TLDR - This masterpiece offers one of the most distinctive reading experiences out there. Just dive in!
Story - 10/10
The narrative is sparse on dialogue; instead, it's embedded within the world, journey, and characters. Readers must navigate this universe and decipher the story independently, almost as if they are living through the protagonist's eyes. Later chapters take a Satoshi Kon-like turn, blurring reality and fantasy. Time and space, physical and virtual realms, often seem nonexistent. Years can pass in mere panels, locations shift instantly, and the plot leaps forward dramatically. Yet, Nihei keeps readers engaged with stunning settings and explosive action scenes, layering on world-building and mystery. Though he aimed for a linear story, it becomes quite ambiguous, leaving readers to fill in their interpretations.
Art - 10/10
This is challenging. Initially, the art may seem peculiar, but Tsutomu Nihei's style evolves beautifully in subsequent chapters. His art perfectly matches the tone and setting. No other style could capture Blame!'s bleak, vast, mind-bending world. Characters lack rigid boundaries, blending into each other, while backgrounds are meticulously crafted and unique on every page. Blame! excels here with intricate details, infinite landscapes, and diverse character designs.
Characters - 10/10
Barely any backstory, inner monologues, or plot narration exists throughout the series, adding another layer of ambiguity that I personally adore.
Enjoyment - 10/10
Not a single page failed to astonish me. There's always something new—be it story, art, or adrenaline-pumping action. A constant sense of awe, excitement, and tension builds, providing an unforgettable journey. You won't regret reading it.
Wow, what an incredible manga! The artwork is stunning and filled with intricate details. The setting and storyline are uniquely futuristic, making it stand out. Interestingly, despite the serious tone of the manga, I often find myself laughing. This might be due to the minimal dialogue, forcing readers to interpret the characters' expressions closely. Killy, in particular, provides plenty of humorous moments this way. Additionally, the characters are masterfully designed, each with their own distinct personalities, including the Silicon Creatures. Overall, BLAME! shines as a fantastic manga with an engaging story, remarkable characters, and breathtaking artwork and detailing!
Blame! is a pure science-fiction delight. It doesn't have a coherent narrative or deeply developed characters, but it excels in crafting an extraordinary setting. This manga embodies the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Dialogue and exposition are minimal, replaced by world-building and intense action.
Blame! showcases the boundless creativity and imagination of a science-fiction universe. Rather than focusing on societies and individuals, it delves into the fundamental elements of its world, featuring colossal monoliths and structures that stretch beyond human sight. The angles, scaling, and shading are executed brilliantly to capture the dystopian beauty of this realm. The level of detail is astounding. While Blame! emphasizes its environment, it also introduces various intriguing characters who contribute to the story. Though they take a backseat, these characters receive adequate development.
The protagonist of Blame! is the ideal guide for such a tale. We can immerse ourselves through his silent journey across endless steel and beams. Through his eyes, we experience the bleakness and darkness of the world. His lack of dialogue allows us to absorb everything without overthinking. It's like being there yourself, standing atop those massive platings and pathways. The gothic atmosphere created by the manga is captivating, enhancing the sense of immersion in its environment. The structures and buildings are filled with details from afar and up close, revealing snippets of the world's history as the protagonist navigates the robust landscape.
The protagonist encounters a variety of machine lifeforms leading to many action-packed exchanges. The action in Blame! is brief yet frequent, consistently amazing and perfectly aligned with my tastes. Action set against a gothic backdrop is sheer bliss for me. The absence of dialogue during these scenes makes them more engaging, allowing you to absorb the impact of the action effortlessly. The action is raw and comes in short bursts, but its consistency makes it endearing.
Blame! aims to show rather than tell. It presents a perfect dystopian, science-fiction world with an equally compelling atmosphere. The story may be chaotic, but it fits the genre perfectly. The presentation keeps engagement high despite its disorienting nature. While Blame! isn't the pinnacle of storytelling or complex character creation, it stands out as one of the coolest and most fascinating depictions of a science-fiction setting. Blame! exudes style with its cyberpunk dystopia, creating an experience that speaks louder than words.
I wanted to enjoy Blame!, but the manga didn't let me. The first two volumes are almost unreadable due to poor paneling, making it a struggle to understand what's being depicted. There's no flow or sense of position or direction, making it hard to discern Killy's location relative to his surroundings or the safeguards' positions relative to him. While the art style could be appealing, it's difficult to appreciate because of the lack of clarity. This improves somewhat in volume 3, where deciphering the pages becomes easier, but issues with positioning and direction persist through volume 8. Volume 9 marks a significant improvement, with its more open settings allowing for better visibility of architecture and effective displays of character and mechanical designs. In the final two volumes, the art is finally clear enough to reveal interesting and eerie designs with an organic, insect-like quality. The occasional page spreads showcasing good architecture and environmental angles are nice, but they don't make up for the earlier volumes' shortcomings.
