Now half-vampire, Darren Shan is ready to enjoy some downtime as he accompanies Mr. Crepsley on a trip away from Cirque Du Freak. However, his pleasant holiday turns gruesome as peculiar murders plague the city...The manga adaptation of internationally acclaimed author Darren Shan’s Cirque Du Freak continues in this oversize, deluxe omnibus edition!
Librarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.
Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..
The lore and world of this story balloon quite a lot in this section of the story. Stuff gets crazy, and Darren still feels like a protagonist who things happen TO. He’s not very active and that’s what I think hurts this story the most. It’s got interesting elements, but Darren is just kinda meh.
The Tunnels of Blood manga adaptation, illustrated by Takahiro Arai and based on Darren Shan’s original novel, brilliantly captures the dark, suspenseful essence of the story while elevating it through striking visual storytelling. This adaptation immerses readers into the claustrophobic and perilous world beneath Vampire Mountain, using dynamic art and masterful pacing to bring the harrowing trials of Darren and his allies to vivid life.
Arai’s artwork is exceptional, deftly balancing atmospheric detail with intense action sequences. The shadows and intricate backgrounds amplify the suffocating and foreboding mood of the tunnels, while the characters’ expressions convey a wide range of emotions, from fear and desperation to determination and camaraderie. The fluid panelling enhances the narrative’s tension, making the reader feel the claustrophobia and relentless danger that define the novel’s key moments.
Faithful to Shan’s original themes, the manga explores profound ideas of trust, loyalty, and identity amid supernatural conflict. The visual medium adds a new layer of immediacy, allowing readers to witness the psychological and physical struggles of the characters more viscerally and engagingly. The pacing is expertly managed, maintaining suspense while giving space for character development and emotional depth.
In conclusion, the Tunnels of Blood manga is a five-star adaptation that not only honours the original novel’s dark fantasy narrative but enhances it through compelling artwork and immersive storytelling. It offers fans and newcomers alike a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience, making it an essential read for those captivated by supernatural adventures and richly detailed manga.
This volume contains one of my favourite books from the Cirque Du Freak Series and I was not let down. Excellent Adaption of the novels, really looking forward to the next omnibus volume being released.
I had already read volume 3, but I got the omnibus version to re-read and continue Volume 4. Debbie and Darren were so cute :( And after reading Birth of A Killer, Murlough is so much more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As I’ve said before (when reviewing volume 1), this is one of my all time favourite book series. Furthermore, books 3-6 are my personal favourites. I especially enjoyed seeing the halls of Vampire mountain being brought to life. I can’t wait to start vol. 3 and see the Trials of Initiation drawn brought to life on paper.