Shaman King tells the story of Yoh Asakura, a shaman from Japan. Shamans are described as all types of mystics, fortunetellers, priests and it encompasses everything from Egyptian myth to Voodoo. Every 500 years, a “Shaman Fight” is held to determine the Shaman King, and it’s Yoh’s quest to become this king; the most powerful Shaman on Earth with access to the most powerful ghost on earth, the Great Spirit. Adventure, comedy and philosophical insight make this more than just a battle manga.
Shaman King Vol. 26: The Brother's Nose concludes the dramatic Shaman Fight battle between Team Ren and the Wisdom Kings, one of the teams in the Gandala organization. Then two seperate revenge attempts are undertaken; but violence is a dangerous cycle. As Yoh puts it, "If you hurt people, they'll hurt you back". This volume of Shaman King has battles both internal and external.
Highlights
Ren rattled Jackson, the first member of the Wisdom Kings, in the last volume with his new oversoul. Shaken, he was shamed by his own teammate and booted from the ring. However, the last two members of the Wisdom Kings are a different story; ambushing Ren when his back is turned and taking out Joco, that leaves only Horohoro to get them through the match. However, the normally comical snowboarder actually hides a surprising secret.. one that even frightens Hao's servant Opacho was sent to spy on our heroes. Who or what are "the five warriors" and what does it mean for both Team Ren and Team Funbari Hot Springs? This mystery deepens throughout the volume; there's something more behind the scenes of the Shaman Fight.
Hao's team is taking their game to the next level as well, in something called the "Star Festival"… ominous portents indeed this volume. We get to see some of his minions brutally wipe out another team of Shamans as well; nothing seems to stop these guys, and with just over 5 volumes remaining in the series (not to mention by looking at the standings) very soon nothing will ever be the same again.
Especially as old friends and allies become embroiled in schemes for revenge; like Joco and Jun of the Tao before them,Shaman King places a great deal of importance in learning to understand instead of perpetuating violence. However, deaths may occur in the learning this volume as old foes return for some unscheduled vengeance.
Overall
One of the things I like best about Shaman King is how they develop both the villains and the heroes; Hao himself gets more development in this volume. A friend of mine wanted me to explain Hao to him, but I found it difficult to simplify him into a simple mold; to say he is just "good" or "evil"; Shaman King encourages the characters to explore each other's paths without telling us which one is necessarily right, or indeed if any one way of thinking is right at all. I particularly like how in Lyserg and Marco's discussion in this volume Marco is allowed to make a couple valid points; in a lesser series we wouldn't get to see a more antagonistic character like him develop and mature his own attitudes. When Tamao admires Lady Jeanne's dress and is invited to try one on, we get a particularly hilarious line from him; I said…What color dress would you like?!" Even in courtesy the guy can't help but be extreme.
The characters in Shaman King are all so varied; taking magic and myth from multiple cultures. Ryu, one of the Yoh's friend has a huge pompadour and wears white disco suits; crazy and good. Like Takei says, it's easy to be normal. Being weird is way more fun. It's a bit unfortunate that a few of these characters, like Manta, have gotten pushed to the side simply because Takei has created so many. Here's hoping we get to see a good Ryu or Faust fight soon; I haven't seen one in ages.
The plot twist at the end of the volume is a huge shocker too; finally, Yoh gets to meet an old friend from the past, one we didn't think we'd be seeing again. I can't wait, one of my favorite characters ever.
Filled with thought provoking questions, strong characterization and a unique outlook on the shonen genre, Shaman King is feast for the eyes and mind.
ComicsOnline gives Shaman King Vol 26: The Brother's Nose, 5 out of 5 mysterious warriors.
