Fe mentions in a note that Love of Kill had a “real possibility” of being canned after one volume. But the manga has swung from possible cancellation to anime adaptation. But while volume 2 may not be as action-packed as the first, the mysteries of Chateau’s and Ryang-Ha’s pasts certainly provide enough of a draw for readers.
Ryang-Ha finds Chateau after her encounter with the man with the spider tattoo, and he’s all-too-willing to help her. (Much to the annoyance of Chateau, but she has no energy to argue.) They both know he’s somehow connected to tattoo guy, and the manga shows readers the answers to most questions regarding his identity. Still, Spider-Guy is not letting his chance for revenge slip away, and it’s likely up to Ryang-Ha to play Prince Bloody Charming to save the object of his affections.
And yes, he continues to dote on Chateau in his own bizarre, clueless, annoying and yes, cute way, from taking care of her after the accident to nagging her to spending time with him. Ryang-Ha doesn’t push the subject, but Ryang-Ha questions why Chateau doesn’t hand him over to her agency, and the answer is much more complicated than, “She’s falling for him!” Thank goodness, as I don’t want to see this become a fast romance!
The fact Fe wasn’t sure how long Love of Kill would run certainly explains why we are getting so much info so early in the series. I’m sure Fe won’t reveal everything here soon, but there are certainly some good clues and surprises for readers to sink their teeth into. Besides some tales from Ryang-Ha’s past, Chateau’s backstory is also explored, and to my surprise, her boss doesn’t know as much about her as I would have guessed. The best part of the manga for me was showing off the cute bond between Chateau and her father in these flashbacks.
For the most part, volume 2 features a lot of discussions, and the action doesn’t happen until the second half of the book. Ryang-Ha’s skills and the need for more exposition means the battle is rather short. This is disappointing since the Hollywood-level sequences were so well-done in volume 1. Volume 3 is likely to feature more gunfire, and hopefully Fe can flex their artistic skills again.
Downtime is always important even in a high-energy, violent story, but I did find myself curious as to how the web serialization of Love of Kill handled this arc. Fe mentions Ryang-Ha and Chateau’s scenes had more of a date-like atmosphere, and his and Hou’s backstory was also dove in deeper. They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but I can’t help but wonder which is better. English readers probably won’t ever know, but at least this volume showcases spider tattoo’s obsession with Ryang-Ha and Chateau adorably thanking Ryang-Ha in this version. Regardless if the web comic did parts better, I’m glad Fe was allowed to draw this story for more than just a volume or two.