Princess Jellyfish 2-in-1 Omnibus, Vol. 2

Princess Jellyfish 2-in-1 Omnibus #2

by Akiko Higashimura

With the geeky paradise of Amamizu-kan threatened by redevelopment plans, Tsukimi and the Amars must spring into action. Buy the wily Inari and her hold on Shu forces Kuranosuke to pull out all the stops: money, blackmail, and...fashion?! Though Amamizu-kan still struggles with Kuranosuke's stylish ways, the neighborhood fashionista has too much to lose, whether it's a hidden identity or priceless friendships. Tsukimi gets the chance to make her jellyfish dreams into a glamorous reality, but that means breaking out of her bubble! Can these misfit princesses save their castle?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Graphic Novels, Comics, Contemporary, Josei, Humor

389 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2016

About the author

See also 東村 アキコ

Reviews

[Mir]

This was really good, although I didn't like it quite as much as the first book. I think because I find both Shu plotlines kind of tedious. Because Shu is boring. I don't see why Tsukimi is in love with him, especially when she spends much more time with the hotter and more interesting Kuranosuke, who despite being vain and flighty and kind of selfish seems like he would actually be a decent boyfriend. He is certainly putting a lot or work into helping a friend and is patient with her weird ways. I loved the extended space-out where he imagined himself as an explorer on an alien planet.

[Derek Royal]

This volume had a notably looser, more playful, and even more confident feel than the previous one. And ironically, it didn’t have the same impact on me as the first book. Maybe the newness, upon reading the first volume, made a big difference?

[Illy]

I have never shipped a couple more. I honestly think tsukimi and kuranosuke are made for each other. I can’t wait to read more and see what happens - especially with Kuranosuke’s true identity slowly coming into the open.

[Maija]

I love this manga, but I have to redact a star because of Shu's storyline. It's so uncomfortable and manipulative (I mean, it's meant to be, but...) that I just want it to be over!!! ;_;

[Julia]

Loved it. Random notes:
I love this art. I really want an art book of this. The one coloured chapter page was so pretty. I also just love the chapter 22 page.
Also I really appreciate that the first time they attempt to make a skirt, it turns out like crap. If this were a Disney show or something it would be a work of art and only take 1/2 an hour.

[kuvira]

these characters are so goofy

[hyacinthuss]

slayed

[Sam]

My inner sixteen year old loves this book (almost as much as the 1st “Princess Jellyfish”). I’m not even sure I can 100% explain exactly why, but here are my theories.

Possibly the main thing driving my enjoyment of this series is our recent trip to Japan in the fall of 2018. I confess that this is not my first graphic novel, however, and it certainly won’t be my last. This author has a wonderful low-key sense of humor that appeals to me. I am addicted to her “translation notes” at the end of each book.

I certainly needed something super-light and quick in between all the heavier but essential stories (about the American South in the late 19th and early 20th century) that I have been reading. It’s like having an amuse bouche between two entrées in a tasting menu at a fine restaurant.

[Laura A. Grace]

"There's been something wrong with me lately. People really shouldn't do things beyond their means. A warm-water life with no stimulation is what's best for us Amars."

I enjoyed this volume a lot more then the previous one! I caught myself getting more invested in the characters as well as learning more about why these characters do what they do. I enjoyed Kuranosuke before, but he has such a deep backstory! Maybe that's not really fully explained, but reading those glimpses of his past really made my heart ache for him. I think it explains without actually explaining why dressing like a woman is his hobby. I hope good things are in store for him! <3

That opening quote was thought/spoken by Tsukimi and I thought it was SUPER on point! Like WOW! I can't even say how many times I've thought something similar, but we never really grow when we don't do things beyond our means. And that is where I felt my interest turn because Tsukimi has a whole lot of growing to do and can't wait to see how she will! <3

Plus, the whole fashion aspect and seeing Tsukimi awakening was VERY awesome!

[Aya]

3.5*

[iris]

Kuranosuke serving cunt 24/7

[Megan]

The original volumes 3 and 4 were rated 4 and 3, respectively. The overall rating for this omnibus is about a 3.5 . . . so just on par with my first reading.

This volume doubled down on plot progression, but unfortunately, it ended up making things seem a bit too rushed. Everything having to do with the act of making the first two jellyfish dresses required me to really suspend my disbelief. Clearly, you need a long history of sewing and clothes-making experience in order to execute an even halfway passable garment, let alone one that could even begin to compete with the millions of talented stylists out there. I appreciated that the author didn't try to make it "easy" for them: Kuranosuke, despite his love of fashion, doesn't know how to sew for shit, and Chieko, though she can sew up a storm, is specialized to sew for kimonos. That was a fantastic little addition that added needed realism to this pseudo-training montage. Ultimately, though, their lack of expertise will become a huge sticking point in the plot.

I also really dislike, even more than I did the first time around, Shu's relationship with Inari. I mean, I hate it. I really think that the endgame is for these two to become a couple, and that just makes my skin crawl. Inari's behavior is disgusting and manipulative. I can't support a relationship that's built on a faked rape no matter how much character development occurs.

