Responses
I love how educated and analytical this comment is, and I wholeheartedly agree with you. I love the art and I was fine with how slow the story was as long as it was on track, but the way it went off track these last few chapters. I just hope it gets back on track and this singing at clubs doesn’t become a key component of the story from now on.
Reading the comments it seems I'm not the only one perturbed by the recent chapters. Not only has the author randomly put super modern flair in these chapters, it seems that they are unable to make the plot move forward while having the characters behave like themselves.
*mild spoilers if you haven't read the update*
case in point with the conversation with Crentine. The MC has endured far worse verbal insults, but she only loses her cool in this one situation. It just seemed like the author knew how the scene needed to play out and it didn't matter if that's actually how the character would behave.
Then there's the Harlem club scene. I like when manga mix genres and historical eras. It's cool to watch people in victorian wear use magic and modern technology, but this was too much. Not only did it feel out of place, but it made no sense (especially the 80's outfit that no 12 year old should wear). There is no way based on the setting that her upright noble family would allow her to travel without guard, even if she goes out with her teacher, especially at night. This just felt like the author conveniently forgot about the rules of the world they created to do something cool.
And I'll be honest, the Harlem club scene with no African Americans feels a bit racist to me. It's like denying something is so integral to jazz, R&B, and club singers. I'm well aware there were plenty of white club singers, but if that's what you're going with, just don't call it Harlem. (If you're going to rip off the real world you might as well go all the way and make a character based on Ella Fitzgerald)