Signs of The Merge 6-1

Alright, so, with volume 6, I was very interested to find that we’re seeing some pretty obvious signs of The Merge between Ozpin and Oscar happening right off the bat. Personally, I was pleased to note that it seems my prediction was correct in that it goes both ways with Oscar picking up on some Ozpin traits and Ozpin picking up on Oscar’s. These are the instances I noticed for the first episode of volume 6.

To start: Oscar

We see from the very start at the train station that Oscar is acting a little…less like the Oscar we originally met. For the most part, he’s his open, soft, expressive self, but then we get this expression, accompanied with a manner of speaking typically attributed to Ozpin, humoured inflections and all.

A more subtle instance I noted was when Ozpin asks to switch. Oscar is already in an anxious state and we see him struggle with this emotion for a moment. He takes a second to compose himself, then calmly though firmly states that he’s keeping control. To me, this shows not only a growth in confidence, but in emotional control that he was lacking before at Haven.

During the manticore fight, we can also take note that Oscar has drastically improved in his combat abilities, as well as switching from what had been his trademarked two-handed wielding of the cane to a far more refined style that mimics Ozpin’s. He’s also far quicker and agile than what we’ve seen at Haven.

Those were the main ones I noticed for Oscar, and while we didn’t see him much, Ozpin was definitely showing the affects of The Merge as well when he and Oscar did switch.

^That there, that’s Ozpin. Coincedentally, I did a post a few days before the new volume came out about how effectively Ozpin and Oscar are differentiated with the animation and you can read it here. Essentially, Ozpin has always had a more closed off, confident yet shrewd look about him, but here, we’re seeing a more open look, surprise even.

That’s not even to mention that when he was questioned about the Relic, he actually stutters, something that we’ve never had Ozpin do before. Ozpin has always been the sort to have something prepared in the way of explanations, he’s always been very articulate, but here, he seems almost off his guard, unprepared. More like Oscar.

I’m sure we’ll be seeing more as this volume goes on, and I may continue cataloging them, perhaps even make this a series. If there are any other instances anyone noticed, please feel free to add them, I’d be very interested to see any I may have missed.