Author: Ryukishi07
Manga-ka: Karin Suzuragi
Publisher: Yen Press
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Release Date: February 2009

Synopsis: “Up until now, Keiichi’s been having the time of his life with his new friends in Hinamizawa. But when their good-natured pranks take a deadly turn, Keiichi grows more and more suspicious about their involvement with the so-called “Oyashiro-sama’s Curse.” Turning to Ooishi-san for reassurance only confirms Keiichi’s worst fears as dark secrets about Rena’s past are revealed. Is it just his imagination? Or do his friends really mean to kill him?”

It should come to no surprise that I loved the conclusion of the Abducted by Demons Arc of this spooky series. The story continues to flow well and only becomes more eerie as it progresses. The artwork matches perfectly, with the characters looking more and more distorted as the climax is reached.

Keiichi has grown more paranoid about his friends in Hinamizawa, and begins to separate himself from them. Rena in particular keeps coming to him, switching from sweet to possessed as he begins to discover more about the truth of Oyashiro-sama’s curse. He even begins to carry around a baseball bat after Ooishi-san tells him of his friend’s involvement in the past incidents. Apparently it’s not the first time Rena, or even the rest of them, have been somehow involved or connected to the murders and disappearances.

Things take a turn for the worse when his parents leave town for a day, and he is left all alone in the town that he is convinced has turned against him. With Mion and Rena questioning him at every turn, and insisting he play a penalty game, Oyashiro-sama’s curse creates a horrific scenario.

I can honestly say that reading this manga alone in a dimly lit room would leave me with Goosebumps, which is exactly as a horror genre manga ought to be. I’m absolutely in love with this series and can’t wait to be frightened by the next instalment.

Review written July 29, 2009 by Shevaun Morrison
Book provided by Yen Press for review purposes

Follow

Share on Tumblr

About the Author: Shevaun Morrison

Shev considers herself easily distracted, and usually rather excitable. She doesn't really have a favorite type of anime or manga but will read or watch just about anything. Although she does have a tendency to like things that are extra shiny And/or have a punk/gothic look to it. Shevaun's a role-play nerd, and loves RPG video games too.