The second volume of Tite Kubo's series of beginnings, 0, introduces another of the main characters, Wolfina, and reveals further details about how the ring of the death can function and what they ultimately cause. In addition, at the end of the volume, one of the self-contained stories that inspired the creation of this manga is published.
The series continues to have the same problems present in the first volume. There is a certain lack of originality both in the setting, a post-apocalyptic western that is too similar to that presented in Trigun, and in the characters, including those introduced in this volume. But above all, it suffers from having a protagonist who is too overpowered from the very beginning of the story, who practically never finds himself in a real dangerous situation at any point in the story.
Overall, the story remains a classic action manga without particular features to make it extremely memorable, but still competently made.
I hurriedly finished this book last night as it was due back at the library and there was no possibility of further renewals. This incident sort of encapsulates my overall feelings towards the book as well. The story has a certain level of interest that makes me reluctant to miss out on what unfolds, yet it's not so captivating that I have an immediate and urgent need to know. Some of the details within the story come across as rather trite, and there are numerous fight scenes. To be honest, fight scenes are not my favorite aspects of mangas; I have a greater inclination towards the dialogue. Maybe I'll get around to reading the next one at some point in the future. However, my son is persistently telling me that I should read "Bleach" instead. So, I think I will probably follow his advice and read "Bleach" first.
A more wonderful world awaits. I have a passion for delving deeper into the characters, uncovering their fascinating lore and the reality that lies beneath. Each character has a unique story to tell, filled with adventures, challenges, and growth. By understanding their backgrounds and motives, we can gain a greater appreciation for their actions and decisions. The lore surrounding the characters adds an extra layer of depth and mystery to the world, making it even more captivating. It's like uncovering hidden treasures with each new discovery. Whether it's through reading books, watching movies, or playing games, I am constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of these amazing characters and the world they inhabit. There's always more to learn and explore, and I can't wait to see what new adventures and revelations lie ahead.
On 28 December 2012, I gave Zombie Powder, Vol. 2: Can't Kiss the Ring (of the Dead) a rating of * * * 1/2. This volume truly steps up the action compared to the first one. It even throws in some fun and silly humor, which makes it more enjoyable. We are introduced to Wolfina, a tough-as-nails do-gooder. However, her name is really, really awful. She runs into trouble with a new and strange villain, Baragne Balmunk. Wolfina's spunk and Balmunk's oddness add a bit of spice to the plot, making it more interesting.
The characters in this volume are more engaging. I find myself feeling anxious to find out what will happen to them next, especially with the discovery of how the Rings "eat" a person. Yeesh, that's quite a disturbing concept!
Gamma rocks a mean mullet! I'm starting to really dig this dude. His character adds a certain charm to the story.
On the downside, the bonus short story at the end was just meh for me. I found it confusing and a tad boring. It didn't really add much to the overall experience of the book.
Despite the shortcomings of the bonus story, I'm actually really looking forward to the next volume. I hope there's more C.T. Smith in the next book! I can't wait to see what adventures await the characters and how the story will unfold.