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Edens Zero Chapter 287 Review/Recap

We’re so close to the end of Edens Zero that you can practically feel it. Yet even though Void and the Edens One have been (hopefully) dealt with, the woman at the heart of the Chronophage is another issue. This woman, whom I’ve seen some dub “Chronobecca,” is bent on destroying everything. I’m at an utter loss here. Why is Chronobecca so determined to destroy the universe? 

Whatever the reason, she needs to go down.

Recap

As Shiki watches from inside the Chronophage in horror, the swarm of mini-Chronophages begins destroying planets one after another. All his friends can hope to do is dodge and hope they don’t get hit! Chronobecca declares to Shiki that they are destroying this universe because it doesn’t have their time. 

Enraged at this and unwilling to allow the potential paradise he and his friends fought so hard to get to, Shiki stands up. Entering into his original Overdrive form, his Gravity Ether reaches the strength of a black hole. As a result, he begins to suck the mini-Chronophages back in. He’s taken aback, though, when Chronobecca reveals their own Overdrive form!

Declaring that Universe Zero isn’t a paradise but that the number of Edens is Zero, Chronobecca powers up a massive attack. An attack that measures 10 72 joules: a big bang. 

Review

I’m at a loss as to what is happening right now. Or what Mashima’s endgame may end up being.

Firstly, we still know nothing about Chronobecca. Who are they, why are they at the heart of the Chronophage, and what do they mean by this universe not having their ‘time.’ There are a few theories regarding their true identity I’ve come up with/heard. Some think Chronobecca might be an alternate version of Rebecca. Given how the story runs on the concept of time travel and alternate universes, that could be possible. They might even be a version of Rebecca that was left behind when she first escaped death. Or they could be a relative of Rebecca, given how they have a similar appearance to her and use their legs to fight. 

Regardless of the reasoning that Chronobecca is using to justify things, Shiki is right. What they’re doing is wrong. So many people Shiki has met have suffered across different realities. They’ve endured so much loss and now have a chance to create a universe where everyone can be happy. What Chronobecca is doing is selfish, and regardless of who they are, they need to be stopped. 

In any case, this chapter did surprise me. I wasn’t expecting Shiki to regain his original Overdrive form, but it might be the advantage he needs. If his gravity is as strong as a black hole, he may be able to bring the Chronophage to heel. However, he doesn’t have much time left. Mother has almost wholly faded; it’s game over for everyone when that happens. Fingers crossed, I’m hoping that Shiki can pull this off. I want Edens Zero to end on a satisfying note!

I Give “10 72 Joules” a 3/5

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Edens Zero Chapter 102 Review/Recap

Okay, let’s review what happened at the end of the last chapter. Shiki’s grandpa Ziggy came back to life, only to attack Shiki and the others. Then he claims that he no longer sees organics as worth being friends with. And with the newly arrived Edens One, he plans to conquer the cosmos and have machines rule over all. And I don’t buy it for a second! I don’t think Ziggy is evil, but only time will tell.

Recap

As everyone looks on shocked, Ziggy commands Pino to join him. He’s her creator and master; she serves him. The others still can’t believe that Ziggy has turned into what stands before them. As if to prove a point, though, Ziggy uses his powers to destroy the Granbell Kingdom.

Shiki’s able to save Rebecca, but Pino just stands stock still, unable to defy her programming. Shiki pleads with her to decide what she wants out of her life. Ziggy doesn’t control her, and he never will. Her life belongs to her. Regaining her senses, Pino tearfully says she wants to go with Shiki and be human.

Frustrated, Ziggy then chooses to leave on the Edens One, forcing the others to escape on the Edens Zero as Granbell crumbles around them. Face to face with the Edens One and Captain Connor, Shiki and the others get one more shock. Ziggy introduces them to the his successors to the Shining Stars: the Fours Dark Stars of the Demon King.

Review

Look, I’m well aware that Ziggy could be serious about his face-heel turn. He could, in fact, have become as evil as he’s acting. But given everything I know about Mashima’s style of writing, this just seems too far out of character for him. I don’t think he’s actually evil now.

Think about it. Based on everything we’ve seen, Ziggy did care about Shiki and wanted him to grow up strong. Every one of the Shining Stars took his ideals to heart when they parted ways. It just seems too out of character for Ziggy to do this! Unless, he was playing into his role as Demon King. That was his original purpose, after all: to be the last boss of the Granbell Kingdom. The only reason he could be doing this is to test Shiki. To see if he’s strong enough to make it outside the Sakura Cosmos.

Only time will tell if my theory is correct. Either way, though, I think that this will make for a heck of a finale to our time in the Sakura Cosmos.

I Give “Time to Say Goodbye” a 3/5

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