In the latest installment of Tokyo Aliens, protagonist Akira finds himself in a perilous situation alongside his boss, Amamiya. Previously, the duo was on a dangerous mission investigating a black market auction for illegal extraterrestrial creatures. When one of these creatures escapes, Akira is thrust into a confrontation that tests his limits. Let’s explore the twists and turns awaiting our hero in Tokyo Aliens Volume 5.
Facing New Challenges
Without his usual partner, Sho, Akira struggles against a formidable enemy. Initially thinking he would remain safe on the sidelines, Akira soon realizes that Amamiya has other intentions. Rather than aiding him, Amamiya believes that taking a beating will awaken “the alien inside” Akira, hoping to unleash the dormant powers introduced back in Volume 1.
However, things don’t go as planned. The situation becomes dire as Amamiya recognizes that the alien must be stopped before it causes harm—particularly since it has a penchant for consuming humans. Amid the chaos, a child’s shoe expelled by the alien throws Amamiya into turmoil, revealing a haunting connection to his past.
A Haunting Revelation
Amamiya’s backstory unfolds in this volume, as we learn he lost his own child to an alien, intensifying his ruthless demeanor. In a moment of vulnerability, he apologizes to Akira, revealing, “I’m the one who killed your father.” Fortunately, Akira loses consciousness before fully grasping the weight of those words. For readers, this revelation deepens the intrigue around Amamiya’s character and his link to Akira’s past.
Following this intense episode, the narrative shifts to a new mission for Akira and Sho. They are tasked with tailing an alien suspected of murdering a woman and her daughter. Despite the evidence, Akira struggles to believe the alien is guilty, highlighting his compassion even when his colleagues in the AMO are quick to judge.
Returning to Action
After a brief pause in action during Volume 4, it’s refreshing to see Akira and Sho back on the case. Mangaka Naoe skillfully balances monster-of-the-week scenarios with an overarching narrative, gradually unveiling critical backstory elements. The series continues to develop Amamiya as a complex character, hinting at his deeper motivations beyond simply being Akira’s boss.
After a significant confrontation, Amamiya’s return to Natsuki raises questions about his true intentions, leaving readers eager for the next revelations.
Artistic Evolution
While Tokyo Aliens had a rocky start, recent volumes have significantly improved both the narrative and the art. Naoe’s artwork feels more cohesive, utilizing double-page spreads effectively to enhance action sequences. The tone has shifted from comedic to more serious, better aligning with the story’s themes.
Tokyo Aliens Volume 5 arrives in the West courtesy of Square Enix Manga, with translation by Andria McKnight and lettering by Bianca Pistillo. The release is smooth and free of issues. Although the first printing of this volume is bound tightly (similar to Volume 4), it is an improvement, making it easier to handle.
Volume 6 is set for an English release in March, followed by Volume 7 in September, bringing us closer to the Japanese editions.
Conclusion
Overall, Tokyo Aliens Volume 5 is another action-packed chapter in this shonen series. Naoe continues to craft a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested in Akira’s journey and the unfolding mysteries surrounding him. With engaging character development and thrilling confrontations, this volume reaffirms that the story is worth following to the end. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, you won’t want to miss out on this thrilling continuation!
