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Mar 31, 2025
There are some anime that, despite their flaws, possess a sincerity and soul that make them endearing. Blue Miburo is one of them. Unfairly criticized in my opinion, it deserves our attention, if only for a moment. Sure, its shortcomings are obvious, but it also has undeniable qualities that deserve to be highlighted. In this wave of negative reviews, I'd like to offer a more nuanced look, and perhaps inspire you to give it a try.
Animation: 5.5 | Art direction: 7
From a technical point of view, Blue Miburo suffers from a number of clumsinesses. As the Maho studio's first 24-episode project, it shows a certain
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lack of experience. The animation lacks dynamism, particularly in combat, which is often reduced to still shots accompanied by visual effects designed to simulate movement. Many dialogue scenes are limited to field-versus-field, reinforcing the impression of rigid staging.
This observation is all the more striking when comparing the anime to its source material. The manga benefits from an assertive artistic style and far more dynamic drawings, particularly during confrontations. Paradoxically, the latter appear more fluid and impactful than in the animated adaptation.
But it's not all doom and gloom. If you can get past the technical limitations, the world of Blue Miburo has enough charm to keep you interested. The historical ambience, supported by creditable art direction, fleshes out the story and lends a certain authenticity to the narrative.
Music: 8.5 | Dubbing: 8.5
The soundtrack was a pleasant surprise. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Yuki Hayashi, is particularly effective. Although it doesn't rival his most memorable works, such as My Hero Academia or Karakuri Circus, it strikes a chord at just the right moment. Those who already appreciate her style will immediately recognize her ability to play with emotions, particularly through her poignant violin flights. Personally, I felt this emotional impact on several occasions, and I think other viewers sensitive to her work might feel the same.
The dubbing, meanwhile, is another of the anime's strengths. Umeda delivers a convincing performance as Nio, while Azakami imbues his Hijikata character with an authority mixed with an underlying gentleness. A special mention must go to Tsuda, whose performance, though more discreet, manages to give her character depth. These vocal performances play a key role in the emotion emanating from certain scenes, particularly those in episodes 1 and 4, which made a particularly strong impression on me.
Scenario: 7 | Characters: 9
The story of Blue Miburo oscillates between two distinct tones, borrowing as much from the codes of shōnen as from those of seinen, without ever clearly choosing sides. This mixture creates a certain confusion: should it be seen as an initiatory tale focused on action and adventure, or as a darker, more introspective fresco? This narrative hesitation can disorientate the viewer and weaken the impact of certain key moments.
However, as the episodes progress, a sincere attachment to the characters develops. Despite the clumsiness of the script, the benevolence that emanates from their interactions and the trials they go through make the whole captivating. I won't give away too much of the plot, but you should know that if you accept the story's shortcomings, it can be a highly enjoyable experience.
A special mention to the Blue Wolves, or rather, the Shinsengumi, who won my affection. Hajime, Okita, and especially Kondō and Nio, have become fellow travelers over the weeks, and I've really enjoyed following their evolution.
I'm aware that my opinion won't be shared by everyone. Many will point to Blue Miburo's weaknesses, and these criticisms are not unfounded. However, behind its clumsiness, the anime conceals a sincerity that makes it unique. It's a story that, despite its imperfections, can deeply touch those who know how to approach it with kindness.
I hope I've aroused your curiosity and, who knows, inspired you to try this adventure. Perhaps, like me, you'll discover a work with obvious flaws but undeniable charm.
P.S.: I'm delighted to learn that the sequel to the series will be animated in 2026. I'm looking forward to seeing Nio and his companions again, and hope that the animation will benefit from the improvements it deserves.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 30, 2025
Discovering Tasokare Hotel without knowing the original game was an experience as singular as it was immersive. Few anime explore a similar concept, Death Parade being one of the few works to come close. While the latter dwells on profound moral dilemmas, Tasokare Hotel prefers to immerse us in unique slices of life in their own way. Let's take a closer look at the various aspects of this anime.
Animation: 7 | Art direction: 9.5
Technically, Tasokare Hotel doesn't shine with spectacular animation, but it does its job effectively. The element that really stands out is its refined, immersive hotel aesthetic. The muted atmosphere of twilight, combined
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with a soft, bewitching color palette, gives the hotel a strong visual identity. Special mention should be made of the idea of the faces reflecting the characters' pasts, which adds an intriguing symbolic dimension.
