Mob Psycho 100 vol. 12

Mob meets and rescues the Prime Minister of Japan at the start of this volume.  That may sound like a big thing, but it’s a minor footnote compared to what happens next.  While that immediately involves the title character learning the tragic backstory and taking on Serizawa, the last of the Ultimate 5, the real fight is against the President of Claw.  He’s an ESPer more powerful than any other that Mob has faced and getting his emotional state to 100% is only the start of the battle.  That’s because it’s not enough for our protagonist to take him down with raw power, he has to form an emotional connection with him as well.

The bulk of this volume has mangaka ONE trying to have his cake and eat it too.  On one hand he delivers a visually impressive clash of psychic powers where power levels keep getting more and more intense as the story goes on.  If that sounds like every shonen battle you’ve ever read, you’re not entirely wrong, but ONE deserves major credit for delivering such a battle in the space of less than a volume here.  In fact, it only involves two (extra-sized) chapters.

The other hand involves Mob actually trying to get through to the President of Claw on an emotional level.  That’s basically in line with his character, but it’s complicated here by moments of elation at using his powers at a level he never has before, and frustration at the idea that he may not be able to connect with this man at all.  While his eventual success may feel somewhat predictable, “Mob Psycho 100” isn’t a series about trying your best and failing, the story’s climax still feels worth it in the end.  Even though the story doesn’t quite end in this volume, as you’re left wondering exactly how things are going to turn out for at least one of the combatants in vol. 13.