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Title:
  Nana vol 2

UK Distributor:  VIZ Media

Created by:  Ai Yazawa

Suggested Retail Price (SRP):  £5.99

Number of Pages:  208

ISBN:  978-1421503783

Reviewed:  6th April 2007 

Reviewer:  Ami-chan

 

The second manga of Nana could be seen as the true start to the story (with the first volume acting like a prelude providing back story to both of the main characters).  It begins by showing how both Nanas meet each other on the train to Tokyo, where both want to make a fresh start.  This though is where the similarities stop, as personality-wise they are quite different which is shown clearly through their first conversation.  Nana Komatsu (who is given the nickname, Hachi) is very forthcoming and is willing to discuss personal details of her life.  Whereas, Nana Osaki reveals very little about herself and is content to listen to Hachi's ramblings.

The first manga shows how this unlikely duo move in together into the ironically numbered, flat 707 (for those who don't know, Nana means seven, which is viewed as unlucky in Japan).  The following chapters in some ways could be described as a strange psychological experiment as the friends of each of the girls meet and tries to find the middle ground - that being the fact that they are both worried about how each Nana will cope in Tokyo.

The story at present focuses mainly on Hachi's emotions as she goes through the transition of going from a long distant relationship to one where she can see her boyfriend as much as she likes.  On the other hand Nana remains much more of a mystery.  She's evasive of Hachi's questions, especially when asked does she have a boyfriend or does she have feelings for her former bandmate Yasushi.  This though makes her more compelling as you want to know how she really feels about her breakup with Ren.  Another part of the manga which I quite liked was the introductions and endings to each chapter.  It is done in a retrospective way as if the two Nanas are talking years later about their time together.

Yet again the artwork of the manga is kept to a good standard.  One part that I found particularly good is the choice of front cover art used, as it is connected to manga one.  On the first volume, it is simply Nana sitting on her own in the flat.  The colours used are mainly greyscale, which is used to represent how lonely Nana is.  However, on manga two the front cover features both Nana and Hachi in the flat but this time they look happier and are laughing.  This is partially shown by the use of colours which are this time much brighter.

Overall, this volume is a great introduction to the initial story of the manga.  One could argue that you could begin reading it from volume two.  However, I would recommend to start from volume one as it shows the two main characters past before meeting each other.

Extras

Yet again the extras are disappointing, which is surprising for a very popular manga in Japan.  Another bonus manga is provided, which this time shows fan art and provides advertisements for the real Jackson's Hole in Tokyo. 

Product: Extras:
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