Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 13

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 13

Author/Artist: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks 

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"It's been 20 years since his mother told Seiichi that she renounced motherhood, since she thanked him for being a killer, since he tried to strangle her there in the courtroom- and somehow he made it through. living alone, working the night shift at a commercial bakery, barely speaking to his father, Seiichi's life is solitary and empty, and he likes it that way. But nothing lasts forever....

The grand preface is over- and now the real story begins!!!"

My Rating: 1/5

I think this is where I will be leaving the series. I don't care to continue on, the time jump did nothing for me, and the direction the plot is taking isn't for me. I doubt that I will continue at this point but I would still recommend the series for anyone who wants to be a bit unsettled. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 12

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 12

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks Series

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 256

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Ordinary middle school student Seiichi Osabe receives love and care from his mother Seiko. 

Until one summer an incident changes the family dynamic forever.

This is a story of a mother's love that has gone too far..."

My Rating: 2/5

This didn't capture my interest the way I wanted it to. I just felt as though not a lot happened throughout this volume although there were some plot points they weren't all I wanted from it. It was just ok for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sdiny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 11

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 11

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks Series 

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 256

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Shigeru's midnight visit leads Seiichi back up the hill where his mother dropped him as a child... and as events begin to fold in on themselves like the layers of his psyche, Seiichi starts to see the past through Mommy's eyes....

With one symbolic act, Seiichi can finally free himself of his mother's malign influence- but is this a nightmare, or is it all too real?!

My Rating: 3/5

This is where we're going off the rails. I really thought I had a grasp on where the series was going and yet, boom the author has surprised me once again. I didn't love the twist, but I can respect it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 10

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 10

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks Series,

Genre: Adult, Manga, Horror

Pages: 256

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"His mother finally in custody, Seiichi is questioned by police and recovers a memory of being thrown off a cliff just like Shigeru. He begins to free himself from his mother's spell, and even rekindles his relationship with Fukiishi....

But even as Seiichi's heart fills with new hope, a strange visitor comes to him in the night."

My Rating: 4/5

I think this volume had the creep factor along with decent twists and turns. Again, the art style adds to the narrative immensely. I look forward to continuing the series.

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 9

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 9

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 9)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 256

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Seiichi's aunt and uncle have arrived to confront Seiko, and the truth has come out at last. The lies-- and his family-- are falling apart, and Seiichi is left to pick up the pieces...

But as he shakes off his mother's influence and faces police questioning, a shocking revelation about his past emerges!!"

My Rating: 5/5

This was one of my favourite that I've read in this series recently. So many truths are revealed and the main character is starting to figure out who he is. Obviously still unsettling as the author intends but I can't wait to finish the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 8

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 8

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 8)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Ordinary middle school student Seiichi Osabe receives love and care from his mother Seiko. Until one summer an incident changes the family dynamic forever. 

This is a story of a mother's love that has gone too far...."

My Rating: 4/5

This was also so fast-paced that I flew through it. The art style was enough to make me unsettled, but the arch of the plot is excellent. I appreciate the way the author has crafted the story and kept the plot twists coming.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 7

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 7

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 7)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Shigeru has finally awakened from the coma he's been in since Seiko pushed home off the cliff- but he remembers nothing of the incident, nor does he even recognize his assailant. Rather than setting Seiko's mind at ease, however, this only serves to disturb her further.

Meanwhile, Seiichi is determined to keep his promise to his mother- with devastating consequences for everyone around him."

My Rating: 4/5

The suspense in this volume was definitely higher. I felt like I was on edge the whole time reading it. The art style and the pacing are perfect for binge-reading.

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 6

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 6

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Vol. 6)

Genre: Adult, Manga, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Beset by mental images of his mother, Seiichi flees from Fukiishi's embrace and returns home. Safety and reconciliation aren't the only things that await him there, however.

The Osabes have become one big happy family again... but at what cost?

Shuzo Oshimi's masterfully nuanced tale of familial horror continues to tighten its grip on the minds of its characters and readers alike."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This one was also just ok. it had a cliffhanger that was better than the previous volume but there didn't seem to be quite as much build-up as I wanted from the first few volumes. Again i will be binging as many of these as I can get my hands on this month.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 5

Title: Blood on the Tracks Volume 5

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 5)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library)

"Encouraged by Fukiishi to stand up for himself, Seiichi exploded in a moment of rage, telling his mother Seiko, "I don't need you"- the first rebellious act of his young life. Now Fukiishi has offered him sanctuary in her room, hidden from her father and away from the watchful eyes of his own parents. But as Seiichi fumbles towards sexual awakening, his mother's spectre is never far from his mind...

