Haru’s master gets imprisoned by Anubis-style aliens!
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Yu Ishihara
Translation/Adaptation: Athena and Alethea Nibley
What They Say
A single teenage girl, the last of her kind, continues her journeys through Japan with the adoring and bright Shiba Inu Haru―and they’re not alone! From the aloof beauty Snow White to the friendly neighborhood aliens, they’ve got plenty of fellow wanderers to meet, swap stories, and get into misadventures with. Who knew the apocalypse could be such a party?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
It’s another installment of a Shiba Inu and his master wandering a post-apocalyptic Japan inhabited by talking animals, fantastic creatures, and aliens. Nearly all the characters in Volume 1 return in Volume 2, though some more briefly than others. We also get new characters. The ones with the most air-time are the Anubis-style aliens who travel from planet to planet to liberate all canine species. When Haru’s master inadvertently insults them, she’s thrown into prison, so of course it’s up to her loyal dog to get her out of trouble.
Another addition to the cast is Collie-nee-san. She looks elegant, but she’s a hard-core BL fangirl. When it comes to discussions of canine behavior, she’s always interpreting through a yaoi lens.
In terms of content, Haru still philosophizes, but there’s a heavier focus on character quirks and the comic situations that the cast gets into. Most of the story is presented in a four-panel format, but the creator also throws in content in a slightly longer 1- to 2-page format. This volume also skews more towards featuring the canine characters than Volume 1, which was more balanced in mixing it up with other animals, mythical creatures, and aliens. So if you like dogs, you’ll enjoy the range of breeds, their personalities, and their interactions and observations. The female Shiba Inus’ fight for Haru’s affections continues as do the comparisons between Western and Japanese breeds. Aside from Haru, the dog that makes the most appearances is Husky, who has been relegated to the role of village idiot (sorry, husky lovers).
The book closes with the bonus story “Next to the Glass Case with You.” Volume 1’s bonus story “Ten Years Later with You” leapt ahead to the end of Haru’s life, and Volume 2 does the opposite by jumping back to the day that dog and master met at the pet shop. In addition to adorable illustrations of puppy-Haru, we get a glimpse into his master’s family situation and clues as to why her personality wound up the way it did.
Extras include translation notes in between chapters, afterword, and bonus illustrations.
In Summary:
If you enjoyed the antics and exchanges of Haru and his ditzy master in Volume 1, you’ll probably enjoy Volume 2. There are more canines in this installment, including Anubis extraterrestrials and a BL-loving Collie. And even though goofy humor predominates, it wraps up with a touching glimpse into Haru and his master’s past.
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: April 18th, 2023
MSRP: $15.00
