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Beast Complex #2
BEAST COMPLEX II
“BEASTARS”の原点がここに。肉食と草食が共存する世界。そこに溢れる様々な感情。この世界には、まだまだ語られるべき物語が無数に存在する。違うからこそ、向き合うことは難しい。難しいからこそ、そこに挑む姿は残酷で美しい。板垣巴留が描き出す珠玉の短編集。
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2021
8 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Paru Itagaki
90 books630 followersParu Itagaki ( 板垣巴留, Itagaki Paru) is a multi-award-winning Japanese manga artist, known mainly for her work Beastars. She is the daughter of Keisuke Itagaki.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 16, 2023
OMG MORE LEGOSHI AND HARU!
April 1, 2024
These short stories feature the residents of Beast Apartments (including a certain gray wolf) and mostly take place after the final volume of BEASTARS. If you liked the main series, you'll definitely like these "Where are they now?" updates.
The Pig and the Peacock
Eugene, a Yorkshire pig, has to deal with an unusual request from a vain police officer at his taxidermy business.
The Shiba Inu and the Shiba Inu
A middle-aged, cross-dressing Shiba Inu model has to come to terms with how his aging may effect the lazy lifestyle he has taken for granted.
The Crow and the Kangaroo
Animals with albinism are often targeted with predator-on-prey violence, so for safety they congregate in the District Zero residential area, where they in turn target a resident who is not perfectly "bright" with sexual harassment.
The Steller's Sea Eagle and the Mongolian Gerbil
Leica, an eagle, acts as a private chauffeur for Fina, a gerbil, so she doesn't want to worry about getting crushed on public transit systems. This platonic relationship has served them each well for years, but a new development upsets the status quo.
The Chipmunk and the (Mountain Hare)
A rookie editor is tasked with getting the magazine's most popular author to get their serial installment in by the end of the day. A home visit to Beast Apartments proves more harrowing than she could have expected.
The Wolf and the Rabbit
Now twenty-years-old, Haru invites Legoshi to her coming of age ceremony in a story that touches on the first time they met and looks at where their future might take them. Required reading for BEASTARS fans.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Story 7. The Pig and the Peacock -- Story 8. The Shiba Inu and the Shiba Inu -- Story 9. The Crow and the Kangaroo -- Story 10. The Steller's Sea Eagle and the Mongolian Gerbil -- Story 11. The Chipmunk and the (Mountain Hare) -- Story 12. The Wolf and the Rabbit
The Pig and the Peacock
Eugene, a Yorkshire pig, has to deal with an unusual request from a vain police officer at his taxidermy business.
The Shiba Inu and the Shiba Inu
A middle-aged, cross-dressing Shiba Inu model has to come to terms with how his aging may effect the lazy lifestyle he has taken for granted.
The Crow and the Kangaroo
Animals with albinism are often targeted with predator-on-prey violence, so for safety they congregate in the District Zero residential area, where they in turn target a resident who is not perfectly "bright" with sexual harassment.
The Steller's Sea Eagle and the Mongolian Gerbil
Leica, an eagle, acts as a private chauffeur for Fina, a gerbil, so she doesn't want to worry about getting crushed on public transit systems. This platonic relationship has served them each well for years, but a new development upsets the status quo.
The Chipmunk and the (Mountain Hare)
A rookie editor is tasked with getting the magazine's most popular author to get their serial installment in by the end of the day. A home visit to Beast Apartments proves more harrowing than she could have expected.
The Wolf and the Rabbit
Now twenty-years-old, Haru invites Legoshi to her coming of age ceremony in a story that touches on the first time they met and looks at where their future might take them. Required reading for BEASTARS fans.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Story 7. The Pig and the Peacock -- Story 8. The Shiba Inu and the Shiba Inu -- Story 9. The Crow and the Kangaroo -- Story 10. The Steller's Sea Eagle and the Mongolian Gerbil -- Story 11. The Chipmunk and the (Mountain Hare) -- Story 12. The Wolf and the Rabbit
September 4, 2025
Do I really need to write something here? You all already know what I think of Paru Itagaki and her beast stories...
