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Dec 3, 2024
Review of The Gods Lie by Kaori Ozaki
Kaori Ozaki’s The Gods Lie (Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku) is a brief yet profound coming-of-age story that masterfully intertwines themes of love, independence, fear, guilt, courage, and resilience. At its core, it is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence clashing with the harsh realities of life, presented with a delicate balance of melancholy and hope.
The Strengths
1. Complex Characters and Emotional Depth
The heart of The Gods Lie lies in its characters. Natsuru Nanao, an 11-year-old boy, and Rio Suzumura, his reserved yet strong-willed classmate, are not merely children—they are multidimensional individuals navigating a world that has thrust adult
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responsibilities upon them far too early. Their burgeoning friendship and budding feelings of love are portrayed with a natural sincerity that feels authentic. The story’s emotional depth stems from how it juxtaposes their youthful naivety against the grim realities of neglect, poverty, and societal indifference.
2. Themes of Independence and Courage
Rio’s struggle to maintain her and her younger brother Yuuta’s independence while concealing their dire living conditions is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances is a testament to human strength and the courage to endure. Similarly, Natsuru’s journey from a carefree boy focused on soccer to someone who learns to stand by those he cares about showcases a nuanced portrayal of growing up and taking responsibility.
3. A Story of Love and Moving Forward
The title itself—The Gods Lie—hints at the disillusionment that comes with growing up. The narrative suggests that life’s supposed certainties (represented by "gods") often betray us, yet it is precisely in these moments of betrayal and pain that we find purpose and the courage to move forward. Natsuru and Rio’s bond, tender and understated, is a quiet celebration of love as a source of hope amidst despair.
4. Beautiful Artwork
Ozaki’s art complements the story impeccably. The soft, clean lines and expressive character designs convey both the innocence of childhood and the weight of the emotions the characters carry. The use of visual storytelling—such as the stark contrasts between the warmth of the children’s friendship and the desolation of Rio’s home—enhances the narrative’s impact.
The Weaknesses
1. Limited Length
At just a single volume, The Gods Lie is almost too brief for its own good. While its brevity adds to its emotional punch, some elements—particularly the backstory of Rio’s absent parents or Natsuru’s internal transformation—could have benefited from further development. The rushed pacing in the latter half may leave readers yearning for a deeper exploration of the narrative’s darker themes.
2. Lack of Peripheral Development
While the focus on Natsuru and Rio is commendable, secondary characters are largely underdeveloped. For instance, Yuuta, Rio’s younger brother, has potential to be a more compelling character, yet his role feels more symbolic than substantive.
Conclusion
Despite its brevity, The Gods Lie is an exquisite work of storytelling that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page. It captures the fragility and strength of the human spirit, offering a nuanced perspective on how love and resilience can emerge even in the face of life’s cruelties. The manga’s ability to evoke deep empathy and contemplation is a testament to Ozaki’s storytelling prowess.
This is not merely a story about children but a meditation on the human condition. It is about learning to face life’s uncertainties, finding courage in vulnerability, and discovering purpose even when the "gods" betray us. It’s a tale that resonates universally, proving that even the shortest narratives can leave the most profound impact.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 7, 2024
Review: "Shingeki no Kyojin" (Attack on Titan) – A Gripping Tale of Humanity’s Struggle Against Despair (Rating: 8/10)
Shingeki no Kyojin, or Attack on Titan, created by Hajime Isayama, is a monumental work that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its intense storyline, complex characters, and moral ambiguity. Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, the series is a gripping exploration of survival, freedom, and the human condition. From its stunning artwork to its elaborate world-building, Attack on Titan has left an indelible mark on the shonen genre, standing as a
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powerful commentary on the nature of humanity itself.
Premise and Narrative
The story follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, childhood friends living within the walls that protect humanity from the Titans. Eren's life changes forever when the Titans breach Wall Maria, leading to the loss of his mother and sparking his desire for revenge against these monstrous beings. As the narrative unfolds, the series introduces layers of complexity, revealing the Titans' origins, the truth about their world, and the conflicts between humanity's factions.
