Rising of the Shield Hero - manga volume 2
By the time I read this, I had read the first volume of the light novels and watched part of the first anime season. For comparison, this manga volume covers about the second half of the first light novel and a couple episodes of the anime. This is Naofumi visiting the Dragon Hourglass for the first time, the Second Wave, and then his duel with Motoyatsu. Then, of course, the aftermath of said duel and Raphtalia's backstory. I don't really have much to say about this volume.
It does an alright job of conveying the story. A reader will know enough of what happens to follow along when another real-life fan talks about it or when these events are referenced later in the story. However, its medium prevents it from conveying as much information as the light novel. Without knowledge outside the manga, a reader might not understand some things. The anime outshines it in visual appeal, providing more of a spectacle and adding emotion through voice acting. The manga just doesn't provide anything that the light novel or anime don't do better.
This is not to say this volume is bad on its own merit. That is definitely not the case. The art looks good. The arrangement of cells moves the story along at a good clip, faster during action scenes and slower during more tender ones. The way that the aftermath of the Shield vs Spear duel is handled is particularly effective. Specifically, the way the manga presents Naofumi's realization of Raphtalia's true age and appearance captures the emotions he must be feeling at that point very well.
I just recommend one of the other two mediums.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Rising of the Shield Hero - manga volume 2" a passing grade.
Click here for my next book review: Aria volume 1 masterpiece edition
Click here for my previous book review: The Royal Tutor volume
Brian Wilkerson is a independent novelist, freelance book reviewer, and writing advice blogger. He studied at the University of Minnesota and came away with bachelor degrees in English Literature and History (Classical Mediterranean Period concentration).
His fantasy series, Journey to Chaos, is currently available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback.
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