This second volume gives more backstory into how we ended up where we are. It tells us a little about Marko’s past and his relationship with his parents, a very brief Sparknotes version of Marko and Alana’s relationship before she got pregnant, and a bit of Prince Robot IV’s combat past.

I wouldn’t call this a filler because important things do happen and important characters are introduced and expanded upon, but it does feel like a volume meant to provide context and depth, and primarily to set up what’s to come next. Put everyone where they need to be to move the story along. 

I still very much enjoyed it and am so excited to continue.