Shuzo Oshimi's masterwork of psychological terror continues, as Seiichi struggles to navigate the tangled web of his competing emotions.

Meanwhile, Seiko's desperate search for her son brings her to Fukiishi's doorstep...."

My Rating: 3/5

This volume was just ok. Still unsettling and uncomfortable... obviously but not in the same way as previous volumes. I will continue on with the series but it just wasn't as good as some of the previous ones that I had read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 4

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 4

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 4)

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Unable to process the horrifying events of the past few months, Seiichi's anger, fear, and frustration boil over. But even as he is haunted by the memory of his mother's hands around his throat, he finds his voice again thanks to his classmate Fukiishi. Their puppy love provides a tenderness he has been missing, but it quickly comes under threat from his mother's insane jealousy.

Torn between the two women in his life, Seiichi is forced to make a choice that could bring his whole world crashing down."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Again I binge-read this and it left me unsettled, but wanting to read more as soon as possible. The way the author writes the scenes and lays out the art just adds so much depth to the thrilling aspects of this story. The cliffhangers and the baseline emotions that are seen throughout help the reader remain in suspense. Can't wait to read more. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 3)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The last days of summer creep toward a violent climax....

Seichi's family begins to fall apart in the wake of his cousin's "accident," but nothing compares to the mental and emotional torture he undergoes as he tries to maintain some sense of self in the face of his mother's manipulations. Torn by his love for her, Seiichi is pushed to the breaking point and finds himself unable to speak, both literally and figuratively.

The tension continues to build in Shuzo Oshimini's masterwork of understated psychological horror, as Seiichi falls further and further into the abyss of his mother's unravelling psyche."

My Rating: 5/5

Every time I pick up a new volume of this I feel more and more disturbed. I'm enjoying reading manga with a different vibe than the ones I have read in the past. Both the art style and the writing is so well done that it just puts the reader on edge. I look forward to binging the rest of the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks by Shuzo Oshimi

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 2

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 2)

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 208

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"His mother has done the unthinkable... and now Seiichi must decide if he will be complicit. but before he can even catch his breath, what remains of his sense of self is smashed to pieces by her next shocking act..."

My Rating: 5/5

The way this volume was so unsettling in my bone was exactly what I want this to be. The art style and the way the characters act appear normal on a surface level but it takes a moment for all that to change. I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about a horror manga that is more just unsettling to start.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Vol. 5

 

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 5

Author/Artist(s): Haijime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan (Volume 5)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 192

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"CAN YOU GO HOME AGAIN?

Thanks to Eren, humanity has taken the town of Trost back from the Titans. Exhausted, Eren falls into a coma for three days- and wakes in shackles, staring at Erwin Smith, leader of the Survey Corps. Certain that Eren's father's research holds the key to the mystery of the Titan's rise, Smith wants an expedition to retrieve it from the house where Eren grew up. But that's deep in Titan territory and to get there Eren will need to master a power he still doesn't fully understand."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This one once again seemed to slow down the plot and the storyline. I feel like maybe this manga was put out for so long that I'm going to start to feel a drag with it. I'm considering taking a break if the next few volumes do not pick up the pace. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Vol. 4

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 4

Author: Haijime Isayama

Artist(s): Haijime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan Series (Volume 4)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 192

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"HUMANITY PUSHES BACK!

The Survey Corps develop a risky gambit- have Eren in Titan form attempt to repair Wall Rose, reclaiming human territory from the monsters for the first time in a century. But Titan-Eren's self-control is far from perfect, and when he goes on a rampage, not even Armin can stop him! With the survival of humanity on his massive shoulders, will Eren be able to return to his sense, or will he lose himself forever?"

My Rating: 4/5

This might have been one of my favourites so far from this series. I really enjoyed hearing more about the backstories but also seeing the action and training the soldiers had to go through I appreciate it. It was excellent, just felt a bit disjointed between the time jumps at first.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 1

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 1

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Artis(s): Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Track Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult Fiction 

Pages: 216

Publisher: Vertical

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Seiichi's mother loves him very much, and his days pass with placid regularity. School, friends, even the attention of his attractive classmate Fukiishi.

