A Special Thanks To Viz Media and NetGalley for the ARC.
We’re back for another trip into the world of Masaoki Shindo’s RuriDragon. Before we begin the review for the second volume, be sure to read the review for the first volume. If you want to read my past reviews, click here!
After having one of the most electric moments of discovering a new Dragon Trait called Electrostatic Discharge, our favorite little lady, Ruri begins to learn that not everyone wants to be friends with her. Can Ruri soften up a steely classmate? Or will her attempts go up in flames?
Ruri’s world starts to get bigger, as we explore another new ability that she suddenly comes across in class, but the teacher isn’t entirely surprised by this new display of draconian abilities. What this second volume does well is that it focuses on the inter-class relationships between Ruri and her classmates/friends. Speaking of Ruri, she is starting to learn that not everyone wants to be friends, which she experiences firsthand when she takes part in the School’s planning committee for the Sports Festival. I find it fascinating that Shindo makes this experience more of a coming-of-age story mixed with hints of comedy and heart.
While we haven’t met her father yet, Ruri met one of the people who isn’t exactly her biggest fan. Someone who might be reading this who is in high school could probably relate in a lot of ways, especially how Shindo uses Ruri’s Draconic Heritage as an allegory for a universal experience of growing up and feeling different from their peers. For example, it could serve as a way to go through puberty and bodily changes, what it means to be a minority, and finally, a representation of mixed-race or mixed-heritage, something that was discussed shortly in my previous review. What I am trying to say is, the second volume may feel like it falls short for some, but for others, it speaks volumes and is bigger than what the first volume touched upon.
We discussed the fantastical premise of this story (so far), let’s discuss the art and character designs of this second volume. Ruri may stand out from others because of her newfound abilities, but each of her friends’ personalities and designs complements our protagonist’s traits. Once again, Shindo’s artwork is something to admire, the way he can illustrate certain scenes that involve emotional responses, certain action sequences that involve sports (or bowling!) And finally, his smooth line work.
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RuriDragon Volume Two is available now at your local bookstore or e-retailer. You can also catch RuriDragon on Shueisha’s Manga Plus App and Viz Media’s Shonen Jump App.
Final Grade:
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