For the last time, Senpai and Kouhai are escaping reality in the fourth volume of Shouichi Taguchi’s Futari Escape manga.
This volume contains chapters 25 to 32. Editorial Escape
Kouhai is hard on deadlines (what’s new?) and is searching (as she always does) for a way to lighten the mood. Difference? This time, she and her unemployed criminal friend Senpai are embarking on a journey to escape the realities of adulthood – with the help of her editor!
Once again, Senpai and Kouhai escape reality in various ways; somehow including one of their escapes actually coming true. They both really want a cat, and it seems the power of their imaginations shouldn’t be underestimated… even if they can’t keep any pets in the house.
We had the usual silly escapes that we both enjoyed, and then boom: a photo of Senpai you would see at a funeral.
One of the chapters is called “Escape from Loss,” but it’s actually not that dramatic. Although there was something there that could cause Kouhai to lose. That will resolve itself somewhat in the next, final chapter.
And there things get a bit meta as the story of how Futari Escape came to be is recreated in the story of Futari Escape. I think that’s a pretty cute way to end this manga.
With that, Senpai and Kouhai’s escape from reality is over… at least in the manga. Taguchi said that they will continue to publish doujinshi and social media in the afterword. For what we get here, overall, Futari Escape proves to be an enjoyable read. I’d say it’s an interesting series. Well worth a look if you’re looking for something light and sometimes a little silly. I like it so much.