Until one terrible summer day, that all changes....

Shuzo Oshimi (The Flower of Evil) delivers his most unsettling work yet, the tale of a seemingly normal family suddenly swallowed up by the creeping horror of everyday life.

Gorgeous art and an understated script only serve to heighten the tension as we watch Seiichi Osabe's life spiral into nightmare."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This first volume was a good introduction to the story and was unsettling. I am so curious to see how the series goes and I wonder how the characters will respond to what is happening in the cliffhanger. I look forward to continuing the series over the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Volume 3

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 3

Author: Hajime Isayama

Artist(s): Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack On Titan (Volume 3)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 208

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2010

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"TRAITOR

The last thing Eren remembers before blacking out, a Titan had bitten off his arm and leg and was getting ready to eat him alive. Much to his surprise he wakes up without a scratch on him, with a crowd of angry soldiers screaming for his blood. What strange new power has he awakened and what will happen when the boy devoted to destroying the Titans becomes one himself?"

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite volume so far. It was action-packed and filled with information about the world. I know that I have a lot more to read in the series and I can't wait to see it all come to light.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Vol. 2

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 2

Author: Hajime Isayama

Artist(s): Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan Series (Vol. 2)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 189

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2010

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"BIRTH OF A MONSTER

The Colossal Titan has breached humanity's first line of defense, Wall Maria. Mikasa, the 104th Training Corps' ace and Eren's best friend, may be the only one capable of defeating them, but beneath her calm exterior lurks a dark past. When all looks lost, a new Titan appears and begins to slaughter its fellow Titans. Could this new monster be a blessing in disguise, or is the truth something much more sinister?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This volume was better for me than the first volume, now that the world is more set up and it all is set up I was able to understand characters better along with their motivation. I can't wait to see where the series goes and hope to watch the show as soon as I finish the manga. 

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan, Vol. 1

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 1

Author/Artist: Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan (Vol. 1)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult

Pages: 193

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The Desperate Battle Begins!

For the past century, what's left of mankind has hidden in a giant, three-walled city, trapped in fear of the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming humankind, but the sudden appearance of an enormous Titan is about to change everything..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was interesting and I'm curious about the world. The series overall is well known and I look forward to continuing the series, learning more about the characters and finding out where the story will take us. I also hope to watch the anime after reading the series. I'm curious about which one people prefer overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2

Title: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

" The concluding volume in the story of Yaichi, his daughter Kana, and how their meeting Mike Flanagan- Yachi's brother-in-law-- changes their lives and perception of acceptance of homosexuality in their contemporary Japenese culture.

As Mike continues his journey of discovery concerning Ryoji's past, Yaichi gradually comes to understand that being gay is just another way of being human. And that, in many ways, remains a radical concept in Japan even today. In the meantime, the bond between Mike and young Kana grows ever stronger, and yet he is going to have to return to Canada soon-- a fact that fills them both with impending heartbreak. But not before more than a few revelations come to light."


My Rating: 4/5

These two stories are so amazing. It's important for everyone to read. I think that this story really explores the view of homosexuality through biases in Japan as well as through the fresh eyes of a child. Working with children, I often see a parent having problems with something that children don't even linger on as "odd". I will certainly read anything else translated from Gengoroh Tagame. I hope that they continue this somehow with Kana and Yachi go to Canada.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: My Brother's Husband Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame

Title: My Brother's Husband, Volume 1
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books 
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Yachi is a work-at-home suburban dad in contemporary Tokyo; formerly married to Natsuki, father to their young daughter, Kana. Their lives suddenly change with the arrival at their doorstep of a hulking, affable Canadian named Mike Flanagan, who declares himself the widower of Yaichi's estranged gay twin, Ryoji. Mike is on a quest to explore Ryoji's past, and the family reluctantly but dutifully takes him in. What follows is an unprecedented and heartbreaking look at the state of a largely still-closeted Japanese gay culture: how it's been affected by the West, and how the generation can change the preconception about it and prejudices against it."

My Rating: 5/5

I really thought that this is such a fantastic manga to help understand different views on the world. Including the view of a child which is so eye-opening. I think that this is such an amazing manga and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the art style. I will say that this is one of my favourites of the year and can't wait to continue onto Volume Two. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny