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Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan
Highly-acclaimed manga author Shuzo Oshimi brings his critical cinematic eye to this original one-shot, a dark, intriguing prologue to director Eisuke Naito's newly-released horror film Toxic Daughter. The story follows friends Yua and Koudai who decide to save their delinquent classmate Chi, only to find themselves sinking deeper and deeper into the darkness that seems to haunt everything she touches.
From the minds of Shuzo Oshimi, highly-acclaimed author of Blood on the Tracks and The Flowers of Evil, and director Eisuke Naito comes a chilling manga-movie collaboration
You can’t hide your darkness from Chi
It’s been years since Chi, a mysterious outcast and borderline dropout, and her childhood friend Yua last spoke. One day, Chi shows up to school with a handful of dead bugs and starts a commotion that gives Yua’s classmate, golden boy Kodai, an idea: he’s going to bring Chi back into the fold, and he needs Yua’s help to do it. But good intentions can lead to bad places, and the darkness in Chi may be more dangerous than they ever imagined.
From the minds of Shuzo Oshimi, highly-acclaimed author of Blood on the Tracks and The Flowers of Evil, and director Eisuke Naito comes a chilling manga-movie collaboration
You can’t hide your darkness from Chi
It’s been years since Chi, a mysterious outcast and borderline dropout, and her childhood friend Yua last spoke. One day, Chi shows up to school with a handful of dead bugs and starts a commotion that gives Yua’s classmate, golden boy Kodai, an idea: he’s going to bring Chi back into the fold, and he needs Yua’s help to do it. But good intentions can lead to bad places, and the darkness in Chi may be more dangerous than they ever imagined.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
154 people want to read
About the author
Shuzo Oshimi
137 books1,040 followersShuzo Oshimi (押見修造, Oshimi Shūzō) is a Japanese manga creator.
Drawn in a realistic art style, his comics tend to be psychological dramas exploring the difficulties in human relationships and often touching on disturbing situations and perversions.
Oshimi debuted in 2001 with the manga series Avant-Garde Yumeko, appeared in Kodansha's 'Monthly Shōnen Magazine.' Most of his works since then have been published by Kodansha and Futabasha.
Among his first successes the single volume manga Sweet Poolside (2004), later adapted into a live-action film, and the series Drifting Net Café (2008–2011), also adapted for TV.
Oshimi reached international acclaims with The Flowers of Evil (2009–2014) and Inside Mari (2012–2016), both adapted into successful anime. Other notable works are Blood on the Tracks (2017–2023) and Welcome Back, Alice (2020-2023) .
Drawn in a realistic art style, his comics tend to be psychological dramas exploring the difficulties in human relationships and often touching on disturbing situations and perversions.
Oshimi debuted in 2001 with the manga series Avant-Garde Yumeko, appeared in Kodansha's 'Monthly Shōnen Magazine.' Most of his works since then have been published by Kodansha and Futabasha.
Among his first successes the single volume manga Sweet Poolside (2004), later adapted into a live-action film, and the series Drifting Net Café (2008–2011), also adapted for TV.
Oshimi reached international acclaims with The Flowers of Evil (2009–2014) and Inside Mari (2012–2016), both adapted into successful anime. Other notable works are Blood on the Tracks (2017–2023) and Welcome Back, Alice (2020-2023) .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 24, 2025
PT Simplesmente não consigo resistir a um novo manga do Shuzo Oshimi — é, sem dúvida, um dos meus autores preferidos.
Tudo o que se espera dele está aqui: a atmosfera inquietante, a profundidade psicológica e a sua narrativa tão característica. Nesse aspeto, não desilude. No entanto, este manga também serve como complemento ao filme baseado na mesma história, e no final dizem-te praticamente para ires ver o filme. Por isso, a história parece algo curta, como se estivesse deliberadamente a guardar mais para o cinema.
Ainda assim, funciona como uma história concluída, mas sente-se que tinha potencial para ir bem mais longe — algo que suspeito ser explorado no filme.
Apesar disso, se és fã do Oshimi, é uma leitura sólida e que vale a pena.
--
EN I just can't resist a new Shuzo Oshimi manga—he's definitely one of my favorite authors.
Everything you'd expect from him is here: the unsettling atmosphere, the psychological depth, and his signature storytelling. You won’t be disappointed on that front. That said, this manga also serves as a tie-in to the movie adaptation, and by the end, it pretty much tells you to go watch the film. Because of that, the story feels a bit short, as if it's intentionally holding back for the movie to pick up where it leaves off.
It still works as a complete story, but there's a sense that it had the potential to go much further—something I suspect the film will explore.
Still, if you're a fan of Oshimi, it's a solid read and worth your time.
Tudo o que se espera dele está aqui: a atmosfera inquietante, a profundidade psicológica e a sua narrativa tão característica. Nesse aspeto, não desilude. No entanto, este manga também serve como complemento ao filme baseado na mesma história, e no final dizem-te praticamente para ires ver o filme. Por isso, a história parece algo curta, como se estivesse deliberadamente a guardar mais para o cinema.
Ainda assim, funciona como uma história concluída, mas sente-se que tinha potencial para ir bem mais longe — algo que suspeito ser explorado no filme.
Apesar disso, se és fã do Oshimi, é uma leitura sólida e que vale a pena.
