Scan barcode
wends_nblw's reviews
100 reviews
Portus by Jun Abe
dark
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
2.0
This story concept is a mixture between the urban legend of Polybius and the movie Ring. That being said, it isn't very good.
The art style is gorgeous, but the story was flat and should've been more fleshed out. I think if it had been longer, perhaps i would've somewhat enjoyed it.
They tried to make me sympathize with Takashi in the end (perhaps similar to how some sympathize with Sadako), but it just wasn't working for me. Not to mention the ending itself. A typical horror twist that makes you question why they'd add that in when it's a one-shot, but you'll never get the answer (because it's a oneshot).
Hopefully this author has other works that I'll enjoy more because the art style is genuinely amazing.
The art style is gorgeous, but the story was flat and should've been more fleshed out. I think if it had been longer, perhaps i would've somewhat enjoyed it.
They tried to make me sympathize with Takashi in the end (perhaps similar to how some sympathize with Sadako), but it just wasn't working for me. Not to mention the ending itself. A typical horror twist that makes you question why they'd add that in when it's a one-shot, but you'll never get the answer (because it's a oneshot).
Hopefully this author has other works that I'll enjoy more because the art style is genuinely amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Suicide, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Shiver: Junji Ito Selected Stories by Junji Ito
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
As I continue to read more and more of Ito's work, I've come to the conclusion that I just don't get the hype. Don't get me wrong, Ito's art style is gorgeous. The attention to detail, the wonderful shading, the lifelike expressions. It's beautiful, but I need more than just art. I think I'd do better with a full-length manga rather than a collection of stories by Ito.
Now, this one was gross. Not in a bad way either. The oil chapter had my stomach turning and bile tingling up throat; I Hate grease with a passion. It did what was intended. I still feel ill as of writing this review. And I rather liked the hanging story and the puppet one too.
Perhaps I need to find a way to make a collection of my own, filled with the short stories of Ito's I actually adore.
Now, this one was gross. Not in a bad way either. The oil chapter had my stomach turning and bile tingling up throat; I Hate grease with a passion. It did what was intended. I still feel ill as of writing this review. And I rather liked the hanging story and the puppet one too.
Perhaps I need to find a way to make a collection of my own, filled with the short stories of Ito's I actually adore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicide, Medical content, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Cannibalism
Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake by Natasha Allegri
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Decided to pick this up because of the newly released Fionna and Cake spinoff. Obviously these comics were made Way before the spinoff was conceptualized, which explains some of the weirder lore like the Ice Queen plot twist or Fire Prince's lack of kingdom. Or at least, I thought it was weird haha. Either way, this was a quick, cute read.
Push by Sapphire
dark
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? No
4.25
I picked this up at a local pride event that I recently attended because I recalled that it was banned in some school districts.
Admittedly, it was a bit hard for me to read and sometimes I couldn't properly make out what exactly Precious was writing. Despite that, I think this was a good read. I see many reviews saying it's over the top, blah, blah. I really saw my own experiences in Precious' words and found the portrayal to be incredibly realistic.
I'd say that a lot of these reviews expect a 'perfect victim' trope, but there is no perfect victim. What we go through is complex and our experiences aren't linear. That's what really sold the book for me. Push will always hold a special place in my heart.
Admittedly, it was a bit hard for me to read and sometimes I couldn't properly make out what exactly Precious was writing. Despite that, I think this was a good read. I see many reviews saying it's over the top, blah, blah. I really saw my own experiences in Precious' words and found the portrayal to be incredibly realistic.
I'd say that a lot of these reviews expect a 'perfect victim' trope, but there is no perfect victim. What we go through is complex and our experiences aren't linear. That's what really sold the book for me. Push will always hold a special place in my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Incest, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, and Abandonment
Minor: Self harm
Why Socialism? by Albert Einstein
informative
fast-paced
3.25
I'm just starting my journey into political reading, so imagine my shock when I was recommended an article written by Albert Einstein. I had no idea this man was a socialist. Not when capitalist classmates I know hold him on a pedestal.
Onto the article itself, it was quite short. It doesn't offer solutions, but it doesn't have to as I don't think it was his intention. I found the first half to really ramble on, but not really say much at all. It was only when he started talking about society that I perked up (i'm currently in two anthropology classes so i was quite ecstatic to apply what i'd learned).
What Einstein writes is quite simple. He explains capitalism and its faults, pointing to 'evils'. Unfortunately for me, I already knew all this. I didn't learn anything from reading it, but I can see its value in teaching others the basics. All in all, I'm glad I read it, but maybe skip it if you know even a little bit about socialism. It's an introduction, good for those hesitant to engage with socialist works.
Onto the article itself, it was quite short. It doesn't offer solutions, but it doesn't have to as I don't think it was his intention. I found the first half to really ramble on, but not really say much at all. It was only when he started talking about society that I perked up (i'm currently in two anthropology classes so i was quite ecstatic to apply what i'd learned).
