Dai dark vol 2 by q hayashida

Sanko and Avekian have a new ship, the Moja, but it has no furnishings. Their helpful doggo interface has found them what is basically a floating interstellar IKEA, and the three set off shopping. While picking out all manner of comfort, Shimada Death catches up with them and explains the nature of the Fleshbots who help run the store. Sanko theorizes that there has to be a place on board where the robots go to “die”, which is probably full of bones. Sanko and Shimada go check it out and find enough for their mutual benefit. Sanko narrowly escapes being blown up with the shopping ship but makes it back in time to make his favorite Meapswich - meatball spaghetti sandwich. In another part of the Galaxy, Hajime Damemaru, another powerful being, is pursued by Photosfere, the dastardly corporation running most of the galaxy. 

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Just like volume one, this space adventure is over-the-top in a good way. Nothing really needs explanation even if it’s not inherently clear because Hayashida moves like everything is evident, and the reader is right along for the ride. The world-building is subtle and folded into the action, so there might be confusion at first, but if it's actually important, it'll get cleared up eventually. There is plenty, though, that the reader just has to go along with. There are definitely some silly moments mixed in amongst all the killing and fighting - there are quite a few butthole jokes and other moments of hilarity.

The illustrations are extremely dark and chaotic. All of the ships in this world seem to be made of guts and bones, and everything has a grimy feel to it. This dinginess is sort of a hallmark of Hayashida, and makes the whole story a bit gritty, even during the funny moments.

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1

Publisher: Seven Seas
Publication Date: July 6, 2021
ISBN: 9781648272677 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: High School, Manga, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Seven Seas