Dust 8 Story and Art by Osamu Tezuka Originally Published by Kodansha (1972) Length: 1 Volume (8 chapters) For the first time in a long time, I’ve found a Osamu Tezuka piece that I genuinely enjoyed reading, as opposed to viewing it as a “historical artefact”. Despite its erratic start and questionable depictions of gender, Dust 8 proved that when the “God of Manga” can … Continue reading Dust 8 Review
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
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
Pink Story and Art by Kyoko Okazaki Original Publisher: Magazine House (1989) Length: 1 Volume (16 Chapters) “All work is prostitution. So is Capitalism.” To be concise, Pink was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had this year. It wasn’t just a profound, or even entertaining experience; it was enlightening. Through its lighthearted depiction of melancholic events, a likeable and insightful story was produced … Continue reading Pink | What You Should be Reading
Lost World Story and art by Osamu Tezuka Original Publisher: Fuji Shbou (1948) Length: 2 Volumes (19 Chapters) Osamu Tezuka is without a doubt the most influential creator in the medium of manga. Not only did he lay the groundwork for what the medium could do, he spent the remainder of his career challenging every boundary his early works created. Tezuka’s “Lost World” is a … Continue reading Lost World | From Humble Beginnings
Aiki Story and art by Isutoshi Originally published in Shonen Gahosha (2005) Length: 14 Volumes (98 chapters) I’m not a big fan of the term “guilty pleasure”. I think that if you’ve had a positive experience with a piece, even if it possesses weaker qualities or lacks social praise, there should be no reason for you to stop enjoying. It was only after reflecting on … Continue reading Aiki | Guilty Pleasure Manga
Zashiki Onna Story and art by Minetaro Mochizuki Originally Publisher: Kodansha (1993) Length: 1 Volume (11 chapters) Usually, I try to avoid comparing manga with each other when basing an opinion on them. I don’t like the idea of constructing my thoughts on a standalone piece by differentiating it with similar ones. But in this instance, it was incredibly hard to enjoy Zashiki Onna, as … Continue reading Zashiki Onna Review
The Human Chair (Ningen Isu) Originally story by Edogawa Rampo, Art and adaptation by Junji Itou Publisher: Shogakukan (2007) Length: Oneshot (One Chapter) Despite my bumpy relationship with Junji Itou, works like Human Chair prove to me that the mangaka can create short, frightening stories when he wants to. The bizarre plot of this piece, when explained, may seem like anything but scary. But when coupled … Continue reading Human Chair Review
God’s Child (Kami No Kodomo) Story and Art by Kyoudai Nishioka (duo) Originally published by Ohtan Shuppan (2009) Length: 1 Volume (11 Chapters) “God’s Child” was a very intriguing, yet horrifying read. Though it wasn’t the most original story direction, a captivating protagonist and surprising amount of artistic depth led to a terrifying experience. In some instances, its angsty roots were identifiable throughout the manga, … Continue reading God’s Child Review
G Senjou Heaven’s Door Story and art by Yoko Nihonbashi Original Publisher: Shogakukan (2001) Length: 3 Volumes (18 chapters) To preface this review, this is one of my highlight readings of the year. It has refreshed me, it has ignited a passion that was beginning to dwindle. G Senjou Heaven’s Door is about passion. It’s about how passion can kill you. It’s about how talent … Continue reading G Senjou Heaven’s Door | A Love-Letter to Manga
