If readers thought that the previous volume of Tsubasa was dramatic and action-packed, this one takes the story to a whole other level. In the previous storyarc the beginning of Fai’s past is revealed, but we don’t gain knowledge of the full extent of his curses until the true power of his saviour is revealed. Ashura-o is a vampiric monster, which he had kept secret for many years until Fai returned to his world, and it is revealed that his motivation for saving Fai in the first place was so that he can end his life. In his role as saviour, this puts Fai in a very tricky situation, since he must act against his instincts to hurt someone that he cares about. This seems to be for the greater good, but Ashura-o’s character is at once demanding that he be killed and revelling in his own power and the cleverness of using Fai’s curse. Truth, revelation, and loyalty may be the main themes for this story, but once again Clamp brings us back to the central narrative that explores the relationships between our group of adventurers. Kurogane and Fai have always been at odds with each other (mostly Kurogane, honestly), but when Fai is pushed to the edge of his sanity it is Kurogane who steps in to stop him from committing an act from which he cannot return. At the finale of the volume we see our group separated once more, as Fai returns Kurogane’s sacrifice to allow the rest of the group to escape to the next world, but I have no doubts that their paths will cross again. ( )

This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.com by express permission of this reviewer Synopsis After the fallout from the previous volumes, the remains of the group end up in Fai's [pronounced F-eye] homeworld, where Fai must face up to what he has done, in the present and in the past. Fai's past is also revealed, pure tragedy. We find out how Wei-Fang has been manipulating things from the very beginning and how Yuko the Time Witch has been opposing him. My Thoughts Volumes like this are why I love CLAMP's stuff. Pure, unadulterated drama and pathos. Twins sacrificing themselves, rulers going insane & destroying entire countries, memories returning, friends making horrific sacrifices for each other. Kurogane cuts his own arm off to return Fai's magic so they can all escape. (hide spoiler) How cool is that?!? This story arc is more about the big picture, so it obviously isn't resolved. I am actually getting excited about how this will all turn out. Rating: 4 of 5 Stars Artist & Author: CLAMP " ( )

It seems that Tsubasa is cashing in all the angst and pain since volume 16 that wasn't prevalent before it. And volumes 20 & 21 really takes the cake in putting a main character through alot of misery. But it's moments like these that always seem to make the payoff at the end, oh so sweeter. ( )

My husband thinks I'm utterly mad for spending so much for a book that takes less than an hour to read. I don't think I can adequately explain to him how much I really love this manga! In this dramatic entry we discover the origin of Fai's curse and what drove him to leave his home to travel the dimensions. For all that this entry concentrates on Fai, Kurogane also makes some very important contributions (not to mention sacrifices) that make this one even more emotional.

In this particular series there are many instances where the artwork is so busy that it is quite overwhelming. You could spend hours looking at one of the panels and not see every image incorporated. I feel kind of ambiguous about it since I don't often feel I have the time to just sit and ponder, although if I did it may make my hubby feel a little better about it :-) ( )