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New York, New York Omnibus, Vol.2
After two years of laughter and tears, police officer Kain is finally ready to take the next step with the love of his life, Mel. But although he promised forever, sometimes life itself gets in the way of happily ever after. When Mel gets kidnapped the day after their wedding, Kain’s left with few leads and little hope of saving his beloved. Can Kain beat the clock and protect the most important person in his life...or is it already too late...?!
386 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
6 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Marimo Ragawa
161 books45 followersMarimo Ragawa 羅川真里茂 was born on September 21 in Hachinohe, Aomori, but her age is not disclosed.
Marimo Ragawa first started submitting manga to comic magazines when she was only 12 years old, which is when she was in 6th grade of elementary school. She continued to send her manga to the same magazine for four years, but a positive critical reception was yet to come. Ragawa then decided to switch to a different magazine. Surprisingly, her first submission to this magazine, Hana to Yume, won a prize called the Top-prize. She succeeded in achieving her debut with her first manga, Time Limit.
Marimo Ragawa continues to draw other manga such as Aka-chan to Boku (Baby and Me), New York New York, and Itsudemo Otenki Kibun. She received the 1995 Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Baby and Me. She continues to draw a tennis themed manga, Shanimuni-Go in Hana to Yume (Flowers and Dreams).
Marimo Ragawa's calm and cute design is one of the traits of her drawings. Her energetic drawing and characters are very attractive, even to non-manga readers. She is widely known for her great ability in describing complicated emotions, especially in New York New York and Baby and Me.
Her manga Mashiro no Oto has been nominated for the 4th Manga Taishō.
Marimo Ragawa first started submitting manga to comic magazines when she was only 12 years old, which is when she was in 6th grade of elementary school. She continued to send her manga to the same magazine for four years, but a positive critical reception was yet to come. Ragawa then decided to switch to a different magazine. Surprisingly, her first submission to this magazine, Hana to Yume, won a prize called the Top-prize. She succeeded in achieving her debut with her first manga, Time Limit.
Marimo Ragawa continues to draw other manga such as Aka-chan to Boku (Baby and Me), New York New York, and Itsudemo Otenki Kibun. She received the 1995 Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Baby and Me. She continues to draw a tennis themed manga, Shanimuni-Go in Hana to Yume (Flowers and Dreams).
Marimo Ragawa's calm and cute design is one of the traits of her drawings. Her energetic drawing and characters are very attractive, even to non-manga readers. She is widely known for her great ability in describing complicated emotions, especially in New York New York and Baby and Me.
Her manga Mashiro no Oto has been nominated for the 4th Manga Taishō.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 30, 2022
BRB, sobbing into my pillow.
May 12, 2025
How Banana Fish should have ended.
March 29, 2022
This series hurt. It hurt. A lot! This is not the happiest story. Goddamn, Mel went through so much!!! Why author??? How was he not mentally unstable by the end of this series??? He went through ALL THE TRAUMA.
To be honest, I couldn’t even be that happy about their relationship after what Kain did with Josh in the first omnibus… Bleh. That tainted everything.
I’m glad that the world is more open minded than it used to be though. I wouldn’t recommend this as a series that will make you all giddy and happy. This has romance but it’s 90% thriller drama. Definitely not sunshine and rainbows.
To be honest, I couldn’t even be that happy about their relationship after what Kain did with Josh in the first omnibus… Bleh. That tainted everything.
I’m glad that the world is more open minded than it used to be though. I wouldn’t recommend this as a series that will make you all giddy and happy. This has romance but it’s 90% thriller drama. Definitely not sunshine and rainbows.
September 2, 2024
Don’t talk to me, I’m just quietly thinking of what I’m supposed to do with my life now that I’ve finished this series, crying on the corner.
The first half was traumatizing, the other half beautifully done. The ending, to die for. The character development is most likable and the dialogues are heartrending. I really like this series but I’m most certain I’ll never go back. One time is enough.
