In early Tokyo Babylon manga volumes, we get a good balance of seeing Subaru Sumeragi at work in various situations, but we don’t get to see as much of Seishirou Sakurazuka. However, in the third volume, the storyline focuses entirely on a single, harrowing case. As a result, we get to see more of what sets Subaru apart, as well as a hint at Seishirouo’s true power.
Editor’s Note: There will be some mild spoilers for the setup of volume 3 of the Tokyo Babylon manga, but the conclusion and major spoilers aren’t discussed.
Volume 3 of the Tokyo Babylon manga consists of two parts of the same story: “Call A” and “Call B.” It’s a continuing case in which three women calling in on a specific Dial Q Party Line, determining themselves to be warriors protecting against the end of the world by using magic against “bases” at phone numbers ending in 19■9. (Yes, it’s 100% referencing X/1999.) However, these are complete amateurs with no awareness of what sutras and the supernatural can actually do. So they’re causing tremendous damage to the people at those locations, as well as backlash to themselves that actual practitioners like Subaru are aware of. The storyline involves the tracking down of the trio and handling of the situation.
A great part of both “Call A” and “Call B” is that we’re seeing all sides of Subaru as an onmyoji. There’s the investigation portion, which involves him using actual detective-style footwork and his supernatural skills. Then, there’s the execution of handling the curses and spells the inexperienced practitioners are weaving. We are seeing him both informally and formally handling things in one of the most substantial and life-threatening situation so far, and it’s handled so well throughout both parts of this case.
What’s really important is the part Seishirou plays in Tokyo Babylon volume 3 and how it hints at his relationship to and power compared to Subaru. CLAMP did a great job of leading up to the reveals surrounding him. We have a general idea in the first two volumes. There are suggestions he possesses a strength that compares to Subaru’s. But it’s in the “Call B” portion that we really get the first real idea of what could be going on. It’s so satisfying, and it also means that the volume really helps make the wait for what happens next in the fourth one harder.
Two things constantly propel Tokyo Babylon forward, and both of them are at the forefront in volume 3 of the manga. One is seeing how Subaru deals supernatural situations. The other is the constantly evolving situation between Subaru and Seishirou. We get both of that here, and in each case the stakes and reveals are even greater than before. It’s a great showcase that helps build the tension on all fronts and leaves the reader wanting more.
Tokyo Babylon volume 3 is available now, and Yen Press will publish volume 4 of the manga on August 20, 2024.
