Astra Lost in Space, Vol. 2

彼方のアストラ / Kanata no Astra #2

by Kenta Shinohara

What starts as a pleasant class trip to a planet five light-years away from Earth becomes a nightmare survival trip back home from 5,000 light-years away.

In the year 2063, interstellar space travel has become the norm. What sort of adventure awaits on the new frontier?

The situation aboard the Astra intensifies as Zack reveals to Kanata that the ship’s communication system has recently been sabotaged and that it’s likely one of their new friends who tried to murder them! The mystery deepens as the crew members are overtaken by confusion and anger and start to question each other’s motives. Just as the argument comes to a head, the side of the ship explodes, shutting down the controls and gravity system and setting the Astra on a collision course with the second planet on their trip, Shummoor.

Genres: Manga, Science Fiction, Comics, Young Adult, Adventure, Shonen, Graphic Novels

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2016

Reviews

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

PT A tripulação chega a um novo planeta, pronta para mais uma aventura.

O tom deste segundo volume mantém-se consistente com o primeiro. As personagens continuam cativantes e as suas interações continuam a ser um dos pontos fortes. As aventuras são divertidas e ficamos a conhecer um pouco melhor uma das personagens que, até agora, tinha permanecido mais em segundo plano.

Ainda assim, sente-se que falta algo. Talvez mais tensão. A subtrama do sabotador está pouco desenvolvida, e um pouco mais de intriga ou suspense em torno desse mistério teria dado mais profundidade à narrativa.

Mesmo assim, é uma história divertida e de leitura leve, que continua a entreter.

--

EN The crew arrives on a new planet, ready for their next adventure.

The tone of this second volume remains consistent with the first. The characters are still engaging, and their interactions continue to be a strong point. The adventures are enjoyable, and we get to know a bit more about one of the characters who had stayed in the background until now.

That said, something feels missing. Perhaps it's a lack of tension. The subplot involving the saboteur is underdeveloped, and a bit more intrigue or suspense around that mystery could have added depth to the narrative.

Even so, it’s a fun, easy-to-read story that continues to entertain.

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

****Actual Rating 4.5 Stars****

So many intense things happened in this volume! I was riveted any time I had a moment to read and the climax had me tearing up it was so moving seeing Yun-Hua finally release everything she’d been suffering with and bottling up for so long in such a joyous way.

Intense drama and comedy remain balanced throughout and I’m starting to think that aside from Aries’s mom no one on this ship has a decent parent among them, good grief. Even then I don’t think that would be enough to have one (or more!) of the kids agreeing to a suicide mission but since we don’t know some of the characters’ pasts yet I guess it’s hard to judge, but it’s also going to be hard when the truth comes out because the more I learn about these characters and hang out with them the more fond I become of them and the harder it’s going to be to see who the culprit actually is. So very good mystery/thriller vibes are being sprinkled throughout as well, wow!

Also this planet is gross. Seriously, it’s a death trap, no pun intended…

There were also a couple of weird sexual type jokes (the oddest/worst one is in an extra end comic titled “Boys’ Bath Time” for those who want to skip it—it has nothing to do with the plot so you won’t miss anything) plus a guy accidentally walks in on a naked girl and while nothing happens in any of them they’re all very unnecessary in my opinion.

Another great volume that has me excited to read the next one…except now I have to wait because my library doesn’t have the next two yet! 😩 Such a bummer—and hard because I want to know the answer to the mystery!—but I’ll be sure to continue on as soon as I have Volume 3!


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: parental emotional/verbal abuse

Language: pisses; dammit; what the heck; hell; what the; geez; heck; what the hell; suck/sucks/sucked; holy crap

Violence: in the past a character had to survive in the wild until they were rescued; meteoroids hit and punch holes in a ship; a ship nearly crashes; a character is hit in the face with water in zero gravity and nearly drowns; someone planned to send kids out into space and murder them; a possible assassin sent on a suicide mission is loose among the kids; a girl kicks and throws a guy; a girl throws a guy

Sexual: a guy says he has a “sexy deck of cards” (nothing’s shown); a guy is called hot; mild suggestive hints/comments; a girl says the guys should all take a shower together (they object); a naked girl in a shower (nothing is shown beyond if she was wearing a bikini); a guy accidentally walks in on a naked girl (she’s covered with a towel); a girl’s called a chick; a girl thinks two guys are bathing together (they’re not) and there’s a mention of “fondling it” (not talking about anything sexual though she thinks it is); a shirtless guy; a girl thinks a guy’s trying to seduce her with his bare chest (he’s not)

