In the first Kissing Chaos, three characters were hiding three personal mysteries. Here, though, Dela Cruz asks his readers to follow along with three plotlines, and though they involve the same characters, there's a distinct array of stories being told. It makes for a multi-faceted and engaging read, all brought to life by the creator's unique, sketchy but expressive style. Nonstop BEauty may even be a stronger title than its predecessor, as we get to know -- and identify with -- the characters much more.
Ashley agrees to meet an online friend in real life, disregarding another friend's warning's that the situation may be dangerous. Circumstances prove to indeed be outside of the norm, but not in the way that Ashley expected. Eric continues to pine over Kim, who's dating Jersey, but little does Eric know (but everyone else does) that his love may not be quite as unrequited as he thinks.
We're really getting to see a different side of Dela Cruz's art in this title. I love how he drenches the riot scenes in an inky darkness, hinting at something grave to come. Furthermore, he instills so much personality into the characters, especially the girls. Ashley's initial meeting with Everett in the coffee shop spotlights her confidence, humor and intellect. And Kim's playfulness on the subway makes it clear why Eric is so attracted, and Jersey's failure to see that innocent, fun side in his girlfriend demonstrates why they don't belong together.
Right away, Dela Cruz establishes an atmosphere of foreboding by showing us the chaos of the riot and hinting that it will no end well. Ashley is not only a major player in this drama, but she is our objective gateway into the events and world of these young would-be rebels. I also love how the intrigue of the first series -- through Everett -- winds its way into this story while not requiring the reader to be intimately familiar with that narrative.
While those two storylines are enough to make for an intriguing story, it's the Eric-Kim-Jersey love triangle that stands out as the book's strongest plot element. Again, the atmosphere indicates this romantic conflict will not resolve well, but it's easy to see oneself in Eric. His insecurities, humor and easy-going nature make him an instantly likeable figure, and as a result, the focus of a tragedy to come, I suspect.
