RWBY Volume Nine

“What Does the Future Hold for Team RWBY?”

The time has come for RWBY, the internationally acclaimed anime series set in the fictional world of Remnant, where ordinary citizens are groomed into warriors to defend their people from the evil Grimm. The latest in the popular anime-inspired series features a compelling story, well-developed characters, beautiful animation, and an unforgettable score.

RWBY Volume Nine | What Does the Future Hold | Review | Pinnedupink.com

The ninth volume continues the series' thrilling and constantly developing plot. Volume 9 makes bold choices that break with previous volumes and take the story in a different, more exciting direction. Let’s walk you through what happens in Volume 9 without giving much away.

In RWBY Volume 9, the stakes are high, and the story is an emotional roller coaster. It continues the aftermath of Volume 8, exploring the consequences of the devastating events that occurred in the previous volume. The plot takes unexpected and daring twists, introducing new challenges and raising the stakes for our beloved heroes.

The pace is excellent, balancing exciting action scenes with more reflective character growth and world development moments. The plot of Volume 9 exemplifies the series' ability to keep its audience invested in the unfolding story.

Jaune, Neo, and others in Team RWBY end up dead and fall into a realm called Ever After without a clue on how they will get home. This strange and mystical realm is nothing they have witnessed before. They randomly run into talking animals and objects, and they even encounter emotionally dependent weather. But they must muster up the courage and face their fears if they want to survive. Soon, you will realize that Ever After is more bizarre and challenging than anything the characters have experienced.

There is a lot going on in the middle of it all. Blake and Yang, the adorable couple, come clean about their feelings for one another. Jaune accepts that he cannot save everyone, and Ruby begins to feel the world's weight pressing down on her.

RWBY's large and engaging cast of characters is a significant strength of the show. The expansion and complexity are on full display in volume 9. The protagonists' deep inward turmoil makes them more real and believable. The story is richer for the complexity of their feelings and the web of relationships they've woven together.

The Ever After completely upends the characters' perception of reality, not only with its strange and peculiar elements but, more importantly, with its exploration of whether death truly signifies the end. At the start of the season, the characters are introduced to the concept of "ascending," where a being approaches the central tree in the world. Naturally, they assume this is a form of death, instilling fear in them.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that those who ascend are actually given an opportunity to evolve into an improved version of themselves. In a broader sense, undergoing personal transformation, even when it leads to positive change, can feel like death, particularly when one must let go of aspects one believed defined their identity.

Despite the occasional mixing of metaphors that may cause confusion, the show mainly presents this subject in an ambiguous manner that hints at its underlying helpful meaning and intent. Moreover, it handles these sensitive topics with exceptional finesse, surpassing any previous instances witnessed on the show.

Naturally, we shouldn't overlook the main character. While most members of Team RWBY have more or less concluded their character arcs, Ruby's journey remains incomplete. Instead, she has been heavily involved in setting up her storyline: training to harness her silver eyes, receiving warnings about Salem's potential transformation into a monster, and experiencing grief upon realizing that Salem turned her mother into a Grimm.

The loss of Penny, one of Ruby's close friends, is bound to affect her profoundly. If the story connects Summer Rose to the Summer Maiden, Ruby can delve further into her origins.

After years of fan speculation about Ruby's emotional state and whether she was internalizing the trauma she had witnessed, we finally see some acknowledgment that the little red hood hasn't been handling the emotional damage as effectively as it seemed. Despite having a vague motivation, Ever After confronts Ruby and forces her to consider her aspirations and how she plans to safeguard what remains.

This leads to a highly triumphant moment that surpasses any other scene in the show. It emphasizes that while experiencing doubt and hesitation is natural and significant on her journey, Ruby is progressing toward achieving her desires.

One thing is sure: while Volume 9 promises a journey towards self-discovery that may serve as the culmination of Yang, Blake, Weiss, and Jaune's arcs, it will only be the start of Ruby Rose's own path.

This season is filled with elements that would have been more impactful if they had appeared or been mentioned in previous seasons. Although it's satisfying to finally witness Blake and Yang's on-screen kiss, confirming their romance once and for all, one can identify several opportunities as early as Volume 5 where this plotline could have been introduced, greatly benefiting the development of their relationship.

Similarly, we receive a small glimpse into the details of Summer Rose's final mission and a proper design and voice for her. While it's nice to have these additions, they could have been incorporated into the storyline many years ago, benefiting the plot. Instances like these make me understand why many viewers have dropped the series over its decade-long existence. Who would patiently wait for something so obvious for such a long time?

For those like myself who remained dedicated, it is gratifying, but receiving these moments at the premature end of the series feels incredibly delayed.

No, when considering whether this season can be classified as filler. Although it may appear to deviate from the main story and some of the introduced elements might not seem immediately relevant, it has actually brought forth some of the most captivating character moments in the entire series. It's a bittersweet realization, especially if this marks the end of RWBY.

Still, the writing team should note whatever they did differently for this season and preserve it for any potential future seasons. Unfortunately, the possibility of this being the final season reflects how Rooster Teeth's judgment and resources have changed since the show's inception.

Policy shifts and management changes have significantly restricted RT’s capabilities. Even if this season does turn out to be the end, we may not receive a formal cancellation announcement for quite some time, as Rooster Teeth shows tend to fade away quietly rather than receiving a grand announcement.

The music of RWBY Volume 9 remains a standout aspect of the series. The soundtrack, which Casey Lee Williams and Martin Gonzalez composed, heightens the emotional impact of each scene. The blend of powerful vocal tracks and atmospheric instrumentals perfectly captures the mood and intensity of the story. The music seamlessly accompanies the action sequences, adding excitement and immersion to the viewing experience.

Regarding animation, RWBY Volume 9 continues to impress with its high-quality visuals. The fight choreography is fluid and dynamic, showcasing the characters' unique fighting styles and abilities. The attention to detail in the character designs and environments further immerses the audience into the world of Remnant. The animation team has outdone themselves, creating breathtaking visuals that enhance the storytelling and elevate the overall production value.

It's important to note that RWBY Volume 9 deviates from the established canon, taking risks and charting new territory. While some fans may find this departure unexpected or challenging, it is a testament to the series' willingness to evolve and explore new narrative avenues. RWBY Volume 9 expands the lore and mythology of the world, offering fresh perspectives and surprising twists. It is an ambitious and bold move that sets the stage for exciting possibilities in future volumes.

Overall, RWBY Volume 9 is a thrilling and impactful chapter in the series. Its captivating storyline, memorable characters, outstanding music, and impressive animation make it a must-watch for fans. While it may differ from the established canon, the risks taken by the creators demonstrate their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the RWBY universe. Volume 9 is a testament to the series' ability to captivate and excite viewers, leaving them eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.