What Einstein writes is quite simple. He explains capitalism and its faults, pointing to 'evils'. Unfortunately for me, I already knew all this. I didn't learn anything from reading it, but I can see its value in teaching others the basics. All in all, I'm glad I read it, but maybe skip it if you know even a little bit about socialism. It's an introduction, good for those hesitant to engage with socialist works.
Mai-Chan's Daily Life by Waita Uziga
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read this manga a while back, and quite enjoyed it! While I wasn't a fan of the infamous ending, I really liked the premise of someone immortal in a horror setting.
Please take care before reading this. It gets incredibly graphic, and it's harder to physically look at horror than to read it.
Please take care before reading this. It gets incredibly graphic, and it's harder to physically look at horror than to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Cannibalism, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I'm a bit 'eh' on this one. This book was a tad bit too dull for me. One of my special interests is cannibalism, so reading about the consumption of humans wasn't particularly disturbing to me. As well, the writing style was so bland. I understand that it fits the main character, that is his voice, but lord did I find him as a character to be bland too. Not a single thing in this book surprised me in the least, I even predicted the end.
However, I will say. The end was my favorite part; the only good part, in my opinion. This isn't a bad book either. It just wasn't really for me, which is a shame because cannibalism is my favorite trope.
However, I will say. The end was my favorite part; the only good part, in my opinion. This isn't a bad book either. It just wasn't really for me, which is a shame because cannibalism is my favorite trope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Infertility, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Cannibalism, Religious bigotry, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Confinement and Pedophilia
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Excrement, Dementia, Car accident, and Classism
Lovesickness: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito
dark
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? It's complicated
3.0
I am once again disappointed by Junji Ito's work. Reading this after Uzumaki is like having leftovers when last night you were at a nice restaurant. It's okay, but it's just not the same. In fact, I would say that I enjoyed Deserter more than this collection.
Aside from the comedic ending of this story, I found the other pieces to be lackluster. I'm not sure why, but it felt like it was missing something. The Lovesickness story was good, though I wasn't fond of the reveal. The other pieces weren't as good.
I think this collection comes off as more comedic than dark. I snorted quite a few times while reading.
I will continue with my Ito journey, but I'm unsure if anything will top Uzumaki. (And I might be regretting selling my copy of Deserter.)
Aside from the comedic ending of this story, I found the other pieces to be lackluster. I'm not sure why, but it felt like it was missing something. The Lovesickness story was good, though I wasn't fond of the reveal. The other pieces weren't as good.
I think this collection comes off as more comedic than dark. I snorted quite a few times while reading.
I will continue with my Ito journey, but I'm unsure if anything will top Uzumaki. (And I might be regretting selling my copy of Deserter.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Death, Gore, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
Minor: Mental illness
5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love by Zeniko Sumiya
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a super quick read. I wasn't quite fond of the other story (I Hate age gap romances... a 17 y/o with 2k y/os?? And they met when she was in middle school???), but I found the main story to be nice.
I really like the idea of a predator/prey enemies to lovers romance, so it being between a witch and witch hunter was a plus. Still hate age gaps (??? y/o and a 26 y/o. Better than the previously mentioned age gap, though.)
Other than that, it was a simple, sweet story. I'd say it's a one-shot, but it's more like.. two one-shots and some added bonuses.
I really like the idea of a predator/prey enemies to lovers romance, so it being between a witch and witch hunter was a plus. Still hate age gaps (??? y/o and a 26 y/o. Better than the previously mentioned age gap, though.)
Other than that, it was a simple, sweet story. I'd say it's a one-shot, but it's more like.. two one-shots and some added bonuses.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Stalking
Uzumaki by Junji Ito
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay, this one is *much* better than Deserter. Don't get me wrong, Deserter wasn't bad; a lot of the stories on there were amazing, but the overall book wasn't at the expectations that I had. Uzumaki, however.
Uzumaki was beautifully done. The artwork is truly phenomenal; the character's facial expressions were so well done, very lifelike. Also, the story itself was very interesting. I wasn't Quite sure what was happening until the very end. I loved Shuichi, and the love between him and the FMC was so pure. Even the side character's stories were amazing.
The only gripe I have is with the FMC. Why on Earth would she stay in the town? Why wouldn't she insist on her family leaving with Shuichi when she had the chance? Maybe it wasn't very practical, but you know. Other than that, I'm excited to read more of Ito's work. <3
Uzumaki was beautifully done. The artwork is truly phenomenal; the character's facial expressions were so well done, very lifelike. Also, the story itself was very interesting. I wasn't Quite sure what was happening until the very end. I loved Shuichi, and the love between him and the FMC was so pure. Even the side character's stories were amazing.
The only gripe I have is with the FMC. Why on Earth would she stay in the town? Why wouldn't she insist on her family leaving with Shuichi when she had the chance? Maybe it wasn't very practical, but you know. Other than that, I'm excited to read more of Ito's work. <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying