“Adults' Picture Book New Edition” vol. 2 official synopsis from Yen Press: “So this is the start of our life of having problems together… She's all moved in. New husband, new daughter—it's a brand-new beginning. Although Fusako decided this for herself, living with total strangers is not exactly a walk in the park. Between Souichirou's insistent demands that she lie to Kiki about the truth of her birth, his deep feelings for Kiki's late father, and Fusako's uncertainty about her role in Souichirou's life, Fusako is struggling to adapt to life in the Kudou household. Luckily for her, Kiki is more than willing to forge a secret alliance to make Souichiro happy…”
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Read our Review of the First Volume of Adults' Picture Book New Edition
The inaugural volume of “Adults' Picture Book New Edition” left many lingering questions, thrusting three characters into a family unit with their perceived baggage. The series asked readers to accept this scenario and overlook its flaws and lack of context under the premise that building a family unit is of utmost importance in raising a child, regardless of how tenuous those connections may be.
The second volume does little to address these concerns and yet continues to shed light on the peculiar family of three, with ‘mother' Fusako getting the most attention. Through the pages, we learn of her insecurities and struggles with understanding others' desires, leading her to embrace motherhood to fix said issues. However, even here, there is a cold distance to all interactions, making it hard to cement her persona entirely. Additionally, the implication of Souichirou's homosexuality is finally brought up. But even here, this is glossed over and vaguely presented as an ‘aromantic' attraction to his friend.
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These elements leave the reader feeling as though they are dealing with a bevy of undiagnosed mental health disorders that their characters have managed to shape into what they perceive as normalcy. “Adults' Picture Book New Edition,” if anything, is a fascinating character study of individuals who have battled past hardships and now find themselves settled into a reality defined by a lifetime of challenges, both through mental anguish and possible traumatic events. While this can be used as a broad stroke to define many drama series, the uncertainty of those root causes and the complexity of personality it subsequently crafts remains the most alluring aspect of the manga.
At the same time, the second volume allows Kei Itoi more indulgence now that the premise and cast have been introduced. Notably, subtle humor is interjected into the series, and the characters' eccentricities do not just come across as potential faults or blind dedication to the concept of ‘family.' Fresh faces are also introduced into the series, giving an outsider perspective to the trio's peculiar living situation. These additions begin to offer a needed broader perspective on what drives Fusako and Souichirou to look after Kiki.
This is not to say that “Adults' Picture Book New Edition” does not remain frustrating at points, as it still feels as though Kei Itoi is dangling potential secrets about her characters just out of the periphery of each awkward conversation. While the speculation and uncertainty have their appeal, the potential for stagnation makes for an uneasy relationship with the series. Will there be a payoff further down the line that results in a more cathartic connection or emotionally charged revelation? Running since 2021, the chance of the series being a more awkwardly structured slice-of-life seems equally possible. Regardless, for now, the desire to better understand the trio pushes “Adults' Picture Book New Edition” forward into one of the more exciting dramas in print.
The art has not changed since the inaugural volume. It still has a rather plain yet personable approach that won't ‘wow' readers but is perfectly apt for the story Kei Itoi crafts. However, more familiarity with the characters also endears one to them, and the visuals feel more comfortable with each volume. If anything, flashy imagery could detract from the wholesome aesthetic and focus on creating realistic drama.
“Adults' Picture Book New Edition” could be one of the best series to emerge from 2024, or it could fizzle out into obscurity with a niche audience attracted to its vagueness. Alternatively, with aromanticism seemingly a key component that will stay consistent, it could resonate with those whose vision of love is slightly different from what is considered the ‘norm.' Regardless, it is an interesting prospect, and avid manga fans will appreciate having an awkward yet charming title in their library that offers a fresh take on the family drama genre.
