Arisa 2

Arisa 2 picks up right where 1 left off, with an unexpected outburst... Manabe thinks Arisa is the King... could that be the horrible secret she was hiding? As readers delve further into Tsubasa and Arisa's world we see characters and situations that grow more dire by the page, and we see what Tsubasa can't. We get introduced different sides of characters who we thought we knew, people aren't always sweet and loving, sometimes the pretty face is hiding an ugly person.This was a fantastic volume that had a lot of story in it. This wasn't a filler volume or one where one scene is drug out. Tsubasa nearly dies, the King closes shop, Arisa goes missing from the hospital, and there's even more. I recommend this series, it is not light and fluffy, though the wait between volumes is proving hard.

good

Cool Story

Arisa is a multiple layered story with mystery elements. I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading in order.** This review contains no spoilers for Arisa 2 but will have them for volume 1. **Tsubasa, the delinquent "Demon Princess" of her high school, is investigating her seemingly perfect twin sister's secrets after Arisa's suicide attempt and has started to learn about the mysterious King controlling the class. She may have a lead on the King's identity, but how long can she pretend to be Arisa without arousing suspicion?Volume 2 is a strong continuation of the intriguing problems set before Tsubasa in volume 1. The King is an active, and dangerous, opponent and the high stakes game of move and counter move is nicely executed. One of the best things about this story is the supporting cast. They have their own motivations, secrets, etc and watching Tsubasa interact with them and try to figure out who to trust is enthralling. Class outcast Akira and Arisa's best friend Mariko (as well as Tsubasa herself) are particularly intriguing. The author is very fond of twists and turns, but they are well done and logical.Volume 2 is a worthy follow up on volume 1 that raises the stakes and begins to show signs that this story has the depth to go for quite a while. Should be a great ride.

I read this the other day at my local bookstore along with a few of the following volumes, and I have to say that I adore this manga. I love that the suspense is well developed and that it's such a sharp contrast to the cuteness of the artwork.This volume gives us a few hints as to who may or may not be the bad guy in all of this as well as some great moments between Tsubasa and her two guys: Manabe and Midori. I absolutely love the tension in this as well as the hints that Tsubasa doesn't know her sister as well as she thought she does.The artwork in this is by far my favorite part of the series and was what drew me into Ando's work in the first place. I can see where her art has gotten more refined over the years and this is something that I don't mind re-reading just to linger over the pictures.So far I can tell that this is going to be one of my favorite thriller/suspense type of mangas. It's a nice balance between the darker and more demented series like Higurashi and the ligher hearted manga like Eerie Queerie.

And we're back with the next installment of Arisa, volume 2.Before we get in, I just want to note that as of this volume, Kodansha Comics has now taken over the series after the absorption of the company, Del Rey Manga. Aside from the new Kodansha Comics logo on the back of the bok, the change of companies isn't noticeable. In order to prevent a jarring transition, Kodansha Comics is handling the manga in the same way of Del Rey Manga. Honorifics retained (with a glossary at the beginning of the book), sound effects left in Japanese with English subtitles, and the same terms and spellings. Whether this is a good thing or not is up to the reader. But however you felt with Del Rey Manga's work, you'll feel the same way for Kodansha's.This volume is amazing. The story moves along a dark path, making a great series into an amazing one.The happy appearances of characters begin to have their true colors shown. Mariko, Arisa's best friend, states that she would be happy to be a sacrifice to the King if it would make her useful to him with a maniacal gleam in her eyes.The identity of the King gets further casted into shadow after a few red herrings. Near the end of the volume, we're pretty certain we know the identity of the King, but judging by how the rest of this volume has been, I certainly won't be surprised if it turns out to be yet another red herring.The stakes are raised in this volume as the King sends "Arisa" another letter -- as well as a recorded message -- threatening that they knew of her identity as Tsubasa and ordered her to stop investigating the King or someone dear to her will be taken away.Tsubasa naturally defies this and continues coming to school posed as Arisa. She receives another letter from the King, and then during 4th period on Friday, the Secret King Room closes shop for a week telling the followers that as of next week only five random people will be allowed to participate from then on.An unexpected friend comes to Tsubasa's aid and promises that they'll find out who the King is and stop them once and for all.ScoresArt: 9.5/10 Profile faces are still awkward, but otherwise the art is flawless and used with chilling effectiveness.Story: 10/10 The story becomes more exciting and intenseCharacterization: 10/10 They really aren't as they appeared in volume 1...Final score for Arisa volume 2 98% (or 9.8/10)The third volume slated for later this month really cannot come out soon enough.

It took about a week to get here and arrived in great condition. There are no tears, creases or worn places to be seen. This is special to me because I bought a used copy.

second volume is still intriguing, there's a lot of hints at who the king might be, is it supernatural, is it normal, is it a friend, is it a foe? The manga artist is really good at keeping you glued to the story. I can't wait to read more...