Music: 9.5 | Dubbing: 8
Tasokare Hotel's soundscape is a real success. As a lover of jazz, I found the OST particularly remarkable, lending the whole a nostalgic yet intimate aura. Although most of the tracks are not unforgettable, Rico Sasaki's Meitei stands out for its warm atmosphere.
As for the dubbing, it's all very convincing, even if Neko's speech impediment may annoy some. Each character benefits from a meticulous interpretation that reinforces their identity.
Scenario: 8.5 | Characters: 9 | Universe: 10
Where Tasokare Hotel stands out is in its narrative and its universe. Unlike Death Parade, which encourages moral reflection, this anime takes a more human and societal approach. Each episode unveils a new, often poignant story, highlighting the doubts, regrets and sufferings of its protagonists. Among them, the journey of the idol who wants to break free from the oppressive world of showbiz made a particular impression on me.
The characters are engaging, although their development is limited by the 12-episode format. The hotel manager, in particular, proves fascinating. As for the universe, it establishes itself as a more oppressive, tormented version of the Death Parade setting, reinforcing the hotel's own between-worlds feel.
But where the series surprises is in its radical change of tone with the appearance of the sinister Osoto Masaki. Whereas the story had settled into a gentle melancholy, his arrival introduces a new tension, upsetting the balance of the narrative.
The conclusion of the story leaves several crucial questions unanswered. What became of those murdered in the hotel? Has Neko's journey in episode 12 altered reality to the point of erasing the events of the series? If she saved Haruto and Ruri, they should never have arrived at the hotel, which means that all the other guests would not have been helped... Unless the Twilight Hotel follows a temporality of its own, independent of the real world. So many questions that are not explicitly answered in the anime, giving this ending a taste of unfinished business - unless the game completes these grey areas.
To conclude this review, Tasokare Hotel remains an immersive and poignant, if rather atypical, experience. Its unique universe, strong themes - sickly jealousy, hypocrisy, the quest for meaning, self-sacrifice - and refined art direction make it a series that amply deserves our attention. During these twelve weeks, it has captivated me, and I can only encourage you to push open the doors of this hotel.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 26, 2025
The rebirth of the blue phoenix
Here we are at last. The series' most memorable arc offers us the best season of its animated adaptation. Having already expressed my love for this masterful work many times, I'd now like to explain why this fifth season is, by far, the most accomplished and best realized, and why you should absolutely watch it.
First of all, I must admit to having been somewhat biased in my reviews of the previous seasons. With hindsight, I realize that there were many imperfections. In fact, it's not impossible that, in a few years' time, I'll be able to discern certain flaws in
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the Blue Night arc that escape me at the moment. But to date, it seems undeniable to me that this fifth season represents the pinnacle of what Blue Exorcist has been able to offer in terms of animated adaptation.
Animation: 9.5 | Art direction: 9.5
As I mentioned for the previous arc, this season marks a clear improvement in terms of animation, staging and color palette. Technically, it surpasses not only the third season but also the fourth. Voln, which had become accustomed to integrating 3D for imposing creatures (zombies and Gedoin in season 3, Hashiro's true serpentine form in season 4), seems to have reviewed its policy of using CGI. Here, its use is almost non-existent, limited to a brief appearance during the confrontation between Yuri and the Aztec statue.
Particular care has also been taken with the visual rendering. The character design has been refined, and the animation of the fights - particularly the confrontation between young Rin and Shiro - is much closer to the dynamics offered by A-1 Pictures in season 2 than to the frozen shots of the Illuminati arc. The result is much more fluid, placing it in the upper middle range of this season's anime (I'm thinking in particular of Sorairo Utility). After so many years of waiting and two technically lacklustre seasons, this conclusion is more than satisfying.
Music: 10 | Dubbing: 10
In terms of sound, Blue Exorcist has always been a benchmark, and this season is no exception. Special mention goes to the legendary Megumi Hayashibara, known for her iconic roles as Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop), Musashi in Pokémon, or Hakumen no Mono and the Shirogane line in Voln's adaptations of Ushio to Tora and Karakuri Circus. Her interpretation of Yuri is simply remarkable. Here, she adopts a distinctive vocal timbre, almost maternal in its gentleness, as if her voice glided through the air to envelop our ears with infinite tenderness. Unlike her usual roles, where her timbre is immediately recognizable, here she manages to surprise, delivering a performance of unsuspected subtlety. Her interpretation alone lends a soul to this season.
Story: 10 | Characters: 10
I won't go into the narrative details here, as all the interest lies in Kazue Kato's sublime writing. This season demonstrates the extent of her talent, and it's clear that she has gained in mastery and experience. The themes are dealt with in great depth, and the arc centered on Shiro and Yuri brings a more adult dimension that is particularly welcome.
Without giving too much away, Shiro and Yuri are among the most striking characters in the series. Shiro is universally loved, while Yuri is more divisive. Some, including me, admire her kindness, sacrifice, devotion and benevolent smile. Others, on the other hand, reject some of his debatable choices. But the 2 of them, through their shared trials and tragedies, help Rin to evolve, mature, reconcile with her past and realize her own worth. This initiatory journey culminates in a poignant final episode, which closes a circle begun fourteen years ago by A-1 Pictures.
In conclusion, and having detailed all the elements that make this season the best of the adaptation, I'd like to express my gratitude to studio Voln. Despite the challenges and ups and downs of this new adaptation, they never gave up and always sought to improve their work. On behalf of all the fans, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this season of exceptional quality. We are deeply grateful.
This adaptation is coming to an end, at least for now - only God knows what the future holds. But this conclusion leaves me with a taste of nostalgia. These weekly rendezvous had become a precious habit, and their absence will leave a void. Blue Exorcist is a work dear to me, both in its manga and anime versions, and knowing that it's coming to an end saddens me. But who knows? Maybe one day we'll have the privilege of seeing Voln's animated sequel.
Until then, and for the last time in this review: Voln, thank you so much for this wonderful gift.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 23, 2025
This is it. This is the end... The end of Insomniaques, the end of an era of happiness, sweetness and love. And it's terribly hard for me to have to say goodbye to this story, to these characters who have accompanied me all these years. Yet I have no choice. I have to turn the page, accept this state of affairs, however painful it may be. But one thing remains: as long as this love continues to shine, I want to pass it on. To make you understand why Insomniaques is, in my eyes, the most beautiful slice of life there is.
First, let's talk about
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the artwork. Insomniaques is a visually stunning manga. Perhaps not in its originality, but in the unique atmosphere it exudes. An atmosphere so gentle, so natural, so real that I couldn't contain the explosion of emotions it aroused in me. Every panel, every drawing, seems designed to immerse us alongside Magari and Ganta. Everything is so well orchestrated: the cutting, the dialogue, but above all those expressive silences. Ojiro-sensei has perfectly understood that words are not always needed to convey the essential. He offers us a talkative silence, where every pause, every breath of the manga finds an echo in us. As for the rhythm of the story, it's like the ocean: sometimes capricious and tumultuous, carrying us along in a whirlwind of events, sometimes calm and soothing, letting us savor the candor of these moments.
And what about the story itself? Words fail me to express everything it made me feel. This strikingly pure tale exudes a rare warmth, humanity and sincerity. It envelops us in a reassuring benevolence, like a warm blanket on a winter's night. Far from contenting itself with a classic high-school romance, it speaks to us with delicacy about much deeper themes: the fear of abandonment, illness, death, all those anxieties that haunt us. But it never lapses into pathos. On the contrary, Insomniaques is comforting. It whispers that all will be well, that the future, however uncertain, can still hold bright days ahead.
These themes touch me directly, and that's what made my reading so moving. This manga doesn't just tell a story, it speaks to us. It dives deep into our souls, finds that sensitive spot we thought was well protected, and touches it with disconcerting gentleness. Ojiro doesn't speak to a general audience, but to us, young adults going through the same torments. And rather than burden us with tragedy, he reaches out to us. It tells us that we are not alone.
This is the first time a manga has made me cry. It's not easy for me to weep over a work devoid of music or voices, and yet... Insomniaques manages to do just that.
