Back to YP2's Profile YP2's Profile

somewhat spoiler review

I found Homunculus to be one of the best manga I have read in a while. When art mediums decide to use concepts from psychiatry and psychology, I have a very high bar. This manga went over that bar 9/10.

Specifically, the author is able to bring concepts of both psychoanalytic and general psychopathology into the forefront of chapters.

The author's usage of psychoanalytic terminology like unconscious, conscious, repression, self, and the integration of the unconscious and consciousness matches contemporary psychoanalytic theory. Bringing common psychopathological problems and presentations in the manga made me absolutely fall in love with it.


There is an arc, ... so to speak, which focuses on a character who right away based on her presentation has a borderline personality disorder. Before a bunch of plot stuff happened, I already came up with the hypothesis.


She doesn't have a self but only fits molds and once the mold goes away there is nothing (take away all of the labels.. and who are you). The feeling of not being able to express your emotions, help-seeking and help-rejecting, self-mutilation, history of psychological abuse, manipulation, and wanting to become "one" or "whole" are all core aspects of BPD. The manga clearly shows it (literally) and how many times even treating these individuals you do feel a sense of getting swallowed, and the mangaka does a great job demonstrating that. They have done their research into psychopathology and it made me fall in love with it. They even correctly labeled their hematoma and matched it with its general presentation.

It's hard to show what is someone who has BPD is like and this was a great rendition. If you are a student of psychology or psychiatry, read this manga especially.


The themes of identity, self are prevalent throughout the manga. It may be hard for some readers to understand the ending, as it is up in the air. Although it is absolutely amazing manga some of the best I have read in a while.

This isn't just your general Seinen manga with a sixth sense, it's a dive into man's psyche. To see how broken every single person is and how man truly is the cruelest animal (in regarding to the ending).


Story solid 9/10. Can be confusing at times, but not too bad.
Art 8/10 solid great detail on the constructions of minds
Characters: Love them!
Enjoyment: 10/10 Can't love it enough
Overall: 9/10 as no manga is perfect :)