[Manga Review] Ibitsu

Ibitsu

by Haruka, Ryo
Volumes: 2
Chapters: 13
(w/ side stories at the end of each volume)
Horror, Seinen, Psychological & Gothic Lolita xD

Summary and Introduction:
There's an urban legend about a 'Strange Lolita' that's very popular amongst youngster that has
been spreading. They say that a strange girl dressed in a lolita outfit appears near midnight
sitting amongst a pile of garbage bags. The rumor tells that if you approach her, she would ask you
this question: "DO you have a little sister?", whatever your answer is, she will keep chasing you,
eventually force herself upon your home and announce that she is your 'ideal' little sister. But
that's not the end of it, apparently, all those who encounters her will end up with a 'twisted
death'.

One day, a boy decided to take out his trash in front of his apartment when he suddenly chanced upon
a dirty lolita girl sitting in the middle of a pile of garbage. He does not have a choice but to
continue advancing towards the dump site when all of a sudden, the strange individual asked the boy
a question. The boy answered then hurriedly walked back to his apartment. Upon glancing back, he
noticed that the girl disappeared. But since that night, the bot have been stalked and haunted by
the 'strange lolita' who claims to be his little sister. What twisted ending awaits the protagonist?
That's something for you to find out for yourself.

-Crost

 

Review:
I was too naive to have read this all alone in the middle of the night. It made me shiver with
goosebumps! I used to believe that the Higurashi series was the best when it comes to this kind of
genre(although I still think it is), but this manga is almost on par with it's creepiness. It was a
very interesting manga that kept me amused ,creep-ed out and screaming "Run bitch! RUN!!!" for a
couple of hours.

Art - [10/10]
The art style fits almost too perfectly with the story.

Story - [9/10]
While the plot have some unexpected twist and turns(which I believe is a must when it comes to
horror), I believe that some scenes where too cliched(old-rundown hospital..really?? is it always a
must??). The side stories were nice and freaky as well. Its like I attended a 'Night of a Hundred
Tales'(even though there were only three).

Characters - [10/10]
The cute(?) lolita fits the role perfectly(thanks to it...I now have a unique view for loli
imoutos). Although she has a freakishly obsessive nature along with the wish to have an ideal
sibling relationship was quite unique.

Setting - [9/10]
The story is set in a modern day Japan, having modern day characters and a modern horror story. (but
they really have to go to an old-rundown hospital??)

Overall - [9.5/10]
I really enjoyed reading Ibitsu. Once I got started, it immediately sucked in at its own pace and
made me finish it in one fell swoop. This is greatly recommended to those who loves horror stories,
but is not recommended to those that are faint hearted(coz it could stare the crap out of you).

Posted in: Ibitsu, Manga, Manga Review