Anne Freaks: Volume 2

The authorities are on the trail of Anna, Yuri, and Mitsuba, but different factions in the police force seem to have different agendas when it comes to capturing the three kids. Inspector Nishikama of Public Safety Commission enlists the aid of Juvenile Division Officer named Sgt. Shono to protect the three fugitives while keeping herself from getting killed. We already knew that Anna is the daughter of Kakusei's leader, Yuri and Mitsuba are also the sons of the terrorist organization's elite. Yuri and Mitsuba are beginning to tire of Anna's bloody way of doing business and are looking for alternatives to killing everyone in their way. Enter a mysterious priest, Reverend Kunita, who once was a member of Kakusei and offers a second choice on how to destroy it. Volume 2 of Anne Freaks was very enjoyable. We get a little more background on the characters, especially what the Kakusei group is and what its origins are. I also really like the characters, especially Shono, because she's so well-rounded, if naive, because she figures no matter what Anna and the others have done, they are still just kids, and can be saved from a murderous future. She could be right. Yuri is still seeing visions of his mother's ghost in scenes which are as creepy as any horror movie. Compared to the first volume, 2 is lighter in mood and even has bits of comedy along with some mindless murder. Anna is showing a bit more of herself as well, and shows she can be reached, even though her emotional state is usually set at sub-arctic. The only complaint I have about the book is most of the male characters look the same and it takes a while to differentiate them. The manga-ka should have spent more time on their design. All in all though, this is a really great book. I would also recommend the anime Noir and Elfen Lied.