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A review by katiemack
Deserter by Junji Ito
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like other Junji Ito works I've read recently (besides Uzumaki, which horrified and enthralled me), this is hit-or-miss in terms of the story quality. I also feel like the art style has gotten more minimalist, though that may be because there's less body horror. (I did appreciate some of the more psychological/mythical elements to these stories--they felt a little more substantial than the ones in Sensor.) Highlights include "Face Thief," "Scripted Love," "Bullied," and "Deserter."
Like other Junji Ito works I've read recently (besides Uzumaki, which horrified and enthralled me), this is hit-or-miss in terms of the story quality. I also feel like the art style has gotten more minimalist, though that may be because there's less body horror. (I did appreciate some of the more psychological/mythical elements to these stories--they felt a little more substantial than the ones in Sensor.) Highlights include "Face Thief," "Scripted Love," "Bullied," and "Deserter."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, and Gore