July 23rd, 2014 
AstroNerdBoy ユーキューホルダー! Manga Review
UQ Holder Chapter 43
SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:
Kirie and Karin notice that Touta is diligently training.
Later, Touta goes to see Yukihime, wanting training from her because of Fate. He asks whether Fate is good or bad, leading Yukihime to remark that Fate’s salvation is self-righteous and will lead to more problems, which could force UQ Holder to get involved to stop him. She goes on to explain more about UQ Holder and the fact that it is an international organization.
When she’s done, Touta expresses his gladness about joining UQ Holder, leading Yukihime to give him a job. Touta wants to ask questions about his grandfather, the black stuff on his arms, and to train. She’s happy that he’s wanting training, but reminds him he has a debt to pay off and gives him a new job.
After Karin and Kuroumaru come to her office, Yukihime briefs them on their new assignment, which is an infiltration job to a nearby, private boarding school, where an immortal is believed to be hiding. The mission is to find the immortal, draft them into UQ Holder, or get rid of them by either destroying them or sealing them. Yukihime educates Touta on why their job of disposing undying immortals who harm humans is so important, citing how a rogue vampire could transform a city into ghouls. She goes on to further cite how there have been many towns that have been wiped out over the last 200 years because of this.
Karin provides school uniforms for Touta and Kuroumaru. Touta isn’t happy about being in a blazer instead of his usual gakuran. Karin produces Kuroumaru in a girl’s uniform, leading Touta to wonder if Kuroumaru isn’t a girl after all because of how lovely Kuroumaru looks. Ikkuu shows up in a 13 year old’s body and uniform, and gets permission to join the team. Kuroumaru changes to a male uniform and the group heads to Amano-Mihashira Academy City. Touta is excited to see so many people as they are observed by a hooded figure.
Thoughts/Review:
As expected, Touta has found a motivation, but only in a limited fashion. As before, he only wants to do just enough to get him by rather than go all out to be the top dog. I suppose I shouldn’t complain. After all, it is in character for Touta.
Akamatsu-sensei poked us in the eye like Moe from the Three Stooges. I’ve seen all kinds of fans of the series want Touta to ask Yukihime the questions he attempted to ask, but that was immediately swept aside in favor of sending Touta and company on their next mission. Actually, I imagine what Akamatsu-sensei did to fans going something like this.
That aside, I was amused at Eva being in the Oval Office. ^_~ OK, not quite the Oval Office, but in the one top angle view, it really looked like her office was based on the Oval Office. Man, did Negi corrupt her or what? ^_~
Eva’s further explanation of UQ Holder was interesting, more so since she used a vampire as a reason for UQH being around to stop undying immortals from harming humans. As a shinso vampire herself, the irony is rather delicious, especially considering the reputation Eva has had, complete with bounty on her own head. Of course, UQ Holder aren’t reckless like other immortal hunters, such as the one who came after Eva in the first chapter.
Their first target seems to be the hooded character, whom we all wonder the identity of. Is this the Gravekeeper? Zecht? Another brother/sister of Fate? We’ll find out soon enough.
Regardless, this new Academy City is clearly where Mahora used to be. I know that Mahora was part of a larger group of schools, but I don’t remember if it was named Amano-Mihashira or not. Hopefully, we’ll learn why Karin wears a Mahora uniform. Also, will we see the Railgun show up with her esper buddies? ^_~ (Just kidding.)
Once again, Kuroumaru should become a lovely girl and have done. Plus, Karin would be ever so grateful if this happened and Kuroumaru hooked up with Touta. *lol*
Speaking of Karin, I was surprised at her negative reaction to Ikkuu’s arrival. I suppose it could be because she felt that Ikkuu’s arrival was interfering with her plans to try to get Kuroumaru to become a girl for Touta, but it felt like something else.
Anyway, this was a good chapter to start the new arc.
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[…] Since Korea woke me up to pass on some work-related info (the joys of being oncall), I see that Hata has the first appetizer teaser rumors for the upcoming UQ Holder chapter 43. (My review of UQ Holder chapter 43 should come out Wednesday.) […]
His version of salvation is self-righteous. He talks about saving everything… History’s shown that in this world, when you take your ideals too far, all you ever create is hell.
—Yukihime
Man, I’m getting FSN vibes again. And UQH would be the Counter Force if this were the Nasuverse…
The Question that should be asked is why he didn’t activate Comso Entelechia when Neg Vanished? well, obviously Negi’s plan was a success and so that didn’t have to happen. But really, why didn’t Fate just go and activate Comso Entelechia anyway? maybe the situation is much worse than we ever thought?(meaning that if he did then everything, earth and all, would be destroyed)
Anyway just a thought that came up.
I think Fate sees himself as carrying out Negi’s vision, thus no need for CE.
