“Eniale and Dewiela’s friendship has been peppered with bouts of intense squabbling and bickering—usually at the expense of innocent bystanders. Eni’s latest “get rich quick” scheme and Dewi’s “get souls quick” con seem destined to blow up as spectacularly as the many that have come before. But when the dust settles, the angel and the demon always emerge—fab, fashionable, and the best of friends!!” (Yen Press)
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Entering the final volume, “Eniale & Dewiela” has built on a familiar structure of having the two frenemies go to battle with their scuffles causing global catastrophes. In addition, each chapter acted as a stand-alone tale with a few re-appearing characters to aid in slightly deepening the lore. As such, it is no surprise that the third volume does much of the same with little deviation. However, considering how joyous an experience the first two books were, this is not necessarily a fruitless choice.
The series thrives under the artistic styling of Kamome Shirahama‘s, containing art pieces that will appeal to even jaded manga fans. The work is beautifully fashioned forward, embracing a kawaii aesthetic punctuated by elements of dark fantasy, ensuring multiple engaging focal points. Undeniably, Shirahama is a profound talent within commercial art with her inclusion with such Western titles as “Star Wars” and “Birds of Prey” cover art acting as proof of her accessibility. Her global appeal is undeniable, but working within traditional manga structure with their own creations is where the artist exudes the utmost originality and creativity.
As previously mentioned, the episodic structure of the series is still relevant but there are few tweaks in an attempt to give closure. Notably, several characters from the first two chapters appear, even if brief, to have one last defining moment with either Eniale or Dewiela. Ultimately, the books are best enjoyed when embracing the absurdist tone but strengthened by touching moments among a familiar cast – it was unnecessary but appreciated having Shiarahama try to tie up some loose ends.
“Eniale & Dewiela” is gorgeously fashionable, absurd and touching, a title that pulls the reader in so many directions teasing and pleasing all the way. Furthermore, this type of story can only exist within pages of manga as the free-from narrative structure and busy visuals would become lost in attempts of adaptation. Essentially, titles like this make the medium exciting and create fan bases that embrace manga above all else. Easily the greatest sensation of ‘pure enjoyment’ I have gotten from a series in 2021, “Eniale & Dewiela” is worth grabbing and experiencing for yourself.
