Just as “Hikaru” prepares to return to the mountain, Tanaka appears before him and Yoshiki, bringing with him a harsh truth about “Hikaru’s” identity. While the two boys grapple with this new revelation and their paths going forward, the cause of all the chaos—the “hole” linked to the other side—steadily grows. To investigate this strange phenomenon, Yoshiki and “Hikaru” make their way to Maki’s hometown, Ashidori, where more secrets lie buried…
EN This is one of those series that consistently delivers a solid read, but never quite reaches the level of being truly fantastic — and once again, that is the case here.
There is no doubt that the plot has become more engaging as we gradually gain a better understanding of what is happening in these villages. However, the constant slow burn and the lack of a more pronounced dynamic between highs and lows prevent the reading experience from reaching greater heights.
Even so, it remains a series worth continuing.
--
PT Esta é uma daquelas séries que se mantém sempre como uma leitura consistente, sólida, mas que raramente chega ao patamar do verdadeiramente fantástico — e, mais uma vez, isso volta a acontecer aqui.
É inegável que o enredo se tem tornado mais interessante à medida que vamos compreendendo melhor o que se passa nestas vilas. Ainda assim, o slow burn constante e a ausência de uma dinâmica mais marcada entre momentos altos e baixos acabam por impedir que a leitura atinja outros níveis.
Ainda assim, continua a ser uma série que vale a pena acompanhar.
We thought we knew what was going on I. The previous book, but Cool-Guy-McSunglasses comes in and gives them what’s really happening….also an errand to run and a ticking clock! 😃 Things are learned along the way that are weird and spooky, and really nice art that brings back memories of Junji Ito.
The plot moves forward a little bit, as the boys finally discover what “Hikaru” truly is, and they’re tasked with a mission to close the different holes to the other side in order to save their town. And it’s so fun to finally have definite answers, it allows us not to be too confused in the plot and just enjoy it fully. But I’m still terrified and I genuinely can't guess what can happen next, because this mission they feel compelled to is a very big for the shoulders of two children (well, a teenager and an otherworldly entity).
We get a little bit more development for Yoshiki, specifically about what he feels for “Hikaru”, and it’s so interesting. He realizes what the reader realized long ago, which is: they're two faces of the same coin. They both cannot find their place in society, one because he's literally not human, the other because of his queerness. And it’s such a subtle but beautiful way to address Yoshiki’s feelings about his homosexuality, that feels very relatable, even in a literal horror manga. His biggest fear is to be alone, so that’s why he will cling to “Hikaru” with everything has. Is it just selfishness, or genuine care for the other, or maybe a little bit of both? These characters are definitely lovable for their complexity.
the story keeps getting more interesting, and each volume is better than the last.
i'm very intrigued by how this will develop; it becomes more disturbing and fascinating each time. yoshiki and 'hikaru' definitely have a long way to go, although the real question is how their story will end?
i really hope the anime adaptation is good. i hope it gets all the love this incredible manga deserves!
i've been hiding who i am this whole time. that's why i want him to be saved. because i'll be saved too—as long as i'm with you. who else up violently crying and throwing up
This shit’s getting even more crazy, I’m completely invested! Also, I know everything’s tense in the plot right now, and Yuuta’s life’s currently at stake… especially that series of panel from his room that literally chilled my bones! Such goosebumps for a jumpscare! But anyway, let me tell you about Yuuta and Tadokoro’s chemistry! It was so subtle but I love it so much! I want more of them in the future, however small like crumbs it might be (considering the plot) I don't care. I like them so much!
The illustrations are amazing in this series. I so loved the creepy imagery in this volume. I do find the constant info-dumping a bit much, but the vibes are still unmatched. I was not disappointed.