Kakegurui Midari

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Kakegurui Midari is a sequel to Kakegurui with Midari from the main series as protagonist or maybe even deutaragonist (she seems written as a pushing force for the protagonist). If you liked Kakegurui you will probably like this one. Midari already was a fun character and now we get to see more of her. I'd recommend to reading it after she appeared in the main story. Have only watched the anime btw.

Story 6/10:
The Story of Kakegurui was never meant to be something outstanding and so don't expect it to be different here. It serves its purpose and gives you some insights of the already known ... character of Midari, which made her more human? Our protagonist is a really intresting and conflicted charcters to say it at least. The story probably will stay at a six, due to the concet and the way it was played out, which isn't bad I still enjoy reading it.

Art 9/10:
The Art just works. The expresion were made perfectly cruelsome. Really detailed artwork with panelstructures that lets you read it like being in a float state.

Character 4,5/10:
The Characters are only there for being there. They don't save any other purpose and are pretty forgetable, except Midari and Ayame. While these too are fun to watch the other appearing characters have no really a character or are pretty much the same. While I myself like this aspect, cause otherwise it wouldn't be Kakegurui, I can't rate it any higher. I've read series with much better characters to do that.

Enjoyment 7/10:
The Enjoyment is always there. Can't await the big plot twist at the end of every game. Somtimes it is forseeable, sometimes I found myself asking "How do you pla to come out of that one". It gives you what you asked for - more Kakegurui, more gambeles - and does a good job in doing so.

Overall 6,5-7/10

Kakegurui Midari transports us to the formative years of Midari's role within the Student Council showing us the underlying layers of her character as she forges a rather unlikely camaraderie with Ayame Nereba & rivalry with Nana Ootori, an ill-fated soul trapped by the Council's despair-inducing games. We are poised to explore the morally ambiguous and shadowed corners of Midari's past, as she goes through the high-stakes world that would ultimately lead to her becoming one of the Council's pivotal figures.

While being nearly 60 chapters, each one is only 10-15 pages, so it's actually a very quick read. Unfortunately the pizzazz from the main series ... is rarely seen here with a lot of game theory dumbed down or ultimately inconsequential. Art and panelling here is a hit or miss. Just overall very lackluster and there is very little to chew on in terms of excitement, concepts, and execution. Just wish they did more like Kakegurui Twin did to Mary.

***ENDING SPOILER BELOW***

All issues aside, the conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the melancholy that envelops Midari. Her character is undeniably entertaining, yet it is her underlying sorrow and self-destructive behaviour that emerges as the dominant theme. This sadness finds its roots in the unexpected behavior of Ayame, someone who had previously impressed and piqued Midari's curiosity. The fact that Ayame, despite the palpable danger, is willing to risk her life rather than harm Midari, is a testament to Midari's inherent qualities that make her worth saving, even in the eyes of someone as eccentric as Ayame. It was a surprising turn of events, and I confess, I had anticipated a different outcome. I half-expected Ayame to take her own life, in an attempt to undermine Ootori and inflict emotional torment on Midari. Alternatively, I thought she might somehow secure her freedom and then coldly desert Midari, deeming her unworthy of her time.

What I admire most is the way Midari confronts her feelings for Ayame and openly acknowledges why she keeps her close. In a sense, she has discovered a friend, a kindred spirit, in Nureba, and the addition of Ootori as their new intern adds an element of humor to the story. Witnessing Midari grapple with Ayame's unwavering resolve to eliminate Ootori if necessary, provided she felt threatened or it guaranteed her survival, was honestly really fucking good. The growth Midari undergoes in understanding Ayame's firm commitment to her survival while rejecting the opportunity to satisfy her desires is a significant moment, casting doubt on the frequency with which she truly wishes to inflict harm on others.

In the end, it becomes evident that Midari is a complex character with a penchant for hedonistic masochism and a yearning for companionship & authenticity. I hold out hope that she and Ayame may eventually find a way to form a deep and authentic friendship even in the background of the main story.

Basically, Kakeuguri Midari is an alright addition to the main series albeit somewhat underwhelming. Witnessing Ayame's display of determination and her desire to assert her independence and right to make her own choices was a gratifying aspect. It serves as evidence of her personal growth and maturation. Her confrontation with Ootori, wielding a sense of threat, was undeniably impressive. However, in light of the overall narrative tone, the resolution seemed a bit too harmonious. Kakegurui has always had this issue of presenting the risk of death but barely ever following up on that danger.
Regarding Ootori, her ultimate fate was some absolute clown-tier tomfoolery, a departure from expectations, and further emphasized the far-reaching consequences of her actions within the student body and the relentless scrutiny of the Council.