User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Chapter 497: The Winter Mage, Review./@comment-25111584-20160808175404

I actually had some faith remaining in Mashima, so I had the fork and knife out, all set to eat my own words...

Best:
 * BLOODY JUVIA ISN'T GOING TO BE IN THIS FIGHT! \( ^_^)/ Of course, this is Mashima, so we have no idea what'll happen next, and I mean this to be taken negatively. .-.

Good:
 * Irene tells Zeref to stop being a pansy. Aside from that one Hisui bit, Irene is probably the Shield whom I have the fewest complaints about (aside from Invel and Larcade, obviously).
 * Invel OP. And he didn't forget to bring troops with him. /o/

 #FarceTail :
 * How the fuck is Erza, the most injured of their group, separated from Natsu and the others? We already know Gray is a dumbfuck, but now Natsu and Lucy too? And, no, Erza isn't on the backlines. Obviously it is so that nobody but Jellal will be around to help her, but it makes absolutely no sense in-universe. Mashima plz. >.>
 * Upon a huge battlefield where Gildarts is by far the flashiest opponent, how does Invel stumble upon the only group that has an Ice Mage?! Goddammit, Mashima, at least try to fling around a paltry excuse like Invel attempting to capture Natsu! e_e
 * Invel has taken Natsu, Happy, Lucy and Juvia hostage, so the battle doesn't even have to continue. But it will 'cuz plot. *sighs*

The worst part is, of course, Gray vs. Invel. Seriously, Mashima? And the setup has it such that Gray will definitely win, which is the worst thing you can do when trying to hype an opponent. Currently, Mashima's writing scores a 0 in subtlety, a 0 in creativity, but breaks all levels in sheer stupidity.

Absolutely not interested in the upcoming battle, just disappointed that my favourite Shield will be exiting in such a lacklutre way. I couldn't care less whether the battle turns out to be good or bad, the only way I'd consider it good enough is if Gruvia gets scuttled or Invel actually wins.

Score: 0/10 Worst battle in FT history incoming, and that includes Erza vs. Kyouka.