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Parasyte (8 Volumes Edition) #3
Parasyte, Volume 3
ALIEN NATION
Aliens parasites have invaded Earth and taken over the minds of ordinary people. Shin has been infected with a parasite, but he still can think and act for himself. Now he’s been approached by two mysterious victims of the Tamiya, a beautiful schoolteacher, and Shimada, another student. What do the aliens want with humanity . . . and with Shin?
Aliens parasites have invaded Earth and taken over the minds of ordinary people. Shin has been infected with a parasite, but he still can think and act for himself. Now he’s been approached by two mysterious victims of the Tamiya, a beautiful schoolteacher, and Shimada, another student. What do the aliens want with humanity . . . and with Shin?
283 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 1991
91 people are currently reading
936 people want to read
About the author
Hitoshi Iwaaki
162 books194 followersHitoshi Iwaaki (Japanese: 岩明均 Hepburn: Iwaaki Hitoshi, born July 28, 1960) is a Japanese manga artist, whose works include the science-fiction/horror series Parasyte. The Mixx editions of Parasyte romanize his name as "Hitosi Iwaaki", while the Del Rey Manga editions use "Hitoshi Iwaaki".
In 1993, he received the Kodansha Manga Award for Parasyte. He was a finalist for the 2005 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Grand Prize for Historie. In 2010 Historie took the grand prize in the manga division of the 2010 Japan Media Arts Festival.
In 1993, he received the Kodansha Manga Award for Parasyte. He was a finalist for the 2005 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Grand Prize for Historie. In 2010 Historie took the grand prize in the manga division of the 2010 Japan Media Arts Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 3, 2025
Rumours about the Parasyte are being heard everywhere, bit there's still real confirmation and many just feel it's just conspiracy theories. At school Shinichi Izumi is shocked to find out a new student is a Parasyte! What does he want with Shinichi Izumi? The series takes a big turn as full on daylight savagery and blood letting ensues! Amateur detective nerd student Yūko, is easily my favourite character, I hope I get to see more of her. Overall this descent into carnage was drawn and written pretty well. A Three Star rounded down 6 out of 12.
The creator said that he had to make his volume covers scary enough to unnerve people, but with enough a fun twist that retailers would be happy to display them.
2025 read
The creator said that he had to make his volume covers scary enough to unnerve people, but with enough a fun twist that retailers would be happy to display them.
2025 read
July 12, 2019
This manga ROCKS!!
I’m watching the anime and I’ve found this:
The names of the first 21 episodes of the show are references to literary works:
* 1.01 The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka
* 1.02 The Devil in the Flesh, Raymond Radiguet
* 1.03 Symposium, Plato
* 1.04 Tangled Hair, Akiko Yosano
* 1.05 The Stranger, Albert Camus
* 1.06 The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
* 1.07 A Dark Night's Passing, Shiga Naoya
* 1.08 Freezing Point, Ayako Miura
* 1.09 Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche
* 1.10 What Mad Universe, Fredric Brown
* 1.11 The Blue Bird, Maurice Maeterlinck
* 1.12 Heart, Natsume Souseki
* 1.13 Hello Sadness, Françoise Sagan
* 1.14 The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins
* 1.15 Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ray Bradbury
* 1.16 Happy Family, Lu Xun
* 1.17 The Adventure of the Dying Detective, Arthur Conan Doyle
* 1.18 More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon
* 1.19 In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
* 1.20 Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
* 1.21 Sex and Spirit, Clifford Bishop.
I’m watching the anime and I’ve found this:
The names of the first 21 episodes of the show are references to literary works:
* 1.01 The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka
* 1.02 The Devil in the Flesh, Raymond Radiguet
* 1.03 Symposium, Plato
* 1.04 Tangled Hair, Akiko Yosano
* 1.05 The Stranger, Albert Camus
* 1.06 The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
* 1.07 A Dark Night's Passing, Shiga Naoya
* 1.08 Freezing Point, Ayako Miura
* 1.09 Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche
* 1.10 What Mad Universe, Fredric Brown
* 1.11 The Blue Bird, Maurice Maeterlinck
* 1.12 Heart, Natsume Souseki
* 1.13 Hello Sadness, Françoise Sagan
* 1.14 The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins
* 1.15 Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ray Bradbury
* 1.16 Happy Family, Lu Xun
* 1.17 The Adventure of the Dying Detective, Arthur Conan Doyle
* 1.18 More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon
* 1.19 In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
* 1.20 Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
* 1.21 Sex and Spirit, Clifford Bishop.
June 16, 2022
Parasyte vol. 3 adds a lot of emotion and action to the series. After the tragic incident of having his heart ripped apart (literally and metaphorically) from the incident involving his mother and a ruthless parasyte attack against his family, Shinichi’s cells begin to merge together with his partner Migi to ensure their mutual survival. As the two of them slowly fuse together to become a more strong and resilient being, Shinichi becomes more and more like a parasyte, while Migi becomes more and more like a human. This causes issues for both of them, but it also makes them much more empathetic and understanding toward one another. Their relationship is surprisingly touching.