But yes, once again, this author masters the subtle art of depicting human emotions through the most beautiful drawn animals, with the perfect mix of emotion and humor. Though I would admit my least favorite stories in this second volume are precisely the ones that feel more comic in a way (5 and 6).
Regardless, each and every one of them is worth of your time (or mine at least, for sure), and it was great to finish the read visiting Legoshi and Haru again (and some other beloved 'Beastars' characters, even if briefly).
But yes, once again, this author masters the subtle art of depicting human emotions through the most beautiful drawn animals, with the perfect mix of emotion and humor. Though I would admit my least favorite stories in this second volume are precisely the ones that feel more comic in a way (5 and 6).
Regardless, each and every one of them is worth of your time (or mine at least, for sure), and it was great to finish the read visiting Legoshi and Haru again (and some other beloved 'Beastars' characters, even if briefly).
April 26, 2024
Relatos favoritos: El cuervo y la canguro, y El lobo y la coneja.
April 14, 2023
A Special Thanks Goes to NetGalley and Viz Media for the opportunity to review this title.
It has been a year since I reviewed the first volume of Beast Complex, and now we’re heading back into the world of BEASTARS with Beast Complex II.
Manga Creator Paru Itagaki is back once again with six new tales that feature our favorite Grey Wolf named Legoshi, and his neighbors from the Beast Apartments! The first tale features a Yorkshire Pig named Euguene, who meets a Peacock Police Officer with a strange death wish. Meanwhile, a Shiba Inu Calendar Model named Mugi struggles with the inevitability of aging out of his cuteness. Stellar’s Sea Eagle named Lecia is afraid of losing his sugar mama and having to strike out on his own. Our favorite couple Legoshi and his dwarf rabbit girlfriend Haru, attend a restorative justice ceremony.
If you’re a fan of Itagaki’s work, then you’re familiar with her use of metaphors and social commentary in her work. And like her other work, it is a collection of characters that makes the story stand out above the rest, that includes character designs and their backgrounds.
I would also like to point out that while it does take in the BEASTARS world, most of these stories take place after the final volume of the main series has ended, while there is one that serves as a prequel. This isn’t a bad thing if you have read BEASTARS, but if you haven’t yet, it is recommended that you check it out and the first volume of Beast Complex first. Please keep in mind that there will be brief spoilers in each chapter’s description.
The Pig and The Peacock– It’s a story that has an unexpectant twist. It was something you would expect to have a very dark premise due to a pig named Euguene being a Taxidermist who preserves deceased loved ones and a handsome Peacock Officer named Gerbera uncovering the Taxidermist’s shady business practice. It ends up having a wholesome ending, it was very clever and ended up being a favorite of mine.
The Shiba-Inu and The Shiba-Inu– The story focuses on a middle-aged male Shiba-Inu, who poses as a woman for a yearly calendar. Even though he makes good money from his popular female persona, Mugi is pressured by the company and his manager to take action, to keep looking younger. It was a good story but not one of the strongest stories in the collection.
The Crow and The Kangaroo– According to the Author’s note, this was the prequel leading up to the Main Story. It mentions a place called District Zero, where the creatures who are pure white can live. But there’s a catch, their pure white fur makes them very valuable. While the focus is Ebisu (A Pure White Crow), a female kangaroo (A White Kangaroo who has developed spots in an area that can be easily hidden but had to sleep with anyone to stay in the district) was another potentially darker story that had another unexpected twist.
The Stellar’s Eagle and The Mongolian Gerbil– Next, we meet a Stellar’s Eagle who wants to avoid working in any way, shape, or form and a Female Mongolian Gerbil who is not only his Sugar Mama, but he is immediately thrown off by the announcement that she is getting married. Most readers would quickly write off Stellar’s Eagle as either lazy or entitled, but it was clear to see him suffering from not only a fear of thunderstorms but suffering from Ergophobia, fear of working, and the features of work. Even though he spends most of the time trying to stop her from getting married, at least it was a nice touch to see him get help in overcoming fear.
