Psalms of Planets Eureka Seven: Volume 2

Vol. 2 of "Eureka Seven" continues young Renton's adventures with Eureka and Gekko State. This time around the crew gets stranded in a hostile town, where Renton uncovers secrets that could change everything. Vol. 2 also introduces Anemone, Eureka's moody counterpart. While you'll find almost no skysurfing mecha action in this issue's 4 chapters, it still gets props for no only providing some background info on Eureka amongst other characters, but moving along their growth as well. And get ready for a bizarre, mindbending experience when Renton and Eureka both face the mysterious Coralian, a force with the power to destroy the human mind. Vol. 2 also includes another helping of humorous bonus manga. This comic is rated for ages 13 and up: Violence, Adult Language, Adult Situations.

Renton's illusions about the glamour of the Gekko State crew had already begun to crumble in the last volume, but pretty much all of his ideals about what the rebel group represents are shattered in Volume 2. Especially when he finds out that Eureka herself participated in missions of murder on behalf of the military Holland and the others once worked for under the guise of putting down a rebellious religious sect whose beliefs didn't mesh with the government. The story all comes out when the crew returns to the scene of their crimes. The military continues to hunt them down, enlisting a young girl similar to Eureka who goes by the name of Anemone. It all leaves you wondering just who or what Eureka really is. Renton will have to decide whether his dream of joining Gekko State has been destroyed by the realities of the truth, or whether that dream can withstand all the unwanted knowledge he has gained. The manga version of Eureka Seven is a real top class production all around by Bandai, which includes stunning art, a good translation, color plates and some extra comedy bits at the end. What really stood out about Volume 2 was Renton's effect on Eureka. She has gone from a cool and distant ice queen to someone who's not afraid to be a young girl. I think his feelings of love have opened her eyes to what it means to be human. It's nice to see her get emotional in some sequences. Another thing the manga does well is keeping secrets close to the cuff without becoming an arbitrary we're not gonna tell you just yet style of storytelling. The writers do reveal but do it within the flow of the story. This is a great manga whether you've seen the show or not. Highly recommended!