YAOI MANGA REVIEW: Gerard & Jacques V2

Gerard & Jacques Volume 2 kicked my rating up from a prior 4 star to a 5 star. I felt this volume was much better than volume 1, which was still pretty good. We start out with Jacques mother remarrying and subsequently sending a messenger to Jacques stating she wants to see him. He goes to visit her, and Gerard, fearing he has left for good, searches for a replacement. However, Jacques returns to Gerard and confirms that his mother does want to adopt him into the new family but he has chosen to stay with Gerard. This visit is an important turning point for both Gerard and Jacques as Jacques finds out a family secret that gives him and Gerard a common bond and brings them closer together.

 
The rest of the story centers on the beginning of the revolutionary war and its implications for our couple, both of whom have aristocratic ties which means certain death if found out. Unfortunately for them, our scoundrel from volume 1, Raul de Amalric makes another appearance in this volume and spells nothing but trouble for Gerard and Jacques.

 
This volume kicks its plot into high gear and as I’ve said in my prior review of volume 1, it is refreshing to read something so different and at the same time so interesting. Plus, our mangaka has really kicked the humor in this volume into high gear as well. The cleverness of the cook and our poor Jacques “exploding” whenever Gerard gets near him had me in stitches. Although I am still not a fan of the drawing style, it is much more tolerable when both characters are adults and the younger boys are no longer included in the story. Also, be aware that if you have read any of her other work, you’ll notice how most of her character couples look exactly the same in the face from title to title but only differ in their hair styles. This is one reason for my hesitation in buying any more of her work.

I am happy to see an improvement in the sexual content as there are two very lovely and a good deal more explicit sex scenes between our main characters (and another sex scene with rather violent connotations involving Gerard). I wasn’t happy with the sexual content of volume 1 but I feel the mangaka has done a fine job with volume 2. The general illustrations are just as good as volume 1 and the translation into English is as perfect as ever. I’ve increased my ratings for character design, plot and sexual content as I feel this volume deserves it. With volume 2 being the conclusion to this story, I would highly recommend obtaining both volumes as I feel they are a worthwhile read.

 
Character Design = B+

Plot = A+

Sexual Content = A-

Illustrations = A-

Translation = A+

 
Overall Rating = A

Buy Now!