Blue Heaven Story and Art by Tsutomu Takahashi Original Publisher: Shueisha (2002) Length: 3 Volumes Blue Heaven was, at times, an engaging manga that I kept me connected throughout my read. Its ability to combine unrelated themes in way that was succinct and flowing was very impressive, and made it hard to predict what was going to happen next. However, what is considered to be … Continue reading Blue Heaven Review
Believers Story and Art by: Naomi Yamamoto Original Publisher: Shogakukan (1999) Length: 2 Volumes (22 Chapters) Monsters, when used effectively, can be scary. Spirits, when used effectively, can be scary. Terrifying even. But what will always cement itself as the most frightening thing to exist in my opinion are cults. When you first hear about cults, they seem ridiculous. Who could be silly enough to … Continue reading Believers Review
Yami no Koe (Voices in the Dark) Story and Art by Junji Itou Original Publication: Asahi Sonorama (2002) Length: One Volume (7 Chapters) To leave Junji Ito’s skills unacknowledged is a slap in the face to all fans of horror manga. He is considered the heir of the genre, passed down from the likes of Kazuo Umezu (The Drifting Classroom) and Hideshi Hino (Panorama of … Continue reading Voices in the Dark Review
Portus Story and Art by Jun Abe Originally Published by Shogakukan (2006, 1 volume) Synopsis: Portus follows the 17-year-old high school student Asami Kawakami, who’s friend, Chiharu, has, effectively, disappeared. She no longer answers her phone calls, or even comes to school. She has become obsessed with Portus, an old video game she found under mysterious circumstances. There is an urban legend that a secret … Continue reading Portus Review
Welcome to the NHK Story by Tatsuhiko Takimoto and art by Kenji Ooiwa Published in English by Viz (8 volumes, 2007) Summary: This manga follows the drug riddled journey of Sato Tatsuhiro, a deluded hikikomori (an extreme recluse) who believes the NHK (a Japanese broadcasting network) uses its platform to brainwash him into living his toxic lifestyle. After meeting Sato one day outside his apartment, … Continue reading Welcome to the NHK Review
Mermaid Saga (Ningyo no Mori) Story and art by Rumiko Takahashi Originally published by Shogakukan (3 volumes, 1984) Synopsis: The story centres around Yuta and Mana, humans who have been granted eternal life by eating the flesh of a mermaid. We watch as they travel around Japan for centuries, longing for their lost mortality. Along their journey they meet others who have become immortal. Realising … Continue reading Mermaid Saga Review
Devilman Story and art by Nagai Go Originally published by Akita Shoten (1972) Length: 5 volumes WARNING: Spoilers ahead. Synopsis: It was said that long ago, the world was ruled by demons. They held complete control over the Earth, until a new race of beings attempted to overthrow them; the humans. The demons were imprisoned in ice, where they would remain until something with incredible … Continue reading Devilman Review
Goodnight Punpun (Oyasumi Punpun) Story and art by Inio Asano Originally published in English by Viz (2016) Synopsis: This story follows Punpun, a young boy characterised as a tiny cartoon bird. We follow his journey, as he deals with the many challenges life throws at him, including oncoming adolescence, family issues and budding romances. To be honest, I wouldn’t call myself an Inio Asano fan. … Continue reading Goodnight Punpun Review
Claymore Story and art by Norihigo Yagi Published by Viz in 2006 (27 volumes) Synopsis: In a world where monsters prey on humans in disguise, the only hope for humanity are the “Claymores”. A new type of warrior, half human, half monster, that are able to see through the Yoga’s disguise, as they co-exist among humans. Despite their superhuman abilities, they are condemned by not … Continue reading Claymore Review
Hi Everyone, Before diving into my list, I just wanted to draw your attention to a few things. For one, I’ve realised writing this piece that it’s so hard to compare manga at all. Each individual piece aims to evoke different feelings in the reader, and attach certain emotions to the manga itself. How does one go about comparing a one volume sci-fi manga to … Continue reading My Top 10 Manga