The first half was traumatizing, the other half beautifully done. The ending, to die for. The character development is most likable and the dialogues are heartrending. I really like this series but I’m most certain I’ll never go back. One time is enough.
August 20, 2022
Can I just cry?
September 23, 2022
not pictured: me crying
November 23, 2022
Ripped my heart out and destroyed me. Still enjoyed it though and the plot was consistent. The ending for this story was very well done and like I said, ripped my heart out.
May 7, 2025
mangaka vs not writing a flash forward and ruining whatever good was left after this train wreck of a storyline. ragawa is insane shes a freaaaak who the fuck even comes up with this torture shit? never read a little life but i imagine its exactly like this without the drawings.
October 28, 2022
I went into this blind and boy did the serial killer throw me off that was intense
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
“Kain and Mel’s relationship has seen its share of tribulations, but each challenge has only made their bond stronger, leading at long last to the altar. But their wedded bliss is short-lived: The next day, Mel disappears without a word. Having no definite signs of foul play to rely on, the police are unwilling to pursue the case, but Kain knows Mel would never choose to walk out on their happiness—and FBI agent Luna Pittsburg agrees. Together, Kain and Luna set their sights on Joey Klein, a serial killer with a penchant for blue-eyed blonds. Whatever the cost, Kain is determined to be reunited with Mel and set their happily ever after back on course!” (Yen Press)
Originally serialized in the manga magazine Hana to Yume from 1995 to 1998, Marimo Ragawa’s “New York, New York” proved its sincerity in tackling the issues of homophobia in New York in the ’90s while weaving a convincing, yet complex love story in its inaugural release. Furthermore, Kain and Mel presented drastically different lives shaped by a struggle with identity that made them find love under severe turmoil all the more compelling and romantic. Undeniably, it was a strong introduction to the work of Ragawa and her ability to capture the atmosphere of 90’s NYC, while weaving a mature LGBTQ+ series that, in many ways, feels ahead of its time.
Where the second volume deviates from the first is in focusing on a serial killer that shifts the tone of the work to more of a thriller than a romance. This focus, coupled with the book opening with Kain and Mel’s wedding, makes the second volume feel like its own book and could, arguably, be read entirely exclusive of the inaugural volume. This may be slightly jarring, yet Marimo Ragawa showed in the first book a willingness to explore darker themes through dealing with Mel’s troubled and abusive past. Still, the focus on the serial killer does introduce a degree of shock in both physical and sexual violence which was not as prevalent in the first volume. Ultimately, looking at the entire run of “New York, New York” the book is best suited for a mature audience and may be too much for those looking for lighter BL fare given the escalating violence.
Thankfully, the shifted focus does hamper the character’s progression as a couple, and while the story has fewer elements of romance, the final chapters are truly gut-wrenching in the best sense. It is a lovely send-off that really encapsulates the strength of Kain and Mel not just in overcoming social prejudice but in their own humanity. The conclusion is best left unspoiled but the reader can take solace knowing Ragawa concludes “New York, New York” in a way that encapsulates what made the series so appealing in the first place, while pulling it back from the more intense chase of a serial killer that dominates the second omnibus.
In switching up the pace and tone of the series, Marimo Ragawa does not lose her visual flair for capturing the emotions of her subjects, nor in conveying the cityscape and culture of New York. The book certainly feels well researched, and the mangaka’s ability to capture the minor details won’t go unappreciated. Presentation-wise, some additional color panels could have made the book pop, but the omnibus edition in a slightly larger format still pays compliments towards the original work. It is also appreciated that Yen Press took the steps to not censor the original and instead acknowledge that the time frame in which “New York, New York” takes place does include outdated and offensive terminology that was purposely used for authenticity.