Otherwise, though, the volume was just as visually appealing as always. Kuranosuke and Tsukimi both have to come to terms with their crushes, and the parallels between Kuranosuke's relationship with his absentee mother and Tsukimi's relationship with her late mother are developed more fully. And of course, the moments between Tsukimi and Kuranosuke are just fantastic. There's one section on pages 28-29, where Tsukimi says:

When I look at this lovely person for so long . . . My heart fills up with jelly lace.

It was just stunningly sweet and pure. And Tsukimi still thinks she's into Shu? Girl, please.

[Sharon]

I have misgivings about the way that fake-seduction continues to be played for laughs in this book. Other than that, I love the characters, the drama, and all the funny little quirks. The jellyfish dolls remind me of the crochet octopus that I bought from an enthusiastic crafter last year, so that storyline was a specific highlight for me.

[Chelsea]

Another funny, geeky, cute read in the Princess Jellyfish series. Inspired me to learn more about jellyfish and order Japanese take-out (SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD TALK 😅). Continuing on with the next installment!

[Molly]

I love these characters. It's just alot of fun.

[Chivitouille]

Saber la referencia te hace reírte mucho más.

Finalmente con este tomo avanza la historia después de lo acontecido en el anime, algo de lo que tenía muchas ganas de saber.
Así que mientras Tsukimi trata de lidiar con lo que posiblemente sienta por el hermano de Kuranosuke, éste intenta animarla a crear vestidos inspirados en las medusas.
De igual manera mientras conviven durante este período creativo podremos entrever si él siente algo por ella y como intenta afrontar este hecho inesperado y que lo está tomando por sorpresa. Tanto que no tiene ni idea de qué hacer.

Lo que tampoco esperaba es que mientras se encuentran diseñando y elaborando un vestido con la ayuda de Chieko y Jiji, se verá comprometida su identidad, haciendo que se las ingenie para inventar una historia sumamente divertida, lo que hilado a un descuido y una situación no contemplada, terminará con algo muy emocionante en este tomo.

Durante el desarrollo de esta historia encontraremos varias referencias, siendo así que si las conoces terminarás riendo mucho y si no las conoces, espero que tu curiosidad te haga averiguar sobre ellas para poder terminar de disfrutar del chiste.

En este caso, la más importante que hay le cae como anillo al dedo a la historia, lo que resulta en algo sumamente genial y divertido.

Como siempre los look de Kuranosuke son muy bonitos.

Y aunque mi nivel de inglés no sea tan bueno como avanzar más rápido y de que a veces me cueste un poco de trabajo, no me arrepiento para nada de tener esta historia en físico, vale mucho la pena y seguirá siendo una buena recomendación aunque su popularidad no sea tanta como hace unos años.

[marcia]

Vol. 1 ★★★★☆

Not too different from the anime so I don't have that much to add. For one, Tsukimi is such a sympathetic character and I really feel for her. She has so much self-esteem issues and struggles with not fitting into the mold of what a woman should be like. As for the romance, I'm solidly Team Kuranosuke: Shu likes Tsukimi because she's pretty when she dresses up, whereas Kuranosuke sees her for who she is and likes her anyway. Speaking of Shu, I don't care for him or his storyline. While I feel bad for him, I don't like that the story is focusing on him to this extent. Also, I don't see the situation resolving without annoying me at least a little.

[Nyssa]

Ugh! It feels like all of the characters are spinning in circles, saying and feeling the same things repeatedly.
They were on the verge of progress but suddenly slammed on the brakes and even reversed course in some cases!
It's a bit frustrating; almost painful.
Something needs to happen and soon.

[Bruin Mccon]

This installment had a lot to think about and a few problematic characters. But there were also several references to other manga and anime. Moving on to volume three. This is a classic for a reason.

Cw: domestic abuse

[Laura]

Not really a lot going on other than trying to come up with a way to save Amars, but entertaining the hijinks he keeps getting himself into to keep up the ruse that he's not a boy.

[Jill]

This was so cute! I love all of the characters and I can't wait to read more of this series

[Cubierocks]

I felt so supremely called out when the Rose of Versailles reference was made lol.

Another lovely volume (though, I'm a bit weary of seeing Shoko's manipulation treated as a gag).

[ambyreads✿]

4 stars ｡･:*˚:✧｡ I love this manga. I love the humour it’s very adult like humour and so dumb and silly. These characters are really starting to grow on me. I love the art style as well. Just such a fun time

[julka]

Uwielbiam, mam nadzieje że będzie 3 tom w bibliotece

[Sharon&#x1f52e;&#x1f47d;]

This series is so so so good!

[Thora Schramm]

Shes just like me fr

[laura yolanda ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚]

amo el slow burn... kuranosuke se veía de ensueño en el bar, ya no quiero que sufra!!!

[Snail]

Excellent! Continually impressed with the translator and editors' abilities to make these jokes work across cultural and linguistic barriers. Made me laugh out loud more than once.

[Chris Gernon]

Don’t care about Shuu and Inari; love the wacky hijinks of Kuranosuke and the Amars. It feels the story really hits its stride in this one, and avoids most of the missteps from the first volume. Loving this series so far.

[Kyisha Walter]

I did read the next 2 volumes before this one because I couldnt get my hands on this one but great just like the others