Colette Decides to Die: Vol.2 Manga Review

Have you ever been blown away by the first volume of a manga series, only to feel let down by the second? No worries here, because volume 2 of Colette Decides to Die is exactly what you want it to be! The story of Colette and Hades continues to unfold as a thoughtful exploration of the nature of work, self actualization, and emotional connection–with a sprinkle of romance. 

Background:

Colette Decides to Die follows Colette, a village apothecary who, after a fateful accident, stumbles into the Underworld, There, she becomes a healer to Hades himself, and the two form a surprising yet charming bond.

The Story:

Volume 2 picks up right where volume 1 left off. Colette continues her role as a healer, tending to both her village and to Hades, who still struggles with his illness. Although she seems considerably less stressed than she was in volume 1, she has new hurdles coming her way. 

When Apollo takes a sudden vacation, and news spreads of Hades’s new mortal friend, the goddesses of the Celestial Realm become intensely curious about Colette. With Apollo absent, Colette is recruited to serve as a temporary healer of the goddesses.

But do these perfect deities have any real problems? Well…not so much. Most seem bored by their idyllic lives and their ailments are minor inconveniences at best. Still, Colette quickly realized that even imagined or inane problems deserve empathy. Listening, acknowledging feelings, and allowing someone the space to express themselves can be healing in itself. I love how Colette recognized this and brings comfort to her patients–even when their issues seem trivial.

It’s not all fun in games in the Celestial Realm, though. Colette has to face jealous goddesses and dangerous plants. But that’s nothing compared to the Herculean task Colette takes on for Hades: finding a beloved and rare flower. It’s on this quest that Colette starts to question her feelings. Is Hades just another patient? Is he a friend or a mentor? Or could he be so much more dear to her?

Watching Colette navigate these emotions is so heartwarming, you’ll be kicking your feet. She acknowledges their similar values and the mutual respect they have for one another, and realization that her feelings are greater than she had previously realized feels beautifully earned. As a reader, you can’t help but root for them as their bond is so pure and genuine.

But beyond the slow-burn romance, this volume has even more to offer. We get a glimpse into a side character’s backstory, which may even make you tear up a bit, and we watch Colette expand her knowledge of medicine for the betterment of herself and others. I love the emphasis of self actualization and growth in this series. It continues to be an inspiring and delightful read, and I dare say even a bit empowering.  

The Art:

The art style is perfectly pleasing. The characters continue to emote in ways that make their dialogue feel alive. Their faces  capture the emotion behind their words and it makes you all the more invested in the narrative. There is no empty dialogue in this series; every line feels meaningful.

The soft line art is whimsical, quietly hinting that there is magic on every page. Even when Colette finds herself in the mortal realm the wispy, romantic nature of the art feels enchanting, which I think works nicely with many of the story’s themes, like finding magic in the mundane.  

The Deets:

This omnibus is hefty, but it flies by thanks to the great pacing and consistently engaging storytelling. Every chapter builds on the themes introduced in volume 1, while exploring new relationships, presenting new opportunities for romantic tension, and providing excellent character development.

It’s sweet, thoughtful and funny, and I highly recommend picking it up.

Colette Decides to Die is a completed series in Japan consisting of 20 volumes. The English release is being published in omnibus format by Viz Media. Three collected volumes are currently out, with volume 4 set to release in English on August 5^th.