While the second generation of Maggie and Hopey stories from Jaime Hernandez is not quite as wild and imaginative as the first generation, that change in tone is very appropriate for his aging protagonists. And this collection of "volume II" stories is as rewarding as the predecessor volume (Penny Century). Jaime is a brilliant visual stylist who has managed to evolve a set of characters that are some of the richest to be found in the comics medium, and he manages to introduce new characters into the mix without overloading his complex narrative thread. Even if this is not his single greatest volume, it is nonetheless excellent work that continues to push the boundaries of what the art form itself is capable of. ( )