Skyhigh

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Another solid work from Takahashi Tsutomu, once again capturing the drama and emotions of human life. As seen in the synopsis, this series revolves around what happens after death. The gatekeeper, Izuko, presents the recently deceased with three choices at the moment of their passing. Skyhigh explores this premise in a variety of ways, showcasing the different emotions and circumstances of both the dead and those they leave behind.

Despite its simple premise, the writing manages to bring enough variation to keep each chapter engaging. Takahashi Tsutomu effectively captures the range of emotions experienced by the dead as they reflect on the world they’ve left behind. ... However, since each chapter presents a new story, there is little character development, making it harder to form an emotional attachment. It’s compelling to see different portrayals of death, but none of the stories resonated with me on a deeper level.

Takahashi Tsutomu’s art always carries a distinct style that enhances the storytelling. In this series, I particularly liked how he illustrates hair—using bold, thick strokes that make the character designs feel more dynamic. If you've read Zankyou, you'll notice a similar approach not just in hairstyling but also in the use of bold outlines. This technique adds depth to the artwork and brings a sense of motion to each sequence. The heavier lines also create a feeling of isolation or suspense, further intensifying the mood of certain panels. His approach to large panels is equally impressive, whether through highly detailed backgrounds with cross-hatching or carefully composed shots that emphasize emotions. Close-up facial expressions are especially well-drawn, adding weight to the characters’ feelings.

Overall, it’s a short yet solid read—just 10 chapters, making it perfect for a single sitting. The simple plot keeps it easy to follow, while Takahashi Tsutomu’s distinct, detailed art elevates the storytelling. Plus, there’s a sequel (which I’m still reading), so I’m curious to see how the story develops. If you're a fan of Takahashi Tsutomu’s works, whether for his art or storytelling, this is worth checking out. Or if stories about the afterlife catch your interest, this series might be worth a look.

First review I'm writing, so I apologize if it's too short or lack of any information.

ART - 9
The manga has some pretty cool art, it's very dark and dirty like a pretty emotional sketch, different from every manga I have ever read.

STORY - 8
It is good but I thought it delayed too much to finally develop the "main story". It made me think about life, reincarnation and stuff.

CHARACTER - 7
Characters are pretty unique although their stories may be a bit rushed or kind of poorly developed.
...
ENJOYMENT - 7
Art is cool as I said, unique, story is great with a different theme, but IMO lacks a bit of character development.

OVERALL - 7,5
Definatelly this manga is not a waste of time. Maybe if you never thought about life after death, the story can open your mind about this matter. Art is great but a bit dark if you are used to lighter drawings.

Non-spoiler part of review: Skyhigh is a short manga, so it is worth it to read since it ends quickly but recomended in the sense of being essential or worth it for the quality? No.

The story is episodic, following what the characters will decide after their deaths (following what is presented in the synopsis already) and their reasons. It is a type of story that is known for being told by jogoku shoujo, which by itself is good since it has the potential to make up for a good manga or anime. However, what makes Skyhigh very supbar and lackluster is how unintentionally dull ... and funny the stories are in a totally not intended way, ultimately ruining not only the atmosphere but the whole fun/quality of the manga. The reasons are mostly very weak and shallow, the attempts are telling a message are void of a context that makes them resonate with the stories (i dont care for deep messages and deepness at all, but it just feels forced when it happens here for no reason). The whole plot feels very boring, jigoku shoujo (anime) came after this manga and is a much better rendition of this type of episodic story with a main character that navigates through it, the reasons that lead people to use the services of the hell girl are way better and engaging (not to mention the atmosphere is charming and not wasted).

End of non-spoiler review. Now some spoiler mentions of the bad in this manga below:

In one of the stories, the man kills his fiancé because he thinks she doesnt love him for real.... but because he has money (though there is no context for that, he is ugly but she seems like she really likes him. Still a goofy start). He kills her and then puts her below the bed of the hotel room where he killed her.... then he commits suicide out of regret. Then on spirit she sees him doing that.... then, at the end of that story, a random couple borrows that room with the bed where her body was placed and they start intercourse... so instead of going to heaven this killed woman decide to choose eternal damnation to... kill the couple.... for "having fun on top of her".... then it ends with her with a creepy face going to hell and the purgatory keeper girl tells her how bad it will be there. As it can be seen, it was a boring, goofy story that intends to be very serious and the other episodic stories follow the same route of quality (the one from the nonsense vengeful school girls, the melodramatic pointless brothers, the guy that saves the "asshole" woman and etc). The last story was the only one that was slightly better, though still bad. So that is it. I do not know if the other manga sequels to it are any better but i dont feel motivated to read neither. I will still read other works by the author that are not of the skyhigh series.