This is the final volume of a layered, intricate story that has been carefully built since the beginning. There’s no point starting here – this really must be read from volume 1.
This review will contain thoughts on the series as a whole and will be as spoiler free as I can make it.
No detailed summary this time. It’s simply the final showdown with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Cliched as that sounds, the specifics of Ageha’s journey and the world of Psyren make this gripping and compelling to the last page. The various distinct, conflicting agendas intersect perfectly in the climax to provide a finale that is fitting and consistent with the series that preceded it.
On the critical side, a ridiculous amount is packed into the last couple of volumes and they do feel a little rushed. Another volume or two for this last arc would not have been out of place. There are also a few open questions and subplots I wish got a bit more development. That said, these are minor issues. Every major plot thread is addressed and the resolutions are character-driven and satisfying. A couple things wrap up a little too neatly, but I’d much rather that than too many loose ends.
The best part about this finale is that Iwashiro still had a couple of surprises to share without anything coming out of left field. Having logical progression and good foreshadowing without telegraphing everything is very difficult and the repeated success achieved in Psyren is one of the things I love most about the series.
A fitting end to a fantastic manga. Psyren tried hard at every stage to transcend the very cliches and genre trappings it embraced and became a phenomenal journey to tag along with.
Highly recommended.
Derailments of Thought 