Welcome to This Week in Shonen Jump, our weekly check in on Viz’s various Shonen Jump series. Viz has recently changed their release format, but our format will mostly remain the same. We will still review the newest chapters of one title a week, now with even more options at our disposal. The big change for our readers is that, even without a Shonen Jump subscription, you can read these most recent chapters for free at Viz.com or using their app.
This week, Robbie checks in with “.” If you have thoughts on this or any other current Shonen Jump titles, please let us know in the comments!
Two On Ice Chapter 24: The Symbolism of Cinderella
Written and illustrated by Elck Itsumo
Skating advised by Narumi Takahashi
Translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash
Lettered by Inori Fukuda Trant
Reviewed by Robbie Pleasant
For the most part, “Two On Ice” has been focused on our deuteragonists and their progress as a figure skating pair. Takayuki Sora has been positioned as a rival, although as far as antagonizing the main characters goes, he’s mostly just been a bit of a pompous ass. He’s the type of character who thinks he’s god’s gift to skating, and his legion of fans would tend to agree.
This chapter, however, is where we get to see just how nasty he can be. The chapter is focused on his debut in pairs skating, where it quickly becomes clear that he’s up to something. As the performance goes on, we see him intentionally out-performing his partner, Himuro, (after previous chapters have established the importance of pairs matching each others’ moves), before we get a look into his head and see he’s intentionally setting her up for humiliation and failure.
Given how the previous chapters have set this up as a fairytale-like opportunity for Himuro, it makes Takayuki’s betrayal all the more impactful, and we as readers feel more sympathy for her (as well as disdain for him). This is emphasized by the artwork, which makes sure to show us the terror in her face and the disdain she feels from the audience, as well as the look of disgust Takayuki gives her at the end.
Thematically, this makes Takayuki a good foil to Hayuma and Kisara. A major focus of the series has been the two learning to work together and trust each other, emphasizing the importance of their teamwork and coordination. Then Takayuki does the exact opposite, using his partner for his own gain and to only make himself look better; we even see how he’s intentionally trying to find someone who can match him as well as Hayuma matches Kisara. It’s a dark mirror of the pairs skating world we’ve seen so far, so it lands well.
Additionally, the symbolism in the song choice, while spelled out for the readers, lands nicely. As manga is a visual medium, we can’t exactly hear the music, but Elck Itsumo’s artwork and narration explains the meaning of the song and illustrates the symbolic imagery it invokes. Using a twisted take on the Cinderella story works great symbolically, given how Himuro was introduced, and matches Takayuki’s overall plan.
It’s not subtle about it, but it works.
Finally, we have the visuals. One of the biggest strengths (and most important aspects) of “Two On Ice” is how the artwork captures the movement of the figure skaters, and that is on clear display here. The action lines accentuate the movement, while dynamic angles add to the impact.
However, this chapter also adds the symbolic elements, switching to scenes of Cinderella and the prince dancing. These moments use darker backgrounds and shadowed figures, casting a darker atmosphere and occasionally illustrating the pressure Himuro is under. Even when the scene turns lighter, illustrating a two-page spread of a ballroom dance, the characters’ expressions and body language tell a different story, creating a great effect.
Aside from that, Elck Itsumo’s artwork remains rather high-quality all around. There are occasional moments where the character designs feel a bit off, but those are rare. More often than not, the detail that goes into the movement, expressions, outfits, and scenery is exceptional, especially when we get key dramatic moments.
“Two On Ice” has often been a series that’s struggled to keep my interest, but has enough going for it that I’ve kept up with it. Chapter 24 is a big step forward, providing a greater emotional impact and solidifying Takayuki Sora’s role as antagonist, while leaning into the visual symbolism for great effect.
Final Verdict: 8.2 – A big leap forward for “Two On Ice,” hitting home with all the intended emotions and some killer imagery.