There are certain themes explored in “New York, New York” that may make it difficult for some readers to approach. It is a challenging title that deals with physical and sexual violence, and bigotry. However, the best work always aims to challenge, and looking at the past with such honesty as the attitudes of society towards gay culture in the 90s is a reminder, as much as it is a celebration of how far we have come in embracing the gay community. Putting that aside, Ragawa’s masterful crafting of the story/visuals and deviating into a more action-heavy plot in the second volume makes the book openly accessible to a broader audience–the reader does not need to approach this as an LGBTQ title to enjoy and celebrate the work.
Two volumes to collect the entire series is certainly worth it, especially for those manga fans who are always looking for titles aimed at a mature audience and deal with adult relationships.
*Originally published on Asian Movie Pulse
Originally serialized in the manga magazine Hana to Yume from 1995 to 1998, Marimo Ragawa’s “New York, New York” proved its sincerity in tackling the issues of homophobia in New York in the ’90s while weaving a convincing, yet complex love story in its inaugural release. Furthermore, Kain and Mel presented drastically different lives shaped by a struggle with identity that made them find love under severe turmoil all the more compelling and romantic. Undeniably, it was a strong introduction to the work of Ragawa and her ability to capture the atmosphere of 90’s NYC, while weaving a mature LGBTQ+ series that, in many ways, feels ahead of its time.
Where the second volume deviates from the first is in focusing on a serial killer that shifts the tone of the work to more of a thriller than a romance. This focus, coupled with the book opening with Kain and Mel’s wedding, makes the second volume feel like its own book and could, arguably, be read entirely exclusive of the inaugural volume. This may be slightly jarring, yet Marimo Ragawa showed in the first book a willingness to explore darker themes through dealing with Mel’s troubled and abusive past. Still, the focus on the serial killer does introduce a degree of shock in both physical and sexual violence which was not as prevalent in the first volume. Ultimately, looking at the entire run of “New York, New York” the book is best suited for a mature audience and may be too much for those looking for lighter BL fare given the escalating violence.
Thankfully, the shifted focus does hamper the character’s progression as a couple, and while the story has fewer elements of romance, the final chapters are truly gut-wrenching in the best sense. It is a lovely send-off that really encapsulates the strength of Kain and Mel not just in overcoming social prejudice but in their own humanity. The conclusion is best left unspoiled but the reader can take solace knowing Ragawa concludes “New York, New York” in a way that encapsulates what made the series so appealing in the first place, while pulling it back from the more intense chase of a serial killer that dominates the second omnibus.
In switching up the pace and tone of the series, Marimo Ragawa does not lose her visual flair for capturing the emotions of her subjects, nor in conveying the cityscape and culture of New York. The book certainly feels well researched, and the mangaka’s ability to capture the minor details won’t go unappreciated. Presentation-wise, some additional color panels could have made the book pop, but the omnibus edition in a slightly larger format still pays compliments towards the original work. It is also appreciated that Yen Press took the steps to not censor the original and instead acknowledge that the time frame in which “New York, New York” takes place does include outdated and offensive terminology that was purposely used for authenticity.
There are certain themes explored in “New York, New York” that may make it difficult for some readers to approach. It is a challenging title that deals with physical and sexual violence, and bigotry. However, the best work always aims to challenge, and looking at the past with such honesty as the attitudes of society towards gay culture in the 90s is a reminder, as much as it is a celebration of how far we have come in embracing the gay community. Putting that aside, Ragawa’s masterful crafting of the story/visuals and deviating into a more action-heavy plot in the second volume makes the book openly accessible to a broader audience–the reader does not need to approach this as an LGBTQ title to enjoy and celebrate the work.
Two volumes to collect the entire series is certainly worth it, especially for those manga fans who are always looking for titles aimed at a mature audience and deal with adult relationships.
*Originally published on Asian Movie Pulse
March 3, 2025
Diciamo che questa è la grandezza ideale per un manga: cose più lunghe andrebbero vietate per legge. Apprezzo anche la copertina rigida, che aiuta un po' a non rovinare la costina del volume. Prezzo troppo alto, però.
Deliri a parte.