The Chipmunk and The (Mountain Hare)– A Popular Writer named Ichijiku faces the risk of missing the deadline for the next chapter of their next story in a literary magazine. The story is written from the viewpoint of a female herbivore, so a new editor is sent out to talk to the writer, who is in for a very big surprise. It continues the trend of being possibly dark but with another twist.
The Wolf and The Rabbit– Our final chapter in this collection brings back our favorite couple, Legoshi and Haru. While I can’t say much about this story due to the fact of risking spoiling it for those who haven’t finished reading BEASTARS, I will say it was a touching ceremony with a balance of good humor, well-designed outfits, and wholesome moments.
Beast Complex II is available now where books are sold, it may have its shortcomings in certain parts, but Paru Itagaki continues to keep readers guessing and wanting more.
It has been a year since I reviewed the first volume of Beast Complex, and now we’re heading back into the world of BEASTARS with Beast Complex II.
Manga Creator Paru Itagaki is back once again with six new tales that feature our favorite Grey Wolf named Legoshi, and his neighbors from the Beast Apartments! The first tale features a Yorkshire Pig named Euguene, who meets a Peacock Police Officer with a strange death wish. Meanwhile, a Shiba Inu Calendar Model named Mugi struggles with the inevitability of aging out of his cuteness. Stellar’s Sea Eagle named Lecia is afraid of losing his sugar mama and having to strike out on his own. Our favorite couple Legoshi and his dwarf rabbit girlfriend Haru, attend a restorative justice ceremony.
If you’re a fan of Itagaki’s work, then you’re familiar with her use of metaphors and social commentary in her work. And like her other work, it is a collection of characters that makes the story stand out above the rest, that includes character designs and their backgrounds.
I would also like to point out that while it does take in the BEASTARS world, most of these stories take place after the final volume of the main series has ended, while there is one that serves as a prequel. This isn’t a bad thing if you have read BEASTARS, but if you haven’t yet, it is recommended that you check it out and the first volume of Beast Complex first. Please keep in mind that there will be brief spoilers in each chapter’s description.
The Pig and The Peacock– It’s a story that has an unexpectant twist. It was something you would expect to have a very dark premise due to a pig named Euguene being a Taxidermist who preserves deceased loved ones and a handsome Peacock Officer named Gerbera uncovering the Taxidermist’s shady business practice. It ends up having a wholesome ending, it was very clever and ended up being a favorite of mine.
The Shiba-Inu and The Shiba-Inu– The story focuses on a middle-aged male Shiba-Inu, who poses as a woman for a yearly calendar. Even though he makes good money from his popular female persona, Mugi is pressured by the company and his manager to take action, to keep looking younger. It was a good story but not one of the strongest stories in the collection.
The Crow and The Kangaroo– According to the Author’s note, this was the prequel leading up to the Main Story. It mentions a place called District Zero, where the creatures who are pure white can live. But there’s a catch, their pure white fur makes them very valuable. While the focus is Ebisu (A Pure White Crow), a female kangaroo (A White Kangaroo who has developed spots in an area that can be easily hidden but had to sleep with anyone to stay in the district) was another potentially darker story that had another unexpected twist.
The Stellar’s Eagle and The Mongolian Gerbil– Next, we meet a Stellar’s Eagle who wants to avoid working in any way, shape, or form and a Female Mongolian Gerbil who is not only his Sugar Mama, but he is immediately thrown off by the announcement that she is getting married. Most readers would quickly write off Stellar’s Eagle as either lazy or entitled, but it was clear to see him suffering from not only a fear of thunderstorms but suffering from Ergophobia, fear of working, and the features of work. Even though he spends most of the time trying to stop her from getting married, at least it was a nice touch to see him get help in overcoming fear.
The Chipmunk and The (Mountain Hare)– A Popular Writer named Ichijiku faces the risk of missing the deadline for the next chapter of their next story in a literary magazine. The story is written from the viewpoint of a female herbivore, so a new editor is sent out to talk to the writer, who is in for a very big surprise. It continues the trend of being possibly dark but with another twist.