And then there's the ending. To be honest, I didn't immediately understand what it was trying to tell us. After all we'd been through, I expected to see Magari, Ganta and all the others, in one last photo, one last look at their future. I wanted to see Magari's radiant smile, the one that so marked me as I read. But there was none of that. The conclusion remained evasive, open to interpretation. For a moment, I was confused, even disappointed. Some people saw it as a tragic ending, and that idea was unbearable for me. Not after fourteen volumes filled with luminous moments. But Ojiro confirmed that it was indeed a happy ending, and it's this truth that I choose to adopt. It would be too painful to see anything else. Insomniaques didn't need a heartbreaking ending to remain moving.
I doubt many people will make it to these last lines. I'm aware that this text is long, far too personal, and perhaps simply the ramblings of a stranger on the net. But no matter. All I hope is that this bottle in the sea reaches someone. That whoever finds it may, in turn, fall under the spell of this story and be as moved by it as I was.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to those who took the time to read me. And forgive the length of these lines, but my heart had to unburden itself, my soul had to bear witness. One last time, I'd like to thank Magari and Ganta. For all these splendid moments, for this myriad of emotions, for this warmth and lightness that have brightened my daily life, I have only one word to say to you: thank you.
Your smiles, your existence, all of this will remain engraved forever, in black ink, deep in my heart. I'll never forget you.
I'll never forget you.
I will miss you terribly
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 23, 2025
This review will be a bit special for two reasons. Firstly, I'm not a regular viewer of sports anime. Although this genre is very popular, it has never been a major part of my viewing habits. Secondly, I hadn't watched the OVA before embarking on the first episode - which I did only after the fact. In other words, I had no idea what to expect. My only point of comparison was Oi Tonbo, another golf series that I quickly put aside, not out of disinterest, but for lack of a real attachment. Yet something about Sorairo Utility appealed to me. Perhaps it was those
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brightly coloured posters? Whatever it was, let me tell you one thing: this series is, by far, the season's most pleasant surprise.
I certainly didn't expect to fall under the spell of an anime that, at first glance, seemed so low-key. But before going any further, let's analyze Sorairo Utility's strengths point by point.
Animation: 9
Art direction: 10
Dubbing: 9.5
Music: 10
Technically and artistically, it would be hard to find anything to criticize. Sorairo Utility shines with outstanding visual realization, meticulous dubbing and a musical ambience that is both warm and soothing. Yostar Pictures offers us a veritable feast for the eyes, supported by splendid art direction. The number of shots that can easily be used as wallpaper is simply impressive, and there were several occasions when I found myself captivated by the beauty of the landscapes.
As for the dubbing, it's impeccably accurate. The actors deliver a sincere performance that imbues the characters with an infectious energy, further strengthening the attachment we feel towards them.
Story: 7
Characters: 9
Development: 6.5
If Sorairo Utility isn't unanimously acclaimed, it's undoubtedly because of its relatively limited storyline and narrative development. The story, which is quite simple, doesn't revolutionize the genre, nor does it attempt to offer a story with multiple twists and turns. Yet this was never a problem for me. I wasn't looking for a complex plot, but rather a weekly haven of peace, like Yuru Camp.
And from this point of view, Sorairo Utility fulfills its role perfectly. Despite some weaknesses in character development, it's impossible not to become attached to Minami, Haruka and Ayaka. Their sorrows, joys, doubts and aspirations touched me deeply, to the point of feeling a certain pride as I watched them evolve in their passion. In truth, I sincerely wonder how it would be possible not to feel moved by these three heroines, who are as different as they are complementary.
Minami, with her endearing clumsiness, Ayaka, always benevolent, and Haruka, bursting with energy, form a trio as charming as they are refreshing. Admittedly, their evolution over the course of the series remains discreet, but this in no way detracts from the experience. Their enthusiasm is so infectious that it makes us want to get more involved and achieve our own personal par 3.
An unforgettable experience
I'm aware that my review may seem disjointed, but it's difficult to accurately convey everything I felt while watching this series. Sorairo Utility might seem like yet another sports anime at first glance, but I assure you it has so much more to offer. I'm sure I'll miss every Saturday spent in its company.
