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mikathereviewer 's review for:
Brain Damage
by Shintarō Kago
dark
funny
mysterious
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:
Complicated
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I really liked the first two short stories, especially the second one (it felt more original and unique). Unfortunately, I wasn't enjoying the third one that much 'cause it sexualised a minor, but I get that it's supposed to be creepy (which it was, but I was actually more grossed out than anything). It felt very unnecessary to me to include incest as well as sexualising a minor, that's why I wasn't able to enjoy it.
Anyway, the short stories were all interesting to read about and I was glad that they had that weird vibe going on which I was looking for (+ it was somewhat funny). The art work was great as well, most of them had a dimmed light atmosphere, which gave me a mix of creepy and cosy at the same time, which suited the weird stories.
My favourite part about these stories were that most (if not even all of them) had a twist at the end, which didn't make them predictable. As someone who doesn't like predictable plots (unless it's done to serve some purpose) it felt refreshing to not always know how it will end.
Labyrinth Quartet: 3/5
Curse room: 4/5
Family portrait: 1/5
Blood Harvest: 3/5
Overall score: 2.75 ≈ 3
Thank you NetGalley and Fantagraphics Books for the advanced reader copy of Brain Damage by Shintaro Kago.
Started the book: 7. July 2025
Finished the book: 7. July 2025
Wrote the review: 7. July 2025
I really liked the first two short stories, especially the second one (it felt more original and unique). Unfortunately, I wasn't enjoying the third one that much 'cause it sexualised a minor, but I get that it's supposed to be creepy (which it was, but I was actually more grossed out than anything). It felt very unnecessary to me to include incest as well as sexualising a minor, that's why I wasn't able to enjoy it.
Anyway, the short stories were all interesting to read about and I was glad that they had that weird vibe going on which I was looking for (+ it was somewhat funny). The art work was great as well, most of them had a dimmed light atmosphere, which gave me a mix of creepy and cosy at the same time, which suited the weird stories.
My favourite part about these stories were that most (if not even all of them) had a twist at the end, which didn't make them predictable. As someone who doesn't like predictable plots (unless it's done to serve some purpose) it felt refreshing to not always know how it will end.
Labyrinth Quartet: 3/5
Curse room: 4/5
Family portrait: 1/5
Blood Harvest: 3/5
Overall score: 2.75 ≈ 3
Thank you NetGalley and Fantagraphics Books for the advanced reader copy of Brain Damage by Shintaro Kago.
Started the book: 7. July 2025
Finished the book: 7. July 2025
Wrote the review: 7. July 2025