Blame! doesn't have much of a story, which isn't necessarily a problem. I was intrigued by the idea of reading about someone wandering through a cyberpunk apocalypse without a specific motivation. Killy is searching for the "Net Terminal Gene," though its purpose remains unclear. This simple premise should suffice for a manga focused on atmosphere and aesthetics. However, when the visuals are subpar, it's challenging to immerse oneself in the journey's simplicity. Some lore is sprinkled throughout, but it's largely irrelevant and serves mainly to satisfy fans. That said, if you're interested in Blame!, you might find some reward in these details.
Just as there's no story, there's also no character development. Killy, the spandex-clad wanderer, searches for the "Net Terminal Gene," and that's all we learn about him until the end. He has companions like Cibo along the way, and occasionally another wanderer joins him for a few volumes. Like the story, I welcomed the simplicity of characters without depth. Yet, when the primary draw—visuals—isn't compelling, there's little reason to care.
In conclusion, Blame! isn't worth reading. If you're interested in architecture, look up "Hagia Sophia." If you enjoy cyberpunk, seek something visually appealing. Had Blame! succeeded in its art and paneling, it could have been a great manga. Unfortunately, it falls short, making it a disappointing read.
Blame! is my all-time favorite manga. There's something captivating about it that made it impossible for me to put down from start to finish. I believe this is because Blame! uses the manga medium exceptionally well to tell its story.
The first thing you notice when reading Blame! is the use of negative space. Tsutomu Nihei strives to tell a purely visual story, keeping dialogue and text to an absolute minimum. In line with this approach, many characters in Blame! are illiterate, unable to read any signs or symbols in their grotesque world. This reliance on showing rather than telling demands incredible attention to detail and a stunning art style, both of which Tsutomu delivers masterfully. The visuals in Blame! are so striking that they actually benefit from being in black and white. Comparing the manga's illustrations to the full-color movie adaptation, the latter lacks the gravitas inherent in greyscale.
Story-wise, Blame! is a noir tale, with Killy acting as a detective wandering through endless halls in search of humanity's last hope for survival and uncovering information about the collapse of the old world. The plot may seem simple at first glance, but its execution is superb, unfolding at a comfortable pace for the reader, even though it spans countless years for the characters. Tsutomu treats the reader as a bystander watching Killy from the background during key moments. Like any bystander who stumbles upon a story in medias res, we begin confused and ignorant. We don't know who Killy is, whether he's human, where we are, what year it is, who the antagonists are, or anything at all. It's only by observing Killy repeatedly through his travels that we can piece together the beautiful world on the page.
I cannot recommend this manga enough, although be warned that (for me at least) the paneling can be a bit confusing, and during certain fight scenes, it can be easy to get a bit mixed up.
Originality isn't always a positive attribute, and Blame! serves as a prime example of this notion.
At its heart, this manga adheres to a classic "quest" narrative, much like the tales of the holy grail: we encounter a hero on a mission, who battles numerous foes, befriends some along the way, faces increasingly stronger adversaries, experiences betrayal from friends, yet ultimately triumphs over all obstacles. This is the fundamental structure of such stories, and Blame! follows it quite rigorously.
The reason why this genre usually succeeds, whereas Blame! fails miserably, is straightforward: the CHARACTERS. The characters in this manga lack any semblance of personality, backstory, or aspirations. Typically, I lament that some manga characters are one-dimensional, but here, it's even more severe; these characters barely exist dimensionally at all. Consequently, I feel nothing for the protagonist when he confronts peril, narrowly escapes "death," or endures betrayal by friends. No attachment, no emotions—just sheer frustration. It's even worse for the "enemies," who are essentially faceless clones. Due to Blame!'s unique storytelling approach, this results in a quest story devoid of emotional resonance. Despite its originality, it doesn't make for a compelling narrative—in fact, quite the opposite.
Other elements exacerbate the issue, such as repetitive action sequences, the "same-face" syndrome among the main cast, and nonsensical plot twists. However, these pale in comparison to the glaring void in characterization within this manga.
Despite these flaws, I can't give it the lowest rating because there were a few aspects I appreciated. The ending is genuinely beautiful, although not enough to justify slogging through 65 tedious chapters. The world-building is fairly intriguing, with an otherworldly atmosphere, and the artwork excels in depicting post-apocalyptic landscapes. I believe I would've enjoyed it far more if it had been a single-volume manga focusing solely on Killy traversing those desolate terrains, considering how poor the actual storyline is—it would have been better to have no story at all.
Blame is one of my all-time favorite manga, and I honestly can't explain why. When you first pick up this book, you'll probably think, "What on earth is this? It's just endless hallways and occasionally killing monsters."
I've read the entire series at least four times from start to finish, and it wasn't until the last time that I felt like I truly understood what was happening.