Seeing such a friendly and nerdy do-gooder like Shinichi slowly turn more dark and cold while driving a wedge between him and his loved ones is very sad. Shinichi’s humanity is still there deep down, but he really struggles to hold onto himself in this one. There’s a scene involving him caring for a critically injured puppy that gets really emotional in a morbid way.
Migi also has a lot more emotion and personality now which makes you see things from the parasytes point of view. They’re not so bad, more like they’re just very primal and driven by animalistic instincts. It’s a nice touch rather than just having them be mindless monsters with no inner conflicts.
This volume also has a cool battle scene that involves someone throwing a rock with enough force to make their enemy explode like they just got hit by a cannonball.
The body horror and inner emotional conflict continues to be great.
Parasyte: Vol. 3
My Rating: 4.6/5
***
If you're looking for ambient music that's perfect for reading fantasy, horror, sci-fi, comics, manga and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
Seeing such a friendly and nerdy do-gooder like Shinichi slowly turn more dark and cold while driving a wedge between him and his loved ones is very sad. Shinichi’s humanity is still there deep down, but he really struggles to hold onto himself in this one. There’s a scene involving him caring for a critically injured puppy that gets really emotional in a morbid way.
Migi also has a lot more emotion and personality now which makes you see things from the parasytes point of view. They’re not so bad, more like they’re just very primal and driven by animalistic instincts. It’s a nice touch rather than just having them be mindless monsters with no inner conflicts.
This volume also has a cool battle scene that involves someone throwing a rock with enough force to make their enemy explode like they just got hit by a cannonball.
The body horror and inner emotional conflict continues to be great.
Parasyte: Vol. 3
My Rating: 4.6/5
***
If you're looking for ambient music that's perfect for reading fantasy, horror, sci-fi, comics, manga and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
May 23, 2024
After reaching volume 3, I was reminded of the similarities with alien sci-fi in other mediums, yes, one example is my favorite movie "The Faculty" which aired on Indonesian TV since I was a child in the early 2000s.
June 16, 2018
I just couldn't help myself...I bought this book which is the third in the series and devoured it (like a parasite heehee).
Normally when you buy a new book it lasts at least a week - oopsie - this fab series is going to cost me a fortune!
If you're going to read this series then start at the beginning and know that it is super violent but also super fun with a serious underlying message.
Normally when you buy a new book it lasts at least a week - oopsie - this fab series is going to cost me a fortune!
If you're going to read this series then start at the beginning and know that it is super violent but also super fun with a serious underlying message.
December 12, 2023
A genuinely gross start, sucking jellied blood from a leg. The art has gotten even better, more varied scenes, expressions, and details.
Yet in the beginning the girl’s reactions don’t make sense. She’s indifferent to the dying dog, doesn’t think it’s weird he ran off to go hold one, she never tried to comfort the dog or suggest other help yet she’s upset when he throws it out. She seemed too self-centered to be about to help or suggest burying it, so…
Anyway, the rest of the book is good high stakes and we learn more about the elusive parasites and there’s a surprisingly funny end.
Yet in the beginning the girl’s reactions don’t make sense. She’s indifferent to the dying dog, doesn’t think it’s weird he ran off to go hold one, she never tried to comfort the dog or suggest other help yet she’s upset when he throws it out. She seemed too self-centered to be about to help or suggest burying it, so…
Anyway, the rest of the book is good high stakes and we learn more about the elusive parasites and there’s a surprisingly funny end.
October 17, 2022
Game on!
January 9, 2022
Oh my God! *This is *real manga*.
May 13, 2021
Pues... ha cerrado una trama y ha decaído un poco, otra vez...
Por lo menos le ha cambiado el pelo a una de los personajes que eran iguales.
No sé, siento que la idea está muy bien, y que tiene el toque duro, gore y adulto que le pega, pero se atasca. En este volumen ha habido un capitulo que no aportaba nada de nada y era puro relleno. Y el dibujo sigue igual, no mejora nada.
En fin 3 estrellas sobre 5 porque ha cerrado una trama y porque voy a seguir dándole la oportunidad de ver como termina.
Por lo menos le ha cambiado el pelo a una de los personajes que eran iguales.
No sé, siento que la idea está muy bien, y que tiene el toque duro, gore y adulto que le pega, pero se atasca. En este volumen ha habido un capitulo que no aportaba nada de nada y era puro relleno. Y el dibujo sigue igual, no mejora nada.
En fin 3 estrellas sobre 5 porque ha cerrado una trama y porque voy a seguir dándole la oportunidad de ver como termina.
