When a research lab in Siberia known as the Tower of Babylon goes mysteriously dark, members of both Schicksal and Anti-Entropy converge on the site to investigate the cause. While their suspicions of a Honkai presence are correct, they discover an even greater threat: Sirin, the 2nd Herrscher, is on a quest of vengeance that threatens the safety of the whole world. Unable to face Sirin alone, Schicksal and Anti-Entropy set aside their differences to forge an uneasy alliance against her — but even their joined forces may prove to not be enough.

Honkai Impact 3rd: Second Eruption has a story and art by miHoYo Comics. Lettering by Vibrant Publishing Studio. Published by Tokyopop (April 7, 2026). Rated T.

Erica Friedman
Rating:

My number one criterion for spin-off media is this: Can I understand what is going on without already being familiar with the original media? Honkai Impact 3rd: Second Eruption, Volume 1 held up in that regard. I came into this story with no familiarity with any part of the game or the characters, but was able to absorb enough information from the narration and (often expository) dialogue to understand who everyone was and what was going on. I genuinely appreciate that.

The plot itself felt a little on the nose, as an abused girl seeks to destroy the world. What woman hasn't felt that way every day thus far this year? But the sides are clear, the history is less obscure as the story continues. Sadly for me, I'm rooting for the destruction of everything, but I can understand that wasn't in the cards.

I also appreciated that the exposition focused more on the situation at hand than the politics that shaped the situation or the magical science of the Honkai. It's just not that important to the story.

The art here is all full color, and the palette shifts depending on the characters and location, which made for a kaleidoscopic experience, without the specific visuals of the actual game. Ultimately, if there is a weakness to this volume, it is the apocalyptic use of armaments. Everything is too huge and strong to beat until it is beaten.

If you'd like to see characters from the game given more of a story, or just like cool game battle tie-in manga, Honkai Impact 3rd: Second Eruption is a reasonable choice.