Happiness: A Dark and Twisted Manga in the World of Vampires
Today I wanted to talk about the manga series "Happiness" by Shuzo Oshimi. This manga tells the story of a high school student named Makoto Okazaki, who is struggling with the pressures of his everyday life. One day, he meets a mysterious girl named Shizuku who seems to have a deep connection to the supernatural world of vampires. This chance encounter changes Makoto's life forever as he is soon drawn into the dangerous and alluring world of the vampires.
Shuzo Oshimi is a well-known manga artist who has made a name for himself with his unique and thought-provoking stories. He is best known for his works like "The Flowers of Evil" ,which is on my reading list, and "Inside Mari", each deal with complex themes and explore the human psyche in a way that is unsettling.
As for "Happiness", I have to admit I was drawn to the manga because of my interest in vampires. However, the slow start of the manga made it hard for me to get invested in the story at first. But as the plot began to pick up, I found myself becoming more and more intrigued by the world that Oshimi had created.
One thing I enjoyed about the manga was the art style. The loose, sketchy lines gave the story a raw, gritty feel that fit well with the dark subject matter. The characters were well-drawn and expressive, which made it easy to become invested in their struggles.
I was disappointed by the abrupt ending of the manga. It seemed as though the publisher pulled the plug on the series, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. There are only ten editions and in the tenth one it suddenly ends. This was frustrating, as I had become invested in the story and wanted to see how it would conclude.
I would recommend "Happiness" to fans of dark, supernatural stories who are looking for something shorter to read. While the slow start may be a turn-off for some, the intriguing plot and unique art style make it worth sticking with. Just be prepared for a somewhat abrupt ending in the tenth edition.