Story - Rest assured, there is indeed a story in Blame. However, the author isn't going to make it easy for you to figure out what it is. There's no narration, barely any internal dialogue, and honestly not much regular dialogue either. Entire chapters can go by without a single word bubble appearing. This emphasizes the bleak, never-ending nature of the characters' environment, but at the same time, it can be challenging to grasp what's going on.
Art - Tsutomu Nihei has a very distinct art style. You can see his improvement from the beginning to the end of the series, yet it remains unmistakably his own. Some people will love it, while others might not.
Character - This part is tricky. With so little internal dialogue, it can be hard to understand what a character is thinking or why they're doing something. This series doesn't focus on character interactions or development, so if you're looking for something psychological, this probably isn't the manga for you.
Enjoyment - I definitely enjoyed reading it. The bizarre cyberpunk setting, the fights between screaming robots, the graviton beam emitter gun that shoots 300-kilometer long beams—not to mention the seriously freaky-looking biomechanical monster antagonists. And sometimes, he throws in these incredibly random little interludes that will mess with your mind, then moves on, leaving you wondering what they were about.
Overall - As I said, it's one of my favorite manga of all time, but I really can't tell you why. It's just very different.
BLAME! stands as a remarkable showcase of manga as an art form. Among the few series, including Ghost in the Shell, it delves into themes of existentialism and technological advancement without becoming overly preachy or bogged down by exposition.
The pacing is masterfully executed; to some, it might appear slow, but it feels meticulously designed. While there's ample action, those seeking constant battle sequences should look elsewhere. The plot can be perplexing at times, with certain elements left partially explained or entirely unexplained.
The artwork has a distinct style that may not appeal to everyone—it's an acquired taste. Personally, I appreciate it, though I acknowledge its divisive nature. Like other facets of the series, the art underscores the absence of humanity and Killy’s profound isolation.
The vast, labyrinthine setting serves as a nightmarish architectural backdrop. Combined with the measured pacing, somber atmosphere, and sparse dialogue, it compels readers to interpret events and the overarching journey personally. Killy remains somewhat enigmatic, rarely revealing his inner thoughts. This ambiguity made me relate to him more deeply. With minimal background on him and witnessing his solitary progress, I found myself projecting my own emotions onto his character.
This layered interpretation became integral to my experience, forever altering my perspective on the medium. However, the scarcity of human interaction makes encounters with other characters emotionally significant, which can be distressing when they inevitably meet grim fates. While I understand this from a narrative standpoint, I still dislike being manipulated emotionally. If you prefer tidy endings where all mysteries are solved and everyone lives happily ever after, you won't appreciate the conclusion here.
Nonetheless, I found the ending satisfactory. Overall, BLAME! is an exceptional series well worth reading.
Manga and anime are celebrated for many attributes, yet one common trait is their tendency to be dramatically exaggerated. Characters with vibrant colors and hair flowing in all directions shout the names of their devastating attacks amidst intense reactions and profound inner monologues. This style sets these mediums apart and adds to their charm. Japan's approach to almost everything embraces a "more is more" philosophy, from advertising to entertainment venues. But what if you took the opposite route? That’s precisely what Tsutomu Nihei achieves with Blame!, creating one of the most unique manga experiences that everyone should explore.
Blame! defies typical manga conventions. It notably lacks dialogue, akin only to the silent Gon. There's no narration or exposition; characters speak sparingly and only when necessary. Yet, this silence doesn't detract from its deep storytelling. Blame! is minimalist and surrealistic, filled with subtext and an extraordinary universe of intriguing characters. Readers are given just enough context to understand, leaving the rest to their imagination—a clear "show don't tell" method. For instance, Killy/Kiryi wields a powerful gun, but instead of describing its might, we see him violently recoil from each shot followed by panels of destruction. His resilience is shown through his ability to crash through walls and keep fighting. This restrained, visual storytelling is refreshing and captivating.
The minimal use of words places significant weight on the artwork, which isn’t an issue considering Nihei's architectural background. The backgrounds are among the most breathtaking seen in any manga, featuring sprawling columns, intricate machinery, and megastructures that are both vast and claustrophobic. The colossal scale combined with tiny character drawings creates an immense sense of proportion. Everything feels artificial, devoid of sunlight and air, as buildings vanish into the distance. The creatures and landscapes often blend flesh and technology into twisted, beautiful forms reminiscent of H.R. Giger's work. Few worlds feel as rich and endless as this, where space and time become incomprehensibly vast.
Nihei's art isn't just about architectural sketches; it brims with personality, emotion, and atmosphere. These elements form the core of Blame!'s storytelling, keeping readers engaged and questioning its meaning. His sketch-like style contrasts well with clean lines, adding character. Action flows smoothly, and violence is depicted beautifully and captivates. Minor complaints include slightly wonky faces and occasional visual clarity issues due to the murky art style. However, he compensates with stunning color pages using an oil painting technique.