--
EN I just can't resist a new Shuzo Oshimi manga—he's definitely one of my favorite authors.
Everything you'd expect from him is here: the unsettling atmosphere, the psychological depth, and his signature storytelling. You won’t be disappointed on that front. That said, this manga also serves as a tie-in to the movie adaptation, and by the end, it pretty much tells you to go watch the film. Because of that, the story feels a bit short, as if it's intentionally holding back for the movie to pick up where it leaves off.
It still works as a complete story, but there's a sense that it had the potential to go much further—something I suspect the film will explore.
Still, if you're a fan of Oshimi, it's a solid read and worth your time.
March 21, 2025
₊➴ ꒰ 4-stars★ ꒱ ꒷⊹࣪˖
📜┆ ARC ⤿ Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics & NetGalley
✒️┆ Author/Artist ⤿ Shuzo Oshimi
💌┆ NA Pub. Date ⤿ 04/22/25
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a manga prequel to Doku Musume (Toxic Daughter/Poison Girl), the 2024 Japanese horror film that brings Chi-chan to life. This eerie and nerve-wracking read introduces us to the creepy outcast girl known as Chi-chan and the disturbing incident that took place in their neighborhood before her sudden disappearance.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Plot
The start takes us straight to Yua and how Chi-chan silently hovers around her or wanders the streets, obsessively picking up and collecting bugs. While their classmates call her gross, freaky, and creepy, Kodai’s mother suspects that Chi-chan might be a victim of parental neglect. This sparks an idea in Kodai that maybe with Yua’s help, they can help Chi-chan find her footing. But as Yua tries to reconnect with her once close childhood friend Chi-chan, she unknowingly entangles herself into something far more unsettling. Digging herself into a hole she may never climb out of.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Characters
⟡ Chi-chan - The so-called creepy girl who walks around town barefoot and disheveled, collecting dead bugs and storing them as she enjoys/loves bugs. Everyone is disturbed and disgusted by her as she presents an ominous presence that scares people away.
The way she exists on the sidelines seemingly disconnected yet hauntingly present makes every panel feel like a warning that something inevitable and horrific is about to happen.
⟡ Yua - once close childhood friend of Chi-chan yet their friendship grew apart leaving her to quietly pity and care for Chi-chan from a distance. Yua is shy and reserved yet she cares deeply for Chi-chan.
So when Kodai proposes his plan Yua willingly joins him, determined to reconnect with the friend she once knew.
⟡ Kodai - is Yua’s crush and classmate. He presents a out-going and lively personality, wanting to accomplish something or gain recognition for the things that his done.
After observing how her mother worries about Chi-chan’s neglect, Kodai makes it his mission to help her.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts
It’s been a while since I last read a manga and I couldn't have picked a better one to dive back in with. I was completely hooked from the beginning up till the end.
The feel and vibe of this manga is suffocatingly eerie and the art makes sure it delivers an intensified and uneasy feeling to it, adding another layer of creepiness to the story and making it more nerve-wracking to read.
As a prequel and a one-shot, this is a quick yet gripping read that made me scroll non-stop! It wasted no time in delivering an unsettling dose of absolute creepiness and eerie suspense. Despite this short story, Toxic Girl: Chi-chan masterfully creates an ominous atmosphere that lingers and follows you till the very final page.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to grab my popcorn and dive straight into Doku Musume! After that chilling manga, I’m more than ready and excited to see where Chi-chan’s haunting story goes.
➳ Huge thanks to the publishers & author/artist — Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics, Shuzo Oshimi & NetGalley — for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
📜┆ ARC ⤿ Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics & NetGalley
✒️┆ Author/Artist ⤿ Shuzo Oshimi
💌┆ NA Pub. Date ⤿ 04/22/25
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a manga prequel to Doku Musume (Toxic Daughter/Poison Girl), the 2024 Japanese horror film that brings Chi-chan to life. This eerie and nerve-wracking read introduces us to the creepy outcast girl known as Chi-chan and the disturbing incident that took place in their neighborhood before her sudden disappearance.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Plot
The start takes us straight to Yua and how Chi-chan silently hovers around her or wanders the streets, obsessively picking up and collecting bugs. While their classmates call her gross, freaky, and creepy, Kodai’s mother suspects that Chi-chan might be a victim of parental neglect. This sparks an idea in Kodai that maybe with Yua’s help, they can help Chi-chan find her footing. But as Yua tries to reconnect with her once close childhood friend Chi-chan, she unknowingly entangles herself into something far more unsettling. Digging herself into a hole she may never climb out of.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Characters
⟡ Chi-chan - The so-called creepy girl who walks around town barefoot and disheveled, collecting dead bugs and storing them as she enjoys/loves bugs. Everyone is disturbed and disgusted by her as she presents an ominous presence that scares people away.
The way she exists on the sidelines seemingly disconnected yet hauntingly present makes every panel feel like a warning that something inevitable and horrific is about to happen.
⟡ Yua - once close childhood friend of Chi-chan yet their friendship grew apart leaving her to quietly pity and care for Chi-chan from a distance. Yua is shy and reserved yet she cares deeply for Chi-chan.
So when Kodai proposes his plan Yua willingly joins him, determined to reconnect with the friend she once knew.
⟡ Kodai - is Yua’s crush and classmate. He presents a out-going and lively personality, wanting to accomplish something or gain recognition for the things that his done.