One of the most compelling aspects of Attack on Titan is its exploration of morality and the shades of gray in its characters' motivations. The series often blurs the lines between good and evil, forcing readers to grapple with the harsh realities of war and the moral implications of freedom and sacrifice. Eren, once the embodiment of hope and determination, transforms into a more ambiguous character, challenging the reader's perception of heroism and villainy.
Positive Aspects
Complex Characters and Development: One of Isayama’s strengths lies in his ability to create multi-dimensional characters who evolve throughout the series. Eren’s character arc, from a passionate boy seeking vengeance to a complex figure who embraces extreme measures for what he believes to be humanity’s salvation, is particularly noteworthy. Similarly, characters like Armin and Mikasa face their own struggles and dilemmas, leading to significant growth that feels organic and impactful. The supporting cast, including antagonists like Reiner Braun and Zeke Yeager, also receive rich development, adding depth to the narrative.
Themes of Freedom and Sacrifice: Attack on Titan delves deeply into themes of freedom, the burden of choice, and the costs of survival. The series poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of freedom and the sacrifices necessary to attain it. The idea that true freedom may come at a significant cost is a recurring motif, beautifully illustrated through various characters’ decisions and actions. The exploration of these themes resonates with readers, prompting them to reflect on the moral complexities of war and human nature.
Stunning Artwork and World-Building: Isayama’s artwork is striking and distinctive, with detailed depictions of the Titans and the world they inhabit. The action scenes are dynamic and visceral, heightening the tension and fear that permeate the narrative. The world-building is intricate, providing a rich history and lore that deepens the reader’s investment in the story. The mystery surrounding the Titans and the secrets of the world keep readers engaged, eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters.
Plot Twists and Revelations: The series is known for its shocking plot twists and revelations that challenge the readers’ expectations. From the true nature of the Titans to the complexities of the Marleyan conflict, Isayama masterfully weaves layers of intrigue that elevate the story. Key moments, such as the revelation of Eren’s intentions and the history behind the Titans, transform the narrative in ways that leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Negative Aspects
Pacing Issues: One of the criticisms of Attack on Titan is its pacing, particularly in the later arcs. As the story progresses, the pacing becomes uneven, with some chapters feeling rushed while others drag on. The shift in focus from action-driven plot points to political intrigue and philosophical debates can be jarring for readers accustomed to the series’ earlier, more straightforward narrative style. This uneven pacing may detract from the emotional weight of certain moments, making them feel less impactful than intended.
Controversial Ending: The conclusion of Attack on Titan has sparked significant debate among fans. Many feel that the ending undermines the complexity and moral ambiguity established throughout the series. Eren’s transformation into a perceived antagonist and the resolution of his character arc left some readers dissatisfied. While the ending attempts to tie together the myriad themes explored throughout the series, it does so in a way that can feel rushed and unsatisfying, leading to polarized opinions among fans. While the series overall is strong, the ending’s reception has somewhat tarnished its legacy for some.
Treatment of Female Characters: While Attack on Titan boasts a variety of strong female characters, there are instances where their development feels sidelined in favor of male characters. Mikasa, in particular, experiences a character arc that, while impactful, can sometimes come off as underdeveloped in comparison to her male counterparts. The series occasionally relies on tropes that can detract from the agency and depth of its female characters, which is a missed opportunity given the complex themes of the story.
Key Moments and Spoilers
Several moments stand out in Attack on Titan, particularly those that redefine the narrative. The tragic fate of Eren's mother in the series' early chapters serves as the catalyst for Eren's transformation from an innocent child to a driven warrior. This moment is not only pivotal for Eren’s character but also sets the tone for the series’ exploration of loss and revenge.
