Reviews of part 1 and part 2 can be found below:
Part 1 link
Part 2 link
Welcome from my earlier reviews. If not, do read them, since they are all pieces of one big puzzle. We are at the final review! Thanks for reading all the reviews (if you did)! S3 was announced almost as soon as S2 finished. Given how S2 ended, I was eager with anticipation to see how the tournament arc would be concluded. And I sure wasn’t disappointed.
As our lead trio is getting used to working together in a squad, with each season showcasing their growth as Border soldiers and individuals. But everything is not a bed of roses. As they grew from strength to strength, from sheer potential, their flaws start to become more and more prominent, to the point that it would prove their downfall, if not addressed. This season, therefore, chooses to focus on their weaknesses and how they overcome it in a real-life situation (real life for them ie). They are also joined by a new member, in addition to their operator (who has been present since S1 mind you), which makes the trio a quad, overhauling their existing tactics and options due to this new introduction.
As was the case with S2, we get a strong emphasis on the optimal use of powers, with more information given on them. What however stood out for me in this season was the fact that it was the most character focused season of the 3. Two of the lead characters are seen to be the weak links, albeit for different reasons. Both of them have been aware of this from S1 and seek to overcome that or doom the fate of their squad. The series presents their situation quite realistically and provides a satisfying solution to those challenges. It doesn’t do this by a power creep, but by actual character development. Such a joy of a series to watch!
The art and animation like S2 is great to watch, with the particular standouts being episode 13 and 14 to a certain extent. Episode 13 in particular was a joy to behold and been a while since I’ve really noticed the animation. Music was great as always and have to say that I’m really starting to enjoy them a lot, often listening to them in my free time.
ME AT THE END
And seeing as I am basically repeating what I said, I’ll conclude by saying that as of the end of S3, there has been 20 odd chapters. Meaning, that we won’t be getting a S4 anytime soon. That being said, I think the series has done enough for me to look forward to what the mangaka offers for the future of the genre. It has been a while since I’ve been this moved by a battle Shounen and I will take the time to revisit some of my older favourites and also try out some other works which have been in plan to read/watch list, until we get S4. Thanks for reading my reviews.