Review: Yan Volume 2

By Nolan P. Smith
Editor | Pastrami Nation

When I reviewed Yan Volume 1, I said it was a refreshing and beautifully crafted story that balanced a sense of wonder with the weight of reality. Titan Manga brought us something truly special with the first installment. Now, with Yan Volume 2, the journey continues—and it doesn’t disappoint.

Picking up right where Volume 1 left off, we see Yan navigating a world that feels both vast and intimate. The storytelling deepens here: the relationships become more layered, the stakes more personal, and the art continues to be breathtaking. Where Volume 1 introduced us to Yan’s struggles and triumphs, Volume 2 expands the scope, showing us the consequences of choices made and the challenges that come with growth and the secrets that everyone has. 

What stands out again is the artwork—it’s not just visually striking, it’s emotionally resonant. Every panel feels alive, whether it’s in quiet, reflective moments or in sequences full of tension and movement. Creator Chang Sheng knows how to use space and silence to make you feel Yan’s journey in a way that words alone can’t capture.

This volume also leans harder into themes of identity, resilience, and connection. Yan’s story is about more than just survival; it’s about finding meaning in struggle and strength in vulnerability. It’s a manga that asks you to slow down, reflect, and really absorb what’s on the page.

Titan Manga continues to prove that they are bringing truly standout works to English readers, and Yan is quickly becoming a series that I can’t recommend enough.

Beautiful, heartfelt, and thought-provoking—Yan Volume 2 is everything you’d want in a follow-up and more.

Rating: 4.0 Pastrami Nations out of 5.