**As usual, see volume one for my review of the entire series from several years ago, and a bit about my long history with SDK. c:
First read: 2004ish
[Probably a couple of reads in between...]
Second read: 2016 -- when I finally finished collecting/reading the series (it was already out of print and expensiiiive)
Third read: July 2022
Fourth read: March 2026
2022:
Things are moving along quickly in the series at this point. Many new characters have been introduced, and I remember it being a tiny bit overwhelming going forward the first time I read this volume as a kiddo. Now that I'm already very familiar with them, it's not so bad, and it's exciting to re-meet everyone.
Additional thoughts:
A tiny translation note at the bottom of the table of contents page in this volume answers my "question" from a few volumes back, where the names were Westernized, even though they were surname-first in vol. 1. Apparently, as of vol 6, the editors decided to move forward in the series with the Japanese order for names and such, and reprints of earlier volumes would reflect that. So I guess my vol 1 and I think 5 are reprints.
I always appreciate when honorifics, name order, and other terminology are kept as-is, with provided glossaries or whatever other resources included. Hard disagree with translating everything to make it as "approachable" as possible. Honorifics and the usage of a person's given name are major indicators of which characters respect and/or are close to one another, and I really appreciate being able to see those relationships (and how they change).
Previously, I'd have said Sasuke wasn't, like, a top character for me (though I certainly didn't DISlike him), but from what I can recall about the rest of the series, his dynamic with Yuya and Tora is really great. He adds a lot to the team, with his abrasive lil self.
I'm typically a fan of the psycho in glasses/crazy inventor-type character, but not really a fan of Kubira. His techniques and dolls and whatnot are cool, but that big-brain ego is annoying.
Also, Gihyo/Mekira's hair/scythe combo is so cool. Lot of really great panels with them mirroring each other.