The more I learn about Nikola Tesla, the more I believe the science community screwed him over. He was so close to achieving some of the greatest inventions that would have truly changed the world. Alas, due to the world not willing to change for the better, many of Tesla’s ideas were scrapped, sometimes destroyed completely before enough eyes could see the potential. While the eighteenth volume of Record of Ragnarok shows the brilliant mind Tesla had, it goes without saying that many will wish that the same amount of respect would be given to him in the real world as he is in the realm of fiction.

Tesla’s fight with Beelzebub continues, with the power of gods and demons going up against the power of science. As Tesla reminds everyone, science is here to keep on evolving, even after an inventor’s time has run out on Earth. But he has no plans for his time to end in the combatant’s circle; in fact, he believes an end doesn’t truly exist. However, he does hope he can one-up Beelzebub in battle, with the aid of his latest invention.

Taking a page out of Tony Stark’s book, Tesla showcases just what sort of power his super suit can achieve. Once seen in action, an infamous moment in time flashes before everyone’s eyes: The Philadelphia Experiment. With his newfound speed, Tesla demonstrates the power of teleportation, something that even takes the breath away of the gods. However, there are some drawbacks to using it, especially one that may cause Tesla to experience the same fate as some of those sailors on that cursed ship.

Right when the fight is really pumping up, Record of Ragnarok dives into a flashback revolving around Beelzebub and Hades. It’s a moment that shows how Beelzebub dealt with his so-called curse, and while he still wishes for death, he has instead focused his anger on someone other than himself: the entirety of humanity. Here, readers will see just what sort of power Beelzebub is capable of, and why he may be the most frightening demon of them all! Hell, not even the gods were expecting him to unleash something so terrifying!

Yet again, we get another flashback, this time involving Tesla and his quest for great science. It’s a touching story involving his older brother, and how he came to keep the legacy of the family member who inspired him greatly. But what sort of purpose does this flashback play? Honestly, I haven’t the faintest clue, seeing as it merely repeats everything that Tesla has said about science constantly evolving.

Sadly, Volume Eighteen ends immediately after this flashback, with it being perhaps the shortest volume of the current Record of Ragnarok run. It would’ve been nice to see the fight continue onward, but perhaps they’re saving the grand finale for the next time around. With that being said, I kind of wish we got a bigger serving of Record of Ragnarok’s main story rather than the useless bonus comics shown at the end.

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.