#yeah yeah yeah stylization/shorthand/whatever just let me enjoy grasping at my character analysis straws

[dragonofeternal]

Today in let's get emotional thinking about Livio and Razlo....

I like how in volume 11 when we revisit the flashback of Livio catching Jasmine, it's the Razlo-side eye that's actually drawn and focused on. Like. This is definitely an act that Livio considers himself responsible for based on the way that he talks about it, but in both this version of it, and the original drawing of the scene in vol 9, we get these clear shots of his face where only the Razlo-side eye is drawn.

I think there's something to be seen here about Razlo as extension of Livio himself, and of Razlo as a protective force not just for Livio but for the people Livio holds dear. That last push of adrenaline needed to get over the hurdle, to survive, to save...

And! The chapter ends! On another shot that focuses on that side of his face, this time completely obscuring the "Livio" side!!! Livio has resolved that people's lives (specifically thinking of Jasmine) are things he cares about and wants to protect, even if it means going and fighting (in this case against Elendira), and so we get this shot that foreshadows or at least invites the thought of Razlo echoing the sentiment/also wanting to protect those things! AUGHHHHH

(all manga caps taken from @trigun-manga-overhaul's scans)