Having integrated Syoran into her set of allies, in Volume 2, Sakura is now faced with another, far more powerful enemy. And this time, she’s one ally down, as Mizuho has gone abroad again. This leaves Sakura, Kero-chan, backed up by Syoran and of, course, Tomoyo, to fight off this new foe in Volume 3 of Card Captor Sakura.

First of all, the foe is much more powerful than the rogue cards ever were – and worse, the cards themselves aren’t powerful enough to defeat whatever it is. In order to defeat the enemy’s attacks, Sakura must recreate the cards for herself, evolving them from their form of Clow Cards to a new existence, entirely created by her.

When we learn the true identity of her new enemy, it’s still kind of weird/surprising and way creepy, no matter how you look at it.

And, lastly, something is terribly wrong with Yukito, who can’t seem to stay awake.

All of these combine for a very eventful, very interesting volume of manga.

Sakura continues to be the somewhat oblivious heroine, Li the somewhat ineffectual love interest and only Tomoyo can see anything. Well, Tomoyo and Toya. Toya is forced to make a life-changing decision in order to save his beloved Yurikto…and Sakura, of course.

For those of us racking up points on the bent-o-meter, Tomoyo basically flat out tells Sakura she likes her (again) knowing Sakura will miss the point, Rica and her teacher fiance’ are trotted out again, Sonomi’s feelings for Nadesico are mentioned, of course Mom’s age is mentioned, Yuki and Toya have some pretty intimate moments and, not at last or least, Ruby Moon points out that gender doesn’t matter and s/he could be male or female, as s/he desires. She just happens to be female this time.

Technically, some of the printing was a little fuzzy – the letters seemed off, but I’m getting used to my copies being not so good. It’s still heavy enough to be the murder weapon.

Ratings:

Art – 9
Characters – 9
Story – 9
Yuri – 2
Service – 4

Overall – 9

This will always be one of my favorite series ever.