February 13, 2024
Hot hot hot 🔥 de momento es el tomo que más me ha gustado de todos con diferencia.
Esta súper súper interesante!
Esta súper súper interesante!
April 28, 2017
Este tomo me ha despegado bastante de la historia y la obra en general. Ha pasado a ser algo de misterio e intriga a un par de batallitas gores un capítulo sí, otro capítulo también y mira no. Parasyte me estaba pareciendo una obra muy inteligente y que era fácil pegarse a ella y a sus personajes, espero que en el siguiente tomo remonte y vuelva a ser lo que realmente me enamora de esta obra.
*El 4 lo he puesto porque aunque como historia en mi opinión ha perdido calidad, en dibujo y organización de viñetas sigue siendo maravillosa.*
*El 4 lo he puesto porque aunque como historia en mi opinión ha perdido calidad, en dibujo y organización de viñetas sigue siendo maravillosa.*
April 7, 2024
Nu mă așteptam ca această manga să evolueze atît de bine.
Un volum plin de schimbări, mistere și mai multe orori.
Un volum plin de schimbări, mistere și mai multe orori.
September 8, 2021
TW: Blood & gore, violence, body horror
It took me a while to get through the first half. It was quite slow and bland. BUT THAT SECOND HALF IS AMAZING. I already mentioned this but I'll say it again: THE PANEL LAYOUT IS *chef's kiss* AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH. The art style is distinct and beautiful despite all of the blood & gore.
I also grew to love and enjoy the development between Shinichi and Migi's dynamics.
Migi claims to not have 'human sensitivity' but I beg to differ. Shinichi's personality shift can be a tad scary; though I can see that he's growing stronger and sharper ( and parasite-like) in each and every volume.
I might check out the anime. I need to hype myself to complete collecting & reading this series.
It took me a while to get through the first half. It was quite slow and bland. BUT THAT SECOND HALF IS AMAZING. I already mentioned this but I'll say it again: THE PANEL LAYOUT IS *chef's kiss* AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH. The art style is distinct and beautiful despite all of the blood & gore.
I also grew to love and enjoy the development between Shinichi and Migi's dynamics.
Migi claims to not have 'human sensitivity' but I beg to differ. Shinichi's personality shift can be a tad scary; though I can see that he's growing stronger and sharper ( and parasite-like) in each and every volume.
I might check out the anime. I need to hype myself to complete collecting & reading this series.
February 1, 2021
A real page turner. Compared to the comedic horror of volume 1, there are more action scenes, more horror and gore, and the pacing picks up considerably. Both Shinichi and Migi are going through significant changes as they learn to adapt to one another. There are some mutual benefits to their "relationship" even though Shinichi is alienating the people closest to him.
I am really excited about the plot developments in this volume and can't wait to see how they will play out in the upcoming chapters.
I am really excited about the plot developments in this volume and can't wait to see how they will play out in the upcoming chapters.
May 8, 2023
4/5 Things ramp up again for Shinichi as this time former Parasyte Teacher Tamiya sends a transfer student/Parasyte, Shimada, to the high school to investigate and keep tabs on Shinichi. Thing's start quietly but Shimada just isn't able to keep his cool and the bodies start piling up.
The police and government are also starting to catch wind of the Parasyte activity and they're mobilizing and doing their own investigations.
A twisty headed Parasyte on the cover of volume 3.
Read 5/8/2023
The police and government are also starting to catch wind of the Parasyte activity and they're mobilizing and doing their own investigations.
A twisty headed Parasyte on the cover of volume 3.
Read 5/8/2023
September 29, 2022
Consistently impressed by how this series continues finding new avenues into this story to increase tension and intrigue!
October 10, 2021
After the emotionally taxing events of last volume, Shinichi tries to pick up the pieces of his life and resume his focus on school. Unlike previous volumes that focused more on battle and elements of body horror, this volume is more of a slow thriller. A new parasite comes to Shinichi's school, and the protagonist has to figure out whether this is friend or foe. Volume 3 raises some questions on the nature of the parasites and why they are what they are, but the biggest focus of the story is Shinichi's slow loss of humanity. He's not completely a parasite, he still argues with Migi about what is right, but he finds himself at odds with the rest of the school too. He's caring, but relies more on his logic than this emotion. He wants to help people, but he cares more about doing the right thing because it's the right thing than he feels actual connection to the people around him. In some ways, he's become tougher. More confident. Braver. In other ways he's become colder, quicker to anger, and more tense. He has quite literally become more of a monster and is struggling to maintain his grip on humanity.
Parasites have been on Earth for a while now. They've found their hosts. They've started adapting to human life. They can be harder to keep track of, but by now some people have taken notice of some of the strange killings and disappearances - including the police. While Shinichi struggles with his own humanity, he doesn't have time to think. The world is noticing that something is wrong and it's only a matter of time until someone - or something - catches on.