Emiya kiritsugu philosophy about saving people by sacrificing the minority.
Mahora Academy was the name of the whole complex. That’s why the Mahora Festival was the whole academy wide. The part of Mahora that have the bigger focus is the All-Girls Mahora Junior High School. Vol 2, Chapter 13 is a god one to remember how big the Mahora Academy is.
I believe the biggest difference between UQH and the immortal hunters (like the Kurou’s tribe and the ones earlier on this manga), is that the later sees immortals as intrinsic evil or enemies of humanity so they should all be erased regardless of their own actions.
While UQ understands (obviously as they’re a group of immortals) that just like normal humans there are good and bad ones between them. But as they’re generally strong, the evil ones needs to defeated otherwise they could cause a lot of damage.
I wasn’t sure if that was the case or not. I thought it was, but I didn’t want to take the time to look it up as I know I’d end up exploring a lot of rabbit holes in the process and waste time I didn’t have. ^_^; Thanks for the info. ^_^
As to the differences in immortal hunters, I agree with your assessment.
O.M.G. Mahora Festival, Round 2! please let that happen! T_T
I remembered Mahora that place, although this time the school isn’t only for girls (I wonder if the tree that I saw in the school is the same that the tree of Mahora)
I wonder if they will stay in some dormitory just like Mahora or when the classes finish, they will go to the base and come back the next day
At the beginning of the chapter, Kirie was also with Ameya, Will she go in that place?
Apparently Touta wants that Evangeline trains to him, and now she refuses to do it (I don’t know if she will train him when he finishes the mission or another person will train him at the end, I would prefer Evangeline do it )
Then, Was Karin talk with Evangeline about the matter of the relationship with Negi?
Did Touta explain to Evangeline about the Magia Erebea? because he told to her “I still have questions! and what about that black creepy stuff on my arms?” Did I missed all that? ._.
Did Evangeline understand what Touta told about “black creepy stuff”? if she knows that it is Magia Erebea his reaction don’t seem worried ._.
Why?! Why can’t I see sometime about Evangeline explains Touta about the Magia Erebea or something about Negi?!
Well, when Karin told “Then my relationship with Yukihime sama is safe” lol
Does she refer a relationship like sisters or a romantic relationship?
I seem that Evangeline hasn’t the same thinking that Karin about the relationship between them.
The hooded member, can be the person that gets reincarnated when die
Well, now I know that the uniform of Karin isn’t the same that Mahora for what she wasn’t in Mahora years ago
Will Sayo be in that place? XD
I realized that in the page where appear the members of UQ holder, the vampire isn’t there. Then, Isn’t he a member just like the hooded?
Then, I imagined the arc with he attacking to someone in the night as Evangeline in Negima XD
About your review:
“Eva’s further explanation of UQ Holder was interesting, more so since she used a vampire as a reason for UQH being around to stop undying immortals from harming humans.
As a shinso vampire herself, the irony is rather delicious, especially considering the reputation Eva has had, complete with bounty on her own head.”
I think that instead of do that. Evangeline uses the skill of the strings as “doll user” I wonder if she will use that skill here.
That was the splash page. Unless she stowed away on the boat, I’m thinking Kirie won’t be with them.
As to Eva, she understood all too well. From a logical perspective, it doesn’t make sense that she wouldn’t explain things. Obviously, Akamatsu-sensei doesn’t want us to know the answers, so we get this weak method of putting off getting the question answered.
Possibly, but she may have moved on.
I don’t know if he’s a member or not.
She hasn’t used it thus far. Considering she abandoned Chachazero, maybe she’s lost that ability.
Maybe Eva’s text covered the vampire. :p
This reminds me of something about the holder’s numbers. Kuroumaru is 11 and Touta is 7 right? Kuro’s makes sense since he’s new, but why did Touta get 7? It’s as if Eva intended Touta to join them from the beginning.
Possible plot twist: Touta was a (hidden) member of UQ holder since before 2 years ago. lol.
In UQH’s Wikia, the missing numbers are 3, 5, 8, and any number after 11. Meanwhile, we’re shown there are 12 persons in UQ holders’ big picture. If this hooded kid is/will be the newest member, then I think that vampire is already a member. After all, he also appeared in chapter 6. Or it could be like Touta’s case, where there’s an empty number, and that vampire is not a member yet.
“Maybe Eva’s text covered the vampire. :p”
Lol, if it happened, I want see it. The vampire turning into a ghoul the people and Evangeline going behind him to try stop it.
About the numbers, it’s interesting, by order would be;
Jinbei; Leader? (He hasn’t a number)
Evangeline; Leader? (She hasn’t a number)
Karin; 4
Makabe; 6
Touta; 7
Kirie; 9
Ameya; 10
Kuroumaru; 11
The numbers one and two, it would be Evangeline and Jinbei?
