Shikei Shikkouchuu Datsugoku Shinkouchuu
Under Execution, Under Jailbreak

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Under Execution, Under Jailbreak is a book with 4 short, independent stories by the author of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (after hearing that, you're already sure you'll be treated to something unique) released during the time Part 5 of JJBA was published (1997-1999).

The first two stories: "Under Execution, Under Jailbreak" and "Dolce and his Master" are two very surrealistic stories (of which I'm a big fan). It leaves you wondering what's real and what isn't. Is the character really experiencing this or are they already dead and are they going through some sort of "afterlife experience".

The third story features everyone's favorite a**hole mangaka: Kishibe Rohan (one ... of my favorite characters from part 4), as he accidentally poses as the priest at a confessional.
The story that he hears from the person confessing really has a JJBA vibe to it and it really reads as a chapter from that series too. No complaints here, it's a cool short story. And I love seeing characters leading their lives after/outside the original manga they appear in.

The last, and longest, story tells us about a ghost that still roams the earth doing jobs for a mysterious entity. To me a few parts in this story are pretty vague, but basically the ghost longs for a quiet life and doing these jobs let him have peace of mind because it gives him a purpose. Hmmm, a quiet life huh? Might sound familiar to someone who read part 4...
The story shows alot of potential, but in my opinion it is still too short to execute everything to its fullest so it can be quite overwhelming with all the stuff it throws at the reader. And I really think it needs to be an actual series to make it work better. Nonetheless it's very interesting to say the least.

But besides that I really like these short bizarre adventures, and I personally think he should do more of these (I know there is one more book like this, in which all the stories feature Rohan).

Even though the stories are short, the characters are very well portrayed, just like in JJBA, and you get a feeling for what kind of person they are very quickly.

You'll probably enjoy these stories more if you're already a fan of Araki's other works (like me), but ofcourse this can also be read as a standalone book.
But I can understand that, for someone who never read any of Araki's manga before, you might need to get used to his style (both art and storytelling-wise) to really enjoy it.

THIS IS A REVIEW OF ALL THE SHORT STORIES, SO EACH ONE GETS ITS OWN SCORE.

Before starting, the art, as usual for Hirohiko Araki, is fantastic, everything is beautifully drawn.

Under Execution, Under Jailbreak: 7

This is a very short story, even tough is may be weird to a lot of people, I did enjoy it, it really captures that feeling of “old tale that your grandpa tells you”, with a weird twist at the end about life and fear, like a Grimm Brothers tale.

Dulce and his Master: 7

If the last one was weird this one is absolutely insane, honestly is too weird, I think that maybe ... there is some symbolism that I missed, because I still wonder what did I read. Still the suspense and twist elements are very good, and like the previous story, it just works well as a short but interesting read.

Kishibe Rohan at the Confessional: 8

My favorite Kishibe Rohan one-shot, it really shows how much the author knows how to write suspense and horror just as much as action scenes. It’s a really good read with a really good twist at the end, there’s no reason to miss this one.

Deadman’s Questions: 9

The Best short story of the manga, I may be a bit biased, because suspense with supernatural elements and philosophical themes is just my cup of tea, but this is a really good story, its so good at establishing a character, a theme and the world around him that it makes me wish there were some more chapters of Deadman’s Questions, but the two that are there are definitely worth the read.

Under Execution, Under Jailbreak is a collection of short stories, featuring four works by Hirohiko Araki, the renowned author of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.

Araki's standalone projects often embody a distinct brand of eerie suspense that invites readers to consider intriguing premises, and these four stories are no exception. This atmosphere is masterfully complemented by the artwork, unique paneling, and creative use of gutter space. However, I recommend enjoying the collection in moderation, as binge-reading can dull the impact of its unsettling themes.

I find the tales to be as compelling as their premises, executed with skill, though “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Episode 16: At A Confessional” stands ... out as particularly exceptional.

The titular story, Under Execution, Under Jailbreak, boasts the most complex premise in the collection. It delves into the nature of fear through a character who despises being lied to and finds himself in a room where he can't trust anything around him.

Dolce and His Master showcases Araki's dark humor. Inspired by his editor’s love for his cat, Araki imagines what would happen if he and his pet were stranded without food in the middle of the ocean.

While both of these premises are somewhat familiar, they become more engaging when used alongside broader explorations in larger works. The stories are entertaining and enjoyable, but don’t expect to be completely blown away.

Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Episode 16: At A Confessional revolves around a curse that strikes at your happiest moments. Initially, it seems like a rather mundane premise, but upon reflection and considering its execution, it becomes increasingly unsettling. This story is also included in Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Vol. 1, so I wouldn’t recommend purchasing this collection solely for it.

The final story, Dead Man's Question, is the one I believe makes this book worth picking up. It is divided into three parts and provides glimpses into the afterlife, exploring how ghosts might behave within the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure universe. This tale is especially compelling for fans of the series, making it challenging to recommend the book to those unfamiliar with Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.

Overall, while all the stories are enjoyable for a wide audience, they will resonate most with fans of Araki's work.