Children of the Sea, Vol. 2 (2) Paperback – December 15, 2009

I love these books. I've read them all so many times. Though there are four books, this one is my favorite. I think this one has the best illustrations, though all of the books are beautiful, and this one was the most mysterious and suspenseful. Really awesome!

A story full of the wonder and mystery of life.Not only is the artwork stunning, but the characters are so very real and nuanced.

This is a great, original, creative, beautiful series. All three of my boys and I loved it.

While clearly holding a deep respect for the sciences, Igarashi's perspective on the ocean brings the reader into an immersive space much more visceral than intellectual. If you want to know more, there's just enough writing about this manga already on the internet; I'm just here to give my reccomendation in hopes that more US readers will find this gem. If you're open to engaging new experiences, you might have as much of a blast as I did!

Fantastic art.

This incredibly unique story picks up where Vol. 1 left off and after reading the book I'm still left without any evidence on whether to call it fantasy or science fiction at this point. The fish continue to disappear but that aspect of the story fades to the background as this volume both takes a closer look at certain characters and propels Umi and Sora's plot forward. We are taken into the past and shown Jim's backstory which explains why he is the boys' guardian. A new character, Anglade, appears on the scene who promises answers to Sora. Sora's disappearance leaves Umi depressed and physically ill and Ruka helps him on his search to find Sora.A few exciting reveals are given in this volume adding more mystery to the nature of the boys' existence. The shocking ending is unexpected and will make for a major change in plot for the next volume, if all is as it seems to be. I love the science presented in this manga, the information on marine life and specific to this volume the tsunami's natural place in the ecosystem. I really enjoy the artwork, a lot of attention is paid to the background scenery in many frames and the characters are nicely drawn. One thing that did irritate me though was the new character Anglade. So far in this book, the men have been drawn to look like men, something I appreciated and had come to expect from the series. But along comes Anglade who is obviously an attractive female and referred to by name only at first then all of a sudden Anglade is referred to as he and him all the time.Otherwise, I'm finding this series incredibly intriguing and unique. The science setting of the aquarium, the involvement of marine biologists keep the possible science fiction angle open while the fantastical events are happening all around them. At over 300 pages these volumes include a lot of characterization and I've grown attachments to certain characters and found a few I'm not fond of as well. After the system jarring ending I'm really looking forward to the next volume due out this summer (2010).Re-read Aug/2013: My original review is very detailed on my impressions of this volume and I won't repeat them. I rated it a (4.5/5) For this re-read I am again just astounded with Igarashi's stunning art. His representation of marine life is captivating. The story becomes very mystical at this point. The boys themselves and Jim refer to them as not human, something I think I missed in the first read and this is an important plot-point. Also much is made of Ruka's similarities with Umi and Sora. I still don't like the way Anglade is drawn. I really hate it when they draw a beautiful girl with long flowing hair, gorgeous big eyes with long upturned eyelashes and then eventually tell you it's a him. Gag! The story is becoming very mystical with connections between both myths and science at this point and the ending is shocking and tragic. I'm willing to change my rating to a full 5/5 at this point. Anglade's looks don't affect the story, just my sensibilities LOL.

(I actually read this entire series early this year. I'm just posting my original reviews from Goodreads):This series has really grown on me.I initially had issues with reading R to L, but as soon as I started this book I fell into the flow of it as if I have been reading manga my entire life. I enjoyed the pictures more and the story more.I quite like this story although it is slow. I do hate how it ends. It gets interesting as soon as it ends.I am really happy I kept at this series. I really like it.

this isn't so much of a review as it is an attempt to start some conversation about this book. i couldn't really find any forums that discuss this at length. i have no idea how many people read this book, but its pretty unique. really interesting story about magic, myth, and science and the creator really takes his time to flesh out these ideas. sometimes to a point where i'm a little lost as to where the story is going, and despite the pace, you never get bored because the pauses give you time to think and really appreciate the artwork which is definitely stylized with big beautiful buggy eyes, but the artist also captures alot of really tender moments, a full range of human emotions, draws great hair, environments, weather, and of course sea creatures.now i was hoping some other readers might help me out with a few questions:-how is professor anglade a MAN? i had to reread a few parts, but i'm pretty sure anglade is referred to as a he, him, mister, etc... sometimes sora looks like he could be mistaken for a young girl, but i think he's supposed to be a little asexual looking. but anglade just looks like a very attractive female who dislikes shirts. i just have no idea why an obvious she is referred to as a he. and no explanation is given. any ideas?ok, so that was more like ONE question...