In essence, Blame! is a top-tier cyberpunk manga. It features advanced tech, rogue automatons, alternative life forms, genetic mutations, digital realms, and more. If you want great visuals and action-packed cyborg battles, you'll find them here. It stands out with its unique surrealistic approach to world-building. The writing is sharp, and characters are charismatic and enigmatic. Uncertainty about meanings adds to the experience, inviting readers to ponder the story's intricacies.
In conclusion, Blame! ranks among the greatest manga ever made. It's an exciting cyberpunk tale that immerses readers in its atmospheric world, sparking long-lasting imagination. Its richness in detail makes it better upon re-reading. Everyone should read Blame! and immerse themselves in this unique world; not doing so is a disservice. We still need to find the Net Terminal Gene.
Let me share something with you first, I couldn't last 15 minutes in the Blame! world... They created incredible things; it was a Cyberpunk manga but somehow they forgot to invent railings. These mega structures of an endless city were made up of parts called strata, and there wasn't a single railing on any stairs or bridges anywhere... HA HA! I would definitely fall... HA HA!
All jokes aside, it was an incredible manga... The mangaka preferred to tell the story mostly through art, with not much dialogue, making it a very fast read. The action was executed very well, with just the right amount of it. I couldn't guess if the manga would end well or badly right away... That's the feeling a quality indie book gives you. Just amazing. The main character Kyrii was searching for something called the Net Terminal Gene. People who had this gene could access the netsphere and set everything right. The entire city of strata megastructures was in chaos, and only a human with the Net Terminal Gene could stop it. There were beings called Silicon Life (sort of like cyborgs) thriving on this chaos, so they didn't want anyone to find the human with the Net Terminal Gene and were killing humans whenever possible. Additionally, there were safeguards, probably a security mechanism gone wrong, killing all humans without the Net Terminal Gene as well. Kyrii, later joined by an ally named Cibo, fought against them while searching for the human or humans with the Net Terminal Gene.
It was uncertain how long Kyrii had been on his quest to find the human with the Net Terminal Gene. He was very determined, iron-willed, a strong silent type. My favorite kind of character. They never complain and don't think about anything other than the job or quest at hand. Kyrii's journey was somewhat melancholic due to the vast empty spaces he wandered in. He was so small, lonely, and insignificant amidst the gigantic structures and vast spaces. In the end, he was alone... still trying to achieve his quest... :/ That was so sad... :/ Don't get me wrong, it was a well-done ending but a bit confusing. I also liked that many things were left unclear; I'm glad I don't have encyclopedic information about everything in the end. I prefer this mystery about many aspects of the Blame! world, making the story more parallel with real life in an interesting way.
The art was raw and sketchy, fitting perfectly with a world full of unknowns.
Nihei Tsutomu's BLAME! was an incredible journey! You are guaranteed to be drawn into this perplexing fictional universe...
He masterfully weaves a gothic-cyberpunk setting unlike anything I have ever encountered before. The closest art style I can compare it to is the eerie concepts from H.R. Giger in the Alien franchise. It's clear that in this realm, technology has become omnipresent.
Killy's adventure takes us on a dark and perilous journey with danger lurking around every corner (quite literally!). Not to mention, the scale of this world is colossal, as are the boundaries of time and space.
The Manga is packed with fast-paced action, explosions, eccentric characters (who cannot always be trusted), and a complex narrative that requires some digestion. In other words, this Manga may not appeal to everyone. However, if you're a fan of cyberpunk filled with gore and ghastliness (and spine-chilling cyborgs), then I highly recommend BLAME! Even just examining each page alone is remarkable...
Personally, I had heard about BLAME! for a long time and only recently watched the 2017 film on Netflix (Australia). Although it's fairly new to me, I can confidently say that I am now a fan. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I have.
You might enjoy BLAME! if you liked: The Terminator, Dead Space, iRobot, Blade Runner, Alien (especially in terms of the art style - look up H.R. Giger), Edward Scissorhands (character designs), The City of Ember (to an extent), Ghost in the Shell, Evangelion, AKIRA.
Blame is a manga that begins in a confusing manner, but around the 20th chapter, it starts to shed light on its world in its unique way. However, after those initial 20 chapters, the explanations cease, and the reader is left on a bewildering journey.
The only reason I didn't abandon Blame is because I appreciated the art. The characters aren't exceptionally drawn, but the action sequences and two-page spreads enhance the visual appeal significantly.
Despite my enjoyment of the artwork, even the most impressive panels can't compensate for the incoherent and chaotic storyline. Blame is the sole series I've read where I had to look up a synopsis just to attempt to grasp what I had just experienced.
In summary, I cannot genuinely recommend Blame to anyone unless they are seeking a frustratingly bad time.
Popular Reviews
Slight Spoilers, but nothing really.
