Otherside Picnic, Volume 5 is significant turning point in the narrative. It is in this volume (equivalent to the beginning of Volume 2 of the Light Novel series), in which Sorawo and Toriko begin to take control of their experiences in the Otherside.

This is even more significant for Sorawo. When we first encounter her, she is passive, almost unable to act without Toriko for a little while. Now she and Toriko are acting as a partnership. They are learning how, well, how it seems that the Otherside works, even if the underlying logic isn’t understandable. In this volume they resolve to return to Kisaragi Station and save the American Marines…and then they do that.

For Sorawo, who has been an anthropological observer of her own life up until now, recognizing that she  has the knowledge to act, and  granting herself the ability to act will change her life significantly. And walking next to Toriko, as opposed to following her, will begin to change their relationship as well.

I enjoy the novels for this series, but for once, I really think I have to award the best media to this manga. Eita Mizuno’s art is outstanding. It’s understandable enough to be uncomfortable and inexplicable enough to give the frisson of  horror that Toriko and Sorawo are dealing with. Taylor Engle capture everyone’s voice perfectly in the translation, Nicole Roderick’s lettering is clean and readable. Great work by the Square Enix team, and honestly, if you’re looking for Yuri that’s not schoolgirl stuff and can stand a few chills down your spine, I really do recommend this manga.

Ratings:

Story: 9
Character: 9
Service:0
Yuri: 1

Overall: 8

As the beginning of the next phase of this series, this is an incredibly strong volume.