Kaguya-sama: Love is War vol. 11

(Just a reminder:  If you read scanlations without buying the official release in your country of residence, you are a BAD PERSON!)

I know, it’s been a while since I’ve checked on the wacky hijinks of Kaguya, Miyuki, and company.  I’ll admit that when it comes to this series, there’s only so many ways I can say, “This volume’s great.  Here are some examples why.” This is also broadly true of vol. 11 as well: Kaguya makes her LINE debut and Hayasaca has to pick up the pieces, Chika and Kaguya have a sleepover, Kaguya takes a stab at helping Ishigami score well on the mid-terms, Miyuki tries to mediate the tension between Ishigami and Miko, while his dad winds up accompanying Kaguya to her Parent-Teacher Conference.  There’s plenty of expertly timed bits of slapstick and witty comebacks as usual here and this would be another solid entry in this volume if it weren’t for one thing.

In the middle of this volume are two chapters revolving around rapping.  Specifically, Miyuki teaching Chika how to rap (so she in turn can teach him), and then a dual encounter as the two of them plus Kaguya and Hayasaca rap their hearts out to each other.  For me, this was easily one of the comedic high points of the series when I first read it. Trying to translate something like rap (as well as rhyming in general) from Japanese to English is something like a nightmare based on what I’ve heard from translators.

So while I recognize the officially translated version of these chapters as a valiant effort, it’s not quite as good as the scanlated version I first encountered.  A well-placed “Ballin’” can sometimes make all the difference. Mind you, I don’t think the version here is bad and the ONLY reason I’m bringing it up is because I did buy the English version.  Which is what all of you should be doing too. ESPECIALLY since vol. 11 leaves off with the reveal that our co-protagonists are now on a ticking clock in order for them to get over themselves and finally confess their love.