TLDR - This masterpiece offers one of the most distinctive reading experiences out there. Just dive in!
Story - 10/10
The narrative is sparse on dialogue; instead, it's embedded within the world, journey, and characters. Readers must navigate this universe and decipher the story independently, almost as if they are living through the protagonist's eyes. Later chapters take a Satoshi Kon-like turn, blurring reality and fantasy. Time and space, physical and virtual realms, often seem nonexistent. Years can pass in mere panels, locations shift instantly, and the plot leaps forward dramatically. Yet, Nihei keeps readers engaged with stunning settings and explosive action scenes, layering on world-building and mystery. Though he aimed for a linear story, it becomes quite ambiguous, leaving readers to fill in their interpretations.
Art - 10/10
This is challenging. Initially, the art may seem peculiar, but Tsutomu Nihei's style evolves beautifully in subsequent chapters. His art perfectly matches the tone and setting. No other style could capture Blame!'s bleak, vast, mind-bending world. Characters lack rigid boundaries, blending into each other, while backgrounds are meticulously crafted and unique on every page. Blame! excels here with intricate details, infinite landscapes, and diverse character designs.
Characters - 10/10
Barely any backstory, inner monologues, or plot narration exists throughout the series, adding another layer of ambiguity that I personally adore.
Enjoyment - 10/10
Not a single page failed to astonish me. There's always something new—be it story, art, or adrenaline-pumping action. A constant sense of awe, excitement, and tension builds, providing an unforgettable journey. You won't regret reading it.
Wow, what an incredible manga! The artwork is stunning and filled with intricate details. The setting and storyline are uniquely futuristic, making it stand out. Interestingly, despite the serious tone of the manga, I often find myself laughing. This might be due to the minimal dialogue, forcing readers to interpret the characters' expressions closely. Killy, in particular, provides plenty of humorous moments this way. Additionally, the characters are masterfully designed, each with their own distinct personalities, including the Silicon Creatures. Overall, BLAME! shines as a fantastic manga with an engaging story, remarkable characters, and breathtaking artwork and detailing!
Blame! is a pure science-fiction delight. It doesn't have a coherent narrative or deeply developed characters, but it excels in crafting an extraordinary setting. This manga embodies the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Dialogue and exposition are minimal, replaced by world-building and intense action.
Blame! showcases the boundless creativity and imagination of a science-fiction universe. Rather than focusing on societies and individuals, it delves into the fundamental elements of its world, featuring colossal monoliths and structures that stretch beyond human sight. The angles, scaling, and shading are executed brilliantly to capture the dystopian beauty of this realm. The level of detail is astounding. While Blame! emphasizes its environment, it also introduces various intriguing characters who contribute to the story. Though they take a backseat, these characters receive adequate development.
The protagonist of Blame! is the ideal guide for such a tale. We can immerse ourselves through his silent journey across endless steel and beams. Through his eyes, we experience the bleakness and darkness of the world. His lack of dialogue allows us to absorb everything without overthinking. It's like being there yourself, standing atop those massive platings and pathways. The gothic atmosphere created by the manga is captivating, enhancing the sense of immersion in its environment. The structures and buildings are filled with details from afar and up close, revealing snippets of the world's history as the protagonist navigates the robust landscape.
The protagonist encounters a variety of machine lifeforms leading to many action-packed exchanges. The action in Blame! is brief yet frequent, consistently amazing and perfectly aligned with my tastes. Action set against a gothic backdrop is sheer bliss for me. The absence of dialogue during these scenes makes them more engaging, allowing you to absorb the impact of the action effortlessly. The action is raw and comes in short bursts, but its consistency makes it endearing.
Blame! aims to show rather than tell. It presents a perfect dystopian, science-fiction world with an equally compelling atmosphere. The story may be chaotic, but it fits the genre perfectly. The presentation keeps engagement high despite its disorienting nature. While Blame! isn't the pinnacle of storytelling or complex character creation, it stands out as one of the coolest and most fascinating depictions of a science-fiction setting. Blame! exudes style with its cyberpunk dystopia, creating an experience that speaks louder than words.
I wanted to enjoy Blame!, but the manga didn't let me. The first two volumes are almost unreadable due to poor paneling, making it a struggle to understand what's being depicted. There's no flow or sense of position or direction, making it hard to discern Killy's location relative to his surroundings or the safeguards' positions relative to him. While the art style could be appealing, it's difficult to appreciate because of the lack of clarity. This improves somewhat in volume 3, where deciphering the pages becomes easier, but issues with positioning and direction persist through volume 8. Volume 9 marks a significant improvement, with its more open settings allowing for better visibility of architecture and effective displays of character and mechanical designs. In the final two volumes, the art is finally clear enough to reveal interesting and eerie designs with an organic, insect-like quality. The occasional page spreads showcasing good architecture and environmental angles are nice, but they don't make up for the earlier volumes' shortcomings.