The revelation of Reiner’s true identity as the Armored Titan is another significant turning point, introducing layers of complexity to the conflict between the characters. The emotional weight of this revelation adds depth to Reiner’s character, showcasing the struggle of being a soldier on both sides of the conflict.
The series’ climax, where Eren activates the Rumbling, raises the stakes dramatically and forces readers to confront the darker aspects of his character. Eren’s decision to unleash chaos upon the world challenges the moral fabric of the narrative and poses significant questions about the nature of freedom and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Shingeki no Kyojin is a monumental work that delivers a gripping tale filled with complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and stunning artwork. While it grapples with pacing issues and delivers a controversial ending that has polarized its fanbase, the series overall remains a powerful exploration of the human experience, freedom, and sacrifice. For me, the conclusion didn’t resonate as well as the earlier arcs, feeling rushed and somewhat unsatisfying. However, this doesn’t diminish the merit of the work as a whole.
In the end, I would give Attack on Titan a solid 8/10. Its contributions to the genre and its ability to provoke thought and discussion make it a significant work, despite the imperfections in its execution. Whether you love it or feel conflicted about the ending, there’s no denying the impact and legacy of Shingeki no Kyojin in the world of manga.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Oct 7, 2024
Review: "Uzumaki" – A Masterclass in Cosmic Horror with Lingering Nightmares (Rating: 9/10)
Junji Ito’s "Uzumaki" is a horror manga unlike any other, plunging readers into a suffocating vortex of madness, body horror, and existential dread. With an intricately crafted world where an entire town is consumed by the horrifying obsession with spirals, Ito masterfully blends psychological and cosmic horror in ways that unnerve and captivate. While Uzumaki is an unforgettable experience in horror manga, the work is not without its flaws, with occasional pacing issues and narrative leaps that may leave some readers disoriented. Even so, its impact on the genre is undeniable.
Premise and Narrative
The
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story of Uzumaki centers around Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend Shuichi Saito, who live in the small, remote town of Kurouzu-cho. What begins as a peculiar, seemingly harmless fascination with spirals slowly unravels into a horrifying curse that infects not just individuals but the entire town. The story explores the various ways in which this "spiral curse" manifests—contorting bodies, landscapes, and even the very minds of the townspeople.
The manga is structured episodically, with each chapter presenting a new form of terror, as the spiral curse tightens its grip on Kurouzu-cho. However, the true horror of Uzumaki is not just the grotesque body horror for which Ito is famous, but the overwhelming sense of inevitability and helplessness as the town spirals deeper into madness. The sense that the curse is beyond human comprehension or intervention gives the story an almost Lovecraftian quality, leaving the reader with an inescapable feeling of cosmic dread.
Positive Aspects
Atmosphere of Dread and Hopelessness: One of Ito's greatest strengths in Uzumaki is his ability to build an oppressive atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The town of Kurouzu-cho feels claustrophobic, not just because of its geography but because of the omnipresent and inevitable spiral curse that no one can escape. The creeping sense of dread grows with each chapter, as even seemingly mundane occurrences begin to take on nightmarish proportions. This atmosphere permeates the entire manga, making every page feel like something terrible is waiting just around the corner.
Terrifying and Unique Body Horror: Ito’s body horror is at its peak in Uzumaki. The grotesque transformations that the characters undergo are both horrifying and beautifully illustrated. Whether it's Shuichi's father obsessively twisting himself into a spiral shape or the infamous moment when two lovers’ bodies coil together in a twisted, unnatural embrace, the imagery is unforgettable. The way Ito depicts the human body warping and contorting under the spiral curse is both deeply unsettling and disturbingly mesmerizing. One of the most grotesque yet compelling moments comes in the snail people arc, where students in the town slowly turn into giant, slimy snails—an example of how Ito takes mundane objects and transforms them into instruments of horror.
