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I thought this manga wasn't going to be scanlated until the end for real, but I'm glad it was. I read Baptism for the first time a long time ago, and I planned on dropping it because I couldn't find the fourth chapter in English. A few days ago, however, I realized that it has been translated. I finished it and I guess I could say that it was a breathtaking ride.

Baptism is grotesque, surreal and thrilling, just like Umezu Kazuo's other manga. It's impossible not to binge read - for me, at least. I thought it was going to be some boring, ... ordinary classic manga. But my first impressions tend to prove me false. Baptism somehow mirrors how humans can be lunatic and delirious when they're obsessed with something (in this case, beauty).

Let's start off with the story. I don't know what's inside Umezu's head, but for someone to be able to think of a plot this excellent, he must be quite of a genius. This manga doesn't even fit to the fantasy genre, but it has a lot of things that are clearly wouldn't be able to happen in our real world. As I said, Baptism is surreal. It was the disturbing kind of surreal. It was extremely disturbing, both because of the thrill and violence. For the thrill, though, it was impossible not to binge read. Each chapter has a lot of pages (that's how it is online, I don't know about the actual manga), so finishing one chapter could take a bit...but you could read it in one sitting and don't even notice. I always want to know what happens next, because hanging myself at the end of the chapter is just not possible. I could only say some quick things about the violence, because I don't want to spoil. They weren't exactly gruesome, but bloody, yes. There are a few gross non-bloody moments too, mind you. Aside from that, I could say that the whole story is mindblowing, and if I have time, I might as well re-read it. It was amazingly messed up.

For the art, well, we all know his classic style. I like it. The characters look real. The expressions look quite realistic too. Yeah. Literally the only realistic thing in this manga is the art.

The characters, well, I don't really see any character development. I am just amused of how each of them have their own personality, mindset and point of view - and they are all scary.
Izumi, who thought of killing her own daughter for the sake of restoring her beauty and youth. Sakura - Izumi's daughter, who was so shocked that she began to hallucinate and do horrible things. Ryouko, who was too loyal that she would run any errands, no matter how horrible for Sakura. Mr Tanigawa, who literally had a romantic relationship with a little girl even though he had a wife and a child. The reporter (I forgot his name) who acted so recklessly.
I personally think they are characterized very well done. This is not a seinen manga in which everyone is nice. Seeing that this is a thriller manga, a 'kind-hearted' character is not really that necessary. Every single character disturbs me.

In other words, if you like pseudo-horror and thriller manga and if you like Umezu Kazuo's other works, this one is a must.

I feel like I was reading a book rather than a manga. Oyasumi Punpun is one of the things I've read that changed my way of looking at the world and reality. At the beginning I knew that I wouldn't enjoy reading this, but I was mistaken. I enjoyed it a lot. Although it was a little bit slow, but I genuinely wished there were more chapters. Back to the days when I was still reading Oyasumi Punpun, I used to read it every time I can't sleep. One more chapter, I always tell myself. But I was never truthful. That's how I much ... loved it.

The art was classic; and just by looking at it I knew very well it was Asano Inio's work. It was beautifully realistic and as for Punpun's character design, I must say it was a great metaphor to picture him as a bird (and a triangle, a pyramid, a horned-creature as well).

Asano is a genius, a maestro. The plot was so amazing that I have exactly no words to put it. Sometimes it was puzzling and weird, but that's what makes it very, very enjoyable.

I must say, it was quite disturbing. Some pictures are abstract and a little bit disturbing. Especially that 'God'. I always feel uneasy when I see him. Besides, the theme is so dark.

Punpun is a complex character. I don't understand him very much, but he has a pretty good character development. Although I'm not very fond of him, I think he's okay.

Seki and Shimzu's relationship is what matters to me the most. They care about each other so much, why don't they get more scenes and appreciation? I'm kind of confused though...did Shimizu die?

I also love Sachi and Punpun's relationship. Sachi really cares about Punpun, although she might be a little bit harsh at times. I really wished Sachi had more time to appear!

Long story short, Oyasumi Punpun is a must-read.