tl;dr: A poorly executed story with underdeveloped characters set in a fascinating world.
Blame is a manga situated in an intriguing post-apocalyptic cyberpunk setting. The city appears to extend infinitely in all directions, managed by an AI within the netsphere. Humanity lost control of this AI, which now operates autonomously based on its original parameters. Consequently, the city's systems function but barely. Four main factions exist within this environment:
There are humans struggling to survive, Silicon Life—sentient silicon beings aiming to access and control the netsphere, the Administration (AI tasked with protecting humanity), and Safeguards—AI programmed to eliminate potential netsphere threats, including humans and Silicon Life. Additional entities include Builders, who mindlessly construct the city, and various dangerous creatures.
The issue with Blame lies in its poor storytelling. Moreover, the plot itself is weak. It revolves around Kyrii and scientist Cibo searching for someone with the Net Terminal Gene to access the netsphere. While not a bad premise, the execution is flawed. Kyrii’s motivations are often unclear, and his backstory doesn't justify his actions. Cibo, driven by curiosity and a desire to help others, lacks character development, making her unengaging. Side characters add little value, and the numerous battles against Silicon Life and Safeguards feel pointless and disconnected from the overarching narrative. This results in a lack of emotional investment in any outcomes. Additionally, Kyrii's overpowered gun becomes repetitive quickly.
The art, while generally praised, didn't impress me. The cover art is excellent, but the internal illustrations are mediocre. Initially captivating due to the unique world designs, the dread-inducing visuals and awe-inspiring landscapes become repetitive. By the second volume, the art felt dull and unappealing. Many panels serve no story purpose and merely showcase the world. Faster pacing and more judicious use of art might have sustained interest. Instead, the overwhelming visual bombardment numbs the reader, combined with slow paneling and nonsensical plots, making the manga boring at times.
Lastly, the Vertical master edition uses a different translation from the Tokyopop version and anime. As someone new to the franchise, most differences seem minor, except for the protagonist being named Kyrii instead of Killy, which changes the tone significantly. Overall, I’m not a fan of this change.
The narrative is presented in a highly visual manner, with meaningful dialogue being a rare occurrence. It's a concept that stands out and hasn't been seen much elsewhere. Most panels resemble architectural sketches of cityscapes, offering insights into what it would be like to traverse the world of Blame! Hidden gems can be found in every nook and cranny, making reading each panel a longer process compared to dialogue-heavy manga such as Ore Monogatari, which lacks detailed backgrounds or landscapes.
The art style is rough and gritty, with character designs even showing inconsistencies. However, the art excels in depicting artificial landscapes. If you're looking for stories or designs driven by characters, you might want to look elsewhere.
The story itself is quite straightforward, but the journey keeps you engaged. Similar to The Hobbit, this tale follows a protagonist (and his occasional companions) on a path towards a clear goal: finding something.
I read the Master Edition, which consists of six volumes with larger pages. I found the last two volumes to be my least favorite. Suddenly, the focus shifts to fighting, and reaching the ultimate goal is condensed into just a few pages. The issue with the fight scenes is that due to the rough art style, it can be challenging to discern what is happening to whom. Some fight scenes required careful examination to understand.
In conclusion, this is a must-read for fans of visual novels. The storytelling is executed in such an unconventional way that it serves as an excellent case study for how visual novels (comics, manga, etc.) can diverge from mainstream approaches.
However, for me, it falls short of other masterpieces like Berserk, mainly due to those final two volumes. Ultimately, the graviton gun-wielding artificial immortal superhuman prevails, and there are minimal stakes involved.
Note: English is not my native language, I apologize for possible mistakes. (Review in English and Spanish)
To start with, this is undoubtedly one of the gemstones or jewelry of Cyberpunk in the world of manga and one of the best cult sleeves within the genre, thanks to the legendary Tsutomu Nihei (unfortunately not of the anime so far, as it has not had an animated adaptation as such and I prefer not to count the "animated projects" that came out at the beginning of the millennium, only the film of 2017 gives a bit of honor to this story, for the moment.)
Blame! is located in a futuristic world thousands of years in the future! In this world, humanity has been practically annihilated, the world as we know it has long ceased to exist, and we are situated in a kind of huge Megastructure that many simply call "The City," which presents chaotic and unbridled growth thanks to machines that still operate without any control... to give us an idea, it would be something similar to the theory known as the Dyson Sphere, a theory proposed in the year 1960 that talks about a gigantic or colossal Megastructure, able to surround a star completely and that extends in space.
In this almost endless or infinite Megastructure, built with the intelligence of past humanity and machines known as The Builders, is where Blame! unfolds. Here we encounter beings such as The Safeguard, these robots (those of higher ranks practically close to artificial intelligence and with human features) had the objective of defending humans with connection genes to the Netsphere. However, past humans lost this ability, thus they were considered threats or unauthorized inhabitants, and since then The Safeguard dedicated themselves to annihilating them. We are also introduced to some of the beings with the best design that can be seen, the Silicon Life, who share, although for other reasons, that objective with the Safeguard.