Cosmic Horror: At its core, Uzumaki is a story about humanity’s helplessness in the face of forces far beyond our understanding or control. The spiral is not just a physical shape; it represents a fundamental, cosmic pattern of chaos and obsession. As the town spirals into literal and figurative destruction, the characters realize they are powerless to stop it. This nihilistic tone, where the horrors cannot be reasoned with or defeated, elevates Uzumaki beyond typical horror and places it firmly in the realm of cosmic horror. The sense of futility, where even escape seems impossible, adds to the weight of the story’s dread.
Illustration Quality: Ito’s art is a major highlight of Uzumaki. His clean lines and meticulous detail make the grotesque transformations and the suffocating environment feel disturbingly real. The visual depictions of spirals are stunning in their complexity, and Ito masterfully uses them to evoke both awe and terror. Whether it’s swirling storm clouds, spiraling whirlpools, or the twisting architecture of Kurouzu-cho itself, the spiral imagery dominates the landscape in a way that feels both natural and malevolent.
Key Moments and Spoilers
Some of Uzumaki’s most memorable moments are what cement it as a classic in horror manga. The scene where Shuichi’s father becomes obsessed with spirals, ultimately twisting himself into a grotesque spiral inside a small barrel, is one of the early defining points in the story’s descent into madness. Another iconic moment is the mosquito arc, where pregnant women in the town become entranced by spirals, eventually turning into vampiric creatures who harvest blood to feed their own obsessive desires. These moments add to the overall sense that the town itself is warping reality and human nature in incomprehensible ways.
Perhaps the most horrifying of all is the final chapter, where Kirie and Shuichi descend into the epicenter of the spiral curse, only to discover that the town’s architecture and the very ground beneath them have been twisted into an immense, inescapable spiral. Their fate is sealed as they are drawn into the spiral’s eternal pull, a chilling conclusion that emphasizes the story’s central theme of hopelessness in the face of forces beyond comprehension.
Conclusion
Uzumaki is a work of singular vision that exemplifies the very best of horror manga. With its relentless atmosphere of dread, unmatched body horror, and cosmic themes, it leaves an indelible mark on anyone who reads it. Though the pacing falters at times and the character development is minimal, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the sheer creativity and terror that Junji Ito brings to the table.
For fans of horror, particularly those who enjoy the unsettling dread of cosmic horror, Uzumaki is essential reading. Its blend of psychological unease, grotesque imagery, and existential fear will haunt readers long after the final page is turned.
My final rating for Uzumaki is 9/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 7, 2024
Review: Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru/If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student – A Touching Look at Grief, Love, and Life After Loss (Rating: 8/10)
"If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student" (Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru) is a unique work that blends human drama with a touch of the supernatural, exploring the complexities of grief and love with great sensitivity. Written by Yayuu Murata, the manga offers an emotionally gripping narrative that deeply reflects on interpersonal relationships and how we cope with the loss of someone we love. While the premise may seem bizarre at first, the story unfolds masterfully, delivering a rewarding, albeit imperfect,
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experience.
Premise and Narrative
The story revolves around Keisuke Niijima, a man who has been living in perpetual mourning since the death of his beloved wife, Takae, in a car accident. Keisuke struggles to move on with his life, and his daughter, Mai, also silently bears the weight of her mother's absence. The turning point occurs when a young elementary school girl named Natsuki appears at Keisuke’s door, claiming to be the reincarnation of Takae. While the initial premise might sound absurd, the plot delves into this new family dynamic, where Keisuke and Mai must come to terms with the physical presence of a child who holds the mind and memories of their deceased wife and mother.
This unusual starting point launches the manga into a deep exploration of what it means to lose someone and, more importantly, what it means to be given the chance to rekindle that relationship under entirely different circumstances.