And the numbers 3, 5, 8, a number is the member that use the immortality products, the other number would be the member with the long and blond hair (she/ he would be divine, demonic or phantasmal)
and the number that is missing, Can it be the vampire? or maybe, Is it the hooded member? But, if the member hooded still isn’t in UQ Holder, Is it the vampire? (In the page where Evangeline appears with the members behind of her, the hooded kid and the vampire aren’t there.
I’m still not entirely sure about which means the numbers, if it is the type of immortality or the order that they join in UQ Holder (In this case, it can’t be, because Touta has the number 7)
About the hooded ;
Will the hooded be boy or girl? and What skill will he/she have?
Jinbee is number 2, he does say it when he appears in chapter 28. Some think Eva is 1 but no confirmation so far.
I wish we’d get the explanation of the Numbers system already.
I’ve never really understood the Numbers system other than possibly the power level.
I’m looking forward to the Mahora arc, it looks to be a bit interesting.
I hope there’s a tournament in UQ Holder at some point because the Mahora Budokai was such a fun part of Negima. Maybe there’ll be a tournament in the Space Elevator, I believe in chapter one or two that Touta or Shinobu mentioned there being events in Space Elevator where people all over the world gathered to take part in.
Considering how well it did before, i would venture a guess that the Mahora Budokai is still held since Magic got revealed and stuff.
There may be a tournament later. Somehow, I don’t think it will be at Mahora.
I think the top of the Space Tower will probably host a tournament, Shinobu said they host a variety of events.
I think you are correct.
Well now isn’t that a sight to see. The place where it all began(well, technically it began at Negi’s ‘hometown’).
Anyway, anyway some doubt’s about Zect being that hooded person. Other than Nagi, we don’t know what happens to someone who gets possessed by the MotB, for all we know their existence is erased. Otherwise, I have no clue.
Now I would think it would be Fate since he really seems to be interested in Touta’s progression.(Obviously, I am pretty sure Fate did not kill his parents, just look at Eva’s reaction last chapter) And of course, possibility is that Fate could still be teaching there in his younger form as well.
That, or it’s actually touta’s friend that looks like Fate eh? XD
———————–
Now… WELL DAMN!! Kuroumaru looked sexy in that uniform. And like I stated somewhere else in this blog, i think he/she is subconsciously turning into a girl. XD
Maybe we’ll also get to see Shinobu here?
Anyway, looking forward to the raws this weekend and then the chapter next week to see how it’s all going to work out hehehehe.(maybe we will get to see some descendants of 3.A students hohohoho… I wonder who the headmaster is hehehehe)
Also i dunno if anyone thought of this, but wouldn’t Chao be a sort of Immortal with that Cassiopeia device of hers? In the epilogue of Negima it did say that she visited from time to time so…. anyway what do you guys think on that?
I don’t think it is Fate. Fate’s introduction was to give Touta some motivation to do something more substantial than just getting to some space elevator. I don’t think we’ll see Fate again for a long while, save for flashbacks.
I’m starting to think that Shinobu was just a nod to Love Hina without any greater significance. If we see Shinobu again, it would be that Space Olympic thing they talked about in chapter 2.
Being a time traveler is not the same as being immortal. Chao would still age unless she inherited some sort of immortality through Negi.
Sure, Chao will still age, but with her little ability to slip through time at that moment, unless one knew her weakness on that, they would think she was immortal since she is actually almost impossible to defeat with that time device.
If her opponent can’t defeat her due to her time travelling ability, won’t that simply count as undefeated?
Unlike Kirie, Chao will die if she’s killed. I think…
Probably so.
Oh, I see what you are saying. Makes sense.
I stopped reading after chapter 38. It continued to disappoint and not grab me. I’ll probably let it lie for a while and check back again at a later point in time. Maybe next year?
I can understand that. There’s just enough interest for me to keep reading, though I am disappointed at the drop in quality when it comes to plot and characters.
Lucky, it looks like I might get to reply before the start of the French Inquisition. (^_~)
I’m in a similar boat – I’ve given up, come back out of curiosity, and am currently teetering. It feels like sensei keeps coming up with interesting ideas and characters… but then they fizzle, drowned in a sea of shounen cliches. And of course, there’s always Touta the
Mighty. Maybe I should try the same approach, letting it lie for a while so that we can see where it goes and whether sensei starts making the best of the promise behind Karin, or Kuroumaru, or Touta’s having ME, etc.
I’m just staying until chapter 50, since that was the personal goal I set myself before deciding whether or not its worth it. Given how close we are to that line and how abysmal (Or inconsistent in quality, at any rate) this series has been, I’m just going to jump ship and pretend Touta and Not!Eva never existed.
Call me when Asuna wakes up and she adventures around with a reverse harem. Anythings better then this.
*lol* That strikes me as rather funny tonight.