So, for all that: thank you, Ham. And to those of you who are reading this, I have only one piece of advice: go and discover Sorairo Utility!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 20, 2025
Having recently written a review of the manga, I'm going to focus here on the technical side of this animated adaptation, which is well worth a closer look. And there's a lot to say about it.
First of all, Madhouse is making a comeback after several years in the shadow of studios such as Wit, Mappa and Ufotable. With Frieren, the studio proved that it was still capable of offering us genuine visual pleasure. And at the end of this first season, Madhouse took on a new challenge: the adaptation of the excellent Orb.
I admit I was dubious at first. As Uoto's graphic style was rather
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uneven, I feared that the animation would suffer. But my doubts were swept away in the very first episode. Madhouse has succeeded in magnifying a work whose only real weakness was its visuals. The studio offers us a unique experience, supported by a subtle soundscape and dubbing of exceptional quality.
The animation, though slightly inferior to Frieren, brilliantly brings this richly detailed universe to life. The manga's beautifully colored double-page spreads offer strikingly beautiful panoramas that rival the most sumptuous real-life landscapes. As for the fight scenes, although relatively rare, they are visually very successful.
As for the soundtrack, it plays the low-key card. The OSTs are not particularly striking, but their sobriety reinforces the austere atmosphere intended by Uoto, fully immersing the viewer in this singular universe.
Finally, let's talk about the dubbing, a real tour de force. As soon as the anime was announced, I predicted that Novak would be played by the great Kenjirô Tsuda. And I was right. No other actor could have embodied this character so aptly. Many thanks to Madhouse and Tsuda for this masterful performance.
Special mention must also go to the voice actors of Rafal, Ockzy, Jolenta, Douraka and Albert, whose performances sublimate their respective characters.
But if there's one character who really stood out for me, it's Badeni. Rather than talk about his development, I'd rather highlight the exceptional performance of his double: Yûichi Nakamura.
As I hadn't read up on the technical specifications, I was struck by the sound of Badeni's voice in this church. It sounded strangely familiar... And with good reason: it was the same voice as that of Seizaki Zen, the protagonist of Babylon, a series that had a profound effect on me. This simple detail awakened an unexpected nostalgia in me.
If this review seems disjointed, perhaps it's because it's difficult to fully express what I felt while watching Orb. But if there's one thing to remember, it's this:
Go and watch Orb.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 8, 2025
Here comes the end of one of the most disturbing, unsettling and oppressive mangas of recent years. And, like its story, this conclusion is as strange as it is enigmatic. But before coming back to it, let's take a moment to understand why Les Liens du Sang stands out as one of the greatest seinens in history.
Drawing: 10
Cutting: 10
Art direction: 10
It's hard to talk about this manga without mentioning its direction, which is one of the most striking I've ever seen. Oshimi's unique, visceral touch doesn't just illustrate a story: it embodies it, twists it, distorts it to the point of making us lose our
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footing. Every stroke seems weighed down to arouse unspeakable discomfort, every glance carries a silent threat, every maternal smile becomes a disquieting mask. Far from classic aesthetic conventions, the drawing doesn't seek to seduce, but to haunt.
I'm well aware that this style may put off some readers, so far removed is it from the traditional canons of manga. But for my part, I'm convinced that Blood Bonds is one of the most masterful artistic directions in the medium. Without a single graphically shocking scene, it manages to provoke a growing sense of unease, a feeling of powerlessness that intensifies with each passing page. The staging, particularly in the final volume, further transcends this suffocating atmosphere, trapping us right up to its conclusion in a spiral from which it becomes impossible to escape.
Story: 10
Development: 10
Characters: 10
Themes: 10
But beyond its aesthetics, it's the story itself that sets this manga apart. It's hard to talk about it without spoiling the experience: Les Liens du Sang isn't told, it's lived. Every page is a gradual descent into psychological horror, a slow poisoning of the mind from which you don't emerge unscathed. Oshimi doesn't just explore dark themes - he dissects them, exposes them raw and unfiltered.
This manga is cruel, unhealthy and oppressive. It is insidiously perverse, with a cold, implacable intelligence. It deals with manipulation, psychological control, latent incest, depression, depersonalization, loss of identity... And it does so with terrifying accuracy, as if the author were directly probing our deepest fears. No matter who you are or where you come from, there's something in Les Liens du Sang that will get to you, that will turn you inside out, that will leave you facing yourself with an indefinable anguish.
