Heavenly Delusion Volume 2, by Masakazu Ishiguro, continues the quality shown in Volume 1. This volume shows Kiriko’s background. Then we see the ship the two were on be attacked by a Hiruko. We get to see them begin exploring a new town, but the focus the latter half of this volume is on Tokio and the institution that he is locked in.

The art style remained consistent with the last volume. The design of both Hiruko’s that appeared was well done, in particular the one on the boat. The combination of a fish with multiple arms shows the creativity of Ishiguro. The design was disturbingly absurd int the best way, evoking a sense of unease.

Storywise I enjoyed what was shown here. Going into Kiruko’s backstory at the start, following the cliff hanger of her revealing that she was a guy provided quick catharsis for something that would have normally been drawn out in other manga. It provided a lot of context retroactively for why he acted in certain ways in the previous volume. The backstory was well done, with the focus being intentionally misleading as to the character that we would follow and ending it with a very good twist, that retroactively had a lot of set up. The use of Chekhov’s gun is used very well in this manga, and I anticipate that a lot of minor details setup will end up being relevant throughout the story. I liked that it quickly establishes how important minor details are and demands the audience to pay attention for maximum enjoyment.

In the latter half of this volume, we see a lot more intentional misdirection that has quick pay off that changed a lot of the character dynamics from the first volume with Tokio and the rest of the institution. There is a lot of mystery being set up here as well that is being built up that I cannot wait to be paid off later. The characters are well written with a lot of consistency in word and deed. As mentioned before, a lot happens that changes the dynamics between the characters, and I enjoy how this changes things without being forced or feeling unrealistic.

I like the contrast in tone between the outside world and the institution. Despite the dangers the outside feels freer and really make one interested in seeing more of it, while the institution feels foreboding. This is more conveyed in the attitude of some of the characters and the manipulation of the adults there. How they joke about not always teaching the children things and spying on them via cameras, makes the dystopian atmosphere really feel present, which contrasts with the cheerful attitude of the ignorant children. It feels like the author combines two types of dystopias in fiction, the postapocalyptic wasteland and the authoritarian future together in a very natural way.

To summarize, this volume has good character dynamics and development, the writing is good, and the story remains as engrossing as before. The overall tone of the manga feels very intentional and is conveyed perfectly. The designs of the Hiruko shown are very strong. On reflection I see a lot of inspiration from Junji Ito’s Gyo in the design of one of them which I like.

This was an excellent volume. I’d rate it a 4.7/5.

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