User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Chapter 388: Erza vs. Minerva, Review./@comment-24367018-20140613202425

Warning, this post contains a rant. You have been informed.

First bit isn't it though. Wendy cut her hair, if only I could do that myself with a wave of a hand when it gets too thick... Wendy's growing up, could we see her becoming more of a hard arse in future? It'd be interesting. Second, Sting and Rogue are here. Yaay... It's about time they (and dare I say other guilds?) turned up.

Rant-ho!!!

The main problem with this entire chapter, was not Minerva's backstory, nor was it Erza's questionable choice of nakama speech. It was, in my opinion (how dare I use that word on the internet), the timing. Why? Because there was too much build up but not enough information.

It was all well and good of Mashima showing us a bit of Minerva's back story. The problem with that though is that most of us have her figured up as a power-crazed bitch. If you wanted empathy, sympathy, whatever then you do it gradually over time as she's fighting.

Next problem is that during this fight, Minerva's having flashbacks. Great. Flashbacks can be a great thing to be experiencing in a fight, as it can get you properly riled up if you truly want your opponent dead, dying or broken. They are however a double-edged sword. As you can a) break your concentration, and b) end breaking down in upset rather than rage if you're close to it. Clearly Minerva was the former. However, as we've had no indication that Minerva was close to breaking point, let alone stressed out (or whatever you want to call it).

Adding on to that was Erza's nakama speech. If it had been hard hitting, then I could accept it contributing to Minerva's breakdown. But that one was not hard hitting. Not even close.

There's other minor problems too obviously, Erza's armour, and Minerva's use of her magic. Perhaps she hasn't had the chance to master any curses yet?

Basically this had all the build up, and subsequently content, to have been a great fight, as every one has said. If Minerva was destined to turn good(ish) then it had all the ingredients to have actually been great and not the standard cliche bullshit we've had previously. If only Mashima had paced it differently...

Oh well, it is, unfortunately, what it is. Possibly the one chapter that got away...