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Fence #4
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Graphic Novels & Comics (2020)The team at King’s Row must face the school that defeated them in the fencing state championships last year, but first Nicholas and Seiji must learn to work together as a team...and maybe something more!
FOILED AGAIN?
Just as Nicholas, Seiji and the fencing team at the prodigious Kings Row private school seem to be coming together, a deadly rival from their past stands in their way once more. MacRobertson is the school that knocked Kings Row out of the State Championships last year - but unless Nicholas and Seiji can learn to work together as a team, their school is doomed once again! And maybe those two can learn to be something more than teammates too…
FOILED AGAIN?
Just as Nicholas, Seiji and the fencing team at the prodigious Kings Row private school seem to be coming together, a deadly rival from their past stands in their way once more. MacRobertson is the school that knocked Kings Row out of the State Championships last year - but unless Nicholas and Seiji can learn to work together as a team, their school is doomed once again! And maybe those two can learn to be something more than teammates too…
112 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
About the author
C.S. Pacat
62 books14.3k followersC.S. Pacat is the USA-Today best-selling author of Dark Rise, the Captive Prince trilogy, and the GLAAD-nominated graphic novels Fence.
Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne.
Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,096 reviews
March 15, 2021
Seiji willingly put his hands on Nicholas’s shoulders and I am not okay
July 27, 2020
1.) Vol. 1 ★★★★★
2.) Vol. 2 ★★★★
3.) Vol. 3 ★★★★★
"I just want you to know Seiji already has a rival, and it’s me."
This volume really felt like a new start to this series! Tryouts are officially over, and we get to finally see Kings Row Boys School Fencing Team try to be a team! Up until this point, we have seen all of these players dueling one on one with each other, but in this installment we get to see them finally trying to work together, during their first practice match!
And…. Fence is still the slowest burn romance(s) of all time. So many ships are so close, yet so far away, from sailing. From Nicholas and Seiji, to Harvard and Aiden, to (be still, my heart) Bobby and Dante! They are all precious, and I’m rooting for them all so very hard, but oh my gosh is the wait going to kill us all! But I trust it will so worth it. And meanwhile, we get all the great content whilst we wait.
I always do a breakdown on my thoughts and feeling of each individual issue for Fence. So, the next portion of this review will have SPOILERS! Please use caution if you haven’t read this installment yet, because I will be talking about some of the themes and events that each issue had inside.
➽ CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Truly a new start for this story, especially when this first chapter starts out with Jesse Coste coming to the school for Seiji. This whole bind-up is the “I want Seiji to be my rival” bind-up and I respect it. And Nicholas is truly having none of it. We also get to see the coach working a lot with Nicholas, and I’m rooting for him to truly be the best fencer to ever fence! Also, the Nicholas and Seiji heart to heart before bed, please, my heart. Oh! And they finally got uniforms and they have the most precious reactions to them!
➽ CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Kings Row is officially going to understand that team fencing is different from individual fencing, because they are having their first practice match against MLC! This issue actually helped me learn a lot about Fencing and scoring and I was really impressed! Bobby is the most precious, and I’m rooting for my short baby always. Aiden ditches the match to go on a date, so Eugene is officially in!
➽ CHAPTER FIFTEEN
We quickly learn that MLC is very smart, and Kings Row is very predictable! Harvard is the best boy in the world though, and after some advice from Aiden on his date, he subs Nicholas in for himself and MLC truly didn’t expect it!
➽ CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Nicholas does amazing, and we get to see his practicing with the coach really playing off. But we also get to see the amazing results from just unconditionally supporting one another and being there for one another. And the boys start fencing like they are on a team! The end of this installment truly made me want to scream in the best way possible, but also cry because I have no idea when I’m going to get another installment in this story! But Seiji helping Nicholas was a lot, and Aiden and Harvard are always a lot a lot. Again, all the slowest burns to ever burn.
"Go Aiden’s teammate!"
Fence is truly just one of my favorite graphic series of all time. I am so in love, and I will read this slow burn until the end of my days, if CS Pacat allows me the honor. I am also very curious about the novelization that is coming out soon too, Fence: Striking Distance by Sarah Rees Brennan! I just want everything from this world, this school, this team, and these characters! But truly, if you’re looking for something funny, sweet, hopefully, and very angsty, I truly recommend you giving this series a try!
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | Twitch
❤ Reading Rush 2020
May 23, 2020
I thought Check, Please was a slow burn but this is taking it to another level....
July 25, 2021
(4.5 ★’s) I’m just gonna come out and say it;
I take it you’re probably pretty confused now and thinking wtf is that gibberish—so I’ll clarify. That four-letter combination is an MBTI personality type, the most popular of the typology systems applying the 8 Jungian cognitive functions of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology to divide people into 16 types—other systems include socionics (3 subtypes for each type), CPT (4 subtypes), OPS (32 subtypes), etc.
Now, before you get your feathers ruffled and go on a rant about how people are more complicated than to be put into 16 or 48 or 64 or even 512 predefined and clear boxes, I should say that I wholly agree! These types and functions limit the processes of the human brain if viewed too strictly (with the stereotypes of this doesn’t do that and that can’t do this, especially considering how no one can agree on the true interpretation of each function and what Jung even meant) and the human brain was never made to be limited. BUT, they still have some merit in pointing out general tendencies in the way we perceive and judge the world and can be very helpful in self-development.
