Connect with us
Dr. Stone Vol. 2 Review

Manga and Anime

Dr. Stone Vol. 2 Review

The second volume zings with answers and action.

[amazon_link asins=’1974702626′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4e9db12-f104-11e8-9925-17db5046a0fa’]

Dr. Stone is a manga series that mixes fantasy with sci-fi, sticking the protagonists in a sci-fi premise while also thrusting them into a Stone Age future and reducing the status of the world to the basics. It’s a series that’s quite clever and in this second volume we learn a bit more about the way they survived, as well as gain new insight into how Senku freed his best friend Taiju.

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

Senku, Taiju and Yuzuriha are well on their way to crafting gunpowder when they spot smoke far off in the distance. Convinced that it’s a sign of other humans, Senku takes a huge risk by sending up a smoke signal of their own. Meanwhile, Tsukasa is determined to stop their progress on gunpowder, and his arrival on the scene could spell the end for our heroes!

Why does this matter?

Dr. Stone is also an anime so you know the manga’s worth a damn since an animation studio is willing to turn it into a series. It’s also a fun premise that anyone can fantasize about since living in the wilderness with just your wits to keep you alive is a fantasy of many.

Read my review of Volume 1.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Dr. Stone Vol. 2 Review

There’s only a handful of humans in existence, but let’s keep up with the pleasantries of not seeing each other naked. (Image credit: Viz Media)

I was impressed with this second volume due to some plot changing surprises as well as new reveals about how Senku and his friends survived thousands of years cast in stone. There’s direct conflict, new details are revealed, and there’s even some old school technology on full display. I can see young adults learning a bit from the narrative (we learn about how pulleys work and even get the formula for making gunpowder) which adds yet another layer to the overall package.

I have to hand it to story writer Riichiro Inagaki who comes up with a rather clever explanation as to how people could survive cast in stone for so long. We learn in the first volume that Senku never stopped counting so he knew how long he was stuck in the stone. That begs the question, how did he take in enough calories to keep on thinking? There’s a good explanation for that. There are also other reveals in a prequel chapter showing how Senku concocted the first elixir to break people from the stone, as well as all the inventions he came up with to show all the hairy monkeys that he was more than just a smooth and shiny monkey.

This volume also progresses the larger world’s story with potential for new characters. Series villain Tsukasa wants to rule the world as some kind of king, but his plans have yet to flourish. That said, the idea that there could be other people roaming about further complicates things and will surely change the gears of the plot quickly. That occurs in this volume with Tsukasa coming directly in conflict with Senku in a surprising twist.

Dr. Stone Vol. 2 Review

I don’t buy this explanation. (Image credit: Viz Media)

It can’t be perfect can it?

[amazon_link asins=’1974702626′ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’25f0c079-f107-11e8-a609-a7b7c38ec14f’]

I said this about volume one and it continues to be accurate: Taiju is a very boring character. He serves as comic relief, but the bulging eyes and highly emotional shtick gets old fast. Senku and Taiju are great friends, but it’s partly because Senku can manipulate him to help with his experiments. His explanation to Yuzuriha in the opening pages as to why he won’t tell her what he was going to say to her before they were cast in stone (that he loves her) doesn’t really make sense. He’s too dense to respect and his foolish behavior is too over-the-top to laugh at. Tsukasa is also underwritten and is somehow hyper intelligent and as powerful as Superman. He was just an aggressive jock and yet now he’s like some supervillain. It’s way too much to swallow.

Is it good?

I enjoyed this second volume even more than the first. Real answers are being delivered, there’s action, and the science-fiction elements are backed up with real science. It’s clever enough for adults, but young adults will love–and learn from–it too.

Dr. Stone Vol. 2 Review
Dr. Stone Vol. 2
Is it good?
I enjoyed this second volume even more than the first. Real answers are being delivered, there’s action, and the science-fiction elements are backed up with real science. It’s clever enough for adults, but young adults will love--and learn from--it too.
Real answers and plot development keep this story moving forward
A good prequel chapter works well to show Senku's early struggle
Taiju and Tsukasa are rather basic characters
9
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

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup