** spoiler alert ** Vol 18 opens with a battle between celestial wizards, Lucy vs. one of the Oracion Seis, Loke vs. Aries (with canonical confirmation that Loke has had sex with at least one of his owners). Lucy is given access to powers she didn’t know she had and does some amazing things, elevating her into a force to be reckoned with.

Erza has to deal with Jellal but none of them are prepared for what awaits them and the true motivator of the deadly Nirvana. Once awakened it heads for Cait Shelter with our heroes in tow. Natsu finds himself facing yet another dragon slayer and as the Nirvana magic makes people change sides, alliances shift, personalities change and a lot is on the line.

I suspect if you’re still following Fairy Tail eighteen volumes in, you already love the characters and the art. Yes it’s often silly and filled with fan service but under that are layers of story that are truly interesting. This one offers up several plot threads I hope are not lost. I’m very much looking forward to what comes next.