Yakitate!! Japan, Vol. 2

Volume two of Yakitate follows Azuma and company as they prove themselves not only to the eccentric store manager of the South Tokyo Branch of Pantasia, but also the company's chief meister (who bears a striking resemblance to certian Gundam heros/villains). The first little story finishes where we left off in volume one, trying to create the most appealing loaf of French Bread, such that even a horse will eat it. The arc finishes predictably and a new challenger arises in the form of a rival bakery across the street who offers a televised breadmaking competition in flamboyant fashion. It's right about here that the story begins to become more ridiculous than ever... at least before there was some semblance of believability. In volume two, that's all thrown out (save for in baking facts and recipes) as more unbelievable characters are introduced and strange contests abound. The art is consistent over the volumes (with Azuma's sister's cameo sexing her up a bit, rowr) and the pacing is the typical high point/low point/cliffhanger of shonen series. Pick it up if you like over the top, oddly themed comedies.