After observing how her mother worries about Chi-chan’s neglect, Kodai makes it his mission to help her.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts
It’s been a while since I last read a manga and I couldn't have picked a better one to dive back in with. I was completely hooked from the beginning up till the end.
The feel and vibe of this manga is suffocatingly eerie and the art makes sure it delivers an intensified and uneasy feeling to it, adding another layer of creepiness to the story and making it more nerve-wracking to read.
As a prequel and a one-shot, this is a quick yet gripping read that made me scroll non-stop! It wasted no time in delivering an unsettling dose of absolute creepiness and eerie suspense. Despite this short story, Toxic Girl: Chi-chan masterfully creates an ominous atmosphere that lingers and follows you till the very final page.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to grab my popcorn and dive straight into Doku Musume! After that chilling manga, I’m more than ready and excited to see where Chi-chan’s haunting story goes.
➳ Huge thanks to the publishers & author/artist — Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics, Shuzo Oshimi & NetGalley — for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
Some striking, very impressive art, to tell a story that jumps from one loner-girl-who-is-maybe-a-psychopath cliche to the next. It does keep the tension going, and it is then a disappointment that the book is a prequel to a Japanese film.
In short; a great showcase for Shuzo Oshimi's art, so I'll have to seek out his work.
(Thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)
In short; a great showcase for Shuzo Oshimi's art, so I'll have to seek out his work.
(Thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)
April 21, 2025
CN. Bullying, Abusive Parents, Neglect, Blood, Eye Injury, Sexual Assault
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
I understand that this a a prequel to a horror movie that is supposed to explain the back story of the titular Toxic Daughter, Chi.
I don't know if it's my autism or this manga/ comic, but I didn't get it or enjoy it very much at all.
Chi is an odd child, for reasons not especially explored. She is fixated on bugs, especially dead ones, and lives a life of suffering and neglect. She was abandoned by her only friend because of the bullying and is clearly not cared for by her parents in any way. Honestly, these things hit very close to home for me, but the way they were presented wasn't even that distressing for me, beyond them seemingly being a simple reason for her aberrant and violent behaviour. This read to me as lazy and ignorant.
This is a general synopsis that contains potential spoilers:
The story follows the friend that abandoned Chi and the boy she has a crush on as the boy takes it upon himself to try to help Chi, more out of a neurotic need to please his teacher and parents than any care got Chi as a person. Chi has no regard for the boy who goes out of his way to cover up injuries to himself and others she causes, which leads to him being shamed. He decides to take this out on the friend in some incredibly unpleasant scenes and ends up getting attacked by Chi.
I just...don't get it. It's zero to a hundred with sexual assault out of nowhere.
This wasn't for me.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
I understand that this a a prequel to a horror movie that is supposed to explain the back story of the titular Toxic Daughter, Chi.
I don't know if it's my autism or this manga/ comic, but I didn't get it or enjoy it very much at all.
Chi is an odd child, for reasons not especially explored. She is fixated on bugs, especially dead ones, and lives a life of suffering and neglect. She was abandoned by her only friend because of the bullying and is clearly not cared for by her parents in any way. Honestly, these things hit very close to home for me, but the way they were presented wasn't even that distressing for me, beyond them seemingly being a simple reason for her aberrant and violent behaviour. This read to me as lazy and ignorant.
This is a general synopsis that contains potential spoilers:
The story follows the friend that abandoned Chi and the boy she has a crush on as the boy takes it upon himself to try to help Chi, more out of a neurotic need to please his teacher and parents than any care got Chi as a person. Chi has no regard for the boy who goes out of his way to cover up injuries to himself and others she causes, which leads to him being shamed. He decides to take this out on the friend in some incredibly unpleasant scenes and ends up getting attacked by Chi.
I just...don't get it. It's zero to a hundred with sexual assault out of nowhere.
This wasn't for me.
October 8, 2025
2★ – Pretty, but Pointless Melodrama
Toxic Daughter Chii-chan had such a juicy premise — messy family drama, twisted emotions, and a protagonist who’s supposed to make you uncomfortable. But somewhere between all the yelling, crying, and trauma-dumping, it lost the plot.
The art is actually lovely — soft lines that clash with the dark themes — but the story itself feels more like a TikTok compilation of “toxic moments” than a real narrative. Everyone’s awful, but not in a compelling way; just exhaustingly so. By the end, I wasn’t even shocked anymore, just numb.
It’s one of those manga that mistakes chaos for depth. If you like watching emotional car crashes for the aesthetic, you might enjoy it. Otherwise… proceed with caution.
Toxic Daughter Chii-chan had such a juicy premise — messy family drama, twisted emotions, and a protagonist who’s supposed to make you uncomfortable. But somewhere between all the yelling, crying, and trauma-dumping, it lost the plot.
The art is actually lovely — soft lines that clash with the dark themes — but the story itself feels more like a TikTok compilation of “toxic moments” than a real narrative. Everyone’s awful, but not in a compelling way; just exhaustingly so. By the end, I wasn’t even shocked anymore, just numb.
It’s one of those manga that mistakes chaos for depth. If you like watching emotional car crashes for the aesthetic, you might enjoy it. Otherwise… proceed with caution.
