MANGA REVIEW | "Marriage Toxin" - Volume Three
In matter of three volumes, Gero has become quite the ladykiller. Okay, maybe he’s not exactly perfect, but he’s learning quickly. By the end of the third volume of Marriage Toxin, our assassin-turned-gentleman has women literally fainting over his actions. Even more shocking is that it’s not from blood loss.
Things start where Marriage Toxin left off in its second volume. Gero is attempting to keep Ureshino from death’s door, due to Sound Master Naruko invading their college camping trip. But Gero has the upper hand when he tricks the maestro into thinking a poisonous pit was a hot spring. As for Ureshino and her current predicament, she uses a little outside-the-box thinking and some parlor tricks to fix the warped mind her classmates are currently in.
This moment helps with Ureshino in finding her voice and courage. Before the trip, she was a nervous wreck who couldn’t hold a conversation. But thanks to both Gero and Kinosaki, she discovered exactly how she can shine in a crowd. Whether it’s through her skills as a cook or — in a weirder sense — pretending to be a mage, Ureshino now has the knack to not just lead a company, but also be one in a group of friends. As such, Gero not only chalks up another victorious mission, he’s also got a new contact!
But there’s no rest for love in Marriage Toxin, as it finally brings the first half of the title to fruition. Whoa, slow down, buckeroo! Gero hasn’t picked his bride yet. No, it’s Bug Master Toshiki, who is the whole reason why our hero’s in the need of loving. The scar-faced spider-loving assassin is walking down the aisle with his beloved, and Gero & Kinosaki are his special wedding guests. But when there are assassins attempting to do something normal, there’s another waiting in the wings just waiting to muck it up.
Thankfully, Gero is on the case, with Kinosaki giving his wedding speech in his stead. And it’s humorous seeing the contrast between the beautiful words Gero wrote for his friend and the explosive violence that happens in this page. However, these contrasting things share a big thing in common: they show the lengths of Gero’s big heart, one that was awoken thanks to Toshiki’s new life choice. (Perhaps Mr. Explosion Roulette should’ve taken Toshiki’s words of advice, rather than seek revenge like a pitiful man would.)
Volume Three ends with the next plot line getting its start, alongside a new bombshell named Arashiyama. The Hit Man Hunter (which, let’s be real, is the laziest name for a villain ever) is taking out one tough guy after another, and Arashiyama is now in their sights. One problem: she can’t fight to save her life…literally. Plus, her familiar is a hamster, and who’d take a fighter seriously when they’ve got freaking Hamtaro on their shoulder!
No matter, as the next mission gets off on a bad note for everyone. In fact, it’s pretty bleak how this volume of Marriage Toxin ends (save for the hilarious side-stories afterwards). Nevertheless, there’s plenty of action, friendship, and even some chances of future romance showcased here. The question now is whether Marriage Toxin will end with a Happily Ever After, or with Gero six feet under. With how this one ends, erm, please allow me to tug at my collar while making nervous noises.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
