MANGA REVIEW | "Mission: Yozakura Family" - Volume Eighteen
In much of Mission: Yozakura Family, readers have seen how emotional power defeats the villains more so than physical power. In the eighteenth volume, that aspect is showcased with glee. Of course, it can’t be Mission: Yozakura Family without some sort of action, which it has a bountiful of. However, it still can’t match with the fire that lies in the hearts of every single member of this spy family.
First, we have Kengo trying to save Shinzo. Stuck in a mental conflict that’s locking out his memories, Shinzo appears to lack the urge to fight. However, as Kengo unlocks one memory after another, he starts to come to his senses. The joyful and painful memories come to be, as Shinzo is brought back to reality. But then, Poppa Momo has to come in and muck it up for the siblings.
Meanwhile, it’s Nanao and Shion up against Futaba. Their fight isn’t as easy as the one Kengo went through, but it gives readers the chance to see Nanao’s strengths in action. His powers allow him to keep on coming back from every battle lost, more stronger and smarter than before. It even reaches a point where Nanao is able to take over the entire room, as his body spreads in a way that’ll give some readers Akira vibes.
Yet again, it’s the power of love that perseveres the most. Shion finds an opening, and gives Futaba an embrace from behind. But this is no ordinary hug; in fact, it’s one that Shion remembered from her mother. We see that Tsubomi Yozakura was the only one who could calm Futaba as a child, and it shows the lengths and strengths the mom was capable of bringing to the table. But once more, Momo gets in the way.
Mission: Yozakura Family saves the big shocker for Taiyo’s battle with Momo. Mutsumi’s husband is shown flashback from his past, from that dreadful night he lost his parents and brother. What he sees is something that has pushed this narrative along since its inception. Taiyo is shocked, and is just about to be lost in Momo’s blooming skill. But then, big brother arrives.
Kyoichiro has been seen as the worst character of the manga for the longest time. From the uncomfortable way he views his sister Mutsumi to him just being a jerk to Taiyo, Kyoichiro’s antics have made him detestable. However, ever since he was rescued by his family, the oldest sibling has had something of a rebirth, transforming himself into a much-better person. And it’s that change that perhaps allows him to face off against Poppa Momo, and come out strongly.
It wouldn’t be Mission: Yozakura Family without a couple more twists added to the narrative. One big flashback involving Momo and Tsubomi reveal what’s really been going on behind the scenes. In this instance, we see why Momo became the villain in their children’s lives, and how it prepared them for the true battle that will soon happen. Although it doesn’t take away the creepy things Momo did, we do get an understanding why this family had to be put through this test.
With that, Volume Eighteen ends with a reunited family, but with some hints of what’s on the horizon. The climax of the Momo battle shows exactly why Mission: Yozakura Family has been a fascinating shonen manga series to read. Great battles, plenty of heart, and a fair amount of growth are on display in what could be the moment these siblings reach their full potential. However, with Momo being such a strong and disturbing character, I shudder to think of what sort of evil can top what he had to offer.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