April 2, 2025
"Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan" is a prequel manga to the live action movie "Toxic Daughter," which was released last year in Japan. The serial chapters were collected and are set to be released here in English to a Western audience with this edition.
What a horrific story this was, and completely unexpected. I was not prepared for the darker elements of this manga, even with the cover illustration of a bloodied Chi-chan holding a pair of scissors with extreme prejudice. There's child abuse and abandonment, willful ignorance of an entire community, bullying, and rape. Violence, of course.
And that's a lot to pack in this story. My hat is off to the talent of Shuzo Oshimi, who gets so much horror and depravity in a slim volume. It's dark, it's disturbed, and I'm now going to be eagerly looking to find the live action movie. Learn more about it here: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1205...
What a horrific story this was, and completely unexpected. I was not prepared for the darker elements of this manga, even with the cover illustration of a bloodied Chi-chan holding a pair of scissors with extreme prejudice. There's child abuse and abandonment, willful ignorance of an entire community, bullying, and rape. Violence, of course.
And that's a lot to pack in this story. My hat is off to the talent of Shuzo Oshimi, who gets so much horror and depravity in a slim volume. It's dark, it's disturbed, and I'm now going to be eagerly looking to find the live action movie. Learn more about it here: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1205...
April 27, 2025
”She must’ve come back to get revenge…"
Chi is the reason why you shouldn’t run with scissors…
Chi is the reason why you shouldn’t run with scissors…
March 27, 2025
Chi has always been a little weird, but Yua befriends her anyway when they were in kindergarten. However as they age, Yua realizes that if she continues to be friends with the weird girl who collects dead bugs she to will get picked on, so she ends their friendship and Chi stops going to school. That is until one day she randomly appears scaring the entire class except for the boy Yua has a crush on, Kodai. After class, Kodai decides that he and Yua are going to embark on a mission to bring Chi back into the fold. At first, it seems to work until the worst thing possible happens.
This was supremely messed up. I mean, given the cover, there is no way it was not going to be, but it's way more messed up than I was expecting, especially since it's relatively short. It's obvious from the first time we meet Chi that she is at best simply neglected at worse abused. The adults don't seem to want to do anything about it, and to be honest, I don't really feel like Yua actually did either. Kodai's motivation is incredibly transparent from the get-go, and he turns out to be a little monster, which, since he creeps me out from the beginning, I'm absolutely fine with that. Honestly, I think it makes this stand out, though , simply how much insanity is packed into such a short read. Not many authors, manga or otherwise, would be able to accomplish what Oshimi does here in a handful of pages.
And I don't do trigger warnings, but I think this one needs it: parental neglect, bullying, and sexual assault.
I definitely enjoyed this quick little horror manga, and it is 100% a horror you can't convince me otherwise. I'd highly recommend it for those who enjoy horror/psychology thriller reads.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the eArc!
This was supremely messed up. I mean, given the cover, there is no way it was not going to be, but it's way more messed up than I was expecting, especially since it's relatively short. It's obvious from the first time we meet Chi that she is at best simply neglected at worse abused. The adults don't seem to want to do anything about it, and to be honest, I don't really feel like Yua actually did either. Kodai's motivation is incredibly transparent from the get-go, and he turns out to be a little monster, which, since he creeps me out from the beginning, I'm absolutely fine with that. Honestly, I think it makes this stand out, though , simply how much insanity is packed into such a short read. Not many authors, manga or otherwise, would be able to accomplish what Oshimi does here in a handful of pages.
And I don't do trigger warnings, but I think this one needs it: parental neglect, bullying, and sexual assault.
I definitely enjoyed this quick little horror manga, and it is 100% a horror you can't convince me otherwise. I'd highly recommend it for those who enjoy horror/psychology thriller reads.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the eArc!
April 25, 2025
I read something before 10A.M today so that's a win for me lmfao
It’s my first time reading a prequel manga to a film before. I’ve never personally watched Doku Musume since Japanese horror films are a whole other level of scary in my opinion. I did enjoy the manga! The art style was so nice! The plot itself is obviously dark there are some themes in here that won’t be for everyone/can be triggering like SA, bullying and gore just to name a few. I’m intrigued to watch the movie now so hopefully i’ll be brave enough one day! 😂
Thank You Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital ARC! *all thoughts are my own!*
It’s my first time reading a prequel manga to a film before. I’ve never personally watched Doku Musume since Japanese horror films are a whole other level of scary in my opinion. I did enjoy the manga! The art style was so nice! The plot itself is obviously dark there are some themes in here that won’t be for everyone/can be triggering like SA, bullying and gore just to name a few. I’m intrigued to watch the movie now so hopefully i’ll be brave enough one day! 😂
Thank You Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital ARC! *all thoughts are my own!*
March 25, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
This was horrible. But it’s horror, so I guess…bravo? Spoilers Ahead .
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a one-shot manga, prologue of & in collab with the film with the same title. I’ve never heard of a comic & film collaboration, so I was immediately intrigued.
And while the idea sounded cool, the storyline? Not so much. Granted, it seems to be just a short intro to a much bigger plot, but I struggled to understand why Chi was… Chi?
I mean, to me she seemed like a weird kid with a bug obsession. Strange, but just leave her with her bugs, you know? The visuals of her just standing and staring were perfectly creepy and exactly what I was expecting from this manga.
But unexpectedly, she’s not the real problem in Yua’s (our protagonist) life, but rather her crush (actual villain here IMO), Kodai.
