Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit, Vol. 2

Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit Volume is the second in the newest series under the VIZ Signature imprint by Viz Media. It continues to explore ones man's quest as he lives to be the messenger of Ikigami's (summons that tell you that you will die in less than 24 hours or so). Within each episode, the lives of those who are served an Ikigami are explored. The concept of the Ikigami is one of the most interested issues with the book and each episode is bound to make one think about what they value in life and how they would spend their last days living it. For this entry, there are two episodes explored, one of the life of an extremely busy tv-station worker who wants to be a director of a project and the other with the life of a 21 year old elderly home helper and the relationship with an elderly women. Initially nothing seems to out of place with either story, but I can pretty much ensure that each is a major page turner. One a minor note, I must recognize the substory that continues with the main character and the revelations he makes in trying to face or live his life knowing that he delivers people these death summons. The artwork is still one of the highlights with this Viz Signature series. Great attention still has been made in the detailed facial expressions of characters. Everything is clean and crisp. The dual page scenes are excellenet with the sunset scene being a beautiful image (in grayscale). I highly suggest picking up Ikigami Volume 2 if you are new to the series or are continuing with it, and if you are new be sure to pick up the first one too. Pros -Read in the traditional style, from right to left -Great cover design -Fresh concept for a manga series -Modern-English sounding translation -Excellent art design in panels helps to add life to the stories and enhances the reader/story connection -Realistic Con -No bonuses (previews, afterword, etc)