AR∀GO

Ebonyslayer Jun 2, 2017

8

Awhile ago I tried the first chapter to better judge whether I'd like the series. And I did, but since I was busy and this series was finished, I decided I would come back to it at a later time. When I did, I enjoyed it immensely. The genre for Arago would fit under a supernatural detective shonen series, much like other big series like Yu Yu Hakusho and Bleach. In fact, Arai's art style even reminded me a bit of Tite Kubo's Bleach series. One element that seperates it from other supernatural detective series is the fact that Arago and its whole story takes place in England, much like the first story arc in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. The story begins when two brothers Arago and Ewan have a brief encounter with the Patchwork Man, a serial killer with a notorious reputation in England, much like Jack the Ripper. Needless to say it wouldn't be the last since they almost become victims. Without spoiling too much, Ewan dies from his injuries and Arago ends up with a mysterious power, and that is where Arago's journey begins. Arago is a police officer years later and during his job deals with the supernatural. It isn't until chapter 12 during his fight with Seth that Arago learns what his powers are and what they are capable of doing. Like other series, you could say that Arago's cases are like The Monster of the Week fights, kinda like Inuyasha, but the monsters themselves are from English and European mythology, which gives the series a unique taste. How he handled the horror elements and some of the blood deserves congratulations, since the Cirque du Freak manga may have been an inspiration to the story. A certain antagonist returns and then the story really begins to hit high gear with the Four Horseman. When the last story arc hits, the world has entered an apocalypse, where the world feels like it could end. The final fights feel like there is a lot on the line, especially with Arago and the Patchwork Man. There are quite a few twists towards the end, which helped the series end well I think. Its easy to say that Arago follows a shonen formula, but I think its how the author made the story his own and drove it with strong emotions and a long term goal for the characters that made it work out in the end and even an enjoyable experience for the readers. I think the author was exploring the fundamental question of whether humans are good or evil with the villains in the story. I enjoyed the brother dynamics between Arago and Ewan which in a way reminded me of Ed and Al from Fullmetal Alchemist, which are different but enjoyable nevertheless. Goes to show you that even in the face of tragedy you can still find happiness, much like in Arago's case.