Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duelist. Vol. 2, the Puppet Master

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist, Volume 2: The Puppet Master, is part of the original manga series written and illustrated by Kazuki Takahashi. Following the initial success of the Duel Monsters card game arc in the early volumes of the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga, this volume continues Yugi Muto’s transition from general games to the central focus of the series. Published by Shueisha, the volume captures a pivotal era in manga history when the series began its global expansion, blending Takahashi’s distinct artistic style with the evolving rules and high-stakes atmosphere of the duel system.

The volume features the return of characters like Bakura and delves into the darker, supernatural elements that Takahashi intended for the series’ foundation. As an artist, Takahashi sought to create a narrative that balanced character development with the tactical ingenuity of the card game. Upon its release, it was well-received by readers for shifting the focus toward the complex mechanics of Duel Monsters, cementing the title's reputation as a genre-defining work that would eventually lead to a massively successful multimedia franchise.