Glass Mask: Finale


A year worth of laughter and tears. Of ups and downs. Of life and love. Kitajima Maya has experienced it all. But the next chapter of her life remains undone. Her love for Masumi continues to grow. Her path to Kurenai Tennyou needs to be traversed. Only she, alone, knows how it will end.

That is, until Suzue-sensei releases the final volumes.

Chigusa Tsukikage’s fabled performance graces the senses of awestruck audiences. Maya, Ayumi, and the others avidly watch as Tsukikage-sensei enacts Kurenai Tennyou, a tale of bittersweet love of Akoya and Ishin. The famed actress leaves her last portrayal unfinished. Her apprentices must find their own Akoya to complete the character. Only then, they can understand the true meaning of the Kurenai Tennyou.

Glass Mask concludes with questions abound. Who will receive the titular role of Akoya? Will Maya and Masumi forever be apart? Will Shiori remain a spineless, annoying leech? When will volume 43 come out?

Yes, this adaptation reaches the same plateau as the manga. It did not attempt to wrap up loose ends, but only hints of what’s to become. I am both miffed and curiously satisfied. On one hand, I’ve been wanting a decisive ending for the anime. But on the other hand, I’m glad for the faithful adaptation. Argh.

Warning: Manga spoilers. It is rather amusing to point out that after the surreal joining of Maya and Masumi as Akoya and Ishin, Masumi promptly accepts the engagement to that other woman. *sneers* Of course, Maya finds the new-ish developments as soon as she decides to confess her lurv. The result: A catatonic Maya. Then, enter Sakurakouji Yuu.

Sakurakouji makes a big play for Maya’s affection. Take note, he is in a relationship with a nice gal named Mai at this time. Does he care? Um, yes and no. Yes, he feels guilty, etcetera, etcetera. But Maya, being the lurv-of-his life, weighs out to be more important to him than being darn faithful. Cheater! At least, his moves inspire ire and confusion to Masumi. So it balances things out. As for the rest, I have no idea what happens.

Beware of Spoilers. You have been warned.

04.06.06 @ 9pm
Glass Mask