I found myself actually siding with Chi and her scary rusty scissors.
This was a pretty horrific and twisty short, and it definitely got me curious about the film. So, I guess it worked for what it was designed for. But I can’t say I liked it.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This was horrible. But it’s horror, so I guess…bravo? Spoilers Ahead .
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a one-shot manga, prologue of & in collab with the film with the same title. I’ve never heard of a comic & film collaboration, so I was immediately intrigued.
And while the idea sounded cool, the storyline? Not so much. Granted, it seems to be just a short intro to a much bigger plot, but I struggled to understand why Chi was… Chi?
I mean, to me she seemed like a weird kid with a bug obsession. Strange, but just leave her with her bugs, you know? The visuals of her just standing and staring were perfectly creepy and exactly what I was expecting from this manga.
But unexpectedly, she’s not the real problem in Yua’s (our protagonist) life, but rather her crush (actual villain here IMO), Kodai.
I found myself actually siding with Chi and her scary rusty scissors.
This was a pretty horrific and twisty short, and it definitely got me curious about the film. So, I guess it worked for what it was designed for. But I can’t say I liked it.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
May 8, 2025
I was able to get an e-arc of this one-shot thanks to @netgalley and @kodanshamanga.
I was so excited to get to read this one a little early. I have been looking forward to this one-shot since it was announced by Kodansha and this manga did not disappoint.
This was a pretty good quick one-shot. I liked how unhinged Chi was. I devoured this volume in one sitting.
The ending definitely left me wanting more and it makes me want to watch the movie that this is a prequel of.
I feel like if you like Shuzo Oshimi then you will probably enjoy this too. I also feel like if you like horror/psychological manga then you might also enjoy this manga.
I was so excited to get to read this one a little early. I have been looking forward to this one-shot since it was announced by Kodansha and this manga did not disappoint.
This was a pretty good quick one-shot. I liked how unhinged Chi was. I devoured this volume in one sitting.
The ending definitely left me wanting more and it makes me want to watch the movie that this is a prequel of.
I feel like if you like Shuzo Oshimi then you will probably enjoy this too. I also feel like if you like horror/psychological manga then you might also enjoy this manga.
April 13, 2025
How does someone approach a family that hoards and with a daughter who spends her days collecting bugs and not go to school. Chi-chan is that daughter and when Hayakawa and her friend Kodia go spend an afternoon at Chi's home, hoping to get her back to school, things go horribly wrong.
March 25, 2025
☆ thank you to kodansha comics & netgalley for the preview arc! review is my own ☆
shuzo oshimi has such a beautiful way to tell a story that leaves you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. thrilling and suspenseful to the very core with twists in plots that grab your attention. this story is purely a highlight of the wonderful storytelling that shuzo brings to the table with every release of his. this story will solidify itself alongside shuzo’s other releases well, carrying the same haunting tales of the dark sides to humanity.
shuzo oshimi has such a beautiful way to tell a story that leaves you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. thrilling and suspenseful to the very core with twists in plots that grab your attention. this story is purely a highlight of the wonderful storytelling that shuzo brings to the table with every release of his. this story will solidify itself alongside shuzo’s other releases well, carrying the same haunting tales of the dark sides to humanity.
April 10, 2025
This is not the kind of story "like." It's a train wreck you can't look away from. Very dark.
April 3, 2025
While I really loved the art style, just as I have with every Shuzo Oshimi book I've read, this time I unfortunately struggled to connect with the story as much. The main issue for me was its length, as it felt too short, which in turn left so much to be desired by the end. I wanted a clearer resolution for the characters, as well as a deeper backstory to better understand their motivations. The ending was quite disturbing, and I definitely didn’t expect it to take that direction so be mindful and check tw. All in all, it's a solid manga and quick read, but not among my favorites from Oshimi. I haven’t seen the movie, so maybe that plays a part in providing additional context.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
Review of Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan by Shuzo Oshimi
This was my first manga by Shuzo Oshimi, and I went into it with zero expectations. Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan turned out to be an incredibly fast read—I finished it in just 30 minutes. At first, it felt too short, and I wished the story had been more fleshed out. Only after finishing it did I realize it was a one-shot piece created for a Japanese film. Despite its brevity, the story was quite interesting. While it’s not my usual cup of tea when it comes to Japanese horror, I thoroughly enjoyed it and saw great potential in its premise and character arcs.
One of the strongest aspects of the manga is its social commentary. I interpreted it as a critique of rigid societal norms and the harsh consequences of imposing unrealistic expectations, especially on the young. Chi-chan starts off as a cute, innocent girl with an unusual but harmless hobby: collecting bugs. She never kills them, yet she is severely bullied and punished for simply being different. Over time, society’s rejection and the loss of her only friend push her into isolation. Eventually, she is labeled as a violent psycho, but through flashbacks, we see how she was shaped by the cruelty of others.
Interestingly, the real "psycho" in the story turns out to be the boy who initially appears to have good intentions. He is praised by adults for trying to "fix" Chi-chan and reintegrate her into society, but in reality, he harbors disturbing and sinister traits. However, even he is a product of his father’s domineering ideology and expectations. While this doesn’t excuse his actions, it reinforces the manga’s central theme: the true evil isn’t Chi-chan, but the toxic social standards and narrow-minded perceptions that break individuals before they even have a chance to grow.