This Megastructure has spread so much that over thousands of kilometers you cannot find any kind of life. It's no wonder; the few remaining groups of humanity are so separated from each other that they have mutated over time, some of them no longer having the human appearance we know, not to mention that they are always on the verge of extinction.
*There are many more details that I would like to include in this review, but I do not want to ruin the surprises.*
Our protagonist is a man named Killy, who has been wandering for a long time in that cybernetic labyrinth and is accompanied by a powerful weapon called Gravitational Beam Emitter. From the first chapter of the manga, we see a quiet guy who does not remember things about himself and with only one objective: to find the Network Terminal Genes. What are the Network Terminal Genes? Saying more would really spoil a lot, but let's say that it is something that only a pure human can possess, and as I mentioned at the beginning, humanity as we know it has practically died for a long time when Blame! starts.
This is a manga with a solitary atmosphere and a world of death. We are immersed in a chaotic history full of loneliness, where we will see our protagonist embark on a journey that seems to have no end, travel thousands of kilometers, climb thousands of structures, and yes, this is a peculiar manga in which in many chapters we will have more images than dialogues. You've heard the famous phrase: Sometimes an image says more than a thousand words?
I think there can't be better manga than Blame! to confirm that phrase. But don't worry; this manga tells things when it needs to tell them, mainly through one of the characters that I have loved most, Cibo, a kind of transhuman android, that accompanies Killy in a good part of the story.
The visual narrative is incredible, but I must admit that it is not quite well taken because it allows a completely free interpretation and different depending on who reads it. I know that for many, the chapters where Killy runs through that labyrinth can seem heavy, and explanations that we obtain in explanatory chapters can be messy (It is not surprising that after finishing the manga you find yourself visiting forums to complete some idea or doubt that the story leaves you).
Talking about his art or drawing, it is noted that Nihei studied architecture. His strokes and drawings in the Megastructure, as well as in the Silicon Life and other structures and backgrounds that we can see in the manga, are incredible! I have no complaint in that section; it is a delight of drawing. However, the design of the characters (especially their faces), at first leaves much to be desired, although this improves a lot over time, but that part I do not finish to convince entirely.
His characters are undoubtedly interesting, most of them leave you a mystery and you want to know more or explain more. I consider Cibo the best character that could be introduced to accompany the protagonist and also the character that opens us to certain explanations in the story. Do not expect it to be the typical relationship of friends you can see in other stories, or that these show some kind of friendship affection as such. Their relationship is rather cold, without words, perhaps distant at times, but in the end, it is about mutual companionship, practically what would be expected of two people who can't really be considered "people" as such.
Killy is the quietest protagonist I've ever seen, but that doesn't make him bad, on the contrary, it was to be expected from someone like him, and he is the best character in the manga. My favoritism for him may come close to Guts (Berserk). At times I come to think of this story as a world similar to Berserk's, but completely cybernetic and more nihilistic. Killy is the man!
I have to highlight the enigmatic Silicon Life, these undoubtedly have the best design you can see. Unlike the characters with human features, they have 100% cybernetic appearances, with a gothic combination, violent and exaggerated designs, but without doubt, you would like to do some cosplay of them and it is not less, a cosplay imitating the appearance of Silicon Life would be 10/10.
To finish writing, this is a manga that I would recommend to all fans of the Cyberpunk genre, although most of them are likely to find this work confusing (which it is). However, it is one of the best readings and visual experiences of drawing that you can read or see. A story that touches very well the feelings of loneliness, surrealism, where you can find several things like dark environments, a post-apocalyptic dystopia, structures that will leave you with your mouth open, mystery, cyborgs, and creatures, and well, give it a chance if you haven't done it and read it.
Now this is definitely an intriguing entry to delve into. Initially, readers might be utterly bewildered by the unfolding events, and the absence of dialogue doesn't aid in clarifying matters. However, as you progress, you gradually grasp the universe within which the story unfolds. This isn't achieved through reams of dialogue but rather by sharing the harsh realities faced by the characters. It's quite refreshing to encounter a manga that employs such a unique method of world-building; the fascinating world presented is reason enough to dive into this series.
The artwork adopts a very gritty, futuristic aesthetic. Occasionally, it can be somewhat challenging to discern precisely what's happening, especially if you're accustomed to the polished visuals of contemporary digital manga. Yet, this style possesses considerable charm. All that's required is an open mind and acceptance of its idiosyncrasies to fully appreciate the intricate details embedded in each panel.
The protagonists are introduced without any backstory, something I believe they don't need at all. This approach allows us to learn more about them as their journey progresses, fostering a sense of attachment. While they may not be the most relatable characters due to their underdeveloped personalities, this is a deliberate choice that aligns with the narrative's setting. Consequently, this aspect enhances rather than detracts from the story.
