Manga Review: A Silent Voice, Volume 2, by Yoshitoki Oima

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: July 28, 2015

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

SPEAKING WITH ACTIONS

It’s been five years since Shoya Ishida bullied Shoko Nishimiya so badly she left their elementary school, because of one simple difference between them: Shoya can hear, and Shoko can’t. In the intervening time, Shoya’s life has changed completely. Shunned by his friends, Shoya’s longed for the chance to make up for his cruelty. When it finally comes, will he find the voice to tell Shoko he’s changed? And will Shoko listen?

Review: 

The first volume impressed me a lot, and I’ve been very eager for this one. And honestly, I’m just so glad this is being released. So glad.

There’s a color page, and it’s super pretty. The artwork is nice, and it does well with showing all the emotions and actions and darkness being portrayed here, especially so realistically.

We’re back in the present now, after everything with Shoko, after all Shoya’s bullying and now with his depression. Shoya hates himself for what he did and what happened to him after the fact. He’s decided to come apologize to Shoko, and has to chase after her for her to hear him out.

We’re still very much in Shoya’s head, and I hope we get inside Shoko’s at some point. Even after everything, after we get to see more of her somewhat terrible mother and protective little sister, she’s much more optimistic than anyone else. Even after everything Shoya did, she gives him another chance, she wants to talk to him and get to know him. He doesn’t deserve her kindness, and everyone else knows it.

Shoya is still hating himself immensely, but he’s decided to work for it. He’s working to get forgiveness from Shoko’s little sister, and he’s growing on her; he's trying to get Shoko’s mothers forgiveness; and most of all, he’s trying to earn the right to be better so he’s deserving of Shoko’s friendship. I appreciate that he’s learned (or is learning) sign language after everything, in order to talk to her.

Along the way, he’s made a new friend for the first time. His mother seemed oblivious to everything he was doing, so I liked that we got to see her getting back at him for everything he’s done to her as well.

This series impresses me a lot. There’s so much development and complexity, and it’s very realistic and harsh, as it should be. I’m loving it so much, and I can’t wait for the next one.