There’s also the Enneagram (a system that doesn’t work with dichotomies or rigid functions and just focuses on trauma, fears, and nurture and is much more flexible) so you can look that up instead (I’m not gonna give a presentation about typology here as much as I want to)—it has 9 types, and with all the additional subtypes and instincts and whatnot, you get 2,916 Enneagram types; LOL, yes, you read that right.
Anyway, either shoo and do your research, or read on if you already know what these are to see how I’ve typed the characters of this series with MBTI and, in the parenthesis, the general Enneagram types (1 to 9) and also their wing (adjacent numbered type) if they have one. You could just skip the whole thing, too. Or leave a comment if you want me to dump my significant(ly nonsensical) well of knowledge on your head, or have a debate on typology or my reason for choosing these types for the characters. Options, options, OPTIONS, you have.
Here goes nothing:
But ladies and gents and all in between, let me tell you why, despite my expectations, I’m loving this comics series! Can you guess?? C’mooon. What do I, the obsessive schemer, love more than anything else?? Strategy, of course! So it’s a simple two plus two to realise why, with every step C.S. Pacat takes towards exploring team strategies and imparts insight on how fencing is an individual combat sport and attracts personality types who are not so good with teamwork, I love her work a little more.
Second to strategy is always humour for me, of which Ms. Pacat and Johanna the Mad’s mad art have provided aplenty from the beginning (I’ve literally talked about this in every single one of these 16 reviews tf) but just—HOW IS THE TEAM BANTER GETTING EVEN BETTER I CAN’T THIS DRAMA QUEEN IS DYING HELP.
Plus, the recurring themes and remarks are sounding like the series’ own signature moves—you know, like a dancer (have we now established that I dance?). At this point, I’m just starting to feel like we’re an old married couple, this series and I, with all our own secret jokes I swear.
—Same man, same. Seiji is annoying and that is, in fact, a valid defense. No, his presence and harsh criticism pushing the team to see they’re slacking and now working harder does not redeem him because it’s not encouragement—he’s just putting them down (except for a few exceptions) and it’s a sign of their strength that they won’t give up.
THAT! That’s why I don’t like Seiji. And no, you’re not allowed to point out how I was just saying I like him now or how I’ll be going aww and defending him in the next paragraph. Nope, hush. So yes, he can’t be captain anytime soon because has no team sense or understanding of complicated team strategies. Please stop taking out your damn frustration on everyone else, you baby!
Yeah, watch me go:
But ahhhh okay fine as much as that’s absolute idiocy and makes me wanna punch him in the face, I understand that, at its heart, it’s all his insecurity and loneliness. It’s a delight to see him show his genius too and yeah maybe he’s not that cleverly strategic, but he is cleverly tactical and that is applaudable for itself. And it’s even more precious to see this baby grow, too, and try and realise how each person in a team has a role.
Dear Seiji, I beg you go on like so I can continue to like you; please and thank you.
While you’re at it also stop the other thing you do that goes on my nerves and cease being obsessed with Jesse cos I HATE THIS SEIJI DON’T PINE AFTER SOMEONE WHO DISCARDS YOU AND WALKS OVER YOU SO EASILY AND IS AS UNDESERVING AND MANIPULATIVE AND ABUSIVE AS THIS BASTARD ⤵
*murderous thoughts intensifying*
*mentally killing Jesse*
I fogging hate how Seiji and Jesse’s dynamic is such a parallel of him and Nicholas (or is it the other way around) and nope lady, I am not a fan of this drama because it’s hurting my boy Nicholas and also keeping Seiji from growing, just saying. STOP THIS STOP IT RIGHT NOW.
Mary is sad and angry and why is life so effing unfair that some people get a lifetime of training and opportunities and some people just...don’t!?!? Whyyyyyyyy? Nicholas, my boy, keep being awesome and unstoppable and use every obstacle and moment of injustice as fuel for the fierce bulldozer you are. Yo, you reader right there—you should probably learn a thing or two from this boyo. So listen well and listen close.
“I can take you to the next level but it’s going to be a lot of work.”
Be like Nicholas—when the world tells you you can’t have something, punch it in the face and say I will. Be like Nicholas—when someone tells you you’ve been left in the dust, down and behind, smile and set your jaw and accept the challenge, see it as encouragement to push and develop and grow. Be like Nicholas—let the thrill of the challenge fill you with so much drive, let the gratitude for the opportunity to live and thrive overwhelm you with so much positivity that nothing, no amount of pressure, could ever make you falter.
Be like Nicholas—impossible to put down, impossible to discourage, simply impossible.
It’s so damn easy to be lonely and sad and insecure, but it’s so much harder to be nothing like that. Nicholas, you’re my unique, special snowflake and you deserve the world. It’s good to remember that, sometimes, recklessness and the willingness to take risks is what saves the day; and that’s the reason this appreciative, possessive cinnamon bun is a gem—well, despite also being idiotic and cluelessly difficult...
He’s really a bulldozer and I think his infinite enthusiasm peppered with compliments, admiration, and showers of love and friendship are truly getting to Seiji and drilling into his protective shell. It was a rocky path, my friends, but Nicholas smoothed it over alright (not that Seiji would admit it, ofc).
Okay that’s enough about these two.
Let’s get to my other teenage babies:
⑴ Duh, who did you think it was gonna be other than my actual fave character Aiden the Magnificent(ly adorable, hilarious, and manipulative)? His D&D alignment is soooo Chaotic Evil it’s not even funny—a little baby demon who enjoys messing with things. If anyone deserves a rabid fan base, it’s this guy; not least because he’s a genius at reading and predicting the minds of people and thwarting them like a madman. Can he please save the day more often?
⑵ How can one mention Aiden and not immediately get to Harvard? This romantic, loving, true leader needs more respect for always shouldering everyone’s responsibility and attempting to bring harmony to their chaos, just as he’s been gifting the chaos of Aiden the Lost Boy with solidarity and support all through his life. Please, is there anything more beautiful?
⑶ Other honourable mentions include: Dante the Boy Who Cares Nothing About Fencing And Yet Happens To Be Dragged Into It (who is cutest embodiment of wth am I even doing here), Bobby the True Hero Of This Story Who Happens To Be Short Yet Love Fencing (whose glow up we’re all waiting for), and Eugene the Epitome Of Hope And Hard Work And Cool King Jocks (who is so soft and nervous inside).
While this volume was not as solidly good as the previous one, it still stood testament to Pacat’s masterful storytelling as we witnessed the team take its first baby steps and fail and fall down and apart, and then get back with again but this time together. The vulnerability and well placed (and conquered) hurdles that elevated Rivals are the same thing that made Avengers (2012) a successful for considering them and Justice League (2017) a failure for lacking them.
I can’t wait to see them march forward—
AND I’M DONE THAT’S IT I F##KING REVIEWED ALL THE ISSUES AND VOLUMES SOMEONE PLEASE APPRECIATE ME. Please, no need to get up—oh, why, thank you for the applause.
Companions: Playlist & Related Reviews
Book series playlist: Spotify URL
Books in series:
↬ Fence #1 ★★★✯☆
↬ Fence #2 ★★★✯☆
↬ Fence #3 ★★★★☆
↬ Fence #4 ★★★✯☆
↬ Fence #5 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #6 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #7 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #8 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #9 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #10 ★★★★★
↬ Fence #11 ★★★★★
↬ Fence #12 ★★★★☆
↬ Fence, Vol. 1 (Fence, #1-4) ★★★★☆
↬ Fence, Vol. 2 (Fence, #5-8) ★★★★✯
↬ Fence, Vol. 3 (Fence, #9-12) ★★★★★
↬ Fence, Vol. 4 (Fence, #13-16) ★★★★✯
Seiji (ISTJ) + Nicholas (ENFP) ⤵
Basically A Match Made in the Heavens
——START OF USELESS RANT——
I take it you’re probably pretty confused now and thinking wtf is that gibberish—so I’ll clarify. That four-letter combination is an MBTI personality type, the most popular of the typology systems applying the 8 Jungian cognitive functions of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology to divide people into 16 types—other systems include socionics (3 subtypes for each type), CPT (4 subtypes), OPS (32 subtypes), etc.
Now, before you get your feathers ruffled and go on a rant about how people are more complicated than to be put into 16 or 48 or 64 or even 512 predefined and clear boxes, I should say that I wholly agree! These types and functions limit the processes of the human brain if viewed too strictly (with the stereotypes of this doesn’t do that and that can’t do this, especially considering how no one can agree on the true interpretation of each function and what Jung even meant) and the human brain was never made to be limited. BUT, they still have some merit in pointing out general tendencies in the way we perceive and judge the world and can be very helpful in self-development.
There’s also the Enneagram (a system that doesn’t work with dichotomies or rigid functions and just focuses on trauma, fears, and nurture and is much more flexible) so you can look that up instead (I’m not gonna give a presentation about typology here as much as I want to)—it has 9 types, and with all the additional subtypes and instincts and whatnot, you get 2,916 Enneagram types; LOL, yes, you read that right.
Anyway, either shoo and do your research, or read on if you already know what these are to see how I’ve typed the characters of this series with MBTI and, in the parenthesis, the general Enneagram types (1 to 9) and also their wing (adjacent numbered type) if they have one. You could just skip the whole thing, too. Or leave a comment if you want me to dump my significant(ly nonsensical) well of knowledge on your head, or have a debate on typology or my reason for choosing these types for the characters. Options, options, OPTIONS, you have.
Here goes nothing:
Nicholas ➾ ENFP (7w6)
Seiji ➾ ISTJ (1)
Jesse ➾ ESTP (3)
Harvard ➾ ESFJ (2w1)
Aiden ➾ ESTP (7)
Bobby ➾ ISFP (4)
Eugene ➾ ESTP (2w3)
Kally ➾ ISFJ (9)
Tanner ➾ ESFP (8w7)
Dante ➾ INTP (5)
Jay ➾ ESTJ (1)
Coach ➾ ENTJ (8)
——END OF USELESS RANT————START OF ACTUAL REVIEW——
“‘I’ll win alone and nothing will stop me’ is a great attitude to succeed in individual matches, but it’s lethal on a team.”
But ladies and gents and all in between, let me tell you why, despite my expectations, I’m loving this comics series! Can you guess?? C’mooon. What do I, the obsessive schemer, love more than anything else?? Strategy, of course! So it’s a simple two plus two to realise why, with every step C.S. Pacat takes towards exploring team strategies and imparts insight on how fencing is an individual combat sport and attracts personality types who are not so good with teamwork, I love her work a little more.
