)

Minnako (who doesn't have an LJ but appreciates your reviews :))

Re: Jadeite story

[oyceter]

Ohhhh, interesting! I totally need to reread it in English.. I feel when I read it in Chinese, I always miss various things thanks to my sucky language skills.

Whoo Kohaku backstory!

(Also, awww, thanks for the comment! I'm glad you enjoy them!)