 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | VIZ MEDIA | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | TOHKO MIZUNO | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | JAPANESE / B&W / COLOR | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 208 | | | ▪ | RATING: | | T+ | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 08/05/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 08/18/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
Akane takes on her role as the Priestess of the Dragon God and begins her search for the remaining of her Eight Guardians, but not without a number of trials along the way. The second volume of the fantasy begins with a backstory involving Yorihisa. He returns to his childhood stomping grounds with Akane by his side only to encounter a bittersweet memory from his past. The mystical creature Nue was a foe turned friend for a young Yorihisa. But now Nue has abducted Akane and forces a bitter confrontation between the man who has vowed to protect the priestess no matter what, even if it means killing the creature he once considered like a big brother. It’s a tale that demonstrates Akram’s far reaching and sinister hand in the matters of the Guardians and the priestess. It also gives some interesting insight into Yorihisa. Another backstory for another of the Guardians is offered in the tale of Tachibana. It reveals how he and princess Fuji first met and how their relationship developed. His odd dichotomy of a fond and kind man compared to his playboy side is a curious dual nature for one of the Guardians to have. Fuji as a befuddled girl is rather endearing to witness. The next story involves the discovery of a new Guardian and a new foe. A Demon infiltrates the imperial palace, intent on ending the priestess whom Akram is so obsessed with. Jealous, this Demon poses as a dancer. She attracts much attention and tries to seduce the kind and thoughtful Takamichi. However he questions the mysterious appearance of the woman and the coincidences that follow. When she attacks Akane, it is Takamichi to the rescue. The way he treats his foe displays his compassion and decent nature. However the attack has left Akane in pain, wounded, with one of her Dragon Jewels glowing softly…Could a new Guardian be near? Following that story, readers are taken to a village where Inori, a boy, has been brutalized due to his sister’s affiliation with a demon. The cruelty of the village makes Inori hate all Demons vehemently. But what connection does he have in the larger picture of the story of Akane? It’s curious and interesting that the Guardians that Akane has are not all perfect. Although they are all handsome or beautiful in each their own way, many of them are flawed. Tenma has a terrible time controlling his temper and is impetuous to a fault. Others are blinded by their prejudices. Some are blinded by their need to protect Akane above all others and see others as rivals to that position. Tachibana is a notorious womanizer. It makes for interesting heroes that are not your run of the mill good guys. The manga ends with a bonus story about a falling star, a UFO, a girl who can see the future, and a love that was perhaps destined to be.
IN SUMMARY:
The priestess continues her search for the Guardians, learning more about those who serve and protect her and encountering both new protectors and new enemies along the way. Haruka is an epic fantasy adventure that Fushigi Yuugi fans will enjoy immensely. |
