I liked the story overall. The pacing was fine and there was consistent progression. I personally prefer fast paced growth. The second volumes antagonist was basically a walking pile of free abilities. But I knew eating the entire guy was out of the question. The amount of abilities the protagonist would have gained would be too much for the stories pacing. Knowing this, I predicted the story would set up the antagonists defeat in such a way that it would take the option out of the protagonists hands. The story did exactly that by blowing him to smithereens. Have the protagonist off handedly comment about how it’s such a shame their was nothing left of the guy to collect. But at least he got one bite in. I will admit, I did find that part somewhat unsatisfying even if I understood from a story telling perspective.
I would prefer slightly unconventional ways of growth. Like how eating the ursine bears infected with their own strain of the virus, gave him enhanced stamina. Their meat was low in radiation, so I assumed it was their version of the virus that did it. Upgrading the nanites in his body with the new system update seems pretty cool. But less satisfyingly given the upgrade will inevitably spread to other people. It would be nice if he gained at least a version of every type of observed deadman ability in the story and having those abilities grow in power. He still can’t grow in size and he doesn’t have the green glowing eyes that can see heat or radiation. Upgrades people, upgrades.
The only other issue I have with the story is that it’s too short. I felt like more could have been shown. Maybe the protagonist gets curious and decides to explore the tunnels in the gorge. Trying to find what the sign atop the warehouse was warning about. A mysterious energy? Maybe not actively seeking it out but stumbles upon it by accident. I was hoping to see the human tribes suddenly sweep through and attack Eden. But we didn’t get to see that. Maybe lean a bit more into the subtle supernatural elements that peak through into the world. Hearing the Russian voices in the cockpit was a pretty good moment. Pretty sure aliens are referenced in fallout and this series is clearly inspired by fallout.
I will continue to the third instalment in the series.