REVIEW: ‘FANGS,’ Volume 2

FANGS Volume 1 was my favorite BL of 2022, and now, it’s finally back with Volume 2. Created, written, and illustrated by Billy Ballibally, FANGS Volume 2 is published and localized in English by TOKYOPOP through the publisher’s queer romance imprint, LOVE x LOVE. The volume is edited by Lena Atanassova, translated by Christine Dashiell, and touch-up art and letting by Vibrraant Publishing Studio.

Last volume, readers were introduced to a world of vampires with En, the sole survivor of a vampire attack awaking to his new life with snow-white hair and no idea what happened. Then, the vampire health and welfare organization FANGS stepped in to help him transition, with Ichii stepping up as his guardian and mentor. As En learns about the world he can’t help but fall for his Ichii and vice versa. As the two began to fall in love, the reality of the vampire pairing system loomed over them. As the only way to survive without losing control, vampires pair with one another to help control their hunger, and often, find love. FANGS Volume 2 picks up where the last left off, with En and Ichii living together and in love, only En isn’t sure just yet if he’s ready to take the plunge and become Ichii’s pair for real and not just in name only.

While the last volume was about exploring grief and what happens when you lose your pair, FANGS Volume 2 is about exploring and realizing the emotions brewing inside our leads. Sure, we’ve seen them have steamy intimate moments, but what happens when the emotional finally catches up with the physical? A slower volume than the last, the intrigue that is coupled in with an exploration of romance and a confession helps set up the next volume and a showcase that a storm is brewing up from Ichii’s past.

The art in this FANGS Volume 2 is stunning, yet again. With every piece of clothing a street fashion statement that I haven’t seen in any other manga and attention in detailing facial expressions and emotions help bring every page to life. Not only is this series compelling when it comes to its deep vampire lore, but it’s strikingly gorgeous to read. I would copy and frame nearly every panel in this volume, just like the first, and put them all over my office. From the moments of intimacy, to moments of calm, and the chibi reactions too, everything is just perfect.

There are a lot of vampire stories out there, and FANGS is one of the best, regardless of medium or subgenre. As a romance, Ichii and En are thoughtful and carrying, making their choices believable and thoughtful. As a supernatural story with a unique lore set rules and boundaries it’s complex and well-executed. Everything about FANGS works sublimely and my only issue is that I have to wait for Volume 3.

FANGS Volume 2 is available now wherever books are sold both physically and digitally.