Kare Kano volume 2
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(quoted from the back of Kare Kano volume 2)
You know that couple who was obviously meant for each other, and everybody knew it, except them? That's Yukino and Soichiro, the two top students in school, who are capable of anything other than a normal relationship. Still, despite all they've been through, it seems they could finally be getting together. But now, the school's token pretty boy, Hideaki, is intent on wedging himself between them, for reasons they can't begin to imagine.
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Kare Kano volume 2 contains:
Act 4: The Day I Fell In Love
Act 5: School Maze
Act 6: His Ambition
Act 7: Crazy For You
Under The Cherry Trees
Tsuda Diary
Storyline:
Yukino and Arima both confess there love for each other in this volume and the first of many side characters is introduced, too. But, unlike the first volume, Kare Kano 2 is more focused on developing a sense of direction for the series to continue in. In fact, the last volume could probably have been considered a one-book series, but this volume tries to break that image so that it can find a place for the series to continue towards. While this can be considered a good thing, it is almost a bit disappointing that the excellent conclusion given off by the last volume is being destroyed so that the author can create a longer running series. Because of this, there aren't as many memorable scenes in this volume which is also a let down.
Artwork:
Don't expect the most detailed characters or extremely beautiful backgrounds when you open this manga. Instead, like the last volume, the author makes up for these slight disappointments with something even better. Drawings that actually control the flow of the series. While this might not sound like much, once you read the series you'll understand how important it is. The whole volume feels like a giant poem being read off with standard japanese animation. Also, while the characters may not be the most detailed, they do manage to show how the character feels, and each character has a sense of individuality towards themself (which has become an increasing problem with mangas).
Characters:
The characters are all like typical high school students. The author manages to do an excellent job making the reader understand what goes on in a teenager's head. The characters are funny, dramatic, and cute and that is what makes this series so great. There is really nothing more to say here.
Summary (Warning: May Contain Spoilers)
In act 4, Yukino continues off from the last volume by talking about how much she has fallen in love with Arima. Throughout the beginning of this chapter Yukino tried many different ways at getting Arima alone so that they could talk, but everytime she thought they were alone something camed up so she never had the opportunity to tell Arima how she feels about him. After ending in failure she goes back to her house and the author gives a short insight on Yukino's two younger sisters, and then the next day Arima confronts Yukino and asks her when she would tell him how he felt. Yukino freaks out and runs home only to be persuaded by her youngest sister to take a chance and tell Arima the truth. The next day at school Yukino grabs Arima's hand in class and on that day they become boyfriend and girlfriend.
In act 5, Yukino and Arima are sharing a nice picnic and then Arima brings up that the sports festival is coming up and how they are both going to be very busy for the next few days. Like most new couples this would be the first time that Arima and Yukino have been seperated for more then a day and Yukino starts freaking out. Throughout the chapter Yukino is running around the construction of the sports festival looking for Arima, but everytime she thinks she's found him it turns out she just missed him. At the end of the chapter they finally catch up to each other and talk about how much they miss each other. Then, Yukino gets her first kiss. After that, the sports festival happens a few days later and then Arima and Yukino finally get to each lunch together again.
In act 6, Hideaki, the lady killer, is introduced and he is out to destroy Arima and Yukino's relationship. At first, Yukino tried being nice to Hideaki because she thought he was friends with Arima but she quickly learns that Hideaki thinks of her as trash. After Hideaki calls Yukino ugly to her face she makes it her lifes goal to annoy Hideaki. Everywhere he goes she follows hitting him, drinking his drinks, and getting into arguments with him. This is easily the funniest chapter in the volume as Yukino unleashes her fighting spirit. Hideaki eventually gets fed up playing with Yukino and tells her that there is no way Arima could love someone like her. After they fight for a bit Yukino learns that Hideaki is trying to destroy there relationship so that Arima and him and use their good looks to attract pretty girls to themselves (he likes being surrounded by girls). Yukino eventually loses the fight and when Arima spots Yukino she looked depressed and stuff, so he confronts Hideaki and puts an end to his bullying. Afterwords, Hideaki repents for his bullying towards Yukino after a movie theater event, and at the end of the chapter the three of them become good friends.
In act 7, the author walks the reader through Yukino and Arima's date which is neat because the chapter is shown through both characters' minds, talking about how each of them felt during the date. Basically, they both have doubts about why the other person could possibly love them. and then at the end of the chapter they both come to the realization that they have each other now and that there problems will be overcomed.
The extra story is just about Arima and how he first fell in love with Yukino and how he fell in love with the real Yukino too (very basic summary sense it isn't part of the real story).
Extras:
What!? Extras that don't take up 1/3 of the volume!? Under the Cherry Tree and Tsuda's Diary are actually well called for extras! Under the Cherry Tree focuses on Arima and how he had first laid eyes on Yukino. While it doesn't do anything to push the plot furthor it does give the reader a more in depth look at Arima. The second extra, Tsuda's Diary just focuses on the author and gives a more in depth look on the creator of Kare Kano. Then the author commentaries and the next volume preview are also given, but sense almost every manga series does this they are really worth mentioning.
Content Warnings:
-Language: No
-Violence: No
-Nudity: No
-Sexual Situations: No
Overall:
Even though this volume changes the direction of the series it does breath new life into it as well. Arima and Yukino finally get together in this volume and this will be a major focus for the rest of the series. With good artwork and excellent characters this volume manages to be pretty darn good. Unfortunately, making this from a one book series to an 18 volume adventure requires dramatic changes to the original plot, and for those who felt a sense of completition from the last volume this can be a tad disappointing.
+ Excellent character depth that allows you to experience the character's emotions and feelings.
- The artwork isn't amazing and not many memorable scenes are in this volume because of the plot reconstruction.
Score: 8/10
