Vital Stats
Title: Zone-00JP Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten
Licensor: TOKYOPOP
Mangaka: Kiyo Qjo
The Review (Video)
The Review (Text)
I haven't generally done reviews of later volumes-- you guys usually know after a couple of volumes whether you're interested in a series, and I can't even keep up with all the new releases, much less tacking on reviewing every long series! --but I decided to make an exception for Zone-00, since the first volume was so confusing.Unfortunately, volume two did nothing to reprieve my confusion, although that's in part due to the fact that my copy of volume one is hidden in a box somewhere so I couldn't go back and reference it. From what I do remember, though, the second volume doesn't really make a lot more sense. The plot of the Zone-00 drug doesn't get moved forward much (although it does get a mention!), and one of the side characters from the first volume takes on the lead role for this volume, or at least is more heavily focused upon than anyone else, which is surprising this early on in a series.
The manga could seriously use one of those guides, which explains all of the characters and their relation to the plot. It doesn't seem that the original manga came with it, but maybe TOKYOPOP could create one?
Just feels like this review was over far too fast. It seems that you covered the bases, but everything was so general in it's explanation. I think G-Man's comic reviews range in the 4-6 minutes range. That's normally to explain his thoughts on perhaps an average 25-30 pages. With a manga, you are looking at often closer to 200 pages and 8-10 chapters.
Tell us something about the characters or the events. Even if it is a trifle bit convoluted at this time. Maybe tell us the name of this "main guy". Also, what is the review for this book? The only thing you really said was that it wouldn't make your top ten for the year. A point system is cliche, but it often helps the viewer put things into some sort of perspective.
You shouldn't really assume that the audience has seen the previous review. It's why TV shows will often start with a summary to events form the past episodes. You could brush over events from the previous manga. It does help that you link to it. I think the only safe assumption is that if someone is going to be watching a review of the second volume that they know what happened in the first. Otherwise, they have no right to complain about spoiling events from the first if they are watching a review of the second.
You should at least say what the name of the lead character is and give some insight to the events in the book. Otherwise it's less of a review and more of a description. Talk about the moments you liked, didn't like, or thought were confusing. Tease the viewer into wanting to buy the book if you think it's worth it. Give us an idea of if it's worth the listed price. That's normally why people check reviews. To see if it's worth the time and money.