Blame! doesn't have much of a story, which isn't necessarily a problem. I was intrigued by the idea of reading about someone wandering through a cyberpunk apocalypse without a specific motivation. Killy is searching for the "Net Terminal Gene," though its purpose remains unclear. This simple premise should suffice for a manga focused on atmosphere and aesthetics. However, when the visuals are subpar, it's challenging to immerse oneself in the journey's simplicity. Some lore is sprinkled throughout, but it's largely irrelevant and serves mainly to satisfy fans. That said, if you're interested in Blame!, you might find some reward in these details.
Just as there's no story, there's also no character development. Killy, the spandex-clad wanderer, searches for the "Net Terminal Gene," and that's all we learn about him until the end. He has companions like Cibo along the way, and occasionally another wanderer joins him for a few volumes. Like the story, I welcomed the simplicity of characters without depth. Yet, when the primary draw—visuals—isn't compelling, there's little reason to care.
In conclusion, Blame! isn't worth reading. If you're interested in architecture, look up "Hagia Sophia." If you enjoy cyberpunk, seek something visually appealing. Had Blame! succeeded in its art and paneling, it could have been a great manga. Unfortunately, it falls short, making it a disappointing read.
Blame! is my all-time favorite manga. There's something captivating about it that made it impossible for me to put down from start to finish. I believe this is because Blame! uses the manga medium exceptionally well to tell its story.
The first thing you notice when reading Blame! is the use of negative space. Tsutomu Nihei strives to tell a purely visual story, keeping dialogue and text to an absolute minimum. In line with this approach, many characters in Blame! are illiterate, unable to read any signs or symbols in their grotesque world. This reliance on showing rather than telling demands incredible attention to detail and a stunning art style, both of which Tsutomu delivers masterfully. The visuals in Blame! are so striking that they actually benefit from being in black and white. Comparing the manga's illustrations to the full-color movie adaptation, the latter lacks the gravitas inherent in greyscale.
Story-wise, Blame! is a noir tale, with Killy acting as a detective wandering through endless halls in search of humanity's last hope for survival and uncovering information about the collapse of the old world. The plot may seem simple at first glance, but its execution is superb, unfolding at a comfortable pace for the reader, even though it spans countless years for the characters. Tsutomu treats the reader as a bystander watching Killy from the background during key moments. Like any bystander who stumbles upon a story in medias res, we begin confused and ignorant. We don't know who Killy is, whether he's human, where we are, what year it is, who the antagonists are, or anything at all. It's only by observing Killy repeatedly through his travels that we can piece together the beautiful world on the page.
I cannot recommend this manga enough, although be warned that (for me at least) the paneling can be a bit confusing, and during certain fight scenes, it can be easy to get a bit mixed up.
Originality isn't always a positive attribute, and Blame! serves as a prime example of this notion.
At its heart, this manga adheres to a classic "quest" narrative, much like the tales of the holy grail: we encounter a hero on a mission, who battles numerous foes, befriends some along the way, faces increasingly stronger adversaries, experiences betrayal from friends, yet ultimately triumphs over all obstacles. This is the fundamental structure of such stories, and Blame! follows it quite rigorously.
The reason why this genre usually succeeds, whereas Blame! fails miserably, is straightforward: the CHARACTERS. The characters in this manga lack any semblance of personality, backstory, or aspirations. Typically, I lament that some manga characters are one-dimensional, but here, it's even more severe; these characters barely exist dimensionally at all. Consequently, I feel nothing for the protagonist when he confronts peril, narrowly escapes "death," or endures betrayal by friends. No attachment, no emotions—just sheer frustration. It's even worse for the "enemies," who are essentially faceless clones. Due to Blame!'s unique storytelling approach, this results in a quest story devoid of emotional resonance. Despite its originality, it doesn't make for a compelling narrative—in fact, quite the opposite.
Other elements exacerbate the issue, such as repetitive action sequences, the "same-face" syndrome among the main cast, and nonsensical plot twists. However, these pale in comparison to the glaring void in characterization within this manga.
Despite these flaws, I can't give it the lowest rating because there were a few aspects I appreciated. The ending is genuinely beautiful, although not enough to justify slogging through 65 tedious chapters. The world-building is fairly intriguing, with an otherworldly atmosphere, and the artwork excels in depicting post-apocalyptic landscapes. I believe I would've enjoyed it far more if it had been a single-volume manga focusing solely on Killy traversing those desolate terrains, considering how poor the actual storyline is—it would have been better to have no story at all.
Blame is one of my all-time favorite manga, and I honestly can't explain why. When you first pick up this book, you'll probably think, "What on earth is this? It's just endless hallways and occasionally killing monsters."
I've read the entire series at least four times from start to finish, and it wasn't until the last time that I felt like I truly understood what was happening.
