I really liked this issue a lot. My complaints with issue 1 were completely resolved and I thought the structure of the issue was a lot more consistent and satisfying.
I thought the first issue felt like a few disparate scenes put together, as there were significant tonal shifts from the first and second halves of the book. Here, the story felt much more consistent throughout, and the transitions from scene to scene much more seamless.
I liked how they added darker elements to Rori's character, with her self-abuse and being an outcast at school. She seemed a bit too perfect in the first issue and I thought she was more relatable here. I liked that she commented on her mom acting different since I think their scenes together have been very awkward and stilted. I also really liked seeing Rori at school, since that's an ideal environment to showcase her as a fish out of water.
Most of all, I thought the "villain" in this issue was a lot more effective. I thought the Kappas battle last issue was silly and really tonally off, but here when the boy was ingesting the spirit and launching in the air towards Rori, it felt appropriately threatening and scary for Rori. The Japanese landmarks continue to be drawn extremely well and I really like the coloring when Rori uses her powers.
Great issue, a lot tighter and more effective than last month.