Kingdom Hearts, Vol. 2

キングダム ハーツ [Kingdom Hearts] #2

by Shiro Amano

When a storm hits his island, fourteen-year-old Sora is swept into a mysterious land where he meets Court Wizard Donald and Captain Goofy, who are on a mission to find King Mickey and return him to his throne at Disney Castle.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Video Games, Adventure, Young Adult

135 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2004

About the author

Shiro Amano (天野 シロ, born January 4, 1976) is a Japanese manga artist who has worked on several projects, including his adaptation on the popular Kingdom Hearts series.

Reviews

[Shawna Finnigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume is about as good as the first volume. The Kingdom Hearts series is better as a video game, but it’s fun to explore the world again and hang out with Sora in this manga. I really liked the Disney worlds the characters explored in this volume and I’m looking forward to seeing what worlds they’ll explore next.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first one, this is cute, but doesn't add much to the game. I guess we already get a view of all major players in the game. Still, you do want a little more, not just a straight comic-book-isation (is there a proper word for that?). And the pace feels so ridiculously fast.

I do love the art, though. All the characters -- Disney and Squeenix -- we know and love, but manga style.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, a fantastic faithful adaptation to the video game series. The artwork is beautiful and the storyline is just awesome.

[Lesincele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me hubiera gustado que cada historia en cada mundo hubiera sido más extensa porque pasa todo demasiaso rápido. Pero aún así me ha gustado.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish there was supplemental material to enhance what was in the game. All this is is an illustrated verbatim dialogue of the game in manga form. So, it's actually quite disappointing and boring. If you haven't played the game and plan on it don't read these. If you've played the game don't bother reading these.

[Fizzgig76 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sora, Donald, and Goofy meet Aladdin and Hercules and battle Jafar and Hades. Maleficent is revealed to be working with the Heartless and tries to turn Riku against Sora. The series already begins to fade as "world hopping" begins and very little plot is revealed.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like i said on the first one, im captured by the story.

[ketall · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's cute. I think the game is a better experience however.

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sora, Donald, and Goofy continue their journey in their gummy ship across worlds, with a brief return to Traverse Town for Cid to do some repairs on their vessel. It also gives the three of them an opportunity to train. Squall/Leon gives Sora a new task, to lock with his keyblade the doors between worlds, to keep the darkness from creeping through and swallowing everything. Sora is briefly reunited with Riku, but Riku is none too happy that Sora has found new companions. Plus what are these new powers Riku is showing and why is he at Maleficent’s side?

Readers get to meet some of the villains scheming behind the Heartless. Maleficent appears to be the one executing ‘the plan’ and making sure the others fall in line with kidnapping and collecting girls from various worlds. Plus she appears to have plans for Riku as well. Jafar and Hades are revealed as two of the schemers, although more interested in power on their own worlds than the plan. Sora, Donald, and Goofy end up crossing them or being used by them in two more worlds based on Disney movies the travelers find themselves in. The three of them meet Aladdin, the genie, Abu, and Jasmine on one, once more encountering the ‘plan’ and the events unfolding around it. Afterwards they end up fighting in the arena and meeting Hercules, encountering a keyhole, finding Heartless to fight, along with Cloud of Final Fantasy. The main story is followed up by some omake to keep things from getting too heavy.

I didn’t enjoy the story in this volume as much as I did Book 1, but it was fun. I was a little disappointed in Riku’s return, that it wasn’t more mysterious. The Aladdin story was a bit of a let down, too, glossing over certain details which would have been fun to have seen flushed out. Even so, the plot kept me hooked, making me want to keep reading.

[xnera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a manga retelling of the popular video game of the same name. It follows the plot of the game fairly well, though not exactly. As well it shouldn't: books are not the same creatures as video games, and thus have different needs when it comes to storytelling. Parts of the story have been expanded, with more exposition, fillers, and character interactions.

And yet there's also pages that feel rushed. This manga is considerably shorter than most, which I assume is done because of the age bracket this series would mostly attract. I think this is a bad move; the story could use a few extra pages to really spread out and not rush through scenes.

The artwork is good, but not great. Oh, it's not bad by any means; it's just that I don't quite like the way Sora's eyes are drawn. Also, there are times when the Disney characters look a bit "off" and don't seem themselves. Happily, this happens infrequently, and so Disney fans would be happy with the drawings. So far, I'm happy with the way the Final Fantasy characters have been drawn. They look very much like their game counterpoints, and I would argue that Squall (sorry, he will always be Squall to me, not Leon) looks better here than he did in Kingdom Hearts I.

Although I do find some minor faults with this series, it does what I wanted it to do: give me a way to revist my beloved Kingdom Hearts world and characters without having to fire up the ol' Playstation 2. I'd recommend this book to anyone else who's feeling nostalgic for the games and needs a taste of it.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of volumes 1-4 of Kingdom Hearts by Shiro Amano.

