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m_h_dahl's review against another edition
5.0
In "Happiness vol. 4", Shuzo Oshimi continues to delve into the dark and disturbing world of vampire lore. The story picks up where the previous volume left off, with Makoto struggling to come to terms with his vampiric nature and the complex emotional dynamics of his relationships.
One of the strengths of this volume is the way that Oshimi portrays Makoto's inner turmoil with great depth and nuance. Makoto is a complex and conflicted character, torn between his desire for human connection and his increasing thirst for blood. Oshimi portrays this struggle with great empathy, exploring the emotional toll that vampirism takes on Makoto's psyche.
I love the artwork in this manga series!!! The artwork in "Happiness vol. 4" is also particularly striking, with Oshimi's signature use of dark shadows and dynamic page layouts creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book. "Happiness vol. 4" is perhaps the darkest book in the series so far, with many violent and intense moments. The violent and bloody scenes are also portrayed with great detail, emphasizing the horror and brutality of the events. The use of shadows and stark contrasts serve to create a sense of atmosphere and tension that draws you in and keeps you on edge.
I like the portrayal of vampirism as a metaphor for emotional trauma and the dark side of human nature. Throughout the series, Oshimi explores the idea that the thirst for blood is a manifestation of deeper psychological wounds, and that the isolation and alienation experienced by the vampires is a reflection of the disconnection and emotional distance that many people feel in modern society.
In my opinion, "Happiness vol. 4" is masterfully paced, with Oshimi expertly building tension and suspense throughout the story. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the story moves at a brisk pace that keeps you engaged and invested in the characters and their struggles. the characters themselves are highly compelling, with complex motivations and emotional conflicts that keep readers guessing and wanting to learn more. Makoto, in particular, is a fascinating and multi-layered protagonist, struggling with his vampiric nature and the emotional trauma that has led him to become a vampire. The other characters, including Nora and the classmates who bullied Makoto, are also well-developed and contribute to the overall sense of intrigue and suspense in the story.
In summary, "Happiness vol. 4" is an addictive and exciting read that offers a thrilling blend of horror, suspense, and emotional drama. Oshimi's masterful storytelling and artistry make for a highly engaging and memorable reading experience.
One of the strengths of this volume is the way that Oshimi portrays Makoto's inner turmoil with great depth and nuance. Makoto is a complex and conflicted character, torn between his desire for human connection and his increasing thirst for blood. Oshimi portrays this struggle with great empathy, exploring the emotional toll that vampirism takes on Makoto's psyche.
I love the artwork in this manga series!!! The artwork in "Happiness vol. 4" is also particularly striking, with Oshimi's signature use of dark shadows and dynamic page layouts creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book. "Happiness vol. 4" is perhaps the darkest book in the series so far, with many violent and intense moments. The violent and bloody scenes are also portrayed with great detail, emphasizing the horror and brutality of the events. The use of shadows and stark contrasts serve to create a sense of atmosphere and tension that draws you in and keeps you on edge.
I like the portrayal of vampirism as a metaphor for emotional trauma and the dark side of human nature. Throughout the series, Oshimi explores the idea that the thirst for blood is a manifestation of deeper psychological wounds, and that the isolation and alienation experienced by the vampires is a reflection of the disconnection and emotional distance that many people feel in modern society.
In my opinion, "Happiness vol. 4" is masterfully paced, with Oshimi expertly building tension and suspense throughout the story. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the story moves at a brisk pace that keeps you engaged and invested in the characters and their struggles. the characters themselves are highly compelling, with complex motivations and emotional conflicts that keep readers guessing and wanting to learn more. Makoto, in particular, is a fascinating and multi-layered protagonist, struggling with his vampiric nature and the emotional trauma that has led him to become a vampire. The other characters, including Nora and the classmates who bullied Makoto, are also well-developed and contribute to the overall sense of intrigue and suspense in the story.
In summary, "Happiness vol. 4" is an addictive and exciting read that offers a thrilling blend of horror, suspense, and emotional drama. Oshimi's masterful storytelling and artistry make for a highly engaging and memorable reading experience.
carli_likes_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lipsandpalms's review against another edition
4.0
Things definitely got more racey in this one. The contrast between the two new vampires is very striking. It's good character development. The main character is finally making some decisions for himself.
moonbites's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t know how it’s possible but this is even darker than the previous volume!
kreepy's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Yuki's story is the most compelling, I'm interested in seeing where it goes! As for the MC he still feels like a stranger. 3/5.
please let Yukiko be safe!
keikoreadsmanga's review against another edition
4.0
Gone is the artistry, we're diving in gory fest
Losing all hopes for Yuuki. He's definitely going to be the biggest villain in the series. He has no self-control and he's full of rage... poor boy. And this is taking a gory turn! I was not ready for that but what do I expect in a vampire series. But this has been so artistic so far and it's the detail that I love about this series.
I don't know what to make out of the new character with the vampirism knowledge though, he seemed suspicious to me. But let's see.
For now, I need to sleep! I have a freaken dental appointment tomorrow morning geez what time is it already!
Losing all hopes for Yuuki. He's definitely going to be the biggest villain in the series. He has no self-control and he's full of rage... poor boy. And this is taking a gory turn! I was not ready for that but what do I expect in a vampire series. But this has been so artistic so far and it's the detail that I love about this series.
I don't know what to make out of the new character with the vampirism knowledge though, he seemed suspicious to me. But let's see.
For now, I need to sleep! I have a freaken dental appointment tomorrow morning geez what time is it already!
cookiehuggles's review against another edition
3.0
well the tension just ramped right up, especially with how many character deaths there were. is nao going to become a vampire too? the best so far
illmakeyoulaugh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
octoberrust1108's review against another edition
5.0
Shuzo Oshimi is quickly becoming one of my favorite mangaka. The more of his work that I read, the more consumed I am with it. His art is both efficient and extravagant, and the stories that he tells are nuanced and gripping. All of his work that I’ve read has been shocking in some capacity, and the kind of shocking that claws into your mind - leaving you salivating at the thought of answers. There were moments where I found it near impossible to put it down Flowers Of Evil, despite how late it was getting. I feel the same way with this series. It started off slow but now I cannot look away.
After binging The Flowers of Evil completely on a whim, I think I’ll do the same with Happiness. I am caught hook, line, and sinker. If you like character-based dramas or vampires or both then you need this in your life. It’s not as niche of a series as it sounds. Read it.
After binging The Flowers of Evil completely on a whim, I think I’ll do the same with Happiness. I am caught hook, line, and sinker. If you like character-based dramas or vampires or both then you need this in your life. It’s not as niche of a series as it sounds. Read it.