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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
This is my first full-length Junji Ito read, as I’ve only looked at his short works before. As a standalone, this has a somewhat odd narrative, but the visuals and cosmic horror are top notch—creating a perfect atmosphere for that feeling of slightly unsettled in your own skin. The main downside is that the plot had a lot of conveniences and was overall a bit strange, with odd pacing throughout. There is also a rather large cast of characters that pulls the story in a few different directions, which can be jarring.
Still, the central concept of the ‘alien’ planet that comes to threaten earth raises a lot of interesting philosophical and more physical questions—like who gets to survive a catastrophic event, and what qualities are needed to survive in such circumstances. I wanted some more depth from this, but it was a relatively short work, so I wasn’t too surprised in that regard.
The visuals, in classic Junji Ito style, are the best part of this. Every perspective on the planet of Remina is stunning and terrifying at the same time. The cosmic scenes and faces of horror are spot on. It’s just a pity that the characters and plot drag behind, but given the quality of the art and the fact that it was a quick read, it was still enjoyable.
Still, the central concept of the ‘alien’ planet that comes to threaten earth raises a lot of interesting philosophical and more physical questions—like who gets to survive a catastrophic event, and what qualities are needed to survive in such circumstances. I wanted some more depth from this, but it was a relatively short work, so I wasn’t too surprised in that regard.
The visuals, in classic Junji Ito style, are the best part of this. Every perspective on the planet of Remina is stunning and terrifying at the same time. The cosmic scenes and faces of horror are spot on. It’s just a pity that the characters and plot drag behind, but given the quality of the art and the fact that it was a quick read, it was still enjoyable.
wtf did i just read.... super interesting and messed up, probably will read more of his work!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
When I mentioned in a reading/writing Discord that I had this on my TBR, someone mentioned that while they still want to read Ito's other works (mainly Uzumaki), they rated this a 6/10, and honestly I have to agree with them. With the concept of a world ending planet racing through the universe and an end of world cult wanting to kill its namesake, it sounded like it would be extremely existential and dread inducing.
I got, well, some of that.
The dread mainly came from the hell Remina, this extremely unfortunate teenager, was put through. Like there are some scenes and images in this that I truly wanted all of her pain to be given to someone else, like all of the creeps in the book that flocked to Remina (which admittedly, spoilers,does happen to most of them ).
Otherwise, other than some cool illustrations, I didn't really feel any, well, horror. Honestly some parts of it just felt silly and slap-stick. And admittedly, the characters? Pretty flat as well. And the plot was... well it was there for a bit. I mean the concept was cool, it just felt like there could have been more to it all. It leaves me wanting more, but not in a good way :/
I think had it not been for Ito's gorgeous illustrations in the manga that this could have been a 2.5, but the illustrations themselves give it a star of its own.
Tldr; Good art, bas plot execution and bland characters with this, 3.5
I got, well, some of that.
The dread mainly came from the hell Remina, this extremely unfortunate teenager, was put through. Like there are some scenes and images in this that I truly wanted all of her pain to be given to someone else, like all of the creeps in the book that flocked to Remina (which admittedly, spoilers,
Otherwise, other than some cool illustrations, I didn't really feel any, well, horror. Honestly some parts of it just felt silly and slap-stick. And admittedly, the characters? Pretty flat as well. And the plot was... well it was there for a bit. I mean the concept was cool, it just felt like there could have been more to it all. It leaves me wanting more, but not in a good way :/
I think had it not been for Ito's gorgeous illustrations in the manga that this could have been a 2.5, but the illustrations themselves give it a star of its own.
Tldr; Good art, bas plot execution and bland characters with this, 3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Una locura de principio a fin. De lo más loco que he leído de este señor.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Repetitive, disturbing, wild, but also a plot that didn’t go anywhere (except space), but good art as always.