Jul 3, 2023
My dearest self with malice aforethought stands out with its captivating storyline, much like any good crime narrative. To fully appreciate this work, it is best to know as little as possible in order to preserve the element of surprise.
The story follows Eiji Urashima, a young college student who seems to have nothing going for him. With no girlfriend, he hangs out with a group of unsuccessful friends and is hated by almost everyone due to his status as the son of a serial killer. One morning, he wakes up next to a woman and realizes he has lost the memory of the past three
...
days. This sets off an investigation to uncover what happened during that period.
The manga's artistic style is stunning. The characters can be charming, elegant, and carefree, but in an instant, they can become terrifying, evoking visceral reactions. The artwork has the power to transform a character, giving them a morbid complexion and stripping away their charm. Each character has their own distinctive artistic style, whether it's carefree, mysterious, strong, or resentful. It is rare to find a manga with such distinctive character designs.
Sad as it may be, the manga, written by Hajime Inoryu and illustrated by Shota Ito, is most memorable for its visual style. Shota Ito's artistic work is truly remarkable, with meticulous and detailed drawings that captivate the eye. Every page is a visual delight, and the characters' expressions are rendered in a striking manner. The artist's distinctive style adds an additional dimension to the dark and terrifying atmosphere of the story.
However, the main issue with the work is that the story reaches its peak as early as the fourth volume. The intrigue and suspense that gripped the reader during the third volume's plot twist and the horror that unfolds in the fourth volume are never quite matched again. While all the characters receive development and have deep connections, these connections become increasingly forced, less organic, and contrived (although still enjoyable to read).
The rating of 8 given to the manga may be slightly high, but the third volume's plot twist and the fourth volume's storyline deserve praise for the chilling reactions they elicit. I never thought I would experience such terror from a simple drawing.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