Decisamente migliore del primo volume. Forse i personaggi sono maturati, forse l'autrice aveva le idee più chiare o semplicemente un'idea migliore per continuare la storia. Tutto il dramma di coppia del primo volume sparisce per lasciare il posto a una lunga indagine di polizia. A volte l'autrice la tira un po' troppo per le lunghe ma ho apprezzato molto più del primo volume.
E poi si arriva al capitolo V che è stato in grado di farmi scendere addirittura la lacrimuccia. Favoloso!
Deliri a parte.
Decisamente migliore del primo volume. Forse i personaggi sono maturati, forse l'autrice aveva le idee più chiare o semplicemente un'idea migliore per continuare la storia. Tutto il dramma di coppia del primo volume sparisce per lasciare il posto a una lunga indagine di polizia. A volte l'autrice la tira un po' troppo per le lunghe ma ho apprezzato molto più del primo volume.
E poi si arriva al capitolo V che è stato in grado di farmi scendere addirittura la lacrimuccia. Favoloso!
February 12, 2023
Bought this as a classic BL manga and I wasn’t prepared for the DRAMA. This is Josei, not Shoujo so be aware of that going in.
If I thought I was unprepared by volume 1, that had nothing on this one. Jeez. However the final chapter is absolutely adorable and one of the most moving things I’ve read in a while.
CW - This is very much of its time as it’s written and set in the 90s (and is set in America even though it’s written by a Japanese person) so be prepared for homophobia (mainly internalised) and some odd attitudes to Jewish people (micro aggressions rather than outright slurs I would say)
There are also violent themes including rape, kidnapping, stalking, AIDS related illness
If I thought I was unprepared by volume 1, that had nothing on this one. Jeez. However the final chapter is absolutely adorable and one of the most moving things I’ve read in a while.
CW - This is very much of its time as it’s written and set in the 90s (and is set in America even though it’s written by a Japanese person) so be prepared for homophobia (mainly internalised) and some odd attitudes to Jewish people (micro aggressions rather than outright slurs I would say)
There are also violent themes including rape, kidnapping, stalking, AIDS related illness
September 20, 2024
I picked this up from my flatmate who bought a blind box of Yaoi that was on sale. We thought it would be a laugh to give it a read and report back. Anyway - my hopes were not high.
And I judged it too harshly. That was a beautiful story - a thriller entwined with romance that touches on the struggles of homophobia, the romantasiaion of killers, and recovery from trauma. Then - queer parenting. It was beautiful, and better written than a lot of stuff I’ve read that’s leagues more popular.
Anyway. I struggled to put it down. 5 starts.
And I judged it too harshly. That was a beautiful story - a thriller entwined with romance that touches on the struggles of homophobia, the romantasiaion of killers, and recovery from trauma. Then - queer parenting. It was beautiful, and better written than a lot of stuff I’ve read that’s leagues more popular.
Anyway. I struggled to put it down. 5 starts.
July 10, 2023
Okay this was not as good as the first volume but it was decent. It got me to read a genre I wouldn’t normally…..I won’t put spoilers but the genre changes completely for this issue.
What I loved most about this was that there was a nice complete ending that finished the story.
I hate when I invest my time in a book or movie for it to end on a cliff hanger so I am pleased this was not the case.
Not as good as the first volume but would still highly recommend.
What I loved most about this was that there was a nice complete ending that finished the story.
I hate when I invest my time in a book or movie for it to end on a cliff hanger so I am pleased this was not the case.
Not as good as the first volume but would still highly recommend.
July 20, 2024
I did not expect any part of this volume. Going in completely blind felt me in for a whirlwind of emotions.
There’s so much to unpack with this simple volume, but as a whole, I find the story beautiful— brutal and sometimes downright cruel— but beautiful.
The last chapter especially left me a sobbing mess, unable to contain my heartbreak and joy for these two characters I’ve grown so fond of.
Mel and Kain… I don’t know what to say.
There’s so much to unpack with this simple volume, but as a whole, I find the story beautiful— brutal and sometimes downright cruel— but beautiful.
The last chapter especially left me a sobbing mess, unable to contain my heartbreak and joy for these two characters I’ve grown so fond of.
Mel and Kain… I don’t know what to say.
August 13, 2022
4.75/5
This was the end of the series and I actually enjoyed it. I expected it to continue where the first one left off and we would see some romantic scenes and how they grow their relationship. But this volume seemed to lean more into the mystery/ police-procedural genre. But I did enjoy it. The ending was simple and great. It closed the MCs' life perfectly.
This was the end of the series and I actually enjoyed it. I expected it to continue where the first one left off and we would see some romantic scenes and how they grow their relationship. But this volume seemed to lean more into the mystery/ police-procedural genre. But I did enjoy it. The ending was simple and great. It closed the MCs' life perfectly.
February 10, 2025
Anche questo secondo e ultimo volume è bello ricco di drammi e, per i miei gusti, il "caso" si prolunga per troppe pagine dando poco spazio a tutto il resto. È una mini serie che consiglio, perché è uno spaccato molto veritiero degli anni '90 con due personaggi molto interessanti, avrei solo voluto un po' più di gioie.
October 1, 2022
Wow, it's the only thing I can think of right now. This two book are a masterpiece. It was heartbreaking, eye opening, amazing and real. People keep asking me why I read all types of books, Manga, etc. But you need to keep reading everything you want to understand people better.
October 11, 2022
This was such a good book. I couldn’t put it down. I was up late at night and wouldn’t go to sleep until I finished. I loved this story so much and to see Mel and Kian grown with each other in the last 2 books was a wonderful read.
November 2, 2023
i couldn’t get behind the serial killer plotline and it took up much of the second volume. the end, however, was sweet enough to get me, with two of the most lovely spreads i’ve ever seen when they move to boston. the relief and joy when they were finally back together was pretty powerful
December 29, 2024
A very emotional journey that had a complete genre change midbook but still completely lured me in till I finished the book! I feel the ending was a tad rushed or perhaps I'm just sad it ended. A romance for the ages and not one I'll forget in a hurry. Did give me FAKE (the manga) vibes but much more fine tuned and sweet.
January 8, 2025
I did not expect to cry when I started reading, it was so heartwarming.
Kain was so toxic in the vol. 1 thankfully he got better and Mel is such a precious character! So many times I wish I could keep him in my pocket to protect him.
George, Shirley and Connie were the best.
Kain was so toxic in the vol. 1 thankfully he got better and Mel is such a precious character! So many times I wish I could keep him in my pocket to protect him.
George, Shirley and Connie were the best.
December 8, 2025
5:0
This is just one of those books that makes me happy to be gay.
When I finished it, I just felt proud, and I felt the true love for the characters.
One of the best manga series I’ve read, even if it’s short, definitely in my 5.
This is just one of those books that makes me happy to be gay.
When I finished it, I just felt proud, and I felt the true love for the characters.
One of the best manga series I’ve read, even if it’s short, definitely in my 5.
September 29, 2022
My god, the DRAMA.
October 9, 2022
I'm not appreciating all the shit Mel has to go through in this series. Raped, again!?! Brutalised again!! It was kinda a relief when it ended, at least he's at peace.
December 1, 2022
Best the end with sorry story! I LOVE IT!!!!
June 15, 2023
CRYING SOBBING AND DYING THANKS
August 3, 2023
Yikes yikes yikes. I was really hoping this volume would be better. I guess there's technically a happy ending, but oof. TW: for sexual assault, rape, murder, cancer. OOF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Even more engrossing than the previous volume and accomplished more at the end than any past or recent BL manga. A true achievement.
December 10, 2023
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
This was absolutely beautiful, absolutely heartbreaking, absolutely amazing..... ❤️
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
This was absolutely beautiful, absolutely heartbreaking, absolutely amazing..... ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews