Comics / Manga

Gakuen Alice Volume 13

By Chris Zimmerman
November 3, 2010 - 11:23

Alice Academy is a special school for special students. These students posses a variety of unique powers dubbed “Alices”. Hotaru and her best friend Mikan are two such students whose academy days are spent learning about not only their powers but the secrets that within the academies walls.

Volume 13 delves into the Alice stones, discussing the meaning behind them as well as attempting to create their own. As for what they are, the Alice stones are, well, stones. That is to say, they are stones with a small amount of their maker’s Alice. Those with a strong will can call upon the stone’s power and if its wielder has an Alice compatible with that of the stone, they can bring forth even more power. While it may sound a bit complicated at first, the volume does a commendable job of explaining them.

Later on, the academy prepares for Valentine’s Day, leading to a wave of lunacy as the girls churn out their best attempts to woo the males, using any ploy necessary. The guys on the other hand are hesitant to accept anything from their female peers,  afraid of what might be lurking in their confectionary treats.

Following that, graduation ceremonies loom on the horizon and many of the students are off to the next division. Mikan feels the urge to grant them a grand send-off, prompting her to propose the idea of forming a band, with each one picking whatever instrument they desire. Of course, not everything goes as planned and tempers begin to flare, leaving Mikan feeling dejected.

This volume is best characterized as fluff. There wasn’t much story to be had aside from a few tidbits involving Mikan happening upon an Alice stone. More time could have been put into developing the considerably large cast who all seem to pop in and out of the pages interchangeably. The volume for what it was, was lighthearted and enjoyable but fans of the series hoping for more of a plot oriented read will most likely find it to be unsatisfying.

Rating: 6.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12