Alcohol/Drugs: characters are poisoned by fungi and nearly die

Other: kids are stranded in space; a ship’s communications were sabotaged; a guy finds and keeps a gun in a case; dead animal carcasses; mention of evolution; parental emotional/verbal abuse

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this has settled into an interesting riff on Lost in Space, with the kids struggling to survive a disaster on their ship and the hostile environment of a new planet while realizing they may have a traitor in their midst. Everyone has a little bit of personality, and they are settling into their roles on the ship. And in the midst of the loosey goosey sci-fi, the creator at least tries to throw in a little science about life cycles and some legit survival strategies. And the ending is only a few volumes away. Things are looking good.

[Chloe Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

That. was. AWESOME.
Oh my GOODNESS I loved that! This manga has everything I want in a series! Awesome characters, with amazing character dynamics and teamwork, as well as a super interesting plot. Everyone feels so fleshed out and I love that we got to know some characters better in this volume. My problems with the first volume completely disappeared; I didn’t have ANY problems with this. It was a blast! And I love that they’re in SPACE. I LOVE SPACE. The art is so flipping stunning and captivating and I gotta say, this manga series is a new favorite. With only two volumes, I’m completely hooked. I couldn’t put it down. Seriously can’t wait for volume 3!

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So richtig begeistert mich die Manga-Reihe noch nicht. Band 2 war nett, aber das einzig spannende war der Planet, auf dem sie diesmal landen. Die Charaktere sind entweder sehr kindlich, besserwisserisch, werfen mit Kalendersprüchen um sich, die die Gruppenmotivation hochhalten soll oder streiten sich ständig. Irgendwie funktioniert das Team immer und rauft sich zusammen, aber die Konflikte sind teilweise sehr künstlich. Irgendwie scheint der Mangaka auch seine Fanservice-Begeisterung teilen zu wollen - unnötige Badszene mit halbnackter Frau und ständiges In-Szene-Setzen der schüchternden Yunhua mit riesiger Oberweite. Die Manga brauchen das alles so gar nicht und lassen mich immer wieder an dem ganzen Genre zweifeln.

[Wolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Serie scheint von Band zu Band besser zu werden.

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avaruusalus Astran nuoret jatkavat matkaansa halki avaruuden käymättömien korpimaiden. Hengissä selviäminen vaatii yhteispeliä, vaikka keskinäiset kemiat eivät aina menekään yksiin. Ja kaiken lisäksi joku porukasta lienee sabotoinut viestintäjärjestelmiä ja haluaa kenties tappaa kaikki. Salaisuuden verho ei kuitenkaan raotu sen enempää, sillä uuden planeetan vihamielinen ekosysteemi vaatii kaiken keskittymisen.

Pitkästä aikaa semmoinen suomeksi julkaistu manga, jonka lukeminen ei tunnu työltä!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid plot, more detail into the backstories of the characters, and consistent art and humor. I just found the text to be a bit too technical and heavy at times, but it was offset by nice twist scenes and an intriguing storyline, so not complaining there.

[BumfuzzledNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schöner Zeichnungsstil, lustiger Situationshumor und eine tolle Entwicklung der Freundschaften und der Beziehungsdynamik auf der Astra.

Alle Crewmitglieder sind etwas nervös, weil es vermutlich einen Saboteur unter ihnen gibt. Allerdings ist es mittlerweile echt schwer zu sagen, wer dafür verantwortlich sein könnte.
Die Gruppe wächst immer mehr zusammen und werden Freunde, da ist es schwer sich vorzustellen dass jemand von ihnen für die Katastrophen in Band 1 verantwortlich sein könnte. Es bleibt spannend!

[Juuso · Rating 3 out of 5]

This continues to be a fun adventure, but I am having few problems with this... Firts of all why does Quitterie look white in the cover when she clearly is not? Also I love the adventures and the challenges they face are fun, but they are solved way too easily. Like they will spend few chapters thinking about some problem and how to solve it and then Charce just comes and does his thing and everything is alright again?!

