Since its release by Kana editions, the Shy series enchants us volume after volume. By basing her story on the world of superheroes, Miki Bukimi breathes a breath of fresh air mixing codes and building a bridge between the Japanese and North American superheroic world. If she is not the first to do it (the Tiger and Bunny series has already brilliantly achieved it), she brings a new sensibility. This volume 9 is no exception to the rule and further expands a universe decidedly full of surprises.
The time of sacrifices
Shy the superheroine of Japan leads with the heroes of the world a last chance operation over Tokyo. Their adversary, the secret organization Amalarilk has just launched its new assault on the capital. This time, it is a huge black dome that covers the capital. Protected by the henchmen of Stigma, the leader of Amalarilk, he threatens to spread fear in the hearts of the inhabitants of the capital. While the veteran heroes organize a rescue, the young guard gathered around Shy tries to break the spell. But they did not emerge unscathed. Ai lost his sister, their bodies are bruised. The only consolation was that Mademoiselle Foufou, Stigma's servant, was captured. But what to do with this prisoner? Can we bring it back on the right side? And what will the defenders of good teach the study of these strange rings worn by the members of Amalarilk? 
Shy : The Fall of the Heroes
Miki Bukimi's writing quality is confirmed volume after volume. In it, she continues her work on the nature of the hero. Indeed, she insists on the journey of this character, his failures, his dilemmas. She turns her attention to the idea of redemption. Are we born evil or do we become evil? All these questions revolve around the relationship between Ai and her sister, a touching story. In the great tradition of shonen, the corruption of souls is not eternal. But one day you have to pay your dues. The sacrifice of this character participates in the construction of our characters, in their progress towards adulthood. It also reinforces the involvement of the reader who understands that these heroes are mortal and that we must enjoy every moment with them. This passage to maturity can also be seen in the relationship between the veteran heroes and the young guard. At several points, the story takes on the air of Saint Seiya. Indeed, the Ancient Heroes, like the Golden Knights, trained Shy and his friends. They have experienced them. They are now beginning to let them carry out their missions in their own way and entrust them with the reins of power. And that's the whole lesson of this volume. The icons of the past are destined to disappear, replaced by a new generation. When the master has passed everything on, he gives way and becomes a shadow. 
Time for questions
This volume closes the story arc centered around the assault on Tokyo. The author clearly chooses not to end up on a status quo. Amalarilk has clearly lost and needs to recover. However, this victory raises in itself a whole series of questions. On the one hand, won't Stigma engage new forces still unknown in the image of Hallelujah the corruptress of Love. On the other hand, wouldn't the prisoner be a Trojan horse? We still do not know his motives but clues suggest shattering revelations. Indeed, the end of this volume returns to the nature of the rings. They are the villains' equivalent of heroes' metamorphosis bracelets. However, the mystery remains about their origin, their functioning and the designer. Shy, however, has from the beginning a doubt about this artifact so close to his bracelet. The author then distills strange elements that push the reader to wonder. Are we not heading towards a revelation as in Puella Magi Madoka Magica that will totally upset the universe? This volume 9 opens in any case a new phase in the story where all certainty seems fragile. 
The time of lightness: the French hero
The very nice surprise of this volume concerns the appearance of a new hero. After Russia, China, Great Britain and Switzerland, it is France that is in the spotlight. The Arc Materia Renoir or Lavoir also called the artist of the universe, makes a sensational entry into Shy. His power comes from his imagination. He can change the appearance of a character, make objects or environments appear in seconds. Miki Bukimi pays through him a sincere tribute to the France while skillfully playing on the stereotypes associated with France (the famous French salute!!). The Arc Materia Renoir brings to Shy a dose of humor and lightness. This hero is renowned for his many pranks and his desire to put joy and smiles on faces. He forms with Pepesha, the heroine of Russia, a touching duo. She demolishes, he repairs. He teases, she reframes him. They are in fact very complementary and the lightness of the French hero hides a deep idealism. With Pepesha, they will try to probe the soul of their enemy in order to unveil Sitgma's plan. Varying tones and situations, this volume 9 propels us into a new chapter of a plot still rich. Brilliantly illustrated and written, it confirms all our love for this series
