The stage is set to recover Acro’s Heart, but only if enough energy from human anger and hate can be generated.  To that end, Katsumata is ensuring this comes about by forcing the battles between Taisuke’s group and the Comrades.  Even going so far as to control the Priest to the point that he repeatedly switches sides between Taisuke and Morio to ensure neither wins.  Even if no other peripheral battle was taking place, Taisuke’s battle would probably create enough energy to awaken Acro’s Heart.

 

This volume mainly focuses on all the different battles between individuals; however, there is still some interesting character development. Kanon, the red-haired girl that killed Nami’s little brother is a seriously screwed up individual.  Kanon kills people with abandon and generally acts like a spoiled brat, easily my least favorite of all the characters.  Nevertheless, her flashbacks to her school life reveal some reasons for her general hatred towards people.  Kanon may be cute and well-dressed now, but she used to have acne and no friends before she became a Comrade.  Having classmates pick on Kanon relentlessly certainly doesn’t excuse her disregard for others, but it does explain her personality.

 

Once Nami figures out Kanon’s power, the tide in battle shifts to Nami’s favor.  Until Yura shows up with his indestructible spheres and tags Kanon out of her losing match.  This unfair change of events pits a battle fresh Yura against a bloodied Nami.  I don’t see much of a way around this for Nami as Yura is both powerful and intelligent.

 

Katsumata intends to give Acro’s Heart to Hirose, but having escaped from Nami, Kanon has different ideas.  Kanon can feel the power emanating from Acro’s Heart and wants it for herself.  Can she wrestle it away from Hirose?  Will Katsumata allow his carefully laid plans to be thwarted by Kanon?

 

Not only is the idea behind the suicide virus in this series an entertaining and unique idea, but the author does an excellent job developing the characters.  The characters are believably flawed and many of their desires (to be popular, to have a family, to be stronger) are things most readers have desired at some point.  These factors make it easy for many readers to connect with at least one or two of the characters in this series.  Mix these factors together with some decent artwork and ‘Alive: The Final Evolution’ is an entertaining shonen adventure.