Kの葬列 2 [K no Souretsu 2]

Kの葬列 / K no Souretsu #2

by Maki Kusumoto, 楠本まき

動かないエレベーター…そして、そこに隠されていたKの死体。それぞれの思惑で口をつぐんでいたアパートの住人達だったが、共通の疑問はただ1つ、“誰がKを殺したのか…?”。…判明した犯人は意外な人物で――?

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Josei, Mystery

118 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 1995

About the author

Aesthetic minimalism, a predilection for darkness, an infatuation with androgyny and a preference for the vague over the distinct: These tendencies are inherent in most Japanese art-forms. And manga are no exception. Maki Kusumoto’s (Japanese name: 楠本まき) strange comic-books reflect these trends perfectly. Although she has long had a cult following as a “manga-ka” (a manga artist) in Japan, she doesn’t really like to be classified as one. Her distinctly original drawing ability eminently suits characters struggling with inner demons in a world of deceptive placidity. Her university background in philosophy perhaps underlies the feel for existential unease; either way there is depth here that really has nothing in common with the manga norm.
Maki’s people are elegant and willowy, stretching their long limbs in sinuous poses; they caress each other with long-tapering fingers. She is to manga as Aubrey Beardsley was to mainstream illustration. Intense, sexy and slightly sinister.

Reviews

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this ages ago. 2008? 2009? I need to re-read it, but I remember one thing: it was extremely satisfying. I remember reading about the author having a philosophy degree; it shows.

[Andrea Aguas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. The last three chapters cleared all the questions in my head.

K was a depressed artist who was killed by everyone's expectations all around him. Being a "prodigy", everyone expected something great from him all the time, so he had to get out of the house and lived alone. There he discovered drugs and became an addict. That spiraled down to becoming the foundation of this story.

[Manolache · Rating 3 out of 5]

This manga is not for everyone as its sometimes bland but it gets a little better near the end i think

[Mi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, I have my doubts that this will ever be commercially available stateside. A lovely and dark bit of surrealism that doesn't fit neatly into categories. If you get your paws on a copy, I'd be happy to translate it to English for my friends.

[Ritsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess first impression is everything, and always the best. This manga is my first encounter with Kusumoto-sensei's work. I say it has it all: artwork and story.

[Effi Lerch · Rating 5 out of 5]

can't find vol. 1 here, haha. but it's really... diffrent. diffrent and georgeus

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons why I love Maki Kusumoto's work is because its breathtaking art and unusual dark stories. And this one never fails.

[Loveliest Evaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where is the first one on this site? I didn't really like it because to me it felt empty... But whatever.