Visually, the manga is stunning. Oshimi’s artwork adds an eerie yet melancholic atmosphere that enhances the story’s emotional weight. If anything, I wish this had been a full-length manga, as there was so much more to explore.
Overall, Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a short but impactful read. It might not be the most terrifying horror manga, but it offers a compelling reflection on the damage caused by societal pressures.
Review of Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan by Shuzo Oshimi
This was my first manga by Shuzo Oshimi, and I went into it with zero expectations. Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan turned out to be an incredibly fast read—I finished it in just 30 minutes. At first, it felt too short, and I wished the story had been more fleshed out. Only after finishing it did I realize it was a one-shot piece created for a Japanese film. Despite its brevity, the story was quite interesting. While it’s not my usual cup of tea when it comes to Japanese horror, I thoroughly enjoyed it and saw great potential in its premise and character arcs.
One of the strongest aspects of the manga is its social commentary. I interpreted it as a critique of rigid societal norms and the harsh consequences of imposing unrealistic expectations, especially on the young. Chi-chan starts off as a cute, innocent girl with an unusual but harmless hobby: collecting bugs. She never kills them, yet she is severely bullied and punished for simply being different. Over time, society’s rejection and the loss of her only friend push her into isolation. Eventually, she is labeled as a violent psycho, but through flashbacks, we see how she was shaped by the cruelty of others.
Interestingly, the real "psycho" in the story turns out to be the boy who initially appears to have good intentions. He is praised by adults for trying to "fix" Chi-chan and reintegrate her into society, but in reality, he harbors disturbing and sinister traits. However, even he is a product of his father’s domineering ideology and expectations. While this doesn’t excuse his actions, it reinforces the manga’s central theme: the true evil isn’t Chi-chan, but the toxic social standards and narrow-minded perceptions that break individuals before they even have a chance to grow.
Visually, the manga is stunning. Oshimi’s artwork adds an eerie yet melancholic atmosphere that enhances the story’s emotional weight. If anything, I wish this had been a full-length manga, as there was so much more to explore.
Overall, Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a short but impactful read. It might not be the most terrifying horror manga, but it offers a compelling reflection on the damage caused by societal pressures.
March 30, 2025
This is a prequel that definitely left me wanting more, but not in the way I’d hoped. The first 90% is quite slow with very little, if any at all, backstory on these characters. I would’ve preferred most of the focus be on Chi herself instead of so much page time being wasted in the classroom. But the ending was quite shocking and brutal. If only we’d had more of this horror from the very beginning.
August 17, 2024
Wow, something new from sensei!
Shuzo Oshimi never fails to make you feel unsettled, riled-up, disgusted, and left with your jaw hanging open. I’m at loss for words but this simply crawled up my stomach I felt like going to the bathroom right now. This is too short for me!
Shuzo Oshimi never fails to make you feel unsettled, riled-up, disgusted, and left with your jaw hanging open. I’m at loss for words but this simply crawled up my stomach I felt like going to the bathroom right now. This is too short for me!
April 14, 2025
Oh ok I didn’t know this was the prequel to a movie!
It’s my first manga by Shuzo Oshimi but I’m now very curious to read Blood on the tracks. I liked this one, it was really intense!
It’s my first manga by Shuzo Oshimi but I’m now very curious to read Blood on the tracks. I liked this one, it was really intense!
March 22, 2025
Wow. This manga completely blew my mind. To be totally honest, I was drawn in from the very first glance at the cover: it instantly told me this would be something dark, intense, and right up my alley. And I wasn’t wrong! Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a gripping, unsettling, and emotionally charged story that I couldn’t put down.
The plot revolves around two childhood friends who have grown apart over the years: Chi, an odd, isolated girl with a fascination for dead insects and the wilderness, and Yua, her former best (and only) friend. As teenagers, their lives have taken very different paths, but things shift dramatically when Chi refuses to attend school. Enter Kodai - Yua’s secret crush, the golden boy of their class - who proposes a manipulative plan to coax Chi back to school using Yua as bait.
At first, it seems like their plan might actually work. Kodai and Yua approach Chi with smiles, cakes, and an outward show of kindness, all while ignoring her peculiar habits and awkward behavior. But Chi, true to herself, doesn’t conform to their expectations. One moment in particular - where Chi accidentally harms Yua - acts as the breaking point. What started as a seemingly harmless scheme quickly spirals out of control, turning dark and chaotic. Yua finds herself trapped between Chi’s unfiltered wildness and Kodai’s increasingly volatile intentions.
This story is beautifully twisted and emotionally raw. The more I read, the harder it became to tear myself away. It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion: you know disaster is coming, but you can't look away. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the ending delivers a shocking punch that leaves you needing a moment to process everything.
What also makes this manga exceptional is the impeccable artwork. Shuzo Oshimi’s illustrations are haunting and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie tension and emotional depth of the characters. Every panel feels deliberate, adding to the creeping sense of unease throughout the story.
Overall, Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a masterful piece of psychological horror that explores the darker sides of human relationships, manipulation, and alienation. It’s unsettling, unforgettable, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys manga that dares to push boundaries.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this incredible read!
