Phantom Thief Jeanne Vol. 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Maron and Chiaki struggle with their feelings for each other, which are complicated by their positions as rival Phantom Thieves. Chiaki finally confronts his father, and Maron realizes exactly how her best friend feels about Jeanne.I really like how this story balances out both Maron's and Chiaki's struggles. It focuses mostly on Maron, but Chiaki is an important character on his own, as well as in how he relates to both aspects of Maron's identity. I particularly love the panel where Chiaka leans on a lightpole, head in hand, struggling because he wants to hold Maron. Of course, we mainly get to see Chiaki like this because this is a shojo, but I'm not complaining. While I don't like how blunt he is with calling out Maron's weakness, I do appreciate that it helps her face that and begin to move on. The prison scene is painful in a few different ways, which works for story and character development. I wish Chiaki realized sooner how cruel such a "joke" could be, though it may be that he's more putting on a strong face than anything else. I'm also not sure why he goes from the wonderful, comforting embrace, to kissing Jeanne's neck and shoulder after moving her clothing out of the way; it's very inappropriate given the situation and the "joke" he just pulled. I enjoyed seeing both Maron and Chiaki deal with family issues, not because of the issues themselves, but because it provides a better sense of them as characters, allows them to grow, and moves the plot. Their situations are definitely not typical, but neither are their mystical occupations, so it fits that their real lives would have troubles the average person wouldn't understand. I'm also glad that we get to know more about Miyako, especially her relationship with Maron. I feel sorry for her in so many ways, but I can't bring myself to want her situation changed as that would drastically affect the story and Maron's part in things. Now that Maron knows a bit more about her friend as well, things may get more challenging for her. I love how thick these volumes are. They are longer than the average Viz manga, without raising the cost much (only $1 increase to $10.99). The story is engaging with a nice mix of character building, romance, action, and fantasy. I definitely want to know what happens next for Maron as well as Chiaki, Miyako, and all the connecting relationships. Written: July 19, 2014
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