Parasites have been on Earth for a while now. They've found their hosts. They've started adapting to human life. They can be harder to keep track of, but by now some people have taken notice of some of the strange killings and disappearances - including the police. While Shinichi struggles with his own humanity, he doesn't have time to think. The world is noticing that something is wrong and it's only a matter of time until someone - or something - catches on.
May 23, 2016
Series Rating: 4 Stars
Firstly a warning, Parasyte is horror – not the fluffy kind.
It’s violent and the artwork backs this up.
I personally prefer creepy over violent horror but Parasyte didn’t bother me, because it’s not just about gore and death – there is plenty of plot. Shin’s parasite didn’t succeed in taking him over, instead he’s trapped in Shin’s hand and the two of them develop and odd (and sometimes rather amusing) relationship. Meanwhile, around them the bodies count is going up.
There were some parts of this story that have some serious emotional punch (you’ll know the ones I mean when you read Parasyte) and I was impressed by how much the first few volumes in this series got to me. Shin’s character slowly begins to change as the story progresses, is it because of what’s happening or because of the parasite?
Parasyte has an overall story arc of why they aliens have come, which brings up another set of questions for you to ponder. As does the conclusion to the series.
Firstly a warning, Parasyte is horror – not the fluffy kind.
It’s violent and the artwork backs this up.
I personally prefer creepy over violent horror but Parasyte didn’t bother me, because it’s not just about gore and death – there is plenty of plot. Shin’s parasite didn’t succeed in taking him over, instead he’s trapped in Shin’s hand and the two of them develop and odd (and sometimes rather amusing) relationship. Meanwhile, around them the bodies count is going up.
There were some parts of this story that have some serious emotional punch (you’ll know the ones I mean when you read Parasyte) and I was impressed by how much the first few volumes in this series got to me. Shin’s character slowly begins to change as the story progresses, is it because of what’s happening or because of the parasite?
Parasyte has an overall story arc of why they aliens have come, which brings up another set of questions for you to ponder. As does the conclusion to the series.
February 22, 2018
El tercer tomo de éste gran manga (porque creo que ya puedo nombrarlo así) contiene más acción que los anteriores en líneas generales, pero todo al servicio del desarrollo de la trama. Así que la historia sigue fluyendo, pero aquí los frentes (comunes y enemigos, con sus propósitos) se van estrechando, presentando y combatiendo. Un volumen mucho más descarnado y que a raíz de una de las contiendas más sangrientas hasta el momento, introduce a los medios de comunicación, con el gobierno y la investigación científica de uno de los seres parasitarios abatidos. Pese a parecer que hay un buen principio en ello, podemos esperar desvirtuación de los hechos y los típicos maniqueísmos sociales...veremos cómo acaba todo.
En resumen, el nivel cualitativo sigue en auge..y también mis ganas de continuar leyendo éste manga. ¿Qué más se puede pedir?
En resumen, el nivel cualitativo sigue en auge..y también mis ganas de continuar leyendo éste manga. ¿Qué más se puede pedir?
November 3, 2021
Volumes 2 and 3 of this manga have definitely gotten me more intrigued! I'm definitely gonna continue this eventually! Unsure if I wanna finish the manga or if I wanna switch over to the anime, I think currently I'm more in the mood to read the manga so that's probably what I'll do.
Once again I really enjoy the art style! I also feel that the story has been heating up much more and I'm excited to see what happens :)
Once again I really enjoy the art style! I also feel that the story has been heating up much more and I'm excited to see what happens :)
February 13, 2022
Of course something had to change to prevent the series from becoming formulaic fight-scenes, but I don't care so much for teen-problems. The amount of gore also has gone down, although the gore that is still present is still excellent, as is the art in general. I have a lot of respect for the traditional simple panel lay-out choices, and minimalist choices in background and lines, and yet showing amazing emphasis on each character's state of mind.
March 14, 2024
I feel like ever since Shinge changed how he holds himself and how the Parasyte operates, the story needs to find itself again. I do like the dynamic Migi and Shinge share and watching them interact with other Parasytes who are less connected to humanity. It’s also interesting to see the forms they take or who their human hosts look like.
February 19, 2016
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. I still love the idea of what makes humans humans and such but the storyline seemed badly paced here. Like not much happened even when it was the same length as Volume 1-2 which moved at a perfect rate. Still checking out more!
November 14, 2019
I'm still enjoying this series. It brings up some good philosophical ideas, and even has a dig at the United States. The progression of the main character is interesting and creates suspense around those he is connected with. I picked up the rest of the series, so I am all in at this point.
June 12, 2015
CADA VEZ MEJOR
August 5, 2025
La historia continúa entre la relato de instituto y las de peleas con monstruos, mientras avanza en el terreno de la invasión sutil. Buen tebeo de género.
May 29, 2021
Yikes, it all kicks off at school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews