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Maryam Rz.'s Reviews > Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals
by
by
Maryam Rz.'s review
bookshelves: young-adult, comics-graphic-novels, contemporary, lgbt, humor, romance
Dec 28, 2020
bookshelves: young-adult, comics-graphic-novels, contemporary, lgbt, humor, romance
(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:
� 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?
� 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?
� 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:
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:
� 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?
� 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?
� 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:
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) ★★★★�
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Reading Progress
November 8, 2020
– Shelved
November 9, 2020
–
Started Reading
November 9, 2020
–
Finished Reading
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by
Belly (Aspiringliterati)
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Dec 29, 2020 05:15AM
Reading these reviews after rereading the series myself was AMAZING !!!! thank you for doing the lord's work here hahaha
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Belly (Aspiringliterati) wrote: "Reading these reviews after rereading the series myself was AMAZING !!!! thank you for doing the lord's work here hahaha"Wow merci Belly deary, I'm so pleased and honoured to hear that. Seriously, I didn't think anyone was gonna read these reviews seeing as they're just ridiculously too many and I'm kind of crazy for stubbornly insisting on reviewing them all. But thank you so much for reading them, I now feel like we took on this challenging journey together. 😂💙
Mary wrote: "Belly (Aspiringliterati) wrote: "Reading these reviews after rereading the series myself was AMAZING !!!! thank you for doing the lord's work here hahaha"Wow merci Belly deary, I'm so pleased and..."
it was really really fun seeing all your reactions to what that crazy team gets into !! I hope you'll review any upcoming issues
Belly (Aspiringliterati) wrote: "it was really really fun seeing all your reactions to what that crazy team gets into !! I hope you'll review any upcoming issues"Aww thank you hun, yes I certainly will! That means more than you can imagine.
Hmmmph ! There are no INFJs !We are so under-represented lolol !
wait but consider this: nicholas, an enfp. he seems a lot like one, and can really easily see his dom function being Ne
Jaidee wrote: "Hmmmph ! There are no INFJs !We are so under-represented lolol !"
LOL well, it's a book about fencing so I'm not surprised at the lack of INFJ representation. 😂 I have the same issue with all ENTJs being villains. 🤦🏻♀�
Fantasy seems to be a genre fond of INFJs, though, so I hope you find your kins! I personally love INFJs. I don't have many close friends, but I have some of the most mutually understanding and natural relationships with my INFJ friends. 😍
Kidawi wrote: "wait but consider this: nicholas, an enfp. he seems a lot like one, and can really easily see his dom function being Ne"Hmm, actually, you have a point. I don't know why I saw Se while reading but, looking back, he's so obviously an Ne-dom. That inferior Si! He reminds me so much of this online friend of mine who I just typed as ENFP while he'd been typed as ESTP by a group of people.
Lemme go fix that review rn. Thank you so much for the comment! I can't believe I made a mistake like that SMH.
GOSH I can't wait for you to review the next volumes!! It was so fun to read your reviews :))
