MANGA REVIEW | "Undead Unluck" - Volume Sixteen
It’s Fuuko’s time to shine. We’ve had moments where the role of leader and follower between her and Andy have been switched, as well as times when she wasn’t even in the picture. But now, the Unluck in Undead Unluck gets to act like a hero in solo mode, as our immortal pal takes a proper back seat. Thankfully, as Volume Sixteen shows, Fuuko finds plenty of friends to aid in her quest to save the world.
The first is one guy who’s always easy to remember: Unforgettable Nico. It takes a tiny bit for Fuuko to convince him about things like loops and the end of the world, but — the brainiac that he is — he catches on. It’s then shooting sights on the next person on her list, and it’s a woman who perished early on in the manga: Unchange Gina. Those who were fans of her and were sad about her quick exit will no doubt be grateful to see her back in the fold.
Other familiar faces enter the realm, but it’s when the book Apocalypse makes its entrance when things get interesting. Fuuko’s strategy to round up a more perfect Union is quite wild, as the constant passes she takes wind up inviting not just some unique creatures into Earth’s realm, but also a fast-winding calendar that speeds up time. It’s when Autumn emerges and a chance to expand the Union arrives when the passes finish, and the time for action begins. And here, we get not just a crazy strategy, but also Gina’s redemption.
Fuuko always felt terrible when Gina first bit the dust. This redo gives her the chance to not just become fast friends with her, but also mold her into the hero she deserved to be. With Fuuko doing what Andy did when they first fought Autumn, Gina dives head-first into Unluck’s history. What she sees is not only heartbreaking, but also reassuring. She learns how her powers work, and it offers her the ability to give Autumn a good ole death blow. It’s a sight that’s wonderful and badass to behold.
A lot more happens in this volume of Undead Unluck, and it’s all according to a carefully thought-out plan. The right pieces have to be moved at the precise time, which is why Fuuko passes on the chance to be reunited with Andy early on. If she rushes progress too quickly, it could result in everything blowing up in her face…literally. Her reasons for why things must occur in an orderly fashion are what make this a true be-all-or-end-all plan for not just Fuuko and Andy, but humanity as a whole.
Hence why Volume Sixteen showcases a plethora of great pacing, surprising returns, and a good amount of intelligence. Undead Unluck is a series that aims for badassery first, but it’s nice that they got the chance to showcase its brains for once. How Fuuko will round up the rest of the story’s heroes will be quite interesting, especially when it deals with those she was close with towards the end of the previous loop. But there’s no time to waste, as Fuuko’s got a boxing match to prep for. (Yup, that ain’t a misprint there!)
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
