In Volume 1 of Cardcaptor Sakura, we met Kinomoto Sakura, an energetic, cheerful elementary school girl who accidentally (maybe) unleashes the power of the Clow Cards...a deck that was created generations ago by the great magician Clow Reed. We also meet Sakura's family and friends, and the magical creature that assists her to collect all the Cards, Cereberus, nicknamed Kero-chan.In Volume 2, we pick up where we left off as Sakura, her rival Li and besotted best friend forever Tomoyo are trapped in the Maze card and rescued by the power of Mizuki Kaho-sensei, the new substitute teacher.
At which point the story begins to be weighted down with predictions and implications and precognition. Great things are happening, powerful creatures are stirring and Sakura is merely a young girl. But Sakura rises to the challenge every time. Helped by her friends, she conquers card after card, and slowly begins to learn that Kaho-sensei has a role in all this...although she doesn't yet know what.
Clow Reed begins, in this volume, to become a real presence. Sakura sees him in a dream, Kaho speaks of him almost as if she knew him. And, we learn, that Kaho has a bond with another man in Sakura's life - her brother. Years ago, they dated when Toya was in middle school and Kaho, a student teacher.
What happens next I won't spoil. If you've read it, you know why this is the coolest volume. Yue is worth waiting for, just for sheer prettiness. But if you haven't, I'll leave you to meet Yue on your own time. ^_^
Yet again, I find Dark Horse did a very acceptable translation job, and yet again, this book is so heavy, I would worry if a child tried to carry it around. But the color pages are as pretty as I remember, and the story is a delight, even the pander-y, manipulative ones that make me choke up. ^_^
As I said for the first volume, I am not nostalgic, but I truly do love this series. Every character is likable, even the unlikable ones, and it's all so...nice. I sent my niece the first volume, I won't hesitate to send her this one, if she wants it. (She may be to old and cool for nice these days.)
Ratings:
Art - 9
Characters - 9
Story - 9
Yuri - 2
Loser FanBoy/Girl - 4
Overall - 9
I can't wait for the next volume!
The especially wonderful thing about this volume is that it heralds the arrival of a brand new Okazu Hero! Thank you Walt R-B for sponsoring this review! Please email me at anilesbocon01 at hotmail dot com to receive your Okazu Hero Badge, suitable for display on any website of social media profile. You're my Hero. ^_^