Oh, Kingdom Hearts. I have loved this franchise since I was 11 years old. I have extolled the virtues of this series on forums, created theories, analyzed videos, created timelines with major game sites, I have written about this series for years, met the creator multiple times to interview him...I feel as though I can no longer speak on Kingdom Hearts because I have said all of the words that can be said about it already.

But I suppose I can spare a few words about the Tokyopop version of Shiro Amano's manga adaption. It's clear that back when Tokyopop was translating this, they were aiming to stay as true to the game as possible while still translating Amano's adaption accurately. Everything is clear and makes sense, and Amano's wacky humor comes through very well. The voices of each character is captured well, which is a compliment to both Amano's writing skill and also the translator's ability to understand the game and Amano's writing.

The artwork is fun and clear. The pages that utilize Amano's watercolor marker artwork also look stunning in black and white. It is really great that Tokyopop took on the license back in the day so Kingdom Hearts fans in the west could enjoy this series and develop a greater love for the franchise.

[Tiffany Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingdom Hearts Volume 2
PLOT: In this volume Sora, Donald, and Goofy travel to Agra-bah and the Olympic Coliseum thanks to an upgrade in the Gummi Ship installed by Cid that lets then travel to new locations. They also find a page from Ansem's Report

My Thoughts: I think the comic is a fairly decent representation of the game. Although (and this is just my opinion) I still think some color (other than the first couple of pages) wouldn't hurt. What I like about the story (and that of the video game) is that it keeps the origins of the original Disney versions while twisting them to make a whole new story. I think it's genius! The plot is perfect. Our heroes are endearing (Sora, Goofy, and Donald). Although in this does Donald not seem a tad more uptight than normal (if that's even possible)? Team KH all the way! Team Evil also have great villains (Maleficent, Jafar, Hades, and Cloud?) I think that's the guy in the tournament. (Have to check my references).

Rate: 10 If you love the game you'll love this! If not for the fond memories alone. It almost makes you want to slip in the KH disc again into your PS3 and relive it all over.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Sora, Donald and Goofy go around different world to look for Riku and Kairi, they go to the Wizard's house for advice on controlling the keyblade power. After leaving the house they go off to Agrabah where they meet Aladin, Jasmine, Abu, Jafar and more heartless. Everyone knows the story about Aladin so i won't go into much detail. Aladin finds the lamp, Gene grants Aladin 2 wishes and Aladin had promised Gene that his last wish will be used to set him free but Jafar steals the lamp from Aladin and he wants to rule the world but then he wishes himself to be the world's powerful gene. Sora and Jafar fight, Jafar loses and he is sent in his own lamp and that lamp gets thrown away where no one can find it. Then Sora, Donald and Goofy go to Olympus Coliseum they meet Hercules, Phil and Cloud and Cerberus whom they have to defeat.

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sora and friends travel in their gummi ship from world to world searching for the King, Mickey Mouse, and lost pages of a mysterious book. All the while, Sora is learning what it means to be a hero, and in the darkness, Riku's heart is being swallowed by his jealousy and something very, very dark is brewing...


Well, this was just as bad as the first one. While it was boring as hell, it didn't really piss me off, so... Instead of 1 star, I'll give it 2. Aladdin is kind of cute here, heh. Maybe I'm just not into Disney anymore though. Hmph.
Also, what the **** is a gummi ship? What kind of stupid *** name is that? Okay, that did kind of irritate me to have to read that over and over again. IT'S SO STUPID! SORA IS SO STUPID TOO! WHY DID I THINK HE WAS AN INTERESTING CHARACTER WHEN I WAS YOUNGER?! WAS IT HIS HAIR?! UUGGHHH!!

[Dyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book because it goes really in depth about what is going on and how the three main characters really became close. It shows how easy it is to make good friends and how to take care of their friendships and what good friends look like. In this book the main character, Roxas, and his other two friends, Axel, and Xion. It shows how fun friends can be in serious times. Roxas found out that he is not the only key bearer in the organization and that Xion can also summon a keyblade. In this book Roxas, Axel, and Xion all become really close friends and they start their tradition of eating ice cream on a building. I would recommend this book to people who like crossovers and disney as there is a lot of crossover into the disney world with pluto, goofy and a couple of other people. this book is also a fun book to read as it has a lot of humor and jokes that are fun to read.

