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The Journey of Shuna | A Miyazaki Masterclass

The Journey of Shuna  Story and art by Hayao Miyazaki  Published by Akita Shoten (1982) Length: 1 Volume (6 Chapters) The Journey of Shuna was a fun little dive into the creative beginnings of Hayao Miyazaki, the face of Japanese animation. His trademark watercolour artistry and eye for detail has led to the creation of a vibrant world, pulsating with life. Unfortunately, when paired with … Continue reading The Journey of Shuna | A Miyazaki Masterclass

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Comics

The Gashlycrumb Tinies | To Learn from the Past

The Gashlycrumb Tinies is a tale (or tales) of utter absurdity. Presented as a warning of the ever present “adult threat”, it intends to emphasise the seemingly ludicrous paranoia of parents about the gruesome ends their children may meet. However, its style and macabre method of storytelling has inspired many reproductions over the decades, with some recent additions touching on very pressing contemporary issues. Written … Continue reading The Gashlycrumb Tinies | To Learn from the Past

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Manga

3-Level Combination | What you Should be Reading

Story and art by Ha Il-Kwon Published by Naver (2008) Length: 3 Volumes (25 Chapters) I finished reading this manhwa right before bed, which was ideal, because after finishing it I needed a twelve hour sleep to recover from the exhaustion it subjected me to. 3 Combination Level is an exceptional piece, but one I will probably only read once in my lifetime. It provides … Continue reading 3-Level Combination | What you Should be Reading

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Comics

This One Summer Review

Story by Mariko Tamaki, Art by Jillian Tamaki Originally published by First Second (2014) Length: 1 Volume I don’t really like “reviewing” pieces like this, because sometimes I worry that I will miss important aspects of it based on my own personal dispositions. It feels almost facetious discussing topics I can only sympathise with, but I’ll try my best to discuss what I myself may … Continue reading This One Summer Review

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Comics

Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter Review

Onibi: Diary for a Yokai Ghost Hunter Story and art by Atelier Sento (Cècile Brun and Oliver Pichard) Published in English by Tuttle (2018) Onibi is a graphic novel that aspires to capture the authentic aspects of Japan. Despite following two young companions on their ghost-hunting holiday, the real protagonist of this graphic novel is Japan. If only she had been given more compelling characterisation, … Continue reading Onibi: Diary of a Yokai Ghost Hunter Review

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Comics

I Kill Giants Review

Story by Joe KellyArt by Ken NiimuraPublisher: Image Comics (2008)Length: 1 Volume (6 Chapters) I find it very rare to switch so frequently between liking and disliking a piece. When art, context and morality are taken into consideration, most things strike me as somewhat positive experiences. Yet, Ken Niimura and Joe Kelly’s surreal, allegorical comic was a mixed bag, one which I evaluated and re-evaluated … Continue reading I Kill Giants Review

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Manga

Bug Boy | Classics of Horror

Bug Boy Story and Art by Hideshi Hino Originally published in Soubisha (1975) Length: 1 Volume “One part Kafka, one part Spidey” Everyone loves a good allegory. Finding an entertaining piece that is layered with substance adds extra value in experiencing it. Not only can we immerse ourselves in a story, but we can then spend hours excavating what is left unsaid. These personal findings … Continue reading Bug Boy | Classics of Horror

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Manga

Kiriko Review

Kiriko Story and art by Shingo Honda Original Publisher Bessatsu Manga Goraku (2014) Length: 1 Volume (5 Chapters) My manga-themed horror binge has led to me two conclusions. The first is that the medium can be used to create many terrifying experiences with the right use of balance. The second is that many horror sub-genres underutilise aspects of storytelling, which lessens the fear they are … Continue reading Kiriko Review

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