Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer Vol. 3-4 Paperback – February 14, 2015

This omnibus edition of volumes 3-4 of Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer is still an excellent edition. Much like the first omnibus, the print quality and binding are good and the translation is solid - the only real hiccups coming from the occasional awkward turn of phrase common to nearly any translation from Japanese to English. In technical terms alone it's a good, faithful work on the part of the team responsible at Seven Seas Entertainment. My compliments to them for this and the previous omnibus, and all hopes the remaining collections continue to maintain this quality. As well, again the omnibus format complements the story's overall pace well - 3 and 4 match together fairly solidly, just as 1 and 2 did.Now, for the story itself. If you look back to my review of the previous omnibus, you can see that I am a huge fan of the creator's writing and artwork, with special emphasis on his good command of pacing and composition. None of that changes from the previous collection to this one. Here in volumes 3 and 4, the series takes some time to deal with the repercussions of the final chapters of volume 2, then steps back a few paces from the main storyline to introduce the remaining Beast Knights and establish their character. The new Knights, singly or in pairs, get a chapter or two each to show how they came into the fight and why. One in particular is left out, but he can't be set up so simply. He'll get his chance in time.Probably the greatest weakness is that, when characters are paired together in their backstories, one tends to take the lead and the other suffers slightly in their shadow. Hanako is a bit flat compared to Taro, and the Master overshadows Yuki and Subaru (but then, the Master would overshadow anyone). Everyone is also, by necessity, a bit light in detail compared to our leading man and lady since they had to be introduced in rapid succession. Still, everyone is likable and fun, with good chemistry that makes their development into comrades and fast friends believable. Mikazuki deserves particular attention, as he's everything and yet nothing like what he seems. He's one of the best of the "secondary" main cast.And that is a lot of words to say that really I just love this series.Also? We get to meet the Mage.

One of my all time favorite manga, nice to own it finally!

Excellent.

Still my favorite Manga of all time.

Great!