In 2020, Kondansha Comics released the first instalment of the Perfect World in print and it left me with mixed feelings, as I couldn’t comprehend how the series will proceed. Since the new installment is out, I will be reviewing Volume 2 of the series as see if it’s worth reading.
Volume 2 begins with Tsugumi and Itsuki dating each other. As Itsuki has bring himself to start a relationship, he is gradually closing the distance and letting Tsugumi getting close to him while slowly opening up to her but soon problems arises in their relationship during New Year holidays
Tsugumi visits her home to spend holidays with her family and tells them that she is dating but when they come to know about her boyfriend being wheel-chair bounded for life, their excitement turns into disappointment. Her father is not in good shape which has left him depended on his wife although he tries herd not be burden on them. He doesn’t want his daughter to marry someone who will be burden to her for the rest of her life.
Whereas, her mother asks her about having children with him or being serious enough to get married to him. The questions are way too complicated for her to answer so she asks her mother to stop this discussion for a while. Her trip to her home makes her feeling to waver a bit and leave her confused once she returns to Tokyo and her uncertainty only increases when she meets Nagasawa, Itsuki’s caretaker.
Despite of Itsugi’s assurance that there is nothing going on between them, she can’t stop worrying about their relation. Nagasawa is not just Itsugi’s nurse but helped him overcome the toughest time of his life when he was going through the trauma. This makes Tsugumi feel anxious as she was not there with him at that time.
Tsugumi is not the only one who is whose feelings are started to waver but Itsugi is also not sure about this relationship as he thinks that Tsugumi will be happier without him. His uncertainty intensifies when he encounters an old acquaintance of Tsugumi, Koreda who happens to have crush on Itsugi for a long time. Watching his girlfriend with someone who has no disability makes his heart filled with many emotions including depression, jealousy and complexities. It makes him think about life where he was not wheel-chair bounded make her happy.
Compared to the previous installment the second Volume of The Perfect World is a little crowded with so much happening all at once. The Volume introduces new love interests of both protagonists which can be a little risky to happen too soon but it can be said that it was actually a good move by the author
As the book reach towards the end both protagonists are becoming more and more worried about their relationship and their wavering feelings. It’s very engaging but at the same time it is quite sad. The series can’t be considered as enjoyable but it is captivating enough for you to look forward to the next instalment.
In my previous review of the 1st volume of the series, I complained about the personality of the male protagonist as I found him to be a little rude and harsh towards Tsugumi. That part seems to have gotten better but that negative has been replaced by the gloomy and depressing things going on between the protagonists.
Perfect World which has been brought by Kodansah Comics to the West is translated by Rachel Murakawa. The translation reads fine with no problems or flaws. The mnext instalment of the Perfect World will be released in pront in October, 2020.
All in all, Perfect World Volume 2 has a lot to offer as there is so much happening in the series. The series is very interesting and will keep you engaged till the end making you look forward to the next volume but like it’s previous installment the story continues to be depressing and a little frustrating to read. But if you liked the first Volume, you will like the second Volume more.