Second to strategy is always humour for me, of which Ms. Pacat and Johanna the Mad’s mad art have provided aplenty from the beginning (I’ve literally talked about this in every single one of these 16 reviews tf) but just—HOW IS THE TEAM BANTER GETTING EVEN BETTER I CAN’T THIS DRAMA QUEEN IS DYING HELP.
Plus, the recurring themes and remarks are sounding like the series’ own signature moves—you know, like a dancer (have we now established that I dance?). At this point, I’m just starting to feel like we’re an old married couple, this series and I, with all our own secret jokes I swear.
—Same man, same. Seiji is annoying and that is, in fact, a valid defense. No, his presence and harsh criticism pushing the team to see they’re slacking and now working harder does not redeem him because it’s not encouragement—he’s just putting them down (except for a few exceptions) and it’s a sign of their strength that they won’t give up.
THAT! That’s why I don’t like Seiji. And no, you’re not allowed to point out how I was just saying I like him now or how I’ll be going aww and defending him in the next paragraph. Nope, hush. So yes, he can’t be captain anytime soon because has no team sense or understanding of complicated team strategies. Please stop taking out your damn frustration on everyone else, you baby!
Yeah, watch me go:
But ahhhh okay fine as much as that’s absolute idiocy and makes me wanna punch him in the face, I understand that, at its heart, it’s all his insecurity and loneliness. It’s a delight to see him show his genius too and yeah maybe he’s not that cleverly strategic, but he is cleverly tactical and that is applaudable for itself. And it’s even more precious to see this baby grow, too, and try and realise how each person in a team has a role.
Dear Seiji, I beg you go on like so I can continue to like you; please and thank you.
While you’re at it also stop the other thing you do that goes on my nerves and cease being obsessed with Jesse cos I HATE THIS SEIJI DON’T PINE AFTER SOMEONE WHO DISCARDS YOU AND WALKS OVER YOU SO EASILY AND IS AS UNDESERVING AND MANIPULATIVE AND ABUSIVE AS THIS BASTARD ⤵
*murderous thoughts intensifying*
*mentally killing Jesse*
I fogging hate how Seiji and Jesse’s dynamic is such a parallel of him and Nicholas (or is it the other way around) and nope lady, I am not a fan of this drama because it’s hurting my boy Nicholas and also keeping Seiji from growing, just saying. STOP THIS STOP IT RIGHT NOW.
“Jess, would you like to pick a partner?”
Mary is sad and angry and why is life so effing unfair that some people get a lifetime of training and opportunities and some people just...don’t!?!? Whyyyyyyyy? Nicholas, my boy, keep being awesome and unstoppable and use every obstacle and moment of injustice as fuel for the fierce bulldozer you are. Yo, you reader right there—you should probably learn a thing or two from this boyo. So listen well and listen close.
“I can take you to the next level but it’s going to be a lot of work.”
Be like Nicholas—when the world tells you you can’t have something, punch it in the face and say I will. Be like Nicholas—when someone tells you you’ve been left in the dust, down and behind, smile and set your jaw and accept the challenge, see it as encouragement to push and develop and grow. Be like Nicholas—let the thrill of the challenge fill you with so much drive, let the gratitude for the opportunity to live and thrive overwhelm you with so much positivity that nothing, no amount of pressure, could ever make you falter.
Be like Nicholas—impossible to put down, impossible to discourage, simply impossible.
It’s so damn easy to be lonely and sad and insecure, but it’s so much harder to be nothing like that. Nicholas, you’re my unique, special snowflake and you deserve the world. It’s good to remember that, sometimes, recklessness and the willingness to take risks is what saves the day; and that’s the reason this appreciative, possessive cinnamon bun is a gem—well, despite also being idiotic and cluelessly difficult...
He’s really a bulldozer and I think his infinite enthusiasm peppered with compliments, admiration, and showers of love and friendship are truly getting to Seiji and drilling into his protective shell. It was a rocky path, my friends, but Nicholas smoothed it over alright (not that Seiji would admit it, ofc).
Okay that’s enough about these two.
Let’s get to my other teenage babies:
⑴ Duh, who did you think it was gonna be other than my actual fave character Aiden the Magnificent(ly adorable, hilarious, and manipulative)? His D&D alignment is soooo Chaotic Evil it’s not even funny—a little baby demon who enjoys messing with things. If anyone deserves a rabid fan base, it’s this guy; not least because he’s a genius at reading and predicting the minds of people and thwarting them like a madman. Can he please save the day more often?
⑵ How can one mention Aiden and not immediately get to Harvard? This romantic, loving, true leader needs more respect for always shouldering everyone’s responsibility and attempting to bring harmony to their chaos, just as he’s been gifting the chaos of Aiden the Lost Boy with solidarity and support all through his life. Please, is there anything more beautiful?
⑶ Other honourable mentions include: Dante the Boy Who Cares Nothing About Fencing And Yet Happens To Be Dragged Into It (who is cutest embodiment of wth am I even doing here), Bobby the True Hero Of This Story Who Happens To Be Short Yet Love Fencing (whose glow up we’re all waiting for), and Eugene the Epitome Of Hope And Hard Work And Cool King Jocks (who is so soft and nervous inside).
