This second story picks up Kaito where we left off in the first. We get a glimpse of the life he has set up for himself with Renge and how he tries to protect the boy while still giving him his independence. In this volume we are also introduced to the character of Tetsuo, a former orphanage mate of Kaito's and someone who Kaito considers a friend, but not vice versa. When Kaito is called in to take over an assassination from Tetsuo, Tetsuo retaliates by kidnapping Renge. Tetsuo's story is very disturbing and his rage is understandable. I think Kaito deals with him very well. Also very troubling is the idea that the "powers that be" sought out their assassins at this orphanage, training them from an early age to take on the job of killing other people. Unfortunately we never get to learn the reasons why this agency was set up as this is the final volume of the series.

Overall this was an interesting foray that delves into some rather horrifying plot lines and scenes. As before, the artwork is well done, Kaito is still the main feature and very attractive with glasses or without. The author's note at the end reveals that she deliberately drew the character to look older than he really is which is, once again, kind of alarming. The end leaves you with a hopeful vibe that Kaito and Renge will both wind up okay.

Although not a manga I would typically have chosen, when I saw this volume at Borders on clearance I couldn't resist. Luckily the library carried the first volume. Once again, an interesting read for the once through, but probably not one I'll read more than once. ( )

X-Kai- Vol. 2 by Asami Tohjoh is only the second manga I’ve read. The first was X-Kai- Vol. 1 last year, which I primarily read because it was an ‘X’ title, and because I wanted to expand my horizons by reading manga. I liked the first volume quite a bit better. This second volume does finish up Kaito’s story which is nice, but it also has some darker themes going on as well.

Kaito is an assassin who works in a flower shop by day and also takes care of a boy named Renge. He doesn’t like his occupation but does it to help pay for his brother’s hospital care. His brother is a severe burn victim. There are four ’secrets’ in this volume, and the book includes both Renge and Kaito’s brother in the story. As I said, interesting to read — but dark.

2000, English translation 2006; 200 pp.

2.5/5 ( )