Pokemon Adventures: HeartGold & SoulSilver Vol. 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 The HeartGold & SoulSilver arc are really thick manga volumes; I like that there is so much story for $9.99. Volume two is action-packed! Arceus is here and the plates are recovered. Team Rocket's executives use Gold, Silver, and Crys to attempt to control Arceus. Help comes from an unexpected trio of characters, and Gold has personal growth. This volume concludes the Arceus part of the story arc.I'm having trouble picking favorite parts, but as a whole it's a great read. Gold is still a bit of a jerk, but I appreciate the realization and growth he has thanks to battling Arceus. Silver is a complex character. Sometimes he's helpful, othertimes he's jerky (though not as arrogant as Gold). The fact that his father is Giovanni makes him an important figure, especially in this volume. Crys gets overshadowed a lot. She plays an important role, but we barely get to see her fight with her pokemon and she's often made to worry over the guys' actions rather than take action herself. The aspect that makes her non-role work is that I, as a reader, often identify with her concern or confusion regarding Gold and Silver's actions. I was surprised to see much smaller pokemon pulling the gigantic Arceus around, and confused as to how Team Rocket got shackles and chains on Arceus in the first place, especially around its neck. Though, it does allow me to see that awesome Arbok again. The scenes where Arceus is creating three legendary pokemon is very cool, visually, and it works well to show that they are being made out of nothing. Size is ignored later on as well, when a tiny little Swinub takes on the crazy-large legendary pokemon (I found it quite hilarious when it is seen "flying" by in one scene and perched on the head of one of the pokemon in another). The volume ends with the world saved, Team Rocket with both gains and losses, humor, a bit of flirting, and an evolution. It's a nice conclusion of this arc and a good set-up for the next one without committing to anything in particular. HeartGold & SoulSilver may not be my favorite Pokemon set, but I'm pleased with this volume and looking forward to more. I'm especially looking forward to seeing how the characters continue to mature. Written: February 1, 2014
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