Banana Fish, Volume 2

If you thought that Ash's station in life was tenuous in Volume 1 of Banana Fish, you'll find that it's taken a distinct turn for the worse in Volume 2. His best friend is dead, killed by a monster from Ash's childhood, who himself turns up dead, and Ash is framed for the murder. In prison for a crime he did not commit, Ash must find a way to survive the dangers of prison. What Ash learns about his unwanted prison protector does nothing to help him come to terms with what has happened to his brother, or to finding the truth about the elusive "Banana Fish."The second volume of Banana Fish continues the tale of Ash and the tumultuous life he leads in his attempts to survive life in the youth gangs of New York City and to find out what happened to his brother in jungles of Vietnam. Ash has a number of people looking out for him, much to his dismay, but he's going to need all the help he can get, as there are an equal or greater number of people who'd like to see him dead. Character conflict and mystery drive this story, and I suspect I will remain hooked throughout the rest of the series. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to read Volume 3.

My friend, Musouka, introduced me to this wonderful series and it's just like she said - it's not just a shoujo manga. It has aspects appealing to both sexes. I mean it has EVERYTHING: gang wars, guns, drugs, hidden pasts, a PLOT that has romance and wonderful character development. I enjoyed reading the series (in Japanese) and was literall turning page after page: What's going to happen to Ash? Will Eiji and Ibe-san leave for Japan? Will Dino be punished? I would reccomend this series to anyone who likes hard action softened around the edges with romance.

I'm glad that finally some quality manga for women are comingover to the states. I love the characters and the action is drawnwell. There are only two actual female characters, so far in 2 volumes, that actually say anything in the manga and they are very very minor. This manga goes into touchy issues and the story captures your interest. How will the plot develope? What will happen to our characters? And how will the main characters grow? I enjoyed this manga a lot. I refer it to anyone who is willing to be openminded and ready for something a little different. There isn't much "artwork" as has become accepted of shoujo manga in the states; no random flower petals, no cute patterns in the background. This is all simple blocks with subtle arrangements and contrasts to depict motion and mood. Have a wonderful day!