Magical Explorer Vol. 5 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Synopsis:

Two Little Sisters, One Hapless Dude

When Kousuke’s classmate Gabby gets word thathe’s been appointed assistant vice minister of the Ceremonial Committee, she’s so scandalized that she challenges him (and Yuika) to a dungeon clearing race where the losers have to step down from their positions. Despite the high stakes, Kousuke agrees to her terms when he realizes he can use the knowledge of Gabby’s up bringing he gleaned from the game to ensure she goes down the right path. But does Kousuke really have what it takes to stave off the sadness and insecurity weighing on Gabby’s heart? (Source: Yen Press)

The Side Character and Haughty Princess!

Mastermind of the Ceremonial Committee

Having saved Yuika from fiendish forces and settled into his role as part of the ceremonial committee, Kousuke’s problems within the committee are only just beginning.

Quickly appearing on the horizon is the problem of yet another one of the Eroge game’s heroines, Gabriella, who’s facing an unfortunate crossroads in her life at the academy.

Unlike previous problems faced by the series’ titular protagonist, solving Gabriella’s issue comes across as just another move as part of a Kousuke’s Eroge chess game. Kousuke may like her character, but on more than one occasion, he frames her issue as a stepping stone toward solving a larger future problem, saving the saint.

The resulting future planning finds the first half of the volume with the unenviable task of making several information-heavy sections enjoyable. A task performed admirably thanks to the help of Kousuke and Nanami’s couple banter and Kousuke’s new idea to cause ire as part of the ceremonial committee.

Setting Gabriella Free

Once the volume finishes focusing on Kousuke’s master plan, the plot to save Gabby is a lot of fun, involving all the series’ best elements.

To free Gabby from her brother’s chains and start to live a life filled with her own unique dreams, Kousuke accepts a challenge from the haughty princess and enlists Yuika to help him win. Taking the form of a dungeon hunt, the challenge should be a slam dunk for Kousuke, but as per usual, things don’t go quite to plan.

Being stuck in a dungeon’s secret layer leads to some great moments of character growth and interesting interactions. Originally fighting like cats and dogs, being stuck together has Gabby and Yuika change from becoming bitter enemies to best friends. Furthermore, being led into a dangerous situation leads Gabby to get perspective, a perspective that changes her life to no longer follow in her brother’s footsteps and become her own person on the student council.

Despite the volume’s information-heavy start, Magical Explorer’s fifth outing remains a lot of fun. Even in its fifth volume, the comedy and fan service are fresh, and the addition of a haughty character to the mix opens a field of possibilities for the series’ future.

Magical Explorer Vol. 5

My Rating: 8/10

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You can read the fifth volume of this series both digitally and physically through the list of distributors on the Yen Press website.