Just finished volume 2 of Otherside Picnic
I ended up liking it even more than the first one.
I think I like the series much better when it leans more into the overarching sci-fi elements rather the episodic horror ones.
The Bird in the Box chapter in particular was great. The actual underlying plot seems to be unraveling faster than I was expecting so I'm excited to see what's coming next.
I love the chuu2 terminology of choice and how it contrasts with Sorawo’s milquetoast names she gives to some of the otherside elements. Stuff like the Dark Science Association and Ultrablue Landscape vs simply “the Otherside” or “the Man’s World”, lol.
Kozakura is the best she fires up all my PROTECC instincts. Everyone treats the poor girl like garbage give her a break.
I must say, of the main duo I didn't expect Sorawo to be the one who ignites in me the most feelings of moe. The mix between a super wishy-washy shy type while also being a cynical, guarded tsundere works great. Every moment where she lowers her guard and lets herself be more honest with Toriko is too precious. And she also has the cute fang normally reserved for genki characters, 10/10 design choice. Such gap moe...
Sorawo's PoV sings the praises of Toriko's appeal but you kinda end up siding with Toriko when she calls Sorawo cute, lol. I wish there was a chapter from Toriko's PoV just to see how Sorawo comes off without being privy to her thoughts.
I can safely say this is among my favorite LN series I’ve read, up there with FMP, Haruhi and Monogatari. I love the urban horror/sci-fi coat of paint and of course, cute girls and yuri always helps. Action scenes that don’t involve boring game mechanics that go on for countless pages are always a plus as well (looking at you, Log Horizon >.>;; ).