Beastars Vol. 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Legoshi has a legitimate run-in with Haru, who doesn't remember how her arm got hurt. She has a reputation for sleeping with any male; she assumes Legoshi wants the same "payment" for his help, and is confused when he panics and turns her down. Louis, high on painkillers, confronts Legoshi, but Legoshi remains the bigger person. Louis pushes through his injury for the first performance of the play, but for the second performance, a tiger steps into his role. This tiger pushes Legoshi's buttons, and they scuffle on stage till Louis steps in.This volume is more enjoyable than the first volume. We needed the baseline on characters, and now we can better appreciate their interactions. I wasn't prepared for Haru to have a reputation as a "slut", but I appreciate that she's an atypical character for that trope-y role. Her attitude regarding sex as payment is interesting, as is her reaction to Legoshi's reaction. I like that she's not scared of his size or his being a carnivore. Legoshi's naïvity is showing, hardcore. It takes him far too long to catch on, but I love his modesty, just as I love her confidence. I like how Legoshi can't get her out of his head, just because he wants to get to know her and is feeling some kind of attraction that's not predatory (carnivore or sexual). All in all, the encounter as a whole kinda makes me want to ship them. As much as I still don't like Louis, I have a bit more respect for him, especially given how he steps in very publically to help Legoshi. Of course, there's a selfish reason for him to step in, but still, it's nice to see. There's more of a sense of Louis being the spoiled rich kid who actually wants to make a difference but doesn't really know how to go about it, which is better than the impression I got last volume. He's tough as well as prideful, but that pride has him twisted against carnivores; his confrontation with Legoshi does appear to open his eyes somewhat, so that gives me hope. The tiger has the viewpoint I would expect from a repressed carnivore in this seemingly-recent post-segregation setting. He's been given a chance to show his dominance, which warps him immediately. He even dopes himself by drinking rabbit blood, which is what gives Legoshi some fighting spirit against him. Part of me wanted to cheer on Legoshi, but the tiger makes some good counterpoints, especially with regard to some hypocrisy on Legoshi's part. I am shocked by the level of violence the tiger stoops to to exert his dominance over Legoshi, and I applaud Legoshi for not crying out in pain. There's some great humor when the Newspaper Staff commiserates over how cute their boss (a black rat) is, after getting chewed out by him. I love the humor in the extra that shows the Art Club gushing over Legoshi in his skimpy costume for the play. I appreciate the conversation Legoshi has about why he works backstage, and the insight into all the members of the Drama Club (I can't wait to see how this will be used as a bigger angle!). Overall, I'm more impressed with this volume and am actually wanting to read more. Written: October 19, 2019
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