笑う吸血鬼 2 (ビームコミックス)

"笑う吸血鬼 2" (Laughing Vampire 2) is a manga series written and illustrated by Maruo Suehiro, published under the Beam Comics label by KADOKAWA. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

• Dark Humor and Grotesquery: The series is known for its unique blend of dark humor and grotesque elements, which are characteristic of Maruo's style. It explores themes of death, decay, and the absurdity of life.
• Japanese Eccentricity: The manga often incorporates elements of Japanese culture and societal norms, adding to its eccentric and unique perspective.
• Sensory Experience: The story is designed to engage the reader's senses, with vivid descriptions and illustrations that create a sensory experience.

Plot Summary

The plot of "笑う吸血鬼 2" continues from the first volume, delving deeper into the world of vampires and their peculiar behaviors. The story revolves around the protagonist's encounters with various vampires, each with their own quirks and characteristics. The narrative is often surreal and absurd, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

Critical Reception

• Fan Base: The series has garnered a dedicated fan base both domestically and internationally, known for its unique and captivating world view.
• Critical Acclaim: Critics praise the manga for its originality and Maruo's distinctive style, which combines elements of horror, comedy, and the bizarre. The series is often described as "eclectic" and "uniquely Japanese."
• Reviews: On platforms like Bookmeter, readers have shared their thoughts on the series, noting its engaging and often unsettling nature. The availability of free trial chapters allows readers to experience the manga before committing to a full purchase.

Availability

• Print Edition: The book was first released in print on September 26, 2016, in a B6 format with 288 pages. It is priced at 1,012 yen (including tax).
• Digital Edition: An electronic version of the manga is also available, released on the same date as the print edition.
• Special Edition: A special edition of the book was released, although it is currently out of stock.

Overall, "笑う吸血鬼 2" is a distinctive and captivating manga that offers a unique reading experience, blending dark humor with grotesque elements to create a memorable and unsettling narrative.