"Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale" is the sequel to the "Battle Royale" manga. However, there are many differences between Battle Royale and Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale. In regards to Battle Royale, it was originally a novel. From the novel, it would be adapted into a manga. From the manga, it would be adapted into a full-feature live-action film which was extremely popular.

This is where things go in different paths. After Battle Royale was released, a live-action sequel called "Battle Royale II: Requiem" was released. However, the sequel was not as good as its predecessor. But, the storylines between Battle Royale II: Requiem and Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale are completely different. I did not like Battle Royale II: Requiem that much.

As a result, I found Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale more appealing in storyline.

Plotline: A

Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale had a storyline that is completely different from Battle Royale II: Requiem. I did not like Battle Royale II: Requiem because of the storyline and action sequences. Everything was poorly done. Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale had the better storyline as it had made sense.

So far, this storyline has the credit of Koushun Takami, the author of the original novel. But the storyline is made by Hitoshi Tomizawa. The events of Battle Royale II: Requiem seems to have nothing to do with Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale.

The main character is a middle school girl named Makoto Hashimoto, who is plagued with bad luck. She fears that on the field trip, they will get picked to be part of the "Battle Royale Program." However, it is unlikely as all fifty BR Programs were executed.

However, they get dragged into the Navy Exclusive version. It becomes pretty dark afterwards. Soon, the students rebel against the Japanese Navy.

Characters: A

The main character is Makoto Hashimoto. The characters are typical middle school students forced into such a brutal program. The characters in the manga are far more convincing than the characters in the movie. In the movie, I was dumbfounded to see how a class of school students could easily take down wave after wave of soldiers.

It seemed to be quite different in Blitz Royale.

Illustrations: C-

While the story and characters were good, I did not really like the illustrations. It seemed to be a bit more kid-like. The characters did not look realistic enough for the most part. That is perhaps my one and only criticism with Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale. In the first Battle Royale, the illustrations were more realistic and convincing. For the illustrations in Blitz Royale, the graphics did not really seem to fit the dark feel and tone of the story.

Overall: A

With the exception of the graphics and illustrations, Battle Royale II: Blitz Royale is a very decent manga. It does keep true to the elements of the first Battle Royale. It keeps things fresh and realistic than the live action movie of Battle Royale II. If you enjoyed reading Battle Royale, you may enjoy reading this manga.

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