While this volume was not as solidly good as the previous one, it still stood testament to Pacat’s masterful storytelling as we witnessed the team take its first baby steps and fail and fall down and apart, and then get back with again but this time together. The vulnerability and well placed (and conquered) hurdles that elevated Rivals are the same thing that made Avengers (2012) a successful for considering them and Justice League (2017) a failure for lacking them.
I can’t wait to see them march forward—
AND I’M DONE THAT’S IT I F##KING REVIEWED ALL THE ISSUES AND VOLUMES SOMEONE PLEASE APPRECIATE ME. Please, no need to get up—oh, why, thank you for the applause.
Companions: Playlist & Related Reviews
Book series playlist: Spotify URL
Books in series:
↬ Fence #1 ★★★✯☆
↬ Fence #2 ★★★✯☆
↬ Fence #3 ★★★★☆
↬ Fence #4 ★★★✯☆
↬ Fence #5 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #6 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #7 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #8 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #9 ★★★★✯
↬ Fence #10 ★★★★★
↬ Fence #11 ★★★★★
↬ Fence #12 ★★★★☆
↬ Fence, Vol. 1 (Fence, #1-4) ★★★★☆
↬ Fence, Vol. 2 (Fence, #5-8) ★★★★✯
↬ Fence, Vol. 3 (Fence, #9-12) ★★★★★
↬ Fence, Vol. 4 (Fence, #13-16) ★★★★✯
December 6, 2020
Vale, primero que nada, viví engañada porque pensé que este tomo era el último de la serie. Y, silly me, asumí que esta era una serie cerrada, pero está muy equivocada. De hecho, el final de este tomo nos deja con unas ganas tremendas de ver qué sucede con el equipo de esgrima de King’s Row en los regionales y luego los nacionales.
Me encantó que el equipo tuviera la oportunidad de ir a hacer una competencia de prueba con un colegio que ha sido su máximo rival durante mucho tiempo. Y lo bueno es que esta vez sienten que tienen una oportunidad porque está Seiji en el equipo.
Sigo súper impresionada con la manera en la que la entrenadora entiende todas las personalidades de cada uno de los integrantes del equipo y sabe cómo van actuar incluso antes de que lo hagan ellos mismos. Pero lo mejor de todo es que no les impide cometer esos errores, pues sabe que esos fallos son los que les van a enseñar hacer las cosas mejor en el futuro.
Me encantó que, después de algunos duelos perdidos y otros anulados por falta de combatividad, los chicos de King’s Row empiezan a entender que, a pesar de que la esgrima puede parecer un deporte muy solitario y cuando estás en la pista es uno contra uno, cuándo es una competencia de equipos de esgrima todo es muy diferente. En ese momento tienes que confiar en las habilidades del otro, saber que las otras personas van a estar ahí detrás apoyándote y ganando puntos y corrigiendo los errores que tú puedas haber cometido en otro duelo. Toda esta lección me pareció preciosa.
Es espectacular cómo, de alguna manera, Nicholas logra imprimirle ese espíritu de equipo Seiji. Y es impresionante porque él, como campeón, siempre se ha apoyado en sus propias habilidades para llegar hasta donde está, así que por eso es muy emocionante verlo aprender a ser parte de un equipo.
Así que nada, este último tomo publicado de Fence me dejó muy en punta y queriendo saber muchísimo más de todos los miembros del equipo de esgrima. Me muero por ver cómo sigue evolucionando la relación entre Nicholas y Seiji porque esa última escena en la que por fin Seiji se digna ayudar a Nicholas a entrenar y a corregir sus errores es espectacular. ¡Y también necesito respuestas sobre Harvard y Aiden! Ese tira y afloja de “somos mejores amigos, pero veo que te estás acostando con todo el mundo cuando en el fondo a mí me encantas” es una cosa súper difícil de ver, sobre todo porque la personalidad de Aiden es ser un Playboy.
Lo bueno de todo esto es que estuve investigando por ahí y, aparentemente, la novela que salió de Fence: Striking Distance debe leerse justo después de este cuarto tomo, así que creo que voy a hacer eso muy pronto.
Me encantó que el equipo tuviera la oportunidad de ir a hacer una competencia de prueba con un colegio que ha sido su máximo rival durante mucho tiempo. Y lo bueno es que esta vez sienten que tienen una oportunidad porque está Seiji en el equipo.
Sigo súper impresionada con la manera en la que la entrenadora entiende todas las personalidades de cada uno de los integrantes del equipo y sabe cómo van actuar incluso antes de que lo hagan ellos mismos. Pero lo mejor de todo es que no les impide cometer esos errores, pues sabe que esos fallos son los que les van a enseñar hacer las cosas mejor en el futuro.
Me encantó que, después de algunos duelos perdidos y otros anulados por falta de combatividad, los chicos de King’s Row empiezan a entender que, a pesar de que la esgrima puede parecer un deporte muy solitario y cuando estás en la pista es uno contra uno, cuándo es una competencia de equipos de esgrima todo es muy diferente. En ese momento tienes que confiar en las habilidades del otro, saber que las otras personas van a estar ahí detrás apoyándote y ganando puntos y corrigiendo los errores que tú puedas haber cometido en otro duelo. Toda esta lección me pareció preciosa.
Es espectacular cómo, de alguna manera, Nicholas logra imprimirle ese espíritu de equipo Seiji. Y es impresionante porque él, como campeón, siempre se ha apoyado en sus propias habilidades para llegar hasta donde está, así que por eso es muy emocionante verlo aprender a ser parte de un equipo.
