Product Description: Surfer dude Houryu and shy intellectual Shouin are very much in love. Their days together are filled with happiness, but when Shouin's French tutor - a handsome and openly gay man named Nanami - makes his affection for Shouin known, doubts begin to surface between the couple. Houryu begins to believe Nanami's theory that Houryu is at heart a straight man and will turn to a woman when his experimentation period with Shouin is over.
It's okay... If you own the first one and you're not sure if you should buy the second, I recommend giving it a chance, even if you weren't a big fan. I don't know what happened exactly, but I actually began to care more about the characters...maybe because it was all coming to a close? Actually, after re-reading this series again, I liked it more than I did the first time, so I suggest you do that if you have the first one.
However, there is a scene in here that I have a huge problem with. (Just warning you now, there's a spoiler ahead-!!!) There is a rape that I feel kills the loving romance that had been built throughout the series. The book nudges it off easily enough like it was no big deal, but I found it to be something that stuck with me and really bothered me! It was just the wrong way to handle the situation, even though he was mad. I agree with the other reviewer who pointed this out and feel it's worth mentioning.
Since nobody else mentions it . . . (SPOILERY CONTENT WARNING) I reviewed this full 2-parter under V1. But just quickly warning those who are already fans of v1 that v2 is not just more of the same. Unfortunately, Kawai needless and pointlessly has one lover rape the other, during a fight, and then forgets about it and dismisses it as no big deal. Just so you know. I do wish other reviewers would trouble to mention these sorts of things.
potent love after all horyu and shouin went through in the first volume, one might think that life is smooth-sailing for this twosome. au contraire, because if that's the case, volume two wouldn't be in existence!
this time around, trouble comes in the form of a new suitor, a past dalliance and of all the things... the ocean, or specifically, horyu's love for all things aquatic (well, not everything aquatic... just surfing). what's interesting is that the concerns hounding these two lovebirds are valid - none of those ridiculous plot devices that overruns most manga - as is the way it is tied up at the end. both horyu and shouin are shown with flaws and the way they react to their often uncertain future are both realistic and touching. kawai-sensei's ability to imbue humanity in her characters is apparent in this manga.
as usual, kawai-sensei's art is modern, gorgeous and sensual. there's just something very sweet and yet sexy about her art. her characters' chibi-fied forms are cute without being annoying, and are actually fun to look at. also, her characters are always adorable; brooding dudes included.
speaking of brooding dudes, the extra story included in this manga revolves around a film student and his mysterious, charismatic yet slovenly film subject. i am utterly in love with this story, and the chapter is waaay to short to do them justice. thankfully though, kawai-sensei has produced a separate series on this couple, called "in the walnut". unfortunately, this title has yet been licensed in the states.
all in all, volume two of our everlasting continues the tone and sensibilities of its predecessor, making it a satisfying round two of one of the sweetest and beautiful yaoi romances out there.
UPDATE: in the walnut is now licensed and will be published sometime at the end of 2007. keep a look out for it!
Lovely! I love Toko Kawai's works. She is one Yaoi mangaka/artist who does not need steamy sex scenes to hold my interest. Vol 2 explores every angle of our lovers' feelings for each other beautifully - their doubt, insecurities and vulnerability and the fragility of their love. Kawai's words are simple yet deeply emotional (the translation is well done) and the facial expressions are vividly effective. Her story line may seem simple but it is her characters and the development of their love which shine. Horyu and Shouin overcoming all odds to be together simply tugs at my heart strings. Now if only DMP will translate the rest of her works.
The Story Continues Again the story is the same just a little edgier with some more interesting scenes in the car... Oh and this time they don't have to find eachother just how to hold on to each other as their futures are closing in and trying to lead them in sepearte ways.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Not Available Comics
Trevor