The Wolf and The Rabbit– Our final chapter in this collection brings back our favorite couple, Legoshi and Haru. While I can’t say much about this story due to the fact of risking spoiling it for those who haven’t finished reading BEASTARS, I will say it was a touching ceremony with a balance of good humor, well-designed outfits, and wholesome moments.
Beast Complex II is available now where books are sold, it may have its shortcomings in certain parts, but Paru Itagaki continues to keep readers guessing and wanting more.
December 1, 2023
Chronique complète :
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2023/...
Extrait :
Second tome pour cette courte série, j’apprécie beaucoup les différents points de vues, leçon de vie que propose l’univers de Beastars. Après tout, même nous, êtres humains, sommes des animaux, même si on aimerait être plus que ça, et que certains pensent l’être. La série en profite pour mettre en avant des comportements, des cultures différentes de la « pensée générale », de manière positive ou non. Je ne peux pas encore me prononcer sur la série principale, mais pour les deux premiers tomes de ce spin off, la lecture en vaut le détour et reste assez accessible.
Elément intéressant avec ce tome, c’est que certains personnages sont déjà présents dans l’intrigue principale ! L’auteur en parle à la fin du tome, ils habiteraient tous le même immeuble (au moins un personnage par intrigue). Pour le moment, j’ignore comment ils sont traités dans l’intrigue principale (T13 si j’ai suivis), mais je suppose que ses histoires permettent de leur donner un peu de développement et de profondeur. Donc si jamais, les histoires courtes ne vous intéressent pas, mais que vous souhaitez savoir un peu plus de choses sur des personnages de l’intrigue principale, il vous suffit de prendre juste le tome 2 de Beast Complex, puisqu’il n’y a pas vraiment de lien entre les histoires et que les tomes peuvent donc être lus dans n’importe quel ordre.
La première histoire est l’une de mes préférés, dans celle-ci les proches viennent dans une boutique afin de faire empailler un proche décédé. Cette pratique semble assez mal vue par les autorités, mais pas par la population qui souhaite garder un défunt près d’eux. Pour ma part, je trouverais ça assez glauque, mais certaines cultures pourraient l’accepter (après tout, certains ressortent les os tous les ans pour les habillés, etc). Outre cet aspect culturel qui peut être sujet à controverse, c’est surtout la « beauté » dont il est question. Pour le protagoniste, tous les animaux sont beaux, chacun à leur manière, raison pour laquelle il fait ce métier d’empailleur, afin de conserver cette beauté. Se trouve en face un animal dont on ne fait qu’évoquer la beauté, un paon, policier. Une belle phrase est alors sortie par notre ami cochon : « Chaque trait physique d’un animal à une raison d’être… voilà pourquoi ils sont tous beaux ! ». Une manière de dire que personne n’est moche, mais plutôt que les critères de beautés physique sont personnel. Histoire très intéressante, sur le paraître et les contraintes qui peuvent en découler.
[...]
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2023/...
Extrait :
Second tome pour cette courte série, j’apprécie beaucoup les différents points de vues, leçon de vie que propose l’univers de Beastars. Après tout, même nous, êtres humains, sommes des animaux, même si on aimerait être plus que ça, et que certains pensent l’être. La série en profite pour mettre en avant des comportements, des cultures différentes de la « pensée générale », de manière positive ou non. Je ne peux pas encore me prononcer sur la série principale, mais pour les deux premiers tomes de ce spin off, la lecture en vaut le détour et reste assez accessible.
Elément intéressant avec ce tome, c’est que certains personnages sont déjà présents dans l’intrigue principale ! L’auteur en parle à la fin du tome, ils habiteraient tous le même immeuble (au moins un personnage par intrigue). Pour le moment, j’ignore comment ils sont traités dans l’intrigue principale (T13 si j’ai suivis), mais je suppose que ses histoires permettent de leur donner un peu de développement et de profondeur. Donc si jamais, les histoires courtes ne vous intéressent pas, mais que vous souhaitez savoir un peu plus de choses sur des personnages de l’intrigue principale, il vous suffit de prendre juste le tome 2 de Beast Complex, puisqu’il n’y a pas vraiment de lien entre les histoires et que les tomes peuvent donc être lus dans n’importe quel ordre.
