limina 's review for:

No Longer Human by Junji Ito

dark slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

This is a wholly depressing book with a lot of unflinching subjects. I found that his struggle with substance abuse affected me the most. His struggle with mental health and feeling a part of society reminded me at times of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. That being said, I can say that I appreciated it more than I enjoyed it. I did find the ending a little confusing, maybe because of the visuals, but obviously I know what ultimately became of Osamu Dazai.  Ito's art is excellent, and this version has made me want to seek out a translation of the original. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Forced institutionalization

Minor: Death of parent