should’ve had more moments like this
I can only speak on the Episode of Heartslabyul manga since that’s the only other one that’s finished now, but it was such a waste that Yuuken didn’t get ANY extended unique scenes post-OB with Riddle. He did talk a little with Riddle in the aftermath, but didn’t engage in a shared activity unique to them. Episode of Octavinelle shows us how it’s done.
Yuuta actually follows up with Octavinelle (which, to be fair, also happens in the game) BUT there’s also an entirely new scene where the gang just gather and have a picnic outside of Ramshackle. Yuuta even prepares Azul's favorite food, kaarage (Japanese fried chicken) and Azul allows himself to just enjoy it. LIKE, WHAT THE HELL... 1) that's wholesome and cute, 2) it shows Yuu and friends actually bonding with their peers, which makes them all feel like real allies or friends instead of that vague, barely-there detached feeling we get in the game.
And then??? We learn that Yuuta decides to gear up and help the Mostro Lounge out when they're flooded with customers (thanks to Azul's new promotion(s)). He walks WITH the Octavinelle boys 😭 as a singular unit... as a TEAM. It's just like Azul's Dorm Uniform groovy, except now Yuuta and Grim are a part of their group!
Yuuken should have had something similar to this with Riddle, something unique, not already shown in the game (so the unbirthday party doesn’t count), and that helps connect them. Yuuka and Yuuna should have this, too. ALL Yuus should have this. What's the point of going to the effort of making each manga!Yuu a deliberate foil to the OB boy but then never capitalize on the unique interactions they could have or the empathy that Yuu could provide??? IT'S A WASTE, I TELL YOU.
The Episode of Octavinelle mangaka also does an excellent job breathing emotion into Azul and Yuu's talk in the Atlantica Museum. In the game's original script, Azul is able to reflect on how he wanted to be like the Sea Witch, but ended up rejecting the past version of himself out of shame. The same information is conveyed in the manga, but the use of space and character posing really enhances the mood.
Just look at how Yuuta's smiling and looking at Azul??? How Azul looks back at Yuuta??? How Azul looks after their whole conversation, like he's, at last, at peace with himself??? And how small they both look in that gallery of pictures... Like they're finally standing on equal ground. None of this was conveyed with the game's limited visual assets.
It also helps that Yuuta is so amicable and has an expressive face. It's hard to connect with in-game Yuu in the equivalent scene because it's just a series of 3 dialogue options that are almost identical. Yuuta's words feel much more heartfelt and personal, and the visuals compliment that.
Actually, both the last chapter of the Episode of Octavinelle and the 4koma came out today!
The final 4koma manga is about Lilia trying to prepare canned tuna for Diasomnia. Grim and Octavinelle also make cameos.
The 4koma has been greenlit for a printed volume, with a cover featuring Crowley and Grim. This is set to release October 27th.
P.S. Shoutout to the explosion of mobs entering the Mostro Lounge <3
P.P.S. Octavinelle looks sooo good in these closing shots!! ahjbouadbqpd I like how Azul's glasses are also highlighted along with their smiles.