La première histoire est l’une de mes préférés, dans celle-ci les proches viennent dans une boutique afin de faire empailler un proche décédé. Cette pratique semble assez mal vue par les autorités, mais pas par la population qui souhaite garder un défunt près d’eux. Pour ma part, je trouverais ça assez glauque, mais certaines cultures pourraient l’accepter (après tout, certains ressortent les os tous les ans pour les habillés, etc). Outre cet aspect culturel qui peut être sujet à controverse, c’est surtout la « beauté » dont il est question. Pour le protagoniste, tous les animaux sont beaux, chacun à leur manière, raison pour laquelle il fait ce métier d’empailleur, afin de conserver cette beauté. Se trouve en face un animal dont on ne fait qu’évoquer la beauté, un paon, policier. Une belle phrase est alors sortie par notre ami cochon : « Chaque trait physique d’un animal à une raison d’être… voilà pourquoi ils sont tous beaux ! ». Une manière de dire que personne n’est moche, mais plutôt que les critères de beautés physique sont personnel. Histoire très intéressante, sur le paraître et les contraintes qui peuvent en découler.
[...]
July 17, 2023
4.75⭐️
As always- I'm obsessed with Itagaki's work! I'll forever love the way she investigates different relationships and harsh ways of the world.
This one, in my opinion, was an improvement story-wise on the 1st volume for sure. This is probably due to Itagaki having been able to find her mojo way more at the time of writing these stories, whereas in vol 1, a few of them were written before she made Beastars. Either way though, I've enjoyed all of the stories in both volumes so far in different ways!
Individual ratings for the stories themselves:
•The Pig and the Peacock 4⭐️
•The Shiba-Inu and the Shiba-Inu 4⭐️
•The Crow and the Kangaroo 4.5⭐️
•The Steller's Sea Eagle and the Mongolian Gerbil 4⭐️
•The Chipmunk and the (Mountain Hare) 5⭐️
•The Wolf and the Rabbit 5⭐️
As always- I'm obsessed with Itagaki's work! I'll forever love the way she investigates different relationships and harsh ways of the world.
This one, in my opinion, was an improvement story-wise on the 1st volume for sure. This is probably due to Itagaki having been able to find her mojo way more at the time of writing these stories, whereas in vol 1, a few of them were written before she made Beastars. Either way though, I've enjoyed all of the stories in both volumes so far in different ways!
Individual ratings for the stories themselves:
•The Pig and the Peacock 4⭐️
•The Shiba-Inu and the Shiba-Inu 4⭐️
•The Crow and the Kangaroo 4.5⭐️
•The Steller's Sea Eagle and the Mongolian Gerbil 4⭐️
•The Chipmunk and the (Mountain Hare) 5⭐️
•The Wolf and the Rabbit 5⭐️
July 2, 2021
This was a little weaker then the first one but there are still some really great stories in here like the The Chipmunk and the "Snow Rabbit" which has a very funny twist and it reminds of other similar stories of writing through a pseudonym. The other really great one is the Spotted Dear and the Snow Leopard which involves two actors arguing about what they want even if it could potentially harm the other. The others are kind are kind of weak as I really do not get the point of them or just do not seem as strong as the other stories.
June 20, 2023
Another exciting volume of Beast Complex!
The format of short stories in this manga are wonderful to read. Taking place in the same universe as Beastars, I hope it isn't a spoiler as it is teased on the back cover that both Haru and Legoshi also make an appearance as one of the stories toward the end of the book.
There's elements to the stories I especially enjoy, mostly how there is a twist to each of the relationships or the way events play out. Each was unexpected, but very well executed.
Definitely looking forward to volume 3 when it arrives.
The format of short stories in this manga are wonderful to read. Taking place in the same universe as Beastars, I hope it isn't a spoiler as it is teased on the back cover that both Haru and Legoshi also make an appearance as one of the stories toward the end of the book.
