Wayward Book 2: Deluxe

Wayward #3-4

by Jim Zub, Steven Cummings (Artist), Tamra Bonvillain (Artist)

The new gods of Japan have arrived, and a clash with the myths of old will change the country forever. JIM ZUB and STEVEN CUMMINGS combine the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Japan’s engaging culture and mythic monsters. Image Comics’ supernatural sensation continues in this collection that includes every stunning cover illustration, design sketches, and extensive essay material on culture and mythology by monster scholars ZACK DAVISSON and ANN O'REGAN. Collects WAYWARD #11-20

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Japan, Fiction, Supernatural

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2017

About the author

Jim Zub is a writer, artist and art instructor based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past fifteen years he’s worked for a diverse array of publishing, movie and video game clients including Disney, Warner Bros., Capcom, Hasbro, Bandai-Namco and Mattel.

He juggles his time between being a freelance comic writer and Program Coordinator for Seneca College‘s award-winning Animation program.

Reviews

[Jakub Kvíz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are getting more intense and new characters are introduced. We’ll learn more about Rori’s past, her parents And Irish mythology.

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rori Lane and her friends are the new gods of Japan…and now they have to deal with the consequences…

Wayward Deluxe volume 2 collects issues 11 to 20 of the series…vastly stepping up the action and carnage as the old and new clash for supremacy.

New characters are introduced into this kotley crew…including a man who can control energy and digital information and a young kitsune Ronin who doesn’t want to be bound by the old ways of her people.

As Rori and her aloes tear through the yokai (MANY battles), the old Yokai realize they have to modify their own methods if they hope to survive. This involves getting the Japanese government involved but also the kidnapping of a mysterious man from Rori’s past…her father who was visiting his wayward daughter…

The second half of this volume sees Rori and her allies divided…as she finds herself returned to the land of her birth, Ireland, and revelations about the gods there and what it might mean for the future.

Unfortunately, a lot of pain and suffering must occur…as we make our way to the final act…and not everyone will make it to the end unscathed…

Meanwhile the backmatter continues with its mix of articles on Japanese history and culture, creature profiles (along with some Irish critters), and character designs showing show each of the “new gods” honors the source material of Japanese mythology…

[Ada · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot is bonkers and it pisses me off because the idea behind it is so interesting. But I felt none of the emotions I was supposed to feel when something big happened. The feeling I get was instead of trying to tell a story and the best way to do it, it was more what are some cool shit that we can put into the story? Which isn’t interesting storytelling at all.

It feels so bad to say that the most interesting thing were the information packets at the end.

[Whitney Jamimah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Sadly still average. I was hoping it would pick up later on in the story. I’m going to read the final deluxe edition because I own it then I’ll pass them on to a friend is LOVES everything Japan and I hope he can appreciate them and all the bonus material in the back of these deluxe editions.

[Drucilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it's a consequence of reading volumes 3 and 4 back-to-back in this book but everything seems to be happening very quickly. There doesn't really seem to be time for characters to pause and reflect on plot critical things that happen. With only two volumes left, I'm curious if this trend will continue and the ending ends up feeling rushed.

[Soph · Rating 2 out of 5]

The more I read of this, the more I dislike the main cast. This is especially true for Rori who has no personality traits of her own aside from thinking she should get to decide other peoples' fate.

Again, such a shame given the cool premise.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the additional content in the back.

[Edd Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mediocre 4/5 Graphic Novel Book

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent volume of "Wayward", with more back matter about Japanese and Irish folklore.

[Paul Allard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprising Volumes 3 & 4 of this series (already reviewed), this collection also includes lots of fact files about the research and background to this fascinating story. The gifted children under Rori's leadership take on the Yokai at every opportunity. Rori is however under the influence of the Spider Mistress and the Tsuchigumo. The Yokai are also trying to recruit newly-powered youngsters. Good plotting leads to some surprises. Then the gifted children are dispersed, some in Japan and Rori and Ayane in Ireland with Rori's father who has links with the Irish fairy folk. There are flashbacks about Rori's origins as well as action in Ireland and in Japan. It's getting quite complicated so reading the three previous volumes is recommended. It's obvious that there is more to come and I look forward to it.
This series continues with a lot of action and adventure and is nicely written and illustrated. The series is well worth a look.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Japan and Ireland all have old gods. Things are changing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misfit teenage potential superheroes or supervillains, depending on your point of view.

I'm really loving this series and the delux books with the story related history info are wonderful!

[Katie Whitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series, the art was awesome as usual and the plot definitely moved forward.