Arimereji : Already thank you compare me to the Inquisition it’s nice ^ ^.
More seriously, the hatred of “codes” (and not “cliches! The ckiche is absolute evil”) aggaces me. For two reasons:
1. From my experience, there is NO (well okay here are a few exceptions) manga / movie / video game / book ect, that is not filled with clichés. Search a work without any cliche and beacons mark is trying to find a fish in a dry lakebed. Seriously same music has codes! looking “contemporary music” on Youtube, it will give you an idea of what a work without markers or tags or codes! Because any genre or film or video game in its codes and archetypes and that if you do the most respected and well is no longer a work of this specific genre. UQ-Holder is a Shonen type Nekketsu, Make therefore necessary conclusions! lol If you do not want to read a work who contain the cliches of Nekketsu … binds almost no Nekketsu (except Jojo and Akame ga kill lol)
In addition to this argument of “it’s cliche therefore is not good” is specious! You know Akame ga kill? I’m sure we will all agree to say that this is the least Nekketsu cliche of history! Is the anti-fairy-tail, a real Seinen disguise!
Well someone has dared to say about manga manga fox that was cliche! (I can not tell you why without the spoil ^ ^)
Is good evidence to me that this argument is absolutely nothing and only serves as an excuse for those who do not like a work for them to justify. Yet they have the right to dislike. However they do not have the right to try to disgust fans of the work in question. This is what I repproche some on this blog.
2. Too originality kills originality. You can not ask all horror movies to laugh at the “scary movie style” nor the slapstick comedies not to laugh as mister beens and be tragic! The principle of originality is to be rare! However, it is not because a work is classic (and “cliche” for repprendre your terms) it is bad, then no, I protest^ ^
If so, your initiative is a good idea. After all I’ve been wanting to read negima after I seen the seeing the oav “Mo hitotsu sekai” (which correspond to 21 volumes!) And I’ve read all 38 volumes at once so why not ^ ^
Dargor: and if the work is good (according to YOUR criteria, in fact I’d like to know What do you expect in fact I’m afraid of going there but relies ^ ^.?) You will do what? For me Negima BEGINS become a good manga from kyoto but it gets really good at the time of Mahora tournament which corresponds approximately to chapter 100 I think rightly. Give a dead line has the quality of a literary work does not make sense.
I advise instead to use the method of our two friends over, you stop (Chapter 50, 70 or 100 if you want but I will counsel at least until the end of the rainbow ^ ^) and continue reading later.
I can understand your wanting to back off. I plan to keep plowing ahead for now as this is certainly not the worst manga I’ve read by a long shot.
1- “As before, he only wants to do just enough to get him by rather than go all out to be the top dog.”
Hahahahaha! Then Lucky us! In order to get himself by, Touta NEEDS to be the top dog! lol
2- Yes, quite the ironic vampire story, with Eva as leader of UQH…and I noticed that Touta didn’t even seem to THINK about it lol
2.1. And speaking about Eva…japanese branch, huh? Nice, really nice.
3- Karin has always been cold to Ikku, ever since his first appearance (when he fixes the girls’ ball). But her “support” to Kuroumaru (cuuuute :3) was just…LOL
In short, a good chapter with Touta’s growth. Waiting for more!
True, but Negi being driven was more interesting than Touta’s “meh” attitude.
At some point in Negima, the whole vampire element was all but forgotten. Other than chapter 1 and when Kuroumaru noticed Touta had no reflection, it hasn’t come up here either.
*Sees Title*
*Sees Bad Railgun Reference Joke*
Bad ANB. BAD. *readies gun* *shoots*
Done.
I have my doubts that our hooded figure is the immortal they seek. More likely, he/she is an ally who will join up midway through the arc.
I thought I’d get more of an uproar with that subtitle. *lol*
Interesting idea. We’ll see what happens.
Honestly, making an Index Reference would have been far more appropriate since UQ Holder! is a world of magic.
I’m not sure why it isn’t being done.
Your theory is interesting in effect. It is true that I think we have all forgotten an essential item! In a fictional police investigation, the first suspect is rarely the wanted criminal.
So I’m wondering something. And if the serial-killer … Nita stay immortal? And I’m serious! On the one hand because Nita is almost the mascot Akamatsu, and it turns out that UQ would be his last manga depending on what Sensei had said. Suddenly to disappear Nita would be a symbol.
Then it has exactly the same head of the Nita Negima (and other mangas Akamatsu). Negima t gold between Uq it took 80 years! This is perhaps his son (and his identity papers is probably as noted) but you can ask!
And I think that would have given more importence he has never had! ^ ^
In this optical immortal hooded would come to try to stop him?
If not for Sayo if we believe the epilogue of Negima she was released from his torment and could reach the afterlife but chose to stay at Mahora and became the guardian spirit of the academy. I think it is always a spirit.