Así que nada, este último tomo publicado de Fence me dejó muy en punta y queriendo saber muchísimo más de todos los miembros del equipo de esgrima. Me muero por ver cómo sigue evolucionando la relación entre Nicholas y Seiji porque esa última escena en la que por fin Seiji se digna ayudar a Nicholas a entrenar y a corregir sus errores es espectacular. ¡Y también necesito respuestas sobre Harvard y Aiden! Ese tira y afloja de “somos mejores amigos, pero veo que te estás acostando con todo el mundo cuando en el fondo a mí me encantas” es una cosa súper difícil de ver, sobre todo porque la personalidad de Aiden es ser un Playboy.
Lo bueno de todo esto es que estuve investigando por ahí y, aparentemente, la novela que salió de Fence: Striking Distance debe leerse justo después de este cuarto tomo, así que creo que voy a hacer eso muy pronto.
September 11, 2022
4.5 stars
In this volume the boys learn how to fence as a team and it was so much fun. I love the dynamics between the characters and the matches were really exciting.
The slow burn in this series is the slowest ever, but I think it's perfect and I really like where the story is going. Those last few pages were the sweetest. I only wish the volumes were longer or that we wouldn't have to wait too long for the next one.
The only thing I found disappointing with this volume was that the paper quality has changed. In volumes #1-3 the paper is thick, smooth and glossy, and in this one it's everything opposite. The artwork is still beautiful, but the effect is not the same. It distracted me from the story at first and it took me a while to stop noticing it.
********
Re-read 9/2022
In this volume the boys learn how to fence as a team and it was so much fun. I love the dynamics between the characters and the matches were really exciting.
The slow burn in this series is the slowest ever, but I think it's perfect and I really like where the story is going. Those last few pages were the sweetest. I only wish the volumes were longer or that we wouldn't have to wait too long for the next one.
The only thing I found disappointing with this volume was that the paper quality has changed. In volumes #1-3 the paper is thick, smooth and glossy, and in this one it's everything opposite. The artwork is still beautiful, but the effect is not the same. It distracted me from the story at first and it took me a while to stop noticing it.
********
Re-read 9/2022
September 30, 2020
Fence graphic novels never fail to put a smile on my face; the progressing friendships (especially between Seiji and Nicholas) are really fun to follow!
~★~ What is this Volume about? ~★~
The King's Row fencing team is preparing to face off against their greatest rivals--the school that beat them in championships last year. The boys are used to having one on one bouts, though for the first time, they'll have to play a team match. As friendships blossom and team spirits spark, King's Row becomes ready to fight.
~★~
It's been a while since I've read the last volume of Fence, and I'm so glad to be back in this story! Nicholas is a great protagonist with an interesting journey to follow; the character dynamics between him and the rest of the fencing team always make for a fun time reading.
Johanna the Mad is such a talented illustrator, I can only wonder at how long it took her to draw each panel. I'm really fond of the way she portrays expressions, as well as how her drawings are coloured. The art alone is enough for me to find enjoyment in these graphic novels.
Another spectacular volume, perhaps my favourite thus far!
~★~ What is this Volume about? ~★~
The King's Row fencing team is preparing to face off against their greatest rivals--the school that beat them in championships last year. The boys are used to having one on one bouts, though for the first time, they'll have to play a team match. As friendships blossom and team spirits spark, King's Row becomes ready to fight.
~★~
It's been a while since I've read the last volume of Fence, and I'm so glad to be back in this story! Nicholas is a great protagonist with an interesting journey to follow; the character dynamics between him and the rest of the fencing team always make for a fun time reading.
Johanna the Mad is such a talented illustrator, I can only wonder at how long it took her to draw each panel. I'm really fond of the way she portrays expressions, as well as how her drawings are coloured. The art alone is enough for me to find enjoyment in these graphic novels.
Another spectacular volume, perhaps my favourite thus far!
August 8, 2020
I surely missed these characters and I'm so happy I finally read this fourth volume in this comic book series. It was lovely to see Seiji come out of his shell just a little and embrace the fact that he's part of a team now. I know that he's very independent and he likes to do things his own way, but I'm sure he has a lot to gain and learn from his teammates as well. Seiji and Nicholas' friendship is definitely evolving, will we ever get to see the duck curtain in their room taken down? Only time will tell.
The side-characters were great as always and the illustrations were vivid and simply stunning.
Let's just hope we don't have to wait too long for Volume 5!
The side-characters were great as always and the illustrations were vivid and simply stunning.
Let's just hope we don't have to wait too long for Volume 5!
September 8, 2021
4 Stars
The newly formed team heads to their first practice tournament. Are they for themselves or for each other?
Some nice lessons learned and it definitely spurred my interest to ultimately see Seiji and Nicholas’s greatest adversary eat some humble pie.
The newly formed team heads to their first practice tournament. Are they for themselves or for each other?
Some nice lessons learned and it definitely spurred my interest to ultimately see Seiji and Nicholas’s greatest adversary eat some humble pie.
September 29, 2020
Chapter 13: ★★★★★
Chapter 14: ★★★★★
Chapter 15: ★★★★★
Chapter 16: ★★★★★
This was the best volume yet. I want more! And I’ll always want more! I can honestly same and it’s rare to say this but I love all the characters, everyone from Nicholas to Dante. This series just continues to get better and better.