I also feel really bad for Yunhua. Like all the bodyshaming she has to face is just disgusting. I am glad that Luca apologized, but it is still not okay to make fun of someones body or they amount food they eat!?! For now atleast, it feels like a huge joke and the mangaka does not seem to realize how serious this is.

[cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

Another solid volume!

I think it’s because I’m so unfamiliar with space themed media, that every plot twist has me so shocked and excited. I love all of the challenges that the characters have to work together to overcome.

I’m glad we’re getting more development with the characters and their relationships. I think my favorite character is Zack and I love how kind he is to Funicia!

[Niina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Täydellinen sekoitus jännitystä, toimintaa ja scifiseikkailua. Nuoret päähenkilöt joutuvat selviytymistaisteluun hengestään avaruuden haaksirikkoisina, sillä joku oli suunnitellut heidän kuolemansa. Tällaisesta scifistä minä pidän: käydään vieraissa maailmoissa, joudutaan ratkomaan ongelmia mistä löytää ruokaa ja vettä. Entä kuinka ryhmä toimii, jos jokin hajoaa aluksesta matkan aikana?

[keely p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 01- 4 stars
Volume 02- 4 stars

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars This volume was great! I loved getting more explanations about how they ended up in their situations, and we ars truly getting to know more of our characters. I'm here for this journey!

[Laurie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one didn’t grab me quite as much as the first volume, but it was still enjoyable.

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine but I hope we drop the discover one planet + it's ecosystem formula for more story in the next one. It's educating and interesting but not very fun...

[David Arrows Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how attached to these characters I am.

[Aquil•les · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2'75/5*

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is already succumbing to fan service. The cover for volume 1 had me nervous but everything inside was just fine. In volume 2 we have a shower scene with an unnecessary naked butt, a bunch of poses showing off one characters breasts, and exterior underwire on her space suit to lift and separate those same breasts. It's not even explained by character personality as that character is pathologically shy. The covers for the rest of the series have the girl's boobs and butts on prominent, awkwardly posed display while the guys get are all in action poses.

It sucks, because otherwise this is a fun, space survival adventure and sci-fi manga is in short supply right now, but this is rapidly becoming too inappropriate for its teen audience.

[Nick H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really entertaining volume of quirky space antics and fun characters. I really enjoy this comic- there’s drama, but it’s never overly dark, and the characters are always inherently nice at their cores. It’s just a fun world to live in for a while. This time I felt I was really able to understand a lot of the story, and I was enjoying everything as it went. It’s at a reading level juuuust above where I currently am, so I’m challenged in sections, but not discouraged. While there are still a few characters who feel underdeveloped compared to the main few, I really liked Yunfa’s (not sure of the English spelling) arc this time. Really looking forward to reading the next of these.

As I do with everything I read entirely in Japanese, I will now recount as much of the story as I remember, so I can check my work later:

========== SPOILERS FOLLOW (maybe) ==========

We start where the previous volume left off. There’s a mysterious saboteur on the ship. While a select few are trying to sneakily figure things out, a bunch of things go wrong all at once. A big hole forms in the wall, the gravity goes off, and the ship starts hurtling toward the nearest planet. Bad situation. The team promptly solves all the issues in a pretty entertaining way. I particularly liked the part where Yunfa gets her head stuck in a floating bubble of water within zero-G. I recently read a true story of the ISS astronaut who had that happen to him, and it sounds terrifying. I like that this science fiction story utilized that situation. The team finds out something about how the organizers of their trip actually planned to sacrifice them all along, and they may not actually have a saboteur among them after all. They kind of put this revelation aside for the rest of the book once the immediate problems are solved though. I guess there’s nothing to be done about this aspect either way until they get back.

They eventually land on the new planet, and once again have to find food and water. Both prove difficult, and what they do find ends up unsustainable. They make friends with a local animal species they refer to as ‘Groupies’ though, which are fun Chocobo-type things. All throughout, Yunfa’s self-confidence is consistently taking hits, and she eventually becomes so miserable that she leaves the ship, going off on her own to die on this planet. The team immediately embarks on a rescue mission, and when Kanata finds her we learn a bit about Yunfa’s past. She was discouraged from her dream of singing by her mother. While Kanata is talking to her though, the others become poisoned by an airborne pollen emitted from a central tree thing on the planet. They’re all in critical condition, and once back on the ship Kitley doesn’t know how to help them.