The plot revolves around two childhood friends who have grown apart over the years: Chi, an odd, isolated girl with a fascination for dead insects and the wilderness, and Yua, her former best (and only) friend. As teenagers, their lives have taken very different paths, but things shift dramatically when Chi refuses to attend school. Enter Kodai - Yua’s secret crush, the golden boy of their class - who proposes a manipulative plan to coax Chi back to school using Yua as bait.
At first, it seems like their plan might actually work. Kodai and Yua approach Chi with smiles, cakes, and an outward show of kindness, all while ignoring her peculiar habits and awkward behavior. But Chi, true to herself, doesn’t conform to their expectations. One moment in particular - where Chi accidentally harms Yua - acts as the breaking point. What started as a seemingly harmless scheme quickly spirals out of control, turning dark and chaotic. Yua finds herself trapped between Chi’s unfiltered wildness and Kodai’s increasingly volatile intentions.
This story is beautifully twisted and emotionally raw. The more I read, the harder it became to tear myself away. It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion: you know disaster is coming, but you can't look away. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the ending delivers a shocking punch that leaves you needing a moment to process everything.
What also makes this manga exceptional is the impeccable artwork. Shuzo Oshimi’s illustrations are haunting and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie tension and emotional depth of the characters. Every panel feels deliberate, adding to the creeping sense of unease throughout the story.
Overall, Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a masterful piece of psychological horror that explores the darker sides of human relationships, manipulation, and alienation. It’s unsettling, unforgettable, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys manga that dares to push boundaries.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this incredible read!
April 10, 2025
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is a manga prequel to Doku Musume (Toxic Daughter/Poison Girl), the 2024 Japanese horror film that brings Chi-chan to life. Telling the tale of Chi-chan and the events before her disappearance.
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is my first manga by Shuzo Oshimi, and while the art style is gorgeous, it might be my last. While seeming like a horror manga, it still gives an air of unsettling and creepy feelings throughout.
I was not prepared going into Toxic Daughter, and was not expecting everything. Truly packing a punch, with storylines about adolescence, bullying, and more. It felt rushed, and while it is a prequel, I was just confused throughout. It starts with a horror-esque story, but, to me, fails in the end.
Kodai never sat well with me, and the way he persuaded Yua to make nice with Chi just rubbed me the wrong way.
There was so many different storylines to follow, and there was no answers. I understand this is a prequel, but I have no interest in continuing.
There should be trigger warnings going into this, but there was none. Please read the reviews and proceed with caution going into the manga.
Overall, I would recommend for Japanese horror manga fans and fans of Doku Musume.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this eARC!
Trigger Warnings:
Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan is my first manga by Shuzo Oshimi, and while the art style is gorgeous, it might be my last. While seeming like a horror manga, it still gives an air of unsettling and creepy feelings throughout.
I was not prepared going into Toxic Daughter, and was not expecting everything. Truly packing a punch, with storylines about adolescence, bullying, and more. It felt rushed, and while it is a prequel, I was just confused throughout. It starts with a horror-esque story, but, to me, fails in the end.
Kodai never sat well with me, and the way he persuaded Yua to make nice with Chi just rubbed me the wrong way.
There was so many different storylines to follow, and there was no answers. I understand this is a prequel, but I have no interest in continuing.
There should be trigger warnings going into this, but there was none. Please read the reviews and proceed with caution going into the manga.
Overall, I would recommend for Japanese horror manga fans and fans of Doku Musume.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this eARC!
Trigger Warnings:
April 18, 2025
I picked this up because I love Shuzo Oshimi - he's one of my favorites. I was a little dubious at first, as this isn't an original work, but I guess a prequel? to (what was) an up and coming horror movie "Poison Girl" by Eisuke Naito. I say prequel because the plot of the book seemingly has little to do with the plot of the movie except for the titular, murderous Chi-chan.
From what I can understand through some cursory google searches, the movie doesn't look very good. There's no official English release, but all the reviews I can find are pretty middling. And like I said, the plot of the movie doesn't really seem to have much to do with the main one going on in Oshimi's work.
The work itself is pretty standard Oshimi fair, disaffected middle school kids navigating adult situations more serious than they're able to comprehend. The story told in this is pretty straightforward, and by the looks of it, stand alone from the movie. I guess if you want more context on some of the more obscure visual elements, the movie might give you answers, but I don't think there's anything here that wouldn't be unenjoyable for an Oshimi fan.
From what I can understand through some cursory google searches, the movie doesn't look very good. There's no official English release, but all the reviews I can find are pretty middling. And like I said, the plot of the movie doesn't really seem to have much to do with the main one going on in Oshimi's work.
The work itself is pretty standard Oshimi fair, disaffected middle school kids navigating adult situations more serious than they're able to comprehend. The story told in this is pretty straightforward, and by the looks of it, stand alone from the movie. I guess if you want more context on some of the more obscure visual elements, the movie might give you answers, but I don't think there's anything here that wouldn't be unenjoyable for an Oshimi fan.
March 27, 2025
This one-shot manga was incredibly hard to put down.
It’s about this weird girl named Chi who’s dropped out of school, one day she shows up to class with a handful of bugs which creeps out her classmates and then she leaves. Two of her classmates, Yua, a girl who used to be friends with, and Koudai, a boy Yua has a crush on, try to befriend Chi again so she’ll come back to school. Yua quickly realizes just how creepy Chi can be.