Positive Aspects
Emotional Depth: The greatest achievement of "If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student" is its ability to tackle grief with remarkable emotional depth. Keisuke, unable to move on, suddenly faces the presence of his wife reincarnated, but in a form that prevents him from resuming the life they once had. The psychological impact of this, both on Keisuke and Mai, is treated delicately and humanely. Mai, in particular, begins to question how she should interact with this “new mother,” while Keisuke confronts the uncomfortable reality of balancing his love for Takae with the fact that she is now, physically, a child.
Exploration of Love: One of the most fascinating elements of the work is its examination of love. Keisuke’s love for Takae transcends time and death, but her reincarnation in Natsuki’s body challenges him in unexpected ways. He can no longer act as her husband, and the story explores the tension of this love that must now be recalibrated, both emotionally and socially. Murata invites us to reflect: Can romantic love survive when the physical and temporal circumstances change so drastically?
Impactful Moments: There are several scenes that leave a lasting impression. One of the most heart-wrenching moments occurs when Natsuki (Takae) recalls the day of the accident and openly discusses with Keisuke how devastating her death was for her as well. The work doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexity of the situation, showing that even reincarnated, Takae feels the weight of her interrupted life. This intense dialogue, paired with flashbacks of her previous life, is a high point in the narrative as it reinforces the difficulty of returning to a relationship that, in many ways, is already over.
Negative Aspects
Despite its strengths, "If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student" has a few shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Uneven Pacing: The pacing of the narrative is sometimes inconsistent. After the initial shock of Takae’s return, the story tends to drag in the middle, repeating certain themes and interactions without much development. Some chapters unnecessarily prolong internal conflicts that have already been explored, which may cause the reader to feel disconnected at times.
Rushed Resolution: The ending, while emotionally satisfying in some respects, feels rushed. After so much emotional development, the resolution of Takae’s reincarnation arc, and how Keisuke and Mai ultimately move forward, could have been more fleshed out. The climax arrives abruptly, leaving some central questions about reincarnation and Natsuki’s role in the family’s future unresolved.
Lack of Focus on Supporting Characters: While Keisuke and Natsuki are deeply developed, other characters, like Mai, deserved more attention. The mother-daughter relationship, while touching at times, could have been further explored, especially from Mai’s emotional perspective, as she grapples with the strangeness of seeing her mother in a completely different form.
Conclusion
"If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student" is a work that blends difficult themes with extraordinary sensitivity. It explores grief, loss, and love in innovative ways, and while it stumbles in pacing and resolution, its emotional impact is undeniable. The manga leaves readers reflecting on what it means to lose someone, and how it is possible to keep loving, even in circumstances that defy logic. It’s a story that provokes tears and laughter while challenging the boundaries of our understanding of love and second chances.
With a unique narrative and deeply touching moments, my rating for the work is 8/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 19, 2023
The story, skillfully written by Achumuchi, proves to be a captivating journey that mixes intriguing elements, taking advantage not only of the erotic context, but also brilliantly incorporating the theme of health and nutrition, even if in a simplified way.
The art, without a doubt, is one of the stars of this manga. Each page is a true visual treat, with meticulously detailed illustrations that capture not only the sensuality of the characters, but also the beauty and importance of a healthy lifestyle. The fluid and expressive strokes are accompanied by a vibrant color palette, creating an attractive environment that captures the reader's attention.
The plot, although
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focused on the erotic side, surprises by intelligently integrating the concepts of health and nutrition. The author demonstrates sensitivity when addressing these topics, highlighting the importance of taking care of the body and mind. The scenes involving nutrition are presented in an informative way, but without losing the light and fun tone characteristic of the manga.
The narrative also offers captivating characters, each contributing to the plot in a unique way. The protagonist, with her journey of self-discovery, not only adds depth to the story, but also serves as a vehicle to convey positive messages about balancing pleasure and health.
Erotic x Anabolic, therefore, is a work that goes beyond expectations, combining an engaging narrative with a good visual approach. The fusion between eroticism and health awareness makes this manga a unique and highly recommended read for those looking for something beyond conventional themes.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 24, 2022
MC isnt total idiot he has his goals and he trys his best to acomplish them wich we dont see in most of these manhwas. Usualy i have issues with MCs becose they think with their d*cks first here its not always like that (it happens sometiems). If you like MC it makes reading more more fun.
