Connect with us
After the Rain Vol. 2 Review

Manga and Anime

After the Rain Vol. 2 Review

Akira and Kondo reconnect with old friends.

[amazon_link asins=’1947194364′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9f3468f8-0ca5-11e9-aeea-6f8f01d5ae3c’]

Jun Mayuzuki’s After the Rain tells the story of Akira, a high school student and former track runner who had to give up that passion after a leg injury. Now working as a waitress, she develops romantic feelings for her boss, Kondo. The series’ first installment impressed with its believable dialogue, strong character focus, and airy, emotive artwork. Vol. 2 is now out from Vertical Comics, and it collects chapters 17-32. The tension between Akira and Kondo rises, and they both grow as characters as former friends reenter their lives. How does this volume compare to the series’ debut? Is it good?

This volume manages to flesh out the characters’ worlds and motivations effectively while seldom resorting to exposition dumping. The introduction of Akira’s friend Kiyan is a great example of this. We get a brief flashback to when Akira and Kiyan ran track together, and the juxtaposition of their carefree younger selves with their current circumstances helps convey the nature of the gulf that’s widened between them. There’s more than just the physical distance that came when they started attending different schools; Akira’s injury and resultant inability to run track anymore have clearly put a strain on her ability to connect with others. This is seldom addressed outright, however. Mayuzuki addresses the issue subtly, such as in a telling panel where Akira’s leg is shown at an angle where the reader can see the scarring on her calf. Moments like these demonstrate Mayuzuki’s talent for showing instead of just telling.

Kondo’s meeting with his former classmate Chihiro is also well-written. Chihiro shows up at a critical point in Kondo’s character arc, and their conversation really sells the fact that Kondo had a life and dreams before the events of the manga. This helps shape him into more of a dynamic character with depth beyond just being a worn down, complacent middle-aged man. The pacing of the pair’s reunion is also great, and has some foreshadowing that isn’t apparent until after the fact.

As with the last volume, Mayuzuki impresses artistically as well. The atmosphere throughout this volume is ridiculously good. The shading is lovely, and the use of patterns and hatching when conveying depth and texture is top-notch. The characters’ facial expressions continue to convey the intensity of their emotions, as well as the awkward humor present in many of their interactions. The only real con to the visuals is some occasional wonky anatomy, but this is very rare.

Overall, After the Rain Vol. 2 is a poignant read with lovely art, effective pacing, and strong development of the protagonists’ social lives. Both Akira and Kondo are more well-developed by the end, making their dramas all the more enjoyable. As with the last volume, your mileage may vary on how adequately the subject matter (regarding Akira and Kondo’s age gap) is handled, but I personally think it’s dealt with tastefully for the most part. Besides that the main cons are just some occasional anatomy issues. Overall, this volume is even better than the last.

After the Rain Vol. 2 Review
After the Rain Vol. 2
Is it good?
A poignant read with lovely art, effective pacing, and strong development of the protagonists' social lives.
The characters' social lives are explored more in depth
The art is great, from the shading to characters' facial expressions
The pacing is very well-done
There is some occasional wonky anatomy
Your mileage may vary in terms of how adequately Mayuzuki handles the subject matter
8.5
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age 'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

‘X-Men’ #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

Comic Books

New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th

New DC Black Label ‘Zatanna: Bring Down the House’ out June 25th

Comic Books

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063 DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup