[Categories: Manga Reviews]
Lament of the Lamb Chapters 28-34: Minase-sensei to the rescue
Lament of the Lamb is proving to be a bit of a slow-burner and as a result fans of more action-packed vampire fare will probably have already decided that it’s not for them. This volume mostly concerns itself with highlighting existing situations while adding some minor developments.
The recurring theme of Kazuna withdrawing from his old life and the anguish that results is reiterated, as both aunt Haruka and would-be romantic interest Yaegashi try to talk him into returning to his old life. This time he’s not as abrupt with Haruka and although she doesn’t change his mind in the slightest, they part on better terms. Yaegashi on the other hand is still desparate to be by his side despite knowing full well what the consequences may be.
The focus of this volume is once again aimed a little more towards Chizuna, as she refuses to drink Kazuna’s blood in order to avoid the memories of their father but runs the risk of overdosing on the serum that has so far alleviated her symptoms. Where she once seemed cold and manipulative, she is now just a beautiful but unwell girl whose emotions are pulling her in different directions. Kazuna’s memories of their childhood are hazy but Chizuna’s are all too clear: she doesn’t want to be too dependent on Kazuna because it reminds her of their late father but at the same time both of them realise that they are ultimately alone in their own isolated world.
This is all against Minase’s best efforts as his devotion to Chizuna forces him to try to help her further, with mixed results. A few flashbacks fill out the background between them both, not to mention the appearance of the hospital built by Mr Takashiro all those years ago. Unfortunately the Takashiro curse and her own stubbornness create a barrier that not even Minase can overcome.
This was an interesting instalment but the next volume really needs to give some background and progress the story to prevent it faltering. As Chizuna’s condition worsens Minase is facing up to a few harsh truths while Kazuna’s predicament, for the time being at least, is unchanged. Perhaps surprisingly Lament of the Lamb is now appearing as less of a supernatural vampire tale and more of a mere angsty drama concerning a terrible family-related sickness; the artwork and the gothic atmosphere that results still continues to impress me though.
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