DIVE!!, Vol. 2 (DIVE!!, 2)

DIVE!! Volume 2 continued to show the gap and distance Tomoki’s friends put between him as they realized Tomoki was going full speed ahead of them. Ryou appears to take it so hard that he seemingly starts to resent him for it, and even complains about it. Unfortunately, after a discussion he comes to take things in a perhaps interesting and maybe non optimal direction that allows him to make up in some way to Tomoki but then quit the club. This was baffling too me, but considering how this was also in response to his performance at the major meet it somewhat understandable.I found the this focus on a secondary character and making them have a real conflict that involves partly the lead character but then their own shortcomings makes this book standout among a few other sports series in which secondary characters aren’t throwaways. Another character here, such as Okitsu’s self-reflection and loss of direction stands out too. His pages became really emotional in the second half of the volume and really took off once Tomoki and Youichi visited him. It’s really, really memorable as well as the finale for it.Overall, like volume the characters really stand out more than the diving but the diving is not something to scoff at or ignore, as several panels it looks really amazing and some of the characters attitudes over it is awesome, specifically Tomoki’s response over the score, Youichi getting fired up, and Okitsu’s first and second dive. Amazing.Good art, and good writing. Again like v1, no bonuses.

What a Slice of Life Manga for the English-speaking audiences, continuing with Part II of the three part trilogy about the lives of young male divers who do anything to keep their beloved club open. I loved it.