Pokémon Adventures: Scarlet & Violet Chapter 14 Review - They Finally Meet?
Naturally, this chapter cover has me losing my mind. After all this time, our two protagonists are finally shown face-to-face. I love the opposite energies coming from both of them. While Violet reminds me of a golden retriever ready to make friends, Scarlet looks annoyed that she has another obstacle in her way…or like her usual self. I’m really excited for their dynamic to get rolling, and this chapter of Pokémon Adventures: Scarlet & Violet was already a great start.
There are spoilers ahead, so make sure to give the chapter a read before continuing if that’s a concern for you!
After splitting up from Arven, Violet rides toward the base of Team Star’s Schedar Squad, and is repeatedly ambushed by their grunts along the way. This leads to the Evolution of Violet’s Nymble, as well as Cassiopeia advising him to head to Levincia for an outfit change. I love how Levincia is just the place people go for disguises. There’s something hilarious about Violet turning around and going there right as Scarlet leaves to go to the Schedar Squad’s Base. Even in this chapter, the authors are still dangling the inevitability of their first meeting right in front of us.
I was really impressed by the full-page spread of the scene where Scarlet meets Mela. There’s so much detail in the Starmobiles’ and Mela’s design, and Satoshi Yamamoto really did justice to them both. I can only imagine how much time it took to add every detail. Scarlet’s history with Mela is also unexpected, given the nature of the grunts as we’ve seen them. We know Scarlet was rescued by Team Star in the past, but not that they’ve reached out to other girls in bad situations. They’ve spiraled into something the original Team Star would have opposed, and Scarlet isn’t afraid to let Mela know. For someone who picks up nearly every job offered to her, Scarlet refuses to work with someone whose values don’t align with hers. Despite her less-ethical methods of conducting her business, it can’t be denied that she has integrity.
The entire meeting between Scarlet and Violet had me smiling widely. Violet’s confident denial of his identity was hilarious, as well as him casually recognizing Scarlet and believing her to be an ally. I also love how willing he is to show Miraidon to Scarlet, and how his only concern is that she’s going to take it for a ride without permission—not stealing it. From the start, we see how their personalities work well with each other, with Violet trusting and Scarlet deceitful. But at least she said she’d return it!
Miraidon, of course, chooses where it wants to take Scarlet, and the answer is to get a sandwich from Arven. Violet’s loyal companion then leaves him tied up as it takes off toward the Asado Desert. Fortunately, our good friend Clive finds him and gives a massive clue to his identity, yet Violet remains oblivious despite his uncanny ability to recognize everyone else. Arven, on the other hand, gets to meet Scarlet. I sincerely hope she won’t destroy his feelings right away—this guy has already been through a lot with Violet.
The authors did a great job of making the two’s first meeting a delight to read. It was satisfying to see them finally interact, and it has me excited to find out what’s next in store for everyone. Miraidon’s theft feels like a big deal, but I can’t imagine Scarlet will go very far without being able to control it. I’m also curious to see how anyone would be able to stop her—we haven’t exactly seen any character who can battle on Scarlet’s level yet. Arven could try, but as a fairly-new Trainer, I don’t see that happening too easily.
What did you think of this chapter? Did Scarlet and Violet’s first meeting go as you expected?
