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I don't generally write reviews, but I guess I can't really help myself with this one. It honestly falls into the category of one of my favorite long-mangas, sidling up next to Death Note pretty closely. Although one can easily tie many similarities to Death Note, the differences are quite notable as well. So don't read it thinking it's a complete carbon-copy of Death Note because it totally isn't, and you'll regret it if you skim over this simply because your expectations were skewed.

For something a lot more underrated, this manga proves to be a good psychological seinen manga that ... keeps you riveted through its 160+ chapters. True, there were some dull moments (as all long mangas tend to have), but you will be thoroughly entertained for the most part from page to page.

If you aren't a fan of psychological mind games however, I advise you to stray away from this. But who doesn't love exciting plot turns? Not only that, but it explores human nature and our complex understanding of trust, mistrust, anxiety, and greed.

Story: 10/10

Given the same situation, how will different people react? Nao Kazaki is ridiculously honest -- it's a trait she has always harbored. One day a mysterious package containing 100 million yen appears, along with a note stating that she has been entered in the "Liar Game Tournament". It is just what the name implies. Basically, it's a contest to find out the best "liar", and the winner will receive an enormous amount of money. The losers, however, are faced with grief-inducing debts and misery. The game is exciting and unpredictable, and it's why you keep reading -- you just want to find out what's next. The characters and both likable and despicable; you can't help but fluctuate between the two emotions as you become exposed to their stories and witness what they'll do just to attain a "win" in the game.

Character: 9/10

Truth be told, the only reason I gave this rating a 9 is because I honestly didn't like the main female protagonist that much. Seeing as this is a seinen manga however, that can be forgiven. Its typical for a more helpless, innocent, useless female to be present in seinen mangas -- and although Nao Kanzaki wasn't totally useless, she only succeeded due Akiyama's scheming and prodding. Otherwise she just kind of helped to drag the story along. The true shining character is Akiyama, of course, who is uncannily similar to L's Death Note, but again totally different in his own way. Akiyama is more mellowed down; more rational. He's the one with all the answers, all the twists, and of course he's the one that saves the day. Some may argue that it gets cliche, but I found myself intrigued by all of them. Intrigued enough to stay, finish it, and love it. The rest of the characters are not fully fleshed out, but they're quirky and serve their purpose.


Art: 7/10

This is one of the reasons why it's such a huge turn-off for people, although that's perfectly understandable. Don't judge a book by it's cover (as cheesy at that sounds). They see the art, and they're afraid to give this a chance because it's a little rough around the corners. For a seinen manga the art here serves it's goal fairly well in depicting an exciting thriller manga; the characters expressions are funny but fitting, and it also molds the atmosphere well.

Enjoyment: 10/10

Not much to say here. I enjoyed it. It happens to fit the genres I like, and I gradually grew fond of the art.


OVERALL: 10/10