At the end of Fangra 01, you know the fight is about to get more intense, and what happens does not disappoint. Rao (The Lion with No Mane) and the Hoovengards both go for what ends up being a very explosive round two. This issue isn't just about the fighting though as we get more details on why Kouta's father disappeared after he goes to meet the emperor. The emperor himself will make you laugh because he seems to be so wise about some things, but utterly dumb about others. It's easy to put a voice to him as you hear his dialogue in your own head. Like the first issue, this has very good writing. You can feel the intensity of the fight and the interactions between characters. Thankfully the action also keeps moving so that we're not stuck watching characters stare and flex at one another for several panels before making their move. I also like that there are depictions of consequences for what has just happened. Once you reach the end, you've figured out a few things about the Lion, but now the story goes in a completely different direction. I look forward to the next issue to see the results of their next encounter.
- Michael Mangiapane