Chapter 14: ★★★★★
Chapter 15: ★★★★★
Chapter 16: ★★★★★
This was the best volume yet. I want more! And I’ll always want more! I can honestly same and it’s rare to say this but I love all the characters, everyone from Nicholas to Dante. This series just continues to get better and better.
January 6, 2021
Was I living under a rock to let this slip?????
Who am I?????? Time to question my life all over again.
Also me: Drama queen, go find this volume and read it like your life depends on it.
Who am I?????? Time to question my life all over again.
Also me: Drama queen, go find this volume and read it like your life depends on it.
August 7, 2020
I’m in love with this story.
I can’t wait for fence: striking distance to come out.
Nicholas and Seiji are so cute together. They went from enemies to friends and I hope we get to see them as something more.
I love the character design and the storyline is everything.
The characters are all so lovable and their ambitions are admirable.
But, what I loved about this volume in particular is how Seiji helped Nicholas with his fencing. He helped him hit the tennis ball and corrected his form. This is my favorite scene by far. I just... found it to be adorable and it makes me happy to see him trying to make friends.
I can’t wait for fence: striking distance to come out.
Nicholas and Seiji are so cute together. They went from enemies to friends and I hope we get to see them as something more.
I love the character design and the storyline is everything.
The characters are all so lovable and their ambitions are admirable.
But, what I loved about this volume in particular is how Seiji helped Nicholas with his fencing. He helped him hit the tennis ball and corrected his form. This is my favorite scene by far. I just... found it to be adorable and it makes me happy to see him trying to make friends.
October 16, 2020
MY HEART IS SO FULL, THESE DUMB SMITTEN KITTENS ARE BEAUTIFUL (I love the creators for offering all my favorite tropes!!!!!!)
And is this really the end of the graphic novel series :( Not sure if I want to read the prose novels they're doing.
P.S. HARVARD LEE APPRECIATION LIFE 4EVA. Move over, Aiden.
*Book 4 for the Graphics A Thon!
And is this really the end of the graphic novel series :( Not sure if I want to read the prose novels they're doing.
P.S. HARVARD LEE APPRECIATION LIFE 4EVA. Move over, Aiden.
*Book 4 for the Graphics A Thon!
August 30, 2020
The fourth volume of this fencing comics series focused on high level, elite competition and some underlying romantic intrigues, though the romance is less central in this short volume. The focus here is on a team match with a rival school. The key characters here are Seiji, one of the best players of his age anywhere, and Nicholas, an outsider (and friend) who is learning fast. There must have been criticism by fencing afficionados of the earlier volumes, because in this one the attention to technical detail is decidedly greater.
We also learn about the differences between team and individual competitions and the value of teamwork even in an individual sport. This is something that especially Seiji, the great one, needs to learn, and does. I don't really follow or know anything about fencing, but I continue to like it, and the level of suspense about the competition is well done, so if you like sports stories, this is a good one, though after a lomg wait for the volume, it was over in minutes! Augh! But all five people in this house--three of them teens--just flew through this volume. We also have here the latest volume of the teen hockey series, Check, Please. I'll let you know.
We also learn about the differences between team and individual competitions and the value of teamwork even in an individual sport. This is something that especially Seiji, the great one, needs to learn, and does. I don't really follow or know anything about fencing, but I continue to like it, and the level of suspense about the competition is well done, so if you like sports stories, this is a good one, though after a lomg wait for the volume, it was over in minutes! Augh! But all five people in this house--three of them teens--just flew through this volume. We also have here the latest volume of the teen hockey series, Check, Please. I'll let you know.
May 1, 2022
can i give this more than five stars?
April 3, 2021
the slow burn romance is killing me.... I need the next one, like rn.
4 stars.
4 stars.
March 29, 2022
i didn't think the slowburn was going to be this slow 😭 screaming crying
December 31, 2022
4 stars. Fence: Rivals continues the saga of a story that is literally a sports anime translated into graphic novel form. Not much to say than, I love the development this gave for a lot of our cast! The Kageyama-Hinata-esque dynamic between Seiji and Nicholas remains the highlight of this graphic novel series, but the supporting cast is never neglected and we love to see it!
August 15, 2020
the slowest of all slow burns AND I'M HERE FOR IT
April 16, 2024
3/5
Why am I more invested in Harvard and Aiden than in Seiji and Nicholas?? Can they already make out or something.
Why am I more invested in Harvard and Aiden than in Seiji and Nicholas?? Can they already make out or something.
July 22, 2021
in conclusion, i would die for Dante and Aiden
August 10, 2020
can we PLEASE let harvard and aiden kiss i am going CRAZY
December 12, 2022
I think I have an obsession with this. Who knew I would enjoy a graphic novel involving fencing so much?!
Re-Read 12.12.2022
This series is just SO GOOD! This one really revolves around team work and I loved seeing them all come together and help each other out, whether it's through training or moral support!
Re-Read 12.12.2022
This series is just SO GOOD! This one really revolves around team work and I loved seeing them all come together and help each other out, whether it's through training or moral support!
