MANGA REVIEW | "Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin" - Volume Four
When we last left the heroes & villains of Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin, trouble was brewing from beneath the sea. A mysterious ruins holds a massive power, one that could spell bad news for humanity if placed in the wrong hands. Fortunately, Boyle and Orpheus have been training hard to deal with some of the more powerful foes they may have to face. In its fourth volume, Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin showcases what sort of talent Boyle has hidden deep within himself.
Continuing on with the “Sunken Ruins” arc, Boyle and Orpheus dive deeper into the mysterious cavern whilst Umi keeps a close watch on Chako. However, when her guard’s left down, Chako is captured but those who believe in the prophecy. As Boyle and Orpheus get closer to the end of the ruins, more allies of Poseidon pop up to ruin their plans. Thankfully, Boyle and Orpheus aren’t the type to lie down & drown if things aren’t going according to plan.
It’s here in Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin where we find Boyle overcoming his greatest weakness: his inability to swim. However, it doesn’t come from him actually learning to backstroke or doggy paddle; it arrives in the form of a great power. Its damage counter can reach ridiculous levels, but it’s all fine and dandy when it’s showcased in a narrative that’s already this bonkers! The moment of both execution and aftermath are showcased greatly by Ryuhei Tamura’s art style, with him not afraid to get too gruesome when appropriate.
Speaking of art style, Tamura brings in the creepy when seeing the false killer whales to humanoid form. I’m not exactly sure if he’s read the works of Sam Kieth, but their sharp fangs and eyeless expressions brought to mind the Iszes of The Maxx. It’s a page that left me staring at the art for a few moments, as it brought a terrific level of threatening vibes to their appearance. Of course, like an Isz, they do wind up being easy to handle when you know where to strike them down.
Which brings me to how the big baddie of Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin finally shows their face. Although whose body they take over is somewhat surprising, the aura they bring is certainly one that’s not to mess around with. Even with the returning Yukari (who has her own threat level) feeling the brunt of the big baddie’s words and actions, it’s obvious that neither side should go against their rules & mantra. With that being said, it does end humorously when they attempt to enter the ruins, as they feel a punishment that even a god would faint over!
There’s a plethora of surprises that are in store in Volume Four of Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin, but I’ll keep the rest a secret. Although it still hasn’t reached the same level of quality as its debut volume, Tamura’s latest manga still holds plenty of enjoyment. With a great mixture of action, drama, and comedy, Hard-Boiled Cop and Dolphin continues to be a solid page-turner. However, I sure hope Orpheus gets to have at least one big moment in the sun next time around!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media