Story - Rest assured, there is indeed a story in Blame. However, the author isn't going to make it easy for you to figure out what it is. There's no narration, barely any internal dialogue, and honestly not much regular dialogue either. Entire chapters can go by without a single word bubble appearing. This emphasizes the bleak, never-ending nature of the characters' environment, but at the same time, it can be challenging to grasp what's going on.
Art - Tsutomu Nihei has a very distinct art style. You can see his improvement from the beginning to the end of the series, yet it remains unmistakably his own. Some people will love it, while others might not.
Character - This part is tricky. With so little internal dialogue, it can be hard to understand what a character is thinking or why they're doing something. This series doesn't focus on character interactions or development, so if you're looking for something psychological, this probably isn't the manga for you.
Enjoyment - I definitely enjoyed reading it. The bizarre cyberpunk setting, the fights between screaming robots, the graviton beam emitter gun that shoots 300-kilometer long beams—not to mention the seriously freaky-looking biomechanical monster antagonists. And sometimes, he throws in these incredibly random little interludes that will mess with your mind, then moves on, leaving you wondering what they were about.
Overall - As I said, it's one of my favorite manga of all time, but I really can't tell you why. It's just very different.
BLAME! stands as a remarkable showcase of manga as an art form. Among the few series, including Ghost in the Shell, it delves into themes of existentialism and technological advancement without becoming overly preachy or bogged down by exposition.
The pacing is masterfully executed; to some, it might appear slow, but it feels meticulously designed. While there's ample action, those seeking constant battle sequences should look elsewhere. The plot can be perplexing at times, with certain elements left partially explained or entirely unexplained.
The artwork has a distinct style that may not appeal to everyone—it's an acquired taste. Personally, I appreciate it, though I acknowledge its divisive nature. Like other facets of the series, the art underscores the absence of humanity and Killy’s profound isolation.
The vast, labyrinthine setting serves as a nightmarish architectural backdrop. Combined with the measured pacing, somber atmosphere, and sparse dialogue, it compels readers to interpret events and the overarching journey personally. Killy remains somewhat enigmatic, rarely revealing his inner thoughts. This ambiguity made me relate to him more deeply. With minimal background on him and witnessing his solitary progress, I found myself projecting my own emotions onto his character.
This layered interpretation became integral to my experience, forever altering my perspective on the medium. However, the scarcity of human interaction makes encounters with other characters emotionally significant, which can be distressing when they inevitably meet grim fates. While I understand this from a narrative standpoint, I still dislike being manipulated emotionally. If you prefer tidy endings where all mysteries are solved and everyone lives happily ever after, you won't appreciate the conclusion here.
Nonetheless, I found the ending satisfactory. Overall, BLAME! is an exceptional series well worth reading.
Manga and anime are celebrated for many attributes, yet one common trait is their tendency to be dramatically exaggerated. Characters with vibrant colors and hair flowing in all directions shout the names of their devastating attacks amidst intense reactions and profound inner monologues. This style sets these mediums apart and adds to their charm. Japan's approach to almost everything embraces a "more is more" philosophy, from advertising to entertainment venues. But what if you took the opposite route? That’s precisely what Tsutomu Nihei achieves with Blame!, creating one of the most unique manga experiences that everyone should explore.
Blame! defies typical manga conventions. It notably lacks dialogue, akin only to the silent Gon. There's no narration or exposition; characters speak sparingly and only when necessary. Yet, this silence doesn't detract from its deep storytelling. Blame! is minimalist and surrealistic, filled with subtext and an extraordinary universe of intriguing characters. Readers are given just enough context to understand, leaving the rest to their imagination—a clear "show don't tell" method. For instance, Killy/Kiryi wields a powerful gun, but instead of describing its might, we see him violently recoil from each shot followed by panels of destruction. His resilience is shown through his ability to crash through walls and keep fighting. This restrained, visual storytelling is refreshing and captivating.
The minimal use of words places significant weight on the artwork, which isn’t an issue considering Nihei's architectural background. The backgrounds are among the most breathtaking seen in any manga, featuring sprawling columns, intricate machinery, and megastructures that are both vast and claustrophobic. The colossal scale combined with tiny character drawings creates an immense sense of proportion. Everything feels artificial, devoid of sunlight and air, as buildings vanish into the distance. The creatures and landscapes often blend flesh and technology into twisted, beautiful forms reminiscent of H.R. Giger's work. Few worlds feel as rich and endless as this, where space and time become incomprehensibly vast.
Nihei's art isn't just about architectural sketches; it brims with personality, emotion, and atmosphere. These elements form the core of Blame!'s storytelling, keeping readers engaged and questioning its meaning. His sketch-like style contrasts well with clean lines, adding character. Action flows smoothly, and violence is depicted beautifully and captivates. Minor complaints include slightly wonky faces and occasional visual clarity issues due to the murky art style. However, he compensates with stunning color pages using an oil painting technique.