October 9, 2022
ay, la paso muy bien leyendo estas novelas gráficas.
me gustaría que los volúmenes fueran más largos eso sí :(
me gustaría que los volúmenes fueran más largos eso sí :(
November 26, 2020
☆ 3.5 / 5 ☆
Fence, Vol.1 : 3.5 / 5
Fence, Vol.2 : 4 / 5
Fence, Vol.3 : 4 / 5
I feel like Fence’s pacing always has ups and downs. This volume starts out with Jesse and Seji’s intense rivalry but when Kings Row faces their traditional rivals, that intensity is gone. It’s still fun and definitely something I feel invested in, but it’s not very consistent.
Youtube ☆ Twitter
Fence, Vol.1 : 3.5 / 5
Fence, Vol.2 : 4 / 5
Fence, Vol.3 : 4 / 5
I feel like Fence’s pacing always has ups and downs. This volume starts out with Jesse and Seji’s intense rivalry but when Kings Row faces their traditional rivals, that intensity is gone. It’s still fun and definitely something I feel invested in, but it’s not very consistent.
Youtube ☆ Twitter
September 24, 2022
3.5/5
Estuvo súper divertido. Ahora el equipo tuvo su primera competición amistosa y se trató más de la dinámica entre ellos y el cómo trabajar como equipo. Fue divertido y estuvo bonito el final con ellos apoyándose mutuamente.
Además, me encantan las relaciones que se están insinuando. Seiji y Nicholas es muy cliché de anime, la verdad, pero es divertida la dinámica entre ambos, son adorables. Aiden y Harvard también me gustan mucho, la amistad que tienen y la confianza.
Estuvo súper divertido. Ahora el equipo tuvo su primera competición amistosa y se trató más de la dinámica entre ellos y el cómo trabajar como equipo. Fue divertido y estuvo bonito el final con ellos apoyándose mutuamente.
Además, me encantan las relaciones que se están insinuando. Seiji y Nicholas es muy cliché de anime, la verdad, pero es divertida la dinámica entre ambos, son adorables. Aiden y Harvard también me gustan mucho, la amistad que tienen y la confianza.
August 4, 2020
OKAY THIS WAS THE BEST VOL THUS FAR
August 7, 2020
This series is AMAZING 😍😍
August 6, 2020
We return to Kings Row Boys School for more adventures with the fencing team, in the fourth volume of the
Fence
graphic novel series.
When Volume 3 ended, the members of the fencing team were chosen. To no one's surprise, prodigy Seiji Katayama was selected, but much to his own shock, Nicholas was selected as one of two reserve team members. But when an old rival of Seiji's comes to visit and tries to encourage him to return to his old school, it makes him more determined than ever to stay at Kings Row...but he still thinks he's better than everyone else.
But just as the team starts getting into a groove, the coach throws them for a loop: they're going to have an exhibition match with Methodist Lads College (MLC), the school that knocked them out of the state championships last year. While Seiji is prepared to lead his team to victory, what neither he nor Nicholas understand are the strategies involved with a team fencing event. Since fencing is usually an individual sport, a team event is entirely different, and it's going to take more than talent to win.
Will Kings Row be able to pull out a victory, or will they fall prey to their rival once again? Will one team member be responsible for the win, or will they finally start working together? Will Aiden show up for the match?
In Fence: Rivals , the relationships between the teammates start to develop into more than simple competition with one another. Friendships start to build, and who knows what could happen next?
I enjoy these graphic novels because the characters are so diverse without any discussion (Aiden goes from guy to guy, but there's never any conversation about his sexuality, just that he's a bit of a slut) and they teach me a lot about fencing, which I knew nothing about!
The downside is they're super, super slow-burn, so I hope the next volume advances the plot a little quicker. There are so many threads I'd love to see develop and I hate having to wait, lol! But I'm super excited because a full-length novel called Fence: Striking Distance , based on this series, will be published at the end of September.
See my review of Volume 1 here, and see my review of Volumes 2 and 3 here.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
When Volume 3 ended, the members of the fencing team were chosen. To no one's surprise, prodigy Seiji Katayama was selected, but much to his own shock, Nicholas was selected as one of two reserve team members. But when an old rival of Seiji's comes to visit and tries to encourage him to return to his old school, it makes him more determined than ever to stay at Kings Row...but he still thinks he's better than everyone else.
But just as the team starts getting into a groove, the coach throws them for a loop: they're going to have an exhibition match with Methodist Lads College (MLC), the school that knocked them out of the state championships last year. While Seiji is prepared to lead his team to victory, what neither he nor Nicholas understand are the strategies involved with a team fencing event. Since fencing is usually an individual sport, a team event is entirely different, and it's going to take more than talent to win.
Will Kings Row be able to pull out a victory, or will they fall prey to their rival once again? Will one team member be responsible for the win, or will they finally start working together? Will Aiden show up for the match?
In Fence: Rivals , the relationships between the teammates start to develop into more than simple competition with one another. Friendships start to build, and who knows what could happen next?
I enjoy these graphic novels because the characters are so diverse without any discussion (Aiden goes from guy to guy, but there's never any conversation about his sexuality, just that he's a bit of a slut) and they teach me a lot about fencing, which I knew nothing about!
The downside is they're super, super slow-burn, so I hope the next volume advances the plot a little quicker. There are so many threads I'd love to see develop and I hate having to wait, lol! But I'm super excited because a full-length novel called Fence: Striking Distance , based on this series, will be published at the end of September.
See my review of Volume 1 here, and see my review of Volumes 2 and 3 here.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
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