Genre: Horror | Writer/Artist: Naoki Serizawa | Release Date: 2012
Publisher: Capcom
Doug, Ricky, and their team battle evolving zombies at Marhawa Academy as secrets unravel, betrayals mount, and a deadly conspiracy emerges—culminating in a horrific showdown with a monstrous, mutated figure from the past.
Writing
Volume 2 of Resident Evil: The Marhawa Desire elevates its stakes with a vicious intensity that keeps both character development and chaos at the forefront. Naoki Serizawa, responsible for both writing and art, continues to impress by crafting a story that never strays too far from its emotional center—namely the bond between Doug Wright and his nephew Ricky. The dynamic between the two is surprisingly rich, with Ricky’s youthful bravery beginning to blossom, particularly in his grisly monologue as he takes down a zombie using sheer grit (and his own fist). While Instructor Ray Hsu’s death doesn’t land emotionally due to weak characterization, characters like Kapoor emerge with more weight and empathy as the story progresses.
The plot expands with a number of moving parts: a hooded figure infecting students, underground secrets, and the shocking revelation of the mutated Nanan. While Bindi continues to bounce around inconsistently—how she acquires weapons like crossbows and dozens of arrows is still questionable—her arc gains strength in the second half as she takes a stand, only to be betrayed and scapegoated by the icy Mother Gracia. Gracia is shaping up to be a morally complex antagonist; her reputation-first mindset is infuriating, yet her subtle moments of remorse (such as arming Kapoor) hint at deeper motives. Serizawa’s use of melodrama never overpowers the horror but complements it, especially in confrontational scenes like Doug and Ricky calling out Gracia’s callousness.
The flashbacks and expositional moments involving Chris Redfield, Piers Nivens, and Merah Biji provide connective tissue to the broader Resident Evil universe while injecting some humor—especially Merah’s fish-out-of-water antics in Japan. Overall, this volume balances relentless action with sharp character beats, culminating in a tragic cliffhanger that raises the stakes yet again.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Naoki Serizawa’s art in Volume 2 is a visceral feast for horror manga fans. His brutal and detailed depiction of zombie violence is matched only by his skill in atmospheric storytelling. Gore is frequent and unflinching, but it’s the expressiveness of the characters that elevates the visuals beyond simple shock value. Fear, grief, and desperation are carved into every facial expression—especially in sequences like Ricky’s zombie takedown or Kapoor’s reaction to Gracia’s manipulations.
The horror elements benefit from smart panel composition. Claustrophobic layouts heighten the tension during action scenes while wider panels allow for dramatic reveals—like the first appearance of the mutated Nanan. The shading and high-contrast blacks evoke a grim tone consistent with the franchise, while the detailed linework on the creatures themselves is nightmarish. Serizawa handles everything from grotesque transformations to moody sewer chases with cinematic flair.
Character designs remain sharp, and the consistency in costuming, especially in uniforms and weapon details, contributes to the immersion. The setting of the Marhawa Academy continues to feel both isolated and intricately designed, like a character of its own. Serizawa’s ability to render chaos clearly and dramatically makes the volume’s many fights both kinetic and emotionally resonant. Every action beat is readable, and every zombie encounter carries weight. For fans of gritty, visually aggressive horror manga, this is a standout example of style meeting substance.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Resident Evil Volume 2: The Marhawa Desire is a brutal, character-rich entry in the franchise that blends smart writing with intense visual storytelling. It deepens the mystery, expands the stakes, and keeps the horror front and center. A stellar continuation. Resident Evil Volume 2: The Marhawa Desire 4 out of 5.
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