Bungo Stray Dogs: Beast (Vol. 2)

Bungo Stray Dogs: Beast Vol. 2 continues the gripping reimagining of the popular Bungo Stray Dogs series in an alternate world where the lines between good and evil are redrawn. In this version of Yokohama, Ryunosuke Akutagawa is not the feared Port Mafia enforcer we know—he’s a struggling soul bent on revenge against the detective who once destroyed his life: Osamu Dazai.

In this volume, Akutagawa takes steps to infiltrate the Armed Detective Agency, his motives cloaked in shadows as he seeks justice through vengeance. With each chapter, the world of Beast blurs further from its canonical roots, reshaping alliances and altering destinies. As gifted abilities clash, Akutagawa's inner turmoil and fierce determination push him deeper into danger—and possibly redemption.

Accompanied by Shiwasu Hoshikawa’s expressive and sharp art style, this volume balances psychological intensity with stunning action. For fans of the original series, Beast offers a compelling alternate lens through which to view beloved characters in new—and often chilling—roles.

Main Themes of the Book

• Revenge and Redemption: Akutagawa’s pursuit of Dazai is driven by loss but layered with a search for identity and justice.
• Alternate Realities: A what-if world that reinterprets characters’ roles, fates, and alignments.
• Power and Morality: The ethical weight of gifted powers and how they shape one’s sense of right and wrong.
• Loneliness and Loyalty: The struggle for connection in a world where trust is scarce and betrayal is inevitable.

Why you should read this manga 

• A fresh take on the Bungo Stray Dogs universe that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
• Akutagawa takes center stage in a rich character study, showing new dimensions to his personality.
• The alternate reality allows for shocking developments and imaginative storytelling.
• Gorgeous artwork by Shiwasu Hoshikawa brings emotional nuance and dynamic action to life.
• It deepens the lore of BSD while crafting its own compelling narrative arc.

Bungo Stray Dogs: Beast Vol. 2 is a bold, captivating reimagining of a fan-favorite franchise, where power, pain, and purpose intertwine in unexpected ways. This is not just a spin-off—it’s a story of transformation, told through stunning visuals and psychological depth. A must-read for any fan of the Bungo Stray Dogs world who is ready to dive into its darker mirror.