Kanata does his best to run back to the tree and get a sort of anti-venom that it grows, but while it’s gone it’s really Yunfa’s beautiful singing voice that helps everyone through the sickness. It turns out that Yunfa’s mother was actually a famous singer, and even though she discouraged Yunfa from singing, Yunfa did it in secret her whole life. Her song is so beautiful that it revitalizes everybody. Then she has a moment where everyone realizes her value, and she vows to face her insecurities and become a team player. Also they find some suspiciously convenient solutions to their food and water problems, and are quickly able to leave the planet. I didn’t mind that aspect though, because the story didn’t need more drama after the arc with Yunfa was over. 

Afterwards, there are several really fun little 4-panel strips showing slice-of-life moments from around the ship. These were some of the best parts from the book, and I honestly wish they were sprinkled into the main story somehow. But as they are, I still like them a lot. Definitely makes things feel more fleshed out.

All in all, I felt really confident reading this one. Probably the most confident out of any of the works I’ve read so far. Can’t wait to jump into the third volume.

[Paul Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viz Media’s Astra Lost in Space Vol. 2 collects chapters 8-18 of the sci-fi comedy series. Written and drawn by Kenta Shinohara, Astra Lost in Space follows nine grade schoolers on their quest to survive in outer space after getting mysteriously teleported thousands of light years away from Earth. In this volume, the protagonists face the revelation that their teleportation might not have been an accident, and that there might be a murderer in their midst. They also stop for supplies on an alien world where the flora and fauna are not what they initially seem. Does this volume handle the suspenseful subject matter well while still remaining humorous? Is it good?

The sense of mystery and danger in this volume is impressive. I was engrossed by the plot from the get-go, largely because Shinohara makes sure that none of the major plot points are predictable. Most of the main characters have distinct personalities, and none of them stick out as the likely villain. Most of them are also quite likeable. The group leader, Kanata, is my favourite because of his humorous survival tips. He literally drops survival advice into normal conversation, reciting bits of it as if he has a full enumerated list memorised. Another cast member who stands out is Yun-Hua; her character arc about anxiety and self-expression is one of the most well-developed aspects of this volume.

My favorite parts of this volume plot-wise are those that take place on the planet Shummoor. I appreciate any sci-fi creator who acknowledges that life on other planets would likely be very different from our expectations or perceptions, and Shinohara does that. The Gloopies, a species of mountable, bipedal animals, are adorable. The planet’s fungi are also cool–what sci-fi ever bothers to include alien fungi? Major props to Shinohara for that, too.

I also enjoy the artwork in this volume. The characters’ facial expressions are great throughout both gag moments and more suspenseful scenes. Shummoor is also pleasing to look at, thanks largely to its charming variety of native species. The art does have some downsides though. Some of the fan-service is uncomfortable given the young age of the characters being depicted. This uneasiness is only heightened by the fact that the characters who are most often drawn nude or or otherwise sexualized also receive the least character development.

Astra Lost in Space Vol. 2 is a fun sci-fi adventure with mystery, humour, impressive artwork, and unique alien lifeforms. Most of the characters get some time to shine and the pacing is solid throughout. This volume does a good job building anticipation for the series’ next instalment, which I am looking forward to reading.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, this volume gets 5 stars because I gave the first one 4 due to less than stellar (pun fully intended) beginning. In this volume the crew reaches the second planet on their journey back home but not before their space ship faces danger in the orbit...!

I think the series balances adventure, drama, comedy and science-y bits pretty nicely. Sometimes Kanata and Quitterie's bickering goes on too long though. The planet of the volume is quite interesting too and puts crew's skills and luck to the test.
Best parts are Yun-Hua's story and character development. It rang true, I've seen similar situation with a friend (fortunately to lesser extent) and I wholly sympathized her.

Many of the reviews here commented on fanservice and yeah, there's some old boobs-and-butts silliness on the covers but I don't really think the fanservice situation is bad at all in this. Everybody wears equally skintight suits. There's that one shower scene but I thought it was actually refreshing how Zack didn't react in any way. Yeah, he (accidentally) barged in which wasn't cool, but he acted so against tropes it wasn't a bad scene in my opinion. I wouldn't have even commented this if others hadn't, I just wanted to say that I think the matter has been exaggerated here.

Art is nice, characters are trope-y but that doesn't automatically mean it's bad, and here it's not, and it's a solid scifi survival adventure.