There's elements to the stories I especially enjoy, mostly how there is a twist to each of the relationships or the way events play out. Each was unexpected, but very well executed.
Definitely looking forward to volume 3 when it arrives.
April 25, 2023
I think I like these short stories more than the main Beastars series. I really like that each short story gave a completely different perspective but stuck to the overall theme of being mainly focused on herbivores in some way.
I especially liked the last chapter since it showed multiple characters from the main story: Beastars, and not just Haru and Legoshi despite the chapter being focused on them.
I especially liked the last chapter since it showed multiple characters from the main story: Beastars, and not just Haru and Legoshi despite the chapter being focused on them.
May 13, 2025
🌟4.5 stars🌟
okay so the pig and the peacock definitely started dating right
my favourite story was the Crow and the kangaroo for sure! they're so sweet together and I feel so bad for what Orion went through
Mugi's story was also really fun, and it was so nice to see Legoshi and Haru!
I loved all the lore we got from this collection- the purification ritual, district zero, and the taxidermist
I also just love the way the peacock and the stellar's sea eagle were drawn lol
okay so the pig and the peacock definitely started dating right
my favourite story was the Crow and the kangaroo for sure! they're so sweet together and I feel so bad for what Orion went through
Mugi's story was also really fun, and it was so nice to see Legoshi and Haru!
I loved all the lore we got from this collection- the purification ritual, district zero, and the taxidermist
I also just love the way the peacock and the stellar's sea eagle were drawn lol
July 12, 2025
I enjoyed this volume more purely from the fact that it was characters that I’m familiar with. I was really excited to find out it’s all about the residents from beast apartments. Despite loving to hear all about these less know characters, the highlight was obviously the last chapter. I’m extremely happy to have new content with characters that I know and love.
It’s nice to see that Legoshi and Haru are still together after all that time since the end of volume 22
It’s nice to see that Legoshi and Haru are still together after all that time since the end of volume 22
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
This follows Legoshi's neighbors in Beast Apartnments. I really enjoyed this one, especially The Pig and The Peacock. Also I really enjoyed The Stellar's Sea Eagle and The Gerbil and The Shiba Inu and The Shiba Inu. Really enjoy seeing the differnt parts of this world.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
March 21, 2023
I love reading these stories that take place in the same universe but don't necessarily impact the main storyline. The short stories are really fun and interesting insights into the rest of the Beastars universe.
May 2, 2025
3.5 stars— i didn’t like this one as much as the first volume, however now looking it up i realized i kinda half-ish spoiled myself for some beastars characters, not realizing story 8 onward is after beastars! so i will read vol 3 after i finish beastars LOL
May 28, 2021
Dude why do I like this more than beastars itself?!?!?!?!
March 29, 2023
Legoshi and Haru’s story was my favorite, but I really enjoyed all of them. Thank you Paru ❤️
April 20, 2023
I didn’t really like this one
April 28, 2023
Enjoyed some of these a bit more than the first collection. Some unique bits here.
May 9, 2023
Last two stories? 👌
August 9, 2023
Reseña completa:
https://paseandoentrepaginas.blogspot...
https://paseandoentrepaginas.blogspot...
October 4, 2023
Cute little stories 😍
February 26, 2024
The art was amazing as always, the character dynamics are always new and interesting, the author has such a creative mind.
February 29, 2024
loved the stories but I think I like vol 1 the most .Really liked how she included some characters from beastars and haru and legoshi at the end !!
June 28, 2024
Cute but short
Cute collection of short stories from the Beastars universe. A bit shirt though, would have liked another chapter or two..
Cute collection of short stories from the Beastars universe. A bit shirt though, would have liked another chapter or two..
July 27, 2024
4,4 estrelas
August 1, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
MÁS DE HARU Y LEGO SIIIIII
MÁS DE HARU Y LEGO SIIIIII
August 23, 2024
2.5 stars
December 28, 2024
THERE'S LEGOSHI AND HARU, LET'S GOOOOOO
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews