Puri Puri Vol. #2
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Puri Puri © 2005 Chiaki Taro / Akita Publishing Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
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September 10, 2007
by: Adam Beck
Life is filled with sins for Masato as we dig deeper into his wannabe priest mind.
Manga Description: Masato Kamioda has somehow managed to survive the initial temptations of being the only male student in a divinity school brimming with blossoming young beauties. But it remains to be seen if he can suppress his burgeoning passions long enough to avoid the chasms of sin that keep opening before him along his road to priesthood. So far he has had only his desire for Ayano-chan to deal with, but more menacing temptations are in store for our pious little protagonist. The race is on as Kamioda has only two years left to complete a series of grueling trials before realizing his dream of becoming a priest. Peppered with titillation that is sure to please, this second volume of the love comedy hit The Premature Priest shouldn’t be missed.
Manga Review:
Content: (This section may contain spoilers.)
Getting back to the chaos at the all-girl school, Masato is confronted by plenty more problems in his quest in becoming a respected Priest. Since the last chapter of the story didn’t really leave any cliffhangers, Puri Puri Volume 2 starts a whole new venture into Masato’s little life. The first chapter actually doesn’t necessarily start the new adventure, rather, it actually adds some bits about Ayano Mochizuki’s life as a passionate cat lover. This chapter was very hilarious; it emphasized a lot on fun rather than tell a deep story this time around – although the characters actions at the end carry on to the next few chapters – and it really worked, as it was one of my favorite chapters in the second volume.
Then, a new quest begins with the second chapter, and actually continues into the next volume. After finding out that Masato couldn’t become a priest in this school by regular means, the principal has set Masato up with a checklist of things which will ultimately lead him to his dream job as a Priest. In order for Masato to complete the list though, he must join all of the Monastic Order’s clubs. The first club Masato visits is the Choir club, although it appears nothing like anyone would expect. Right when Masato enters the room he sees a girl rocking hard with an electric guitar, and we are then introduced to the choir clubs very peculiar members. Yoko Kurai is the bass guitarist. She's a dreary woman who doesn’t show much personality. Nonoko Akarui is the drummer and she has a very cheerful attitude but isn’t given a major role. And finally the lead guitarist, vocalist, and club president is the ever so carefree and exciting Ririsu Mamiya. By far Ririsu is my favorite character amongst all the new characters introduced in the second volume. She has a certain spark to her that really appeals and mixtures a good chemistry to the storyline. Her rebellious attitude is a first for the series and is a breath of fresh air from the traditional characters. Ririsu brings in most of the comedy in the second volume and being that she doesn’t care she is half naked all the time really adds a new…peculiar atmosphere to the storyline.
After what looked like a very embarrassing concert by Masato, the second club he decides to join is the exorcist club, which is lead by a familiar face from the previous volume, Ayumi Soma. After getting their first job, the two travel to a supposedly haunted mansion where they then meet a new face - Toko Kaguya. Toko is an older classmate of Ayumi while she was in middle school – as well another exorcist investigating the mansion case – and the best way you could describe her is forgettable. The second half the volume focuses on the exorcist club and while Toko makes a lot of appearances, she isn’t all that memorable. She definitely has her moments, but the way she acts doesn’t feel like she will be along for the ride for very long. I actually found the ghost to be much more enjoyable than she is, as it actually adds to a lot of comedy in the last part of the novel and makes the experience all the more enjoyable.
The last chapter of the second novel is by far the funniest I’ve ever read in the entire series. It mostly takes place in the dream world of Masato and quickly becomes a laugh out loud comedy. Right at the end though, something happens to Masato and leaves the series off in a major cliffhanger.
This volume was definitely fun, but it's hard to tell whetehr it's more enjoyable than the first volume, considering both have their ups and downs. While the first volume has had a lot more jokes and the second volume has fewer acts of hilarity, they are actually much more comical. Either way, Puri Puri is once again back on top with some of the most hilarious scenes I've ever read.
Puri Puri © 2005 Chiaki Taro / Akita Publishing Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
Art: If you’ve read the first volume, there won’t be any surprises in the second. The art is relatively clean and should appeal to quite a few people with its overly fan-service. Nevertheless, this is far from the best looking manga series. It does contain quite a bit of detail, but for the most part, the character designs are rather simple – with the exception of Ririsu – and sometimes environments are non-existent. The good thing though, is that the manga rarely dips into little detail so there will be usually a fairly consistent look from start to finish.
Translation: The translation og Puri Puri is done fairly well. Like the first volume there are some errors and typos from time to time: On page 78, scene 4, Ririsu mumbles in her sleep but it isn’t translated; On page 101, scene 3, besides Yoko’s little face, there is an untranslated word if not phrase. Those are the only two sound effects that weren’t translated but on page 103, scene 5, there is a spelling error that is presented as “amoung” when it should really be “among.” Besides those three errors, for the most part, this is a good read, with some – like I’ve mentioned many times before – excellent jokes and skits. Some of the language has also bneen adapted to include informality, for example on page 96, Mamiya saiys “I hate ta ask” or on page 100 where Ririsu says “I’m beggin’ ya!” these little things really adapt to the North American audience and feels a lot more up to date to modern day society.
Sadly, there aren’t that many extras as in the first volume. While the first had tons of sketches on each individual character, the second volume only contains four sketches of the different kinds of uniforms used in the novel. I do like the little notes DrMaster has supplied, such as information on the bow and how it means you’re an honor student, though.
The Bottom Line: Puri Puri Volume 2 rivals right up against its first volume as a hilarious manga of fun. There are some of the most laugh out loud jokes in this volume that will draw anyone’s attention, and it contains an intriguing storyline that has taken a new turn for Masato to boot. Add in the solid visuals, and also a good English-translation, Puri Puri Volume 2 is a must read for any fan of comedy. Pick up both volumes if you want to have a hilarious time!
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Content |
This is a title that will make you laugh out loud with some of the most awkward and comical scenes ever. |
9.0 |
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Art |
While definitely not the best, ot still sticks out as very good with solid detail and a clean slate. |
8.0 |
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Translation |
There are a couple mistakes, but overall it doesn’t take away from the immense amount of humor that the series has to offer. Too bad there weren’t a lot of extras though. |
8.0 |
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Verdict
The second volume of Puri Puri is an excellent one, with some of the most hilarious jokes you’ll ever read and a brand new quest for Masato. Yhere isn’t much holding this back in becoming one of the best manga series this year.
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8.8
[not an average]
+ Plain out Hilarious.
+ Very original in every way.
+ An expanding storyline with many twists.
- Visuals won’t wow you.
- Not that many extras.
- The wait 'till the next volume.
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