This chapter fucked me up emotionally, and without further ado, let's review it.
Before all the chaos surrounding Norman this chapter, I just want to quickly point out that Emma's mental image of Norman is completely different now, with blood on his face looking like a cold-blooded killer. This saddens me very much.
And Norman here is matching Emma's imagination pretty well too. Look at him, with a hood and a covered face looking all evil with his mutant soldiers behind him.
And a little funny bit to brighten up the situation:
Onto the Norman squad scene. If this was written from their perspective, I would totally be in favor of them. Since it's not, I get this really bitter sweet feeling. Also, Barbara blushing is kinda cute, you gotta admit.
Then to the biggest reveal and most emotional scene this week. Him looking at the stars makes him look so innocent, so young. For that one moment, he isn't some evil genius who's about to commit genocide on another race. For that one moment, he was the old Norman.
And here. I cropped out his flashbacks about Emma and Ray but underneath his mask, he still really loves them, but knows they probably won't forgive him now.
Then a headache suddenly comes. I thought he was having a panic attack like Barbara did, but then he coughs. Was it an error or did the writers intend that? Maybe it was a mix of both a headache and a coughing fit, because Norman's hands are on his head, then covering his mouth.
I feel like him coughing up blood was one of the expected reveals, I don't know, It made sense to me so it wasn't too big of a shock. Then he says "I'm so sorry", which I think means he's sorry he won't be able to see the 'new world' with his squad, but also sorry to Ray and Emma. His expression is very on point, kudos to Demizu.
And the final battle is beginning. Norman sneak attacks on the demons with an explosion, which instantly reminded me of Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan, when he also did a surprise appearance on the enemy during a festival. I've noticed a lot of similarities between the two mangas now, but I think they're both taking it in very different directions, which is why I love both these shows.
This was a really amazing chapter, and I'm pretty sure it's just the calm before the storm. You might be noticing that I've been reviewing chapters every week, because there's so much to talk about. I can't wait for future chapters.
