Utsukushii Mono-tachi

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This is my first review on here, but I hope at least 1 person sees this and decides to read Utsukushii Mono-tachi because it is a gorgeous manga. I was browsing a manga site one night and this cover caught my eye, and to my surprise this one shot really stuck with me. The best way I can describe it is calling it a dark fairy tale. Quick, intriguing and depressing.

Story- (8) Even as a one shot, the world presented to us is very captivating, with the story telling just enough to hook the reader while not overstaying its welcome. It never tries to be ... overly edgy or sad, but it has a consistently somber tone. I won't get into spoilers, but the latter half completely caught me off guard. The story leaves many questions unanswered, but never leaves you in confusion. One shots can often give too little, which is understandable due to their length, but I think this manga wraps itself up very satisfyingly. There was only 1 section that I thought went too long. I don't think it offers anything insanely good but it's still very well done.

Art- (9) The art is beautiful and stylized, while not being a pain to read through. The panels flow very nicely, never breaking your pace but also not lacking in minor details. The dialogue never takes up too much space. Also, rereading is a joy due to all the small things going on in the city or in the tinker's room. There are many memorable panels.

Character- (5) The tinker is an alright protagonist. You end up feeling sorry for him being an outcast and never being thanked for his dedication to his work. He can't live in the city with everyone else because of his looks. That's where it ends for his character though, which isn't exactly a bad thing but it does make him boring. The young boy is pretty standard. He's a kind, charming, and likable character. I feel that the plot is able to carry itself without diving too much deeper into him or the other civilians. Them not having names leaves them being more like templates in the story.

Enjoyment- (9) This manga really has an ethereal and storybook-like feel to it that resonates with me strongly. It's simple, interesting, and dark. I love obscure stuff like this, and I'd say this read was a lot more enjoyable than their other manga I've read called Kaibutsugoroshi. Quick and fun read that stays in your head.

Overall- (9) Truthfully, I see this more as an 8.5 because it's nothing groundbreaking but it's very well made. I think it works as a one shot very well, showing just enough of this world but not explaining too much. As a full manga it may be lacking but to me it achieves a lot with the time given. Definitely not for everyone, but one of my recent favorites.