This manga actually serves as a prologue to a movie, and I absolutely need to watch it. I want to see where Chi’s story goes. I loved how well-written it was, it was very hard to look away. For a short, fast-paced story, it was nice to see the characters fleshed out really well.
The artwork is gorgeous and does a fantastic job of making you feel uneasy.
I highly recommend checking this one out, when it releases on April 22. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy!
It’s about this weird girl named Chi who’s dropped out of school, one day she shows up to class with a handful of bugs which creeps out her classmates and then she leaves. Two of her classmates, Yua, a girl who used to be friends with, and Koudai, a boy Yua has a crush on, try to befriend Chi again so she’ll come back to school. Yua quickly realizes just how creepy Chi can be.
This manga actually serves as a prologue to a movie, and I absolutely need to watch it. I want to see where Chi’s story goes. I loved how well-written it was, it was very hard to look away. For a short, fast-paced story, it was nice to see the characters fleshed out really well.
The artwork is gorgeous and does a fantastic job of making you feel uneasy.
I highly recommend checking this one out, when it releases on April 22. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy!
April 29, 2025
Let me preface this review by saying that I have no intention of watching the movie. This is solely a review of the manga and its story.
TW
— mental health
— SA
— physical abuse
— blood
Troubled Chi hasn’t been coming to school. Her weird fascination with bugs and insects has made her the town’s outcast. When the school’s golden boy, Kodai, decides to build a friendship with Chi, Yua is the only one who can help him. Yua and Chi used to be best friends, and this is Yua’s chance to make amends. But there is something weird going on in Chi’s home, and maybe there’s a reason why everybody has been avoiding her.
While this manga was good overall, I think the story needed to be expanded in order to establish Chi’s motivations. I can imagine that a lot of the questions I had while reading this, will be answered in the movie, but that makes the book not as good as it could have been. If you’re looking for a quick read and you’re a fan of Shuzo Oshimo, I’d still give this a try. It doesn’t quite reach the WTF moments of his other works, but I think the art is better in this manga overall.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.
TW
— mental health
— SA
— physical abuse
— blood
Troubled Chi hasn’t been coming to school. Her weird fascination with bugs and insects has made her the town’s outcast. When the school’s golden boy, Kodai, decides to build a friendship with Chi, Yua is the only one who can help him. Yua and Chi used to be best friends, and this is Yua’s chance to make amends. But there is something weird going on in Chi’s home, and maybe there’s a reason why everybody has been avoiding her.
While this manga was good overall, I think the story needed to be expanded in order to establish Chi’s motivations. I can imagine that a lot of the questions I had while reading this, will be answered in the movie, but that makes the book not as good as it could have been. If you’re looking for a quick read and you’re a fan of Shuzo Oshimo, I’d still give this a try. It doesn’t quite reach the WTF moments of his other works, but I think the art is better in this manga overall.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.
May 30, 2025
"Toxic Daughter: Chi-chan" is a dark manga about a peculiar girl, Chi-chan, who likes to collect insects. She has virtually no friends except for Yua years ago — until one of her classmates, Koudai, wants to befriend her with Yua's help. For a quick story, the first half of the story actually feels a bit slow and repetitive. And this kind of makes sense as this is a spin-off to the horror film "Doku Musume" (2024); the manga feels somewhat incomplete and almost serves as filler.
However, I overall enjoyed it and the pacing does pick up, turning this creepy narrative completely twisted. It's a brutal tale about the danger of friends' intentions, and what happens when you treat righteousness as a virtue to enhance your status. People should definitely look up the trigger warnings because some scenes are abruptly disturbing.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
However, I overall enjoyed it and the pacing does pick up, turning this creepy narrative completely twisted. It's a brutal tale about the danger of friends' intentions, and what happens when you treat righteousness as a virtue to enhance your status. People should definitely look up the trigger warnings because some scenes are abruptly disturbing.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
March 24, 2025
The art was amazing and I knew from the start And cover I'd love it.
This was a super quick read for me but it had a few twists I definitely didn't expect which honestly blew my mind.
The guy honestly disgusted me and I'm content with what happened to him in the end.
Thanks netgalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻
This was a super quick read for me but it had a few twists I definitely didn't expect which honestly blew my mind.
The guy honestly disgusted me and I'm content with what happened to him in the end.
Thanks netgalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻
March 26, 2025
Whoa.
April 19, 2025
ARC - Beautifully illustrated with an eerie vibe throughout, thanks to the unpredictable Chi-chan. At first I thought someone really should take those scissors away, but I was glad she had them by the end!
May 7, 2025
Basically All of the trigger warnings !!!!
I did not enjoy this at all. I was expecting to get some insight into Chi or maybe a few curiously creepy moments but instead we only got a few horrible scenes cobbled together randomly. I would not recommend this to anyone and especially not younger audiences. I will not ever revisit or support this particular author in any capacity.
Arc provided by Kodansha
I did not enjoy this at all. I was expecting to get some insight into Chi or maybe a few curiously creepy moments but instead we only got a few horrible scenes cobbled together randomly. I would not recommend this to anyone and especially not younger audiences. I will not ever revisit or support this particular author in any capacity.
Arc provided by Kodansha
April 29, 2025
que me lo leí pensando q era autoconclusivo y no va y me dice que me tengo que ver la película para saber cómo acaba….veréis mi review en letterboxd
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