Gunsmith Cats: Revised Edition Volume 2
Still great stuff. In fact this volume actually addresses some of my criticisms of the first, so I feel a little conflicted about it now.
I think it's unfortunate that the Revised version splits the 'Return of Gray' tankobon in two halves; that was a good arc and not getting it all in one shot might hamper the experience a little for newcomers. Beyond that though, everything is new to me, and the book became an absolute page turner. This is the first I've seen major series villain Iron Goldie, a mafia lieutentant and drug specialist whose attempt to turn Rally into her Manchurian Candidate-style brainwashed pawn, makes for a breathlessly exciting cat and mouse game between the two of them, sustained across the bulk of this volume. Goldie's personality does seem quite similar to earlier baddie Bonnie, but she does feel more fleshed out, so it's not much of an issue.
Despite the regular injections of fan-service (and some rather eye-watering wish fulfilment, given that Minnie-May's lover is almost certainly a self-insert for Sonoda), I do wonder if it might have been harsh of me to call the series out on its sleaziness. There is ample opportunity in Goldie's arc for the manga to go to some very dark places, but it always holds back - quite rightly so, given the broadly upbeat tone. It's also surprisingly coy about showing any actual sexual activity. Perhaps someone got a rap on the knuckles after the more explicit scene in that first tank.
My intention is to take a break and read some other things for now, but I look forward to coming back for more soon.