Review - Jormungand Volume 2

Floop! Back to Jormungand! I'm going to go crazy flipping between series like this, but it's all in the name of keeping up with myself! This blog, right now, is mostly serving as a testament to my will to get things done. That's why I'm trying to post every day, 'cause I'm exceedingly terrible at committing to things. Anyway, on with the review!

STORY

This volume already surpasses the last volume in terms of the story. The majority of the volume is concerned with the 'Orchestra' story. Two people, a bonkers dude who treats every gunfight like a symphony, and a young girl with *ahem* BOTTOMLESS devotion to her older buddy.

It's a pretty straightforward little story, but the villains, the young girl Chinatsu in particular, have surprising depth. It's nice to know that even in a guns 'n 'explosions series like Jormungand, there's still a bit of poignancy mixed in with all the gunfire.

The last fourth of this volume deals with an apparent unwelcome visitor aboard Koko's freighter boat. Koko's brother, Kasper. Apparently Jonah and Kasper have some sort of history, but we don't see any of it in this volume, just that Jonah reeeeaaaaally doesn't like Kasper.

ART & PRESENTATION

The art is still kind of wonky. One panel will have me thinking "wow! That was cool!" while the very next has me thinking "Um, what is up with this bloke's face?" As before, the art really only shines during the action scenes. The rest of is is all pretty 'meh'. Some cool bits are below.

Viz's presentation is just as good as it was last time. Gaah, Viz Signature makes me happy.

CHARACTERS

I would go over the Orchestra members here, but I know they won't be returning to the story at all, so I'm not going to. I'll talk about Koko's crew a little bit more instead.

Lehm is the only one we get a bit more info on here. Lehm is sort of the fatherly figure in the crew. He's got a level head, knows what he's talking about, and has a history as a mercenary. He has no problem taking out foes, both young and old, which gives him some depth as a character.

FINAL VERDICT

Volume 2 is a step in the right direction for Jormungand, featuring longer stories, more intrigue, and yes, more guns. The only thing really drawing back this series is the lack of an overarching plot and some wishy-washy art. Plus/minus below!

+ Deeper characters
+ Longer story arcs
+ Cool action...

- But the rest of the art is pretty boring
- Lack of an overarching plot

B+ - BORROW IT

I can't recommend you buy Jormungand just yet. It's a fun read, but the weird art and complete lack of a story hold this series back.

(I don't own Jormungand. All rights go to the author, Keitaro Takahashi, and the licensing company, Viz Media).