Rainbows After Storms, Vol. 2

Rainbows After Storms #2

by Luka Kobachi

Genres: Manga, LGBT, Romance, Yuri, Young Adult, Slice Of Life, Graphic Novels

168 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally figured it out. If Adachi & Shimamura was a manga (ignore the reality that such a thing exists), it would feel a lot like this, I think.

Which makes no sense, the arcs are very different, but it really reminds me of the two of them. Much like that series, I have to admit that this is growing on me as we continue. Familiarity breeds strange bedfellows or something.

Most of my beef with it is still present - if I have to hear that Nanoha and Chidori are secretly dating one more time I might lose it (stay tuned for next volume). It’s really not more than slice of life, but it isn’t trying to be either.

And it’s damn cute. There’s a coziness creeping into this that makes it work. If you want a chill and unassuming bit of yuri where two people in love are trying to cute one another to death, this is more than enough.

It has a nice message of acceptance and, despite being at an all girls’ school, does acknowledge that males exist. Seeing the line ‘it’s fine to date whatever which way nowadays’ certainly made me feel a bit kindlier towards it.

I especially appreciated the flashback to how Nanoha and Chidori started dating. Rather than just lay it all out, there’s a lot of moving around through the events that culminated in their coupling and it works.

You’d think it would feel chopped up, and it might at some points, but mostly it lets the reader fill in the gaps while hitting the important stuff. It’s one of the better flashbacks I’ve read of late and reveals that this wasn’t simply a ‘because it’s you’ for both of them. Nanoha is fine, but Chidori is becoming particularly nuanced in a way that bodes well for future.

There will be a minor penalty for the art class chapter, as I called that joke on literally the first page and had to go for a long walk to get there (although Chidori fawning over Nanoha is adorable and nearly makes up for it).

3.5 stars - almost there; that flashback and some strong messaging bump this up from feeling stock standard. Quite possible it’ll be an easy 4 stars next time.

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion but I don’t hate that they keep mentioning that they are dating!! Also I love that in the end we saw a bit more of the other friends too!!

Yet again, very very cute❤️

[Scarlette Josie (scarlettereads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Three and a half stars

Admittedly, I found this one a touch confusing because I have been reading another manga between volume one and this instalment, but in general I enjoyed Rainbow After Storms, Vol. 2. I'm still not 100% sold on the lack of a strong overarching plot, but besides that the vibes are great and it's a really cute love story. I'm looking forward to volume three.

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this series is fine. Very little happens for a long time before it gets going. There is nearly no relationship or character development, or any plot to speak of, for the first several volumes. What there IS, would be a lot of embarrassed blushing, stolen glances, and tiny interactions between the protagonists while they are awkward. They are keeping their relationship a secret (which you are reminded of CONSTANTLY) so everything is low-key except its somewhat annoying because the result is them interacting even less than they do with their other friends. Did I mention that you are constantly reminded that they are in a relationship but it’s a secret? Because it’s a secret! To give an idea of the lack of relationship development, they are “dating” but have not gone on a single date or kissed (or anything) until the first date in volume 3 and first kiss MUCH later than that. Its sloooooow.

That said there are cute moments. I will read the whole thing because I am wondering if anything eventually happens, which tells you it isn’t terrible. It’s a fast and easy read for sure, with zero angst or stakes. Did I mention that they are in a relationship, but it’s a secret? I am sure I mentioned it less often than it’s mentioned in the manga. The art is well done.

Update now that I’m done the series:
Eventually the story gets going (I’m talking about volume 5-8+) and there is some relationship development and minor conflicts. Its still quite light and easy to read. There are SO many moments that are very silly, and also borderline inappropriate. I have zero idea what age range this is supposed to be for (everyone is so innocent, and nothing happens, yet there is nudity lmao?). Overall, I can’t say I would recommend this, but I also read the whole thing, and it wasn’t bad at all just underwhelming. If you read the whole thing, eventually there is plotline and payoff. Also, they are dating but keeping their relationship a secret, if you didn’t know that detail.

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, this is so cute and lovely, it makes me smile. I really love the art, it has a very clean look to it, and it looks good whether in a more serious moment or a comedic one. Some people will find this to have too little happening, but I really like the quiet building of the romance - that said, I don't need it pointing out every chapter! I did like that Chidori had a previous girlfriend, and although she doesn't actually say it on the page, it seems that she would identify as a lesbian. Looking forwards to more!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this slow and sweet series....very cute forbidden/hidden romance angst, but also a lot of great moments of friendship as well. this volume had a couple of random weird plot points, like the 'pinching underarm' thing lol....aside from that, v cute <3

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a really cute series, but there's not really anything happening. The story is a bunch of shorts that are strung together so it's great for anyone looking for a cozy queer slice of life read, but I wish that there was more happening in the books.

[Kayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Larakaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
We get to know more about the two main characters (what they like/don't like). Still don't know why they hide their relationship though.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty lifeless

[Rebecca Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Snail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying rereading this series in English~

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some cute moments in this but if I'm reminded that they're keeping their relationship a secret one more time, I'm gonna scream.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute and slice of life series so far! I absolutely love it. Can't wait to get and read the next volume 🥰

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Heather’s Reading Bubble · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this to be so repetitive. Just the same thing over and over that they’re dating and no one knows. Nice art that’s all I got.

[Hollis Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protect them at all costs.