Michiko & Hatchin Volume 2

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” – Emma Bombeck 

The second and concluding part of Michiko & Hatchin continues to be a breath of fresh air in many respects: dominant female leads, a racially diverse cast, and film actresses in the lead roles amongst them.

We continue the trip across an unnamed country in South America with escaped motorbike-driving convict Michiko Malandro and her apparent daughter Hana “Hatchin” Morenos trying to find Michiko’s lover and Hana’s father, Hiroshi. All the while the duo are still being chased by police inspector Atsuko Jackson (or “Jambo” as Michiko likes to call her) whose failure to capture Michiko has now got her demoted. There are also other people after them. There is Satoshi Barista, who took over the crime syndicate that Michiko was in charge of while she was banged up, and sadistic Shinsuke Rodriguez, who plans to take over the syndicate himself. 

The first few episodes in this collection are mainly stand-alone stories. For example, in one episode Michiko becomes ill and Hatchin has to nurse her, but Michiko becomes delirious. Another focuses on a now demoted Atsuko as she tries to help a girl who reminds her of her former self. In another, Hatchin becomes involved with a boy who works in a bookshop.

The later episodes in the collection however become more focused on Michiko and Hatchin’s search for Hiroshi. The two get help from some unexpected people, and later the two become separated after a terrible accident, with Hatchin ending up with Satoshi as he and Shinsuke confront each other in a showdown. In the end it all comes down to whether the duo will finally find the man they have been searching for after so long. 

Much of what was said in my review of the first part of this collection is true of the second part. It still features many of the diverse elements that make this anime stand out from most titles, such as the show having a mainly female cast, and being more racially diverse than most anime. Also, there are plenty of extras to keep the viewer entertained. There are episode commentaries, an interview with the English-language voice actress Jad Saxton who voices Hatchin, English and Japanese-language adverts and trailers for the series, as well as textless opening and closing.

In terms of negative points, it would be that in some aspects the plot gets a bit predictable, especially when it comes to the end of the show. Part of you knows how the story is going to end, but obviously we won’t spoil it for you.