I know my words aren't enough to do this work justice. I'm only scratching the surface of the abyss it represents. But if there's one thing I can say for sure, it's that this manga will burn you to a crisp. It's likely to break you, to lock you in its pages like a prisoner in an invisible cage. And if you get caught up in it... be careful. Seiko's hold on you could become much more real than you imagine.
Ps. A small recommendation for the singer Mitski, whose music fits perfectly with the unhealthy atmosphere of the manga.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Feb 26, 2025
Where to start? With the plot, the characters or the drawings? Hesitantly, I'll let myself be guided along these lines.
To be perfectly honest, I never imagined that Blank Space would tackle such deep and sensitive themes with such accuracy. Suicide, harassment, dark thoughts... So many subjects treated with subtlety and sincerity. At first glance, I was expecting a light-hearted work in the vein of Nichijou, tinged with a hint of fantasy. I was far from it.
From an artistic point of view, this work struck a chord with me. The seemingly simple drawings exude a unique atmosphere that will captivate receptive minds. Coupled with Kumakura's fluid,
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masterful layout, this uncluttered style makes for particularly pleasant reading. It's a restful experience for my eyes, especially when you go from a Gachiakuta or a Blue Exorcist, where the information is jostling and overflowing in every frame (don't get me wrong, I love these 2 mangas).
But it is in its script that Blank Space reveals all its singularity. Like The Golden Sheep, this story doesn't look like much at first glance. A whimsical slice of life featuring schoolgirls... Nothing revolutionary, you may think. And yet the author catches us off-guard by slipping in a subtle plot element that gradually overturns our perception of the story. Despite a few grey areas that slightly tarnish the picture at the end, we fully understand the message behind this work. Its intention, at least as I interpret it, is clear: to offer a glimmer of hope to these tormented young souls, to show them that it is possible, despite the pain, to move forward and preserve what is dear to them.
What can we say about the characters? The deep friendship between these two young girls touched me deeply. An unbreakable bond, capable of withstanding the most painful trials. Having experienced bullying myself as a child - a story that is now over, rest assured - I felt a sincere connection with these heroines. Sometimes through Sui's thoughts, sometimes through Shoko's emotions. My only regret is the brevity of this work, which, although intense, would have deserved more in-depth development.
My review is perhaps more concise than usual, but I prefer to leave everyone the pleasure of discovering this story for themselves. In my opinion, this story has a precious value: it could be a glimmer of hope, a refuge for these children facing bullying at school. Of course, it won't make their tormentors disappear, but it could show them the way, whisper to them that there is a hand outstretched somewhere, help to be grasped, support to be offered or received.
As for me, I'll be keeping a close eye on this author's next works. In the meantime, there's just one thing I'd like to say: for all the emotions you've stirred up and the memories you've revived, Shoko, Sui and all the others, thank you so much. I'm going to miss you terribly. But don't worry... There will always be a place for you in my empty space.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Feb 13, 2025
And so, after almost two years, a chapter of my life comes to an end. This story - indeed, this odyssey - comes to a close on this Thursday, February 13, 2025. I don't know where to begin. This manga has accompanied me through so many stages of my student life that putting these few words down on paper is tearing me apart. Yet, reluctantly, I must move on, turn the page.
But how can I decently do so? How can I forget this story that has given me so much? A work of unparalleled richness, whether in its masterful development, its characters of rare depth,
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or the fascinating duality of the last four chapters.
Speaking of which... Given the mixed reviews, I went into this denouement with a certain amount of trepidation. What a terrible mistake! Admittedly, there are still a few grey areas as to the fate of certain protagonists (how did Badeni and Rafal survive?), but beyond these mysteries, Uoto-sensei infuses these final pages with a dazzling presence and wisdom, staging powerful oppositions that shake up our certainties about the figures involved.
