Chapter 10 Discussion (Possible Spoilers)

[sharonlover]

As with every chapter. If you feel the need to discuss it, please do so here

[Redwing]

Very good. Disturbing and then comforting. I like that kind of emotional contrast in media.

[AuroraUnitComplex]

Very good. Disturbing and then comforting. I like that kind of emotional contrast in media.

^concur

Yeah, this is a great chapter. In pages 9-12, I really liked the strong imagery of the Chozo surrounding and comforting Samus. Throughout the games, we often get that sense that the Chozo are leaving goodies behind for us (i.e. watching over Samus in some distant way), and I think those pages particularly illustrate that special lasting bond that exists, and that Chozo atmosphere.

In this chapter, it was also interesting to see Platinum Chest's comments about how they raised Samus in a sort of, I guess you could say, traditional bird-like fashion, where the fledgling is eventually trained and learns how to fly (sometimes in a rough reality-forceful manner) , and then has to leave the nest...but here, you see the Chozo implicitly questioning how they handled their hatchling, and maybe if they lost something in their approach. Following the progression of the manga up to this point, perhaps what the Chozo hadn't shown was that sense (and more human sense) of 'we're still looking out for you Samus even though you've grown and have now had to leave the nest' (from Chapter 2). So, I think this shows the more complete view of Samus' relationship to the Chozo, again, based on the manga so far. It's not just that they took her in, and trained her in the Chozo arts and raised her to become a warrior with a mission, but that they also went beyond their bird-like nature, and became more human in that they reserved the right to keep looking after her (through their technology, artifacts, knowledge, suit attachments etc.) This could further illustrate why Samus is that unique link between Chozo and mankind/humanity.

[sharonlover]

nice response AUC (no way I'm spelling that out everytime )

Anyhow...I do think this chapter does show the more 'human' side of the Chozo. There was a previous discussion about how traumatized Samus was growing up and while she seems to have been suffering PTSD, it would appear that growing up with the Chozo was probably more human then we originally thought.

This chapter shows that the Chozo are capable of caring in more of a sense that humans care for each other. They also tell her to 'cry' and let it out, something that animals (that we know of) don't express. They cry or yelp or express pain when it occurs. We have no way to tell if an animal is depressed, or crying so within their own abilities to communicate, they may very well hold human type emotions (though again, unproven and from a completely theoretical point of view).

Good insight to the chozo indeed.

[Quadraxis]

I liked it. The dark images of Ridley, portrayed in a very demonic fashion brutally murdering Samus's parents and the scene where the Chozo comfort Samus like a loving family. This manga is awesome.
Although I don't really like Kuritsu and Mok. They kind of seem out of place. They've never appeared in the games. (Yes, neither has Chairman Keaton, but I think he fits into the Metroid universe quite fine.)
And I don't like the way the Space Pirates are portrayed in some frames. A little too chubby and comical.

Although those two are small problems, because I have heard that Kuritsu and Mok mature a lot by the end of the manga and that the Pirates look very different by then.

But just one thing bothers me: What's up with this chapter's name?

[AuroraUnitComplex]

nice response AUC (no way I'm spelling that out everytime )

Thx. (Yeah, I think writing AUC is a lot easier too )

Also, good point about animals and communication. I've always wondered how Samus might have been accepted into this bird-race, but it wasn't until this chapter that I started thinking about the opposite. Samus was raised to be more Chozo-like, but maybe her presence meant that the Chozo also had to become more human.

But just one thing bothers me: What's up with this chapter's name?

I had the same question. I'm not sure, but maybe Phoenix --> fire bird/bird on fire --> and maybe the 'bird' is Samus and the 'fire' represents her emotional state. Maybe it could also be a reference to the Chozo being in a state of emergency or Zebes on fire. That's the only possible reasons I can think of. Is the next chapter Phoenix II?

[MaiAriSquee]

Wow, amazing chapter.

It's called Phoenix because Samus rises once again from the ashes of her emotional pain to fight again! I'm sure the bird imagery helps too.

[sharonlover]

Yes the next two chapters will be Phoenix II and III

[Outlaw]

Yes this was a very nice chapter cannot wait till the next.

[AuroraUnitComplex]

Oh, ok. That makes sense with the title for ch.10. I know there is a whole mythology with the Phoenix, but I wasn’t too sure whether the title was exclusively referring to Samus (and the fiery fall and rise of her emotions) or to a larger symbolism that also involves (or will involve) the fall of the Chozo or Zebes. I guess it could still be both, especially if the next chapters are going to continue the “Phoenix” connection of the story, and perhaps the idea of a new Phoenix coming to life out of ashes as the old one perishes. If I recall correctly (it’s been a while), I think that’s how the basic mythology goes. Either way, Samus will be coming out of the ashes, so I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Quadraxis]

Just wondering...didn't Samus pretty much break her one rule to not kill anyone the first time in this chapter? She shot that Space Pirate.

[Will Keaton]

Well, she had to kill something sooner or later, because by the time Zero Mission roles around she's blowing up everything in sight. Even the poor innocent geemers.

[Quadraxis]

Well, she had to kill something sooner or later, because by the time Zero Mission roles around she's blowing up everything in sight. Even the poor innocent geemers.

Technically Samus isn't...
You are.

DUN DUN DUUUUUN.

[Lazarius]

Just wondering...didn't Samus pretty much break her one rule to not kill anyone the first time in this chapter? She shot that Space Pirate.

Wait WHAT. I haven't read the manga, but they're portraying her LIKE THAT? Honestly... My idea of Samus won't kill innocents, but has no problem with killing space pirates / other scum

[nyc48]

Just wondering...didn't Samus pretty much break her one rule to not kill anyone the first time in this chapter? She shot that Space Pirate.

She never had such a rule.