Otherside Picnic’s fifth volume concluded with Sorawo and Toriko facing the terrifying half-human, half-snake entity, Kankandara, in their bold attempt to rescue the US Marines from the mysterious Otherside.
In Volume 6, the story dives right back into the action but delivers mixed results. Kankandara, though set up as a Medusa-like threat, doesn’t fully realize its potential. Sorawo’s encounter with the creature turns into a tense standoff, where the danger feels more implied than actual. This diminishes the sense of peril. Kankandara merely becomes an immovable obstacle, forcing Toriko to take matters into her own hands. She brings out the heavy weapons, leading to a thrilling twist with a surprising choice of armament.
Despite this not being the most memorable monster clash in the series, the victory is inventive and well-earned. The characters’ celebrations set the stage for the rest of the volume, as we transition into Resort Night at the Beach of the End. Here, Sorawo and Toriko finally begin to see each other as true friends, enjoying their time together. It’s heartwarming to witness, especially after watching them struggle to trust each other in previous volumes. Their camaraderie shines in these scenes, with some moments coming across as downright adorable.
A Relaxing Beach Trip… Or Is It?
Resort Night at the Beach of the End starts with a wild party where the duo ends up so intoxicated that they wake up in bed together (though nothing romantic happens… yet). While in Okinawa, Toriko suggests they visit the beach, and though Sorawo hesitates, she eventually agrees. On their way, they fall asleep in the taxi to some strange radio music and slip back into the Otherside.
When they arrive, they find themselves on a picture-perfect beach—white-hot sand and a calm, empty ocean. However, readers familiar with the Otherside know that something eerie is never far off.
Character Development Takes the Spotlight
This volume focuses more on character development than the supernatural creepiness we’ve come to expect. Sorawo and Toriko spend time relaxing, swapping stories, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Sorawo, who struggles with low self-esteem, pushes her boundaries when she’s forced to wear a swimsuit in public. She also reflects on her past, revealing she’s never had the typical beach experience with friends. These moments add layers to her character, making her more relatable and helping readers understand her reserved nature, which contrasts with Toriko’s outgoing personality.
It might be easy to critique this volume for its slower pace, as not much seems to happen. However, this change of pace allows readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Their interactions are funny, cute, and heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the life they could have if the Otherside didn’t constantly pull them back.
The Haunting Final Chapter
The calm doesn’t last, though. In the final chapter, the eerie atmosphere returns full force. A giant slab of meat washes up on the beach, thugs—who are actually inanimate objects—attack someone, and a shadowy figure appears, knowing Sorawo’s name. The volume ends on a chilling note, leaving readers eager for what comes next.
Art and Translation
The artwork in the final chapter is particularly striking, enhancing the horror elements. It contrasts beautifully with the earlier, lighter beach scenes, where the girls’ touristy outfits—including comically tacky t-shirts—offer some much-needed humor.
Published by Square Enix, Otherside Picnic Volume 6 is available in both digital and physical formats. The translation by Taylor Engel reads smoothly without any noticeable issues. As with previous volumes, there’s a bonus short story at the end. This one shifts the perspective to Kozakura and humorously recounts Sorawo and Toriko’s drunken escapade in Naha, while Kozakura indulges in a meal during her livestream.
Final Thoughts on Volume 6
While Otherside Picnic Volume 6 may feel like a beach episode, it serves as a crucial break in the action, allowing for meaningful character development. Though it’s more laidback than previous volumes, which might not appeal to readers looking for constant horror, it sets the stage for a thrilling cliffhanger and leaves plenty to anticipate in the next installment.