In essence, Blame! is a top-tier cyberpunk manga. It features advanced tech, rogue automatons, alternative life forms, genetic mutations, digital realms, and more. If you want great visuals and action-packed cyborg battles, you'll find them here. It stands out with its unique surrealistic approach to world-building. The writing is sharp, and characters are charismatic and enigmatic. Uncertainty about meanings adds to the experience, inviting readers to ponder the story's intricacies.
In conclusion, Blame! ranks among the greatest manga ever made. It's an exciting cyberpunk tale that immerses readers in its atmospheric world, sparking long-lasting imagination. Its richness in detail makes it better upon re-reading. Everyone should read Blame! and immerse themselves in this unique world; not doing so is a disservice. We still need to find the Net Terminal Gene.
LOG. END.
Let me share something with you first, I couldn't last 15 minutes in the Blame! world... They created incredible things; it was a Cyberpunk manga but somehow they forgot to invent railings. These mega structures of an endless city were made up of parts called strata, and there wasn't a single railing on any stairs or bridges anywhere... HA HA! I would definitely fall... HA HA!
All jokes aside, it was an incredible manga... The mangaka preferred to tell the story mostly through art, with not much dialogue, making it a very fast read. The action was executed very well, with just the right amount of it. I couldn't guess if the manga would end well or badly right away... That's the feeling a quality indie book gives you. Just amazing. The main character Kyrii was searching for something called the Net Terminal Gene. People who had this gene could access the netsphere and set everything right. The entire city of strata megastructures was in chaos, and only a human with the Net Terminal Gene could stop it. There were beings called Silicon Life (sort of like cyborgs) thriving on this chaos, so they didn't want anyone to find the human with the Net Terminal Gene and were killing humans whenever possible. Additionally, there were safeguards, probably a security mechanism gone wrong, killing all humans without the Net Terminal Gene as well. Kyrii, later joined by an ally named Cibo, fought against them while searching for the human or humans with the Net Terminal Gene.
It was uncertain how long Kyrii had been on his quest to find the human with the Net Terminal Gene. He was very determined, iron-willed, a strong silent type. My favorite kind of character. They never complain and don't think about anything other than the job or quest at hand. Kyrii's journey was somewhat melancholic due to the vast empty spaces he wandered in. He was so small, lonely, and insignificant amidst the gigantic structures and vast spaces. In the end, he was alone... still trying to achieve his quest... :/ That was so sad... :/ Don't get me wrong, it was a well-done ending but a bit confusing. I also liked that many things were left unclear; I'm glad I don't have encyclopedic information about everything in the end. I prefer this mystery about many aspects of the Blame! world, making the story more parallel with real life in an interesting way.
The art was raw and sketchy, fitting perfectly with a world full of unknowns.
Nihei Tsutomu's BLAME! was an incredible journey! You are guaranteed to be drawn into this perplexing fictional universe...
He masterfully weaves a gothic-cyberpunk setting unlike anything I have ever encountered before. The closest art style I can compare it to is the eerie concepts from H.R. Giger in the Alien franchise. It's clear that in this realm, technology has become omnipresent.
Killy's adventure takes us on a dark and perilous journey with danger lurking around every corner (quite literally!). Not to mention, the scale of this world is colossal, as are the boundaries of time and space.
The Manga is packed with fast-paced action, explosions, eccentric characters (who cannot always be trusted), and a complex narrative that requires some digestion. In other words, this Manga may not appeal to everyone. However, if you're a fan of cyberpunk filled with gore and ghastliness (and spine-chilling cyborgs), then I highly recommend BLAME! Even just examining each page alone is remarkable...
Personally, I had heard about BLAME! for a long time and only recently watched the 2017 film on Netflix (Australia). Although it's fairly new to me, I can confidently say that I am now a fan. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I have.
You might enjoy BLAME! if you liked: The Terminator, Dead Space, iRobot, Blade Runner, Alien (especially in terms of the art style - look up H.R. Giger), Edward Scissorhands (character designs), The City of Ember (to an extent), Ghost in the Shell, Evangelion, AKIRA.
Blame is a manga that begins in a confusing manner, but around the 20th chapter, it starts to shed light on its world in its unique way. However, after those initial 20 chapters, the explanations cease, and the reader is left on a bewildering journey.
The only reason I didn't abandon Blame is because I appreciated the art. The characters aren't exceptionally drawn, but the action sequences and two-page spreads enhance the visual appeal significantly.
Despite my enjoyment of the artwork, even the most impressive panels can't compensate for the incoherent and chaotic storyline. Blame is the sole series I've read where I had to look up a synopsis just to attempt to grasp what I had just experienced.
In summary, I cannot genuinely recommend Blame to anyone unless they are seeking a frustratingly bad time.
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