Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU: Volume 2 (2023) Manga Review

Posted on by Jim Cox
Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU Volume 2

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Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU is a 2-volume psychological horror manga, written by Ryukishi07/7th Expansion and illustrated by Tomato Akase. Ryukishi07 is a Japanese author, artist, and representative of the group collective 07th Expansion, who are well-known as the creators of the When They Cry series. The manga is the concluding volume of the series, being succeeded by Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Meguri.

Note: this article covers volume 2

 

Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU Volume 2

Keiichi Maebara has made lots of great friends since moving to Hinamizawa—namely Satoko Hojo, who’s practically a little sister to him now. When he finds out about her less-than-stellar home life, he’s determined to help Satoko find her happily ever after! But with the Cotton Drifting Festival in less than a week, Keiichi wonders whether the Satoko he knows will even last until then, or if she will simply drift away like the cotton in the stream. – Blurb.

Continuing the story with the final two arcs with the Curse Deceiving and Cat Deceiving Arcs, Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU’s second entry certainly ups the ante when compared to the previous volume. The more lighthearted tone emphasized in the previous edition is replaced with the incredibly bleak atmosphere of child abuse. The playful, childish nature of the small group of friends enjoying their lives together is destroyed with its somber, realistic representation of domestic violence. Furthermore, the second volume’s depiction of grotesque gore is amplified compared to the previous one, delivering undoubtedly savage scenes of murder and mutilation.

 

Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU Volume 2

Additionally, the narrative follows closely to the story portrayed in the original iteration. However, like the first volume, the narrative diverts to veer off in a different direction, weaving a new shocking tale full of gruesome visuals. Although this doesn’t hold the same weight as in the first volume, already being well aware of the shocking twist, this digression still creates a refreshing take on the original tale that fans have been crying out for.

The artwork in this volume maintains the high standard set by its predecessor. Tomato Akase’s illustrations brilliantly convey the characters’ emotions and the eerie atmosphere of the story. The juxtaposition of seemingly innocent and cute character designs with horrifying and gruesome scenes continues to be a hallmark of this series, and it’s executed flawlessly in this volume.

 

Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU Volume 2

An astounding conclusion to the reimagining of a beloved horror series, Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU Volume 2 is undoubtedly a worthy finish to this new addition to the franchise. It successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering chilling horror, intricate character development, and a plot that keeps readers guessing at every turn.

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Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU: Volume 2 is available to purchase from Yen Press’ website here and from Amazon here*.

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