[Soluus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely liked Vol. 1 better; this seemed too focused on Agrabah which is not one of my favourite worlds after a plethora of games running around the place. Olympus Coliseum doesn't rank much higher, either, but not so bad. Art is nice, simple, beautifully poignant when it wants to be (some of Sora's one-page stares, Cloud, Hades) and it's easy to follow. Language is more mature than the games but I wholly welcome it (after all, hello -- Hades). Riku's shrouded in that air of mystery and you can feel the tension between him and Maleficent. Overall a nice addition to the manga series but I'm in no rush to read the next one considering this one took me L-rd knows how long to finish (wasn't invested enough to read in one sitting). Extras were cute.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is starting to pick up. Definitely brings back some nostalgia from the game (watching my brother play it, I mean). For someone who’s not a gamer, this is a nice way to still get the story. Though I’m not completely sold on the manga format. I don’t dislike it, but I do find it interesting that the experience is vastly different from graphic novels. I figured with both having words and pictures, the reading style would be very similar, but they are both very unique. I still prefer graphic novels, but I do think it’s very interesting how they do differ—even if I can’t quite explain how they do. Like I said, it’s interesting, and while not completely my thing, still a solid way of telling a solid story.

[Ryan Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the story "Kingdom Hearts" volume two should be read by some 5th and 6th graders. Like the last volume we follow the same characters Sora, Donald, and Goofy along with Sora's Friend Riku and like the last volume they all are in castle Oblivion and hear talk of a girl named Namine who can alter people's memories. All the characters, fight nobodies like Marluxia and Larxene and after these fights Sora meets Namine and gets in to this machine that can restore memories. Meanwhile Riku is fighting different nobodies like Vexen fighting to gain control of his darkness. Riku later ends up controlling it and chooses his own path the way to dawn. I read this book cause of the game and the theme is to not give up.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one could have easily been five stars, if it didn't become SO apparent that I'm reading a fan translated copy. It's obvious that it's still the correct story, and it matches what I've seen from the game, and the movies in general, but what really got me was the translations in Agrabah. Having Jafar call Aladdin, Sora, Donald and Goofy "infidels" was a little much in my opinion, and while I thought it was really cool seeing Genie being referred to as a djinn, I wish that that would have stayed consistent, OR that they would have consistently called him Genie. Obviously a super quick read that I'm really enjoying!

[Bellatrix of Hoshido · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was better than the first one!
I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the "Hercules" movie, mainly because I love Greek mythology. However, I also liked the whole Agraba/"Aladin" world as well.
I think my favorite frame was when you see Leon and the two girls with the shadows of their younger selves behind them. I found the younger shadow's facial expressions very telling of the nature of the characters.
A very enjoyable reading experience, and I look forward to the next installation.

[Lucca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately after I finished the first one, I read the second volume in the Kingdom Hearts manga series.
I really enjoyed it, perhaps even more than the first volume. I do love that we get to explore all these Disney worlds as Sora goes on this quest, and I especially loved the inclusion of Aladdin and Hercules in this volume.
Once again, it is fast and easy to read, has great dialogue, and is easy to follow.
I am eager to get my hands on the third volume in this series.

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is really lame that's why i gave it such a low rating like the others did. hopefully anyone that reads this post will never get this book it is really horible and very strange this is the worst thing that anyone has ever written and should be taken off the market. please disney get some better idea's

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Sora, Donald and Goofy continue setting off, they visit Agrabah and Olympus Colliseum. They find gummi pieces and ansem reports in both, allowing them to further understand the Heartless and the intent of maleficent. A very good addition is here, with vital story information in regards to how the Heartless operate and work.

[Diana Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the series if you are a fan. However, if you have not played the game, you are severely jipping yourself out of one of the most amazing gaming experiences of all time and spoiling a fantastic story for yourself. A good read as an addition to the series for sure, but not as a stand alone series.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sora, Donald and Goofy continue their adventure across the worlds as they search for King Mickey, Kairi and Riku, the latter of whom has joined the ranks of Maleficent and the many villains hoping to take over every realm using the Heartless! The "Kingdom Hearts" manga is sure to please fans with its lighthearted tone and fast-paced storytelling.

[Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sora & co hang out in Traverse Town, Agrabah and the Colisseum! I've spent a lot of hours in Agrabah in-game because that's where I usually grind a few levels, ha.

This volume seems to take a few more liberties than the first one when it comes to specific story beats, but it's alright, because the Disney plots aren't that important, really.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's still a charming adaptation of the first Kingdom Hearts that uses anime expressions and tropes to help tell the story. You do get more character out of the Final Fantasy characters and Sora, but the story is a lot more condensed. Also maybe they'll get to it later, but it seems like Tarzan won't be in this adaptation.

[nobody · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only reason I read this is I bought it dirt cheap and it only takes about 20 minutes to read. I guess the artwork is ok too. The plot is just a strung together mashup of getting as many characters in for no reason, this is horrible stuff.

[Kimberlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are surprisingly funny, even though the humor can be a bit . . . odd. It's not as expansive as the actual game play by any means, but if you need a quick refresher on the series before Kingdom Hearts 3 comes out, this is great.

[Krista Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the difference in expression within the manga version of Kingdom Hearts and the added drama versus the games. It's a very awesome depiction of the game in story form. I'd highly suggest reading it.