Thus, Douraka and Novak close the loop initiated by Rafal and Novak himself. Albert and Ockzy weave a link between the unfulfilled dream of one and the burning resentment of the other towards the university. But it's the relationship between Badeni and Rafal that proves the most captivating. Rafal, a curious, dreamy child, aspired to discover and pass on the beauty of the world. Yet, to our great sadness, he lost his way, becoming a cruel being ready to sacrifice everything to achieve his goal. Badeni, on the other hand, took the opposite path. Initially selfish and eager to learn, he had no intention of passing on his knowledge to future generations. But with the big-hearted Ockzy, he discovered empathy and the joy of transmission. And although his friend tragically passed away that fateful night, his memory and kindness live on in him.
I must confess that his last appearance sealed in my mind a thought that had been haunting me for a long time: Badeni is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most striking character in this work. As a Christian, his unshakeable faith in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ warms my heart and gives me the certainty that, in the face of the cruellest trials, God remains our absolute refuge. Faith in Him enables us to overcome any pain, provided we open our hearts to His light.
And yet... Despite this declaration of love, I can't help wondering: how can I turn this page? Will I ever be able to return to a seinen of such stature? A work so singular, where every character, every event, every symbol resonates with such accuracy and emotion? I don't think so. No story will ever mark my soul the way this one did. Too many emotions intertwine within me, and words themselves seem powerless to express them fully.
But perhaps, by writing these lines, I have soothed my wounded heart, if only a little. So, I can now say it loud and clear: Du Mouvement de la terre is indeed one of the greatest seinen ever! Thank you to each and every one of these characters for the unforgettable moments spent at their side. I'm going to miss you cruelly, but rest assured of one thing: I'll never forget you...
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Feb 9, 2025
At last, the ill-fated Ghost Affairs come to an end, and with them, a landmark adventure fades into the tumult of memory. This story, which seemed modest at first glance, managed, against all odds, to upset, haunt and move me. There's nothing pretentious about Stunts. It seeks neither to revolutionize its medium, nor to convey a grandiloquent message. Its essence lies elsewhere, and that's where it stands out. It's one of those stories that, without warning, anchors itself in us and leaves an indelible mark.
Visually, the work is a dark splendor. The play of light and deep blacks contrast with the almost unreal clarity of
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the plates, creating a gloomy New York, riddled with crime and corruption. The city is a shadow of its former self, a dead-end purgatory where no one would wish to venture. The graphic ambience merges admirably with the narrative, taking the story to new heights of intensity. Each pencil stroke conveys with striking brutality the rottenness of a government gangrened from within.
The plot is captivating from start to finish. Above all, I'm struck by the richness and sincerity of the characters who inhabit it. James, Ted, Matilda... even Martinez, despite his brief appearance, left a lasting impression on me. Stunts offers a representation of the United States that is hard to find in contemporary Western works today. Through its heroic figures, the story recaptures a form of lost classicism, a legacy of the great action and investigative cinema of yesteryear, the kind I watched as a child alongside my father, like Timecop or the first Rambos. Beyond its breathless plot, this work has a conservative streak that gives it a precious singularity to me. The respect for the forces of law and order, the subtly integrated Christian dimension, the tribute to the virtues of sacrifice and justice... all these elements enrich a fresco whose absence is cruelly felt in modern fiction.
The final revelation, while gripping, would have deserved further development. I was captivated by the way the author revealed the ignominy of the war crimes perpetrated by the American government. What was thought to be a simple criminal hunt turns out to be a sordid plot, a despicable maneuver designed to erase all trace of the atrocities committed under the aegis of power. Yet despite the power of this revelation, the conclusion left me wanting more. I was expecting a tragic apotheosis, a shattering coup de théâtre - perhaps even the return of James's masked brother, orchestrating this methodical revenge from the shadows. But this was not to be. The Ghost's identity, though moving, lacked the grandeur I'd expected. Perhaps this is the shadow of editorial interference, forcing the author to wrap up his story too abruptly.
But despite its imperfections, nothing can tarnish the brilliance of this work. Stunts remains a raw gem, a dark, breathless thriller whose emotional intensity will resonate with me for a long time to come. This investigation was a unique experience, a dizzying plunge into a world where morality wavers at every turn. It was hard to find the right words to express how this story made me feel. So, rather than trying to dissect it any further, I have just one piece of advice: forget your prejudices, sweep aside any preconceived ideas and let yourself be drawn into this story. If you give it a chance, I'm sure it will leave the same impression on you as it did on me.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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