Alive 2: The Final Evolution

Rating T+ Genre manga Publisher Del Rey External Links Official Alive 2 Website

Some are born with powers; for others, there is a high toll for their powers. Taisuke and other comrades fall into the latter. After a suicide virus kills thousands of people, there are a few survivors who did not commit suicide. Some have gained powers, while others haven’t. Taisuke is one of the few that has gained new powers, along with his friend, Hirose. Unfortunately for Hirose there are others out there who are less benevolent and will kill others that stand in their way, including Hirose. Confused as to why his best friend has become violent, Taisuke follows the only clue he received: go north. On the way he meets Ryou, a female truck driver. When they stop at a rest stop, they are trapped within a barrier created by another comrade, Yuta. It is up to Taisuke to decide whether he will kill the little boy or let the people trapped inside the barrier die. Or perhaps he can do both?

The story is done very well and is quite dark, and the pacing is superb. Even though the incident at the truck stop doesn’t develop Taisuke, it does add to the emotion and atmosphere of the story. How does a child react when he sees his own mother kill herself? How do people get along after they have lost loved ones? This volume answers those questions, although it leaves many more questions unanswered, and creates even more questions along the way. The artwork is decent, with Taisuke fulfilling the role of teenager with some problems. The character designs are unique enough that you can tell the difference, although we’ve all seen very similar characters in other manga. The creepy guy who has the greasy long hair and jagged teeth, the sexy yet wise woman, and the creepy teenage boy who looks innocent but really isn’t. They’re all there. The manga has some graphic bits -- a woman’s head explodes -- and is rated 16+. Despite the serious nature of the manga, there are some humorous parts that lighten the dark atmosphere. It’s nice to read a mature manga that is actually mature and isn’t rated 16+ just because of fan service. I’m not saying I enjoy blood and guts, but it’s nice to read a darker and well-thought out sci-fi thriller.

The manga promises to be very enjoyable so long as the authors can keep up the pace. The mysteries are being unraveled little by little and the fact that it is still unclear as to what exactly caused the virus makes the story even more interesting. I highly suggest this reading.