[Jessie H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on the Goldilox and the Three Weres blog.

I'm really enjoying this series so far! It's very much a YA space opera and I'm digging it. The interactions between the characters are amazing and their explorations are intriguing. Volume 2 picks up a few weeks after Volume 1 left off and things are getting interesting as they arrive at the second planet for resupplying their trip home. The main mystery is still unsolved and there looks to be a saboteur on board but that's all put aside so everyone can concentrate on surviving.

One of my favorite things about this manga so far are the planet visits. The animals and flora are interesting and the adventures the crew have when they go planet-side are fun and thrilling. I'm also loving seeing everyone uses their unique knowledge and talents to solve problems. We got to learn more about Yun-hua's backstory and I will say that I did not see that coming. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on volume 3 and seeing what trouble these teens get into next. I hope we learn more about Ulgar next too! I also hope that we get to see some answers as to why this group has ended up together and where they are in the next volume too.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

[Keith Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astra Lost in Space Volume 2 continues the adventures of our nomadic Swiss Family Robinson as they piece together the staples of their necessarily alien diet from the fauna and flora of the planet Shummoor. Unlike many imaginary travelogues (e.g. Gulliver’s Travels), the mangaka brings the child heroes to planets devoid of sentient populations, so that the humor shifts downward in scale from satire to a broad physical comedy style that I can best call Pitfall with pratfalls, as the kids goof off with alien animals, plants, and fungi. Thankfully, this comedy is presented in a very natural way, and never becomes the actual subject of this story, but only the backdrop to an increasingly intriguing murder plot.

Review continues through this link (light spoilers): http://www.nerdspan.com/astra-lost-sp...

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The teen crew of the Astra who are working together in order to make their way home after finding themselves 5,000 lightyears away have reached the second planet on their journey home. It is a world where plantlife seems to be dominant, though it seems to be difficult for them to find the food and water they will need to start the next leg of their journey to the next planet, Shummoor.

All of this is happening as they are coming to terms with the likelihood that someone on board is a saboteur who destroyed their communications equipment. After barely surviving the landing, they (and the reader) continue to learn more about each other and how to work together in order to survive.

[Terrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the further development of the "someone on this ship was out to get us" mystery. We know someone likely sabotaged the controls. My pick is the pink haired heroine, Aries, because she's the innocent looking + acting one. Her "photographic memory" is pretty convenient too, so I think maybe she knows everything because this was part of her plan (with whomever she is working for).

Lun-Hua (dark haired woman) gets some more play in this one. The scene with her singing was a bit cheesy, but otherwise, a decent volume.

[Nate Hipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment of Astra. I enjoyed the first volume and this one continues the hot streak with excellent artwork, a new planet, and further character exploration. This group of characters just clicks for me and I’m enjoying their dynamic. It’s not the sort of manga that will change your life, but it is one that is a blast to read. It’s honestly been years since I’ve actually read beyond volume one of any manga, but the limited nature of this series with a defined end and distinct chapters has made a world of difference for my motivation here.

[z. imama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot stop reading. Astra Lost in Space (or "Kanata no Astra") is way too good. Humanity doesn't deserve this. For real.

So in this book, Kanata and the gank reach their second pitstop planet. Some more backstory has come to the surface and Yun Hua's story arc here is simply awesome. I always love how Shinohara Kenta dares to discuss heavy topics shamelessly but in a non-patronizing way. And his art has improved a long way compared to his earlier days making SKET DANCE.

Also: holy shit Hoshijima Kanata is hot. I'm totally under his mercy.

[Jane (The Bookaholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this manga! It’s so fun and thrilling, and I really love how logical everything is. The explanations make sense and I feel like the research was done so well.
The characters are really fun and I loved getting to know them more and seeing them becoming more connected to each other.
I usually love the first book of series the most and I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the 2nd volume as much as the 1st one. But now I know I’ll definitely continue the manga! So fun!

[David Araujo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nota: 3,5/5 arredondado para cima.

O ritmo desse volume foi um pouco mais lento que o anterior, mas os perigos passados pelos personagens aumentaram bastante! Além disso, foi bem destacado o quanto a amizade dos personagens irá influenciar em suas ações e no desfecho da história.

A arte continua excelente e as personalidades dos personagens estão ficando mais interessantes também, mas Luca continua extremamente chato.

Continuarei a leitura.