Graphic Novel Review - 'Magical Boy Volume 2' by The Kao

2026 EDIT: Read my rereview of the first volume for more. What a great end to a great series.

Final Score: 4.5/5





Original Review:



What an honour and privilege it is to have read a fantastic fantasy graphic novel duology within a month!

'Magical Boy Volume 2' is a smashing, tearful and so damn hopeful conclusion to the first volume. I won't dare reveal anything of its substance - I don't want to spoil any important content in a series that should be read by everyone, who should experience everything firsthand - but all I'll say is that this time there are themes of: fighting inner "demons" as well as outer monsters; snapping out of self-doubt, self-loathing and depression through the love of supportive and accepting friends and family; never having to struggle alone; relief from hate and aggression and unhappiness; questioning long held traditions and legacies (as well as changing them with the times); and generational trauma. The love of your friends and family is powerful, world saving - and world changing - stuff, and it makes everything worth it.

The book isn't perfect. There's the unexplored, unresolved issues concerning a revelation about the talking cat Walnut, who I kind of hate now. Jen and Pyper barely interact. Plus it could have gone a bit further with its gender critique. But it's fine and revolutionary as it is. That ending is damn near perfect.

'Magical Boy Volume 2' also...well, I know I said I'll try to steer clear of potential spoiler content, but I have to mention that there is a "surprise-straight" "twist" at the end; a subversion of the common and typical "surprise-gay" "twist" device in story endings in other media. Nearly all of the main cast are LGBTQ+, so it would be a twist, as it were.

Anyway, that's it from me.

Just read it. Read all of 'Magical Boy'. Seriously.

It's beautiful. It's great. Like the Magical Boy Max Owen.

Final Score: 4.5/5