Gintama Chapter 644 Review
This arc just keeps on giving and I don't know when I want to stop. This arc has gotten so extraordinarily that I don't want it to end at all. This chapter continues to give us the great thrills and chills, only to end with a sheer hype for the highly potential epic battle.
I know Sorachi hasn't let us down with these hyped characters and scenarios that certified them as badass and downright awesome. This arc has reached to the point that no one is joking around anymore. Even the Peace Lover Sakamoto is no longer in that mode. It's all or nothing.
The extended scene of Takasugi's roar cry is a satisfying addition. It not only makes him a total badass, as if he wasn't already, but the magnitude he is going for his fallen brethren is striking. One guard tells him that destroying the core could kill everyone in there, but Takasugi replies, "So what," and proceed to cut it anyway. I just love that shot of him saying that with blood tear. It has that tragic aura that surrounds him. It's all for their sacrifice and nothing will stop him.
Sorachi is at it again with the thought of "did they survive" scenario. This one is different from Bansai and Takechi because those two did have a wonderful send off. This one is more of playing fans' emotion, though I have to admit, I am deeply concerned on Takasugi and Matako's survival. Even if it breaks logic, I just hope they're fine.
Sakamoto is perhaps the main highlight when it comes to speech because this guy is scaring me as of late. I remember it was hinted that he can be cold in Mutsu's backstory, but it was halted. Now, we're seeing him in his dark glory. I got chills when reading his lines. It's either surrender now or everyone will get killed one-by-one, and he wouldn't mind doing so. I couldn't do his speech justice but it's bone-chilling without a doubt. It's the mix of his cold stares and dark tone words that made this scene epic.
Speaking of epic, I hate to say it but Enshou is alive and his performance already convinced me that he's not a pushover at all. In fact, I am highly impressed; it has to do with how Sorachi captures the hype very well. For starters, I knew that it wasn't the end of him, but his response to Sakamoto is easily a nerve wrecking scene for the fans.
I honestly thought Sakamoto took the hit and got heavily wounded. Unfortunately, that spot belongs to Mutsu. Enshou's dialogue does give that sinister vibe with a mind that has nothing to lose or rather refuses to lose at all. The two worst types of people to come across in war are a person who refuses to surrender at all and a person who has nothing to lose. I can't help but think his line about his wife dying for him twice is haunting, which links to Mutsu protecting Sakamoto. Innuendo pairing moment?
This chapter gives more hype boost to Enshou and it's very convincing on how strong he is. I like the fact Sorachi has this showing without telling display going with Enshou and his saber skill. You immediately can tell that he is quite masterful at using the saber. He even can split the saber into fire balls and shoot at them. That was brutal to see that guy getting his face melted.
If that wasn't enough, his exchange with Katsura and Elizabeth shows how swift he can maneuver. The action is pretty good and Katsura manages to hold up well, but clearly, he needs a helping hand. Elizabeth helping out is always delighted to see, but it's not enough. Everything you see here is convincing enough on how strong Enshou is, and I can't wait for the next intense battle.
The cliffhanger is so much hype. Not only Mutsu was taken out, but so as Elizabeth; protecting Katsura from bullets was hard to watch. It’s not them getting badly wounded that got me excited (I’m not that sadistic…), it’s what leads to next. Katsura and Sakamoto are so pissed off now, and Enshou is so hellbent to win the war, even if they have to crash the ship to Earth; all to make this major boss battle incredibly hyped. I already know what Katsura is capable of but seeing Sakamoto in action got my full attention.
Sorachi has been on his A-game with the artwork as of late. I love how he puts that high tension feeling moment with Enshou waking up and aim to kill Sakamoto with that saber. I don’t think Mutsu and Elizabeth are dead, but their action is greaty appreciated. I can’t forget the intensity from Takasugi as well; just awesome. Enshou’s performance is all show; enough to let you know his skills and capability is top notch, and I can’t wait for the next chapter.
This chapter is like a buildup in a way for the major boss fight with Enshou. It also has great moments with Takasugi dead set determination to win for everyone, Sakamoto being straight-up badass, and the tensed action display that leads to pure hyped battle for the next chapter. Kill or be killed. Time to end this!