Now lest look more into detaile into it.
Story : Yes it is simple story of boy who falls in love with his teacher but its writen realy good nothing is forced to us and everything is explaind. It doesnt feature any ugly bastards, NTR , rape or bribe. Reading
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it feels fast to the point not wasting readers time with some pointlesss conversations. What is great about this as well is that usually in this mangas u have s*x in midlle of story and then it feels like autor forgot that he needs to write a story so he/she rushes ending of it but here its no a case everything goes hand in hand nothing is rushed. Also the way its writen is great as well if autor wants u to laught u laught if he wants u to *** u do it but also if you suposed to be sad it feels sad(backstory of shorthair teacher *slut numba1*). Author did great job here picked simple story put some s*x into it and it turned out to be great (most of the times autors use s*x to cover poor writen story).
Art: There arent many manhwas that have better art i didnt spot any big mistakes there. So for me this is the good detailed manhwa artstyle overall nothing special but for beeing manhwa pretty good. I really like those simpler pounting arts of cahracters they were funny and at point so tumbs up for that.
Characters: I dont even know how many comicses overall are they that made me love all character in theire storys like this one did. I never felt like omg not this guy again. I alraedy covered MC so now look at the others. His roomate was pretty funny in my eyes just simple human beening that used his d*ck to think and at the end he paid his cost XD. Green haired nerd girl that turneds out to be slut and thanks to sex she could concentrrate for exames was ok wasnt something special but wanst ment to be wasnt annoing so no problem with that. Now lets look at Slut teacher she was done well the way that cahracter was writen was in my eyes good she set her goal and went for it her backstory was sad but yet good to read so as reader you could fit into her shoes do i agree with her actions no but yet she had spot in my heart durting the story, was funny as well. Now to the main girl redhaired teacher usually in manhwas autors keeps the main girl for the end here its already nearly from the start she spends a lot of time with the MC before she fell in love with him she is so supportive and nice as a character also she is willing to fight for him with the other teacher there is character development in there and i realy liked her. Even in such a simple story it remind us taht even teachers might not know everything( i guess everyone who reads this is already adult and knows that but still XD ).
Sexscenes (hope i dont get ban for this but well you putted it to this site so whatever) : Here is s*x male with female(MC with all girls and redhaired guy with classm8s and slutteacher), male with 2 females (MC with both teachers), and female with female (teachers)
Overall i jsut wish there were more manhwas like this it was great read and i maybe will reread it in futere wich is realy rare for me.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Sep 24, 2022
I finished reading all 134 chapters, and my God, I don't regret it.
There are mangas that have detailed plots, extraordinary characters and breathtaking art, but How to Treat a Lady Knight Right has nothing like that,
It's such a funny and cute manga. The story of How to Treat a Lady Knight Right follows a knight Leo, who was revered as the strongest of them all and Gas was treated as a fearsome man because of his strength and demeanor, but that changes when Fooly, a mage confesses your love for her. What follows is a hilarious account of their adventures. They make new friends and
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acquaintances along the way and finally fight the Demon King... wait,
While the story is nothing to remember, it's the comedic timings and cuteness that separate this from everything else like it.
The art is very good, especially the character details. I really appreciate the extent to which the mangaka went to detail the females and their assets. No complaints here. Also those abs, God, if only I could have some of them lol.
Seriously, the comedy is excellent. Almost like Konosuba, and sometimes better. And the cuteness, oh my god, instant diabetes stuff. It makes single assholes like us want a girlfriend ASAP.
In general? Just read it. Take a few minutes out of your life to read this. I guarantee you will feel blessed after the hours spent. This manga is very cute, the mangaka and yes, the abdomen.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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