I stumbled upon this manga series by chance and found the initial chapters perplexing, yet ultimately, I have no regrets about reading it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that it has earned a place among my favorites. The allure of Blame! is difficult to articulate, but if you share my love for sci-fi and dark fantasy, you're bound to relish reading this manga.
Sure, most people older than eight hate narrators in stories, as if you can't realize it yourself, eh? The point is that most people can't, and consequently, most stories feature a narrator. The so-called 'hidden narrator' is a supernatural entity that takes over characters at random moments, making them say or discuss things completely out of character and absurdly irrelevant to their roles. This helps clarify things for the reader. You wouldn't typically tell your archenemy, "It's you, the guy who..." when you encounter them, right? Imagine doing that to an old foe—it's pretty stupid, and you'd probably get interrupted and punched before finishing.
BLAME! doesn't do this; the manga is notorious for its characters rarely speaking. In reality, they speak as little as most would without a hidden narrator, resulting in many readers being baffled by what exactly BLAME! is about. Even diehard fans often lack detailed knowledge. The plot seems immense, yet simultaneously could be all power of suggestion. The author later published some details revealing the intricate and consistent machinations within BLAME!'s world, of which only fragments reached the readers. Significant planning likely went into making everything fit cohesively.
The author is an architect, and this is evident—the backgrounds are more detailed than the characters, much more so. The black-and-white manga features mostly pale-faced characters lacking detail, which suits the setting since they are quite featureless. The contrast with the extremely detailed dark backgrounds of enormous structures works well here, drawn with disproportionately high detail, especially for a manga series. Unlike many manga, there are plenty of scenes with only background. This makes sense, given the setting is inside an apparently endless, chaotic structure called 'The City.' A refreshing change, as I often lament how humans are overused in art and fiction, tired of this human-centric view. In BLAME!, The City seems more prominent than the characters, though the characters are still well-crafted. No larger-than-life heroes here, sorry if you prefer that. The characters and entire setting are surreal and grotesque, ready for lots of mutilation and amputation. But uniquely different from most media, it adds to the surreal and grotesque feel—characters barely notice their torn-off arms, staring stoically instead. Picture Alice's Wonderland assimilated by The Borg.
Naturally, as atmosphere greatly contributes to value, the re-readability is practically infinite. Most find the second read better. It's like Donnie Darko—the more you read, the more you seem to understand. And it's equally cryptic and vague. The tagline is "Maybe on Earth, Maybe in the Future," summing up BLAME!'s essence. It could take place in Earth's future, but maybe not—perhaps in a distant galaxy long ago? It's really not connected to our world, another escape from human arrogance. There's little to relate to here. One of the best things I've ever read.
These just keep getting better with every volume, and I'm only 30% through! The mind-boggling world concepts and their vast scales haven't lost their appeal yet. The overwhelming existential dread and the immense sense of insignificance these illustrations evoke continue to be deeply satisfying.
This volume surpasses the previous two by introducing a more coherent story. For the first time, I feel like I have a grasp on what's happening. The action remains thrilling, and the absurdly fascinating and infinitely creative world-building and design ideas are still there. But now, we get the added bonus of an evolving plot and characters that start to make sense. It feels like everything is building towards something grand.
Imagine a murder committed by any murderer in history. Would you believe that there are murders you could witness every day, or even within your own family? This manhwa centers around a young boy whose father (spoilers) is a murderer. The boy is trying to figure out how to defeat him. It's a psychological warfare between father and son. With its amazing characters, I've watched hundreds of animes and read a lot of manga, but this is the first time I genuinely felt scared for the main characters' lives. The author did an amazing job of writing these characters into a realistic environment with real emotions. In total, I would give this manhwa an 8/10.
The creator of Blame!, Tsutomu Nihei, isn't particularly skilled at crafting narratives. While in his other works like Knights of Sidonia or Biomega he attempted to hone his writing skills, in Blame! he didn't focus on that aspect. This is what distinguishes Blame! from his other creations. He is an exceptional artist, and this work showcases his talent more than ever. Many of the finest illustrations in manga can be found within the action sequences and architectural designs of Blame!. The fierce and imposing structures could not have been illustrated better by anyone else, nor could his unique style of depicting action scenes. Although I admire Tsutomu Nihei for not letting plot or dialogue interfere with his masterpiece, Blame! stands out as one of the most consistently challenging manga to comprehend due to the lack of these elements. Having to check forums every chapter just to understand what's happening can become quite tiresome.
That being said, if you're looking to experience the extraordinary artwork of Tsutomu Nihei without the narrative shortcomings that made his other works difficult to read, I highly recommend reading Blame!.
What sets apart a comic aimed at teens from one targeted at adults? Is it the gore or profanity? Actually, no; it's about individual perception. This comic relies entirely on the imaginative capacity of the reader. The basic premise is established initially, but most of the narrative depends heavily on the reader’s engagement. The story primarily delves into scientific horror with hints of cosmic horror. It follows the protagonist's adventure in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world as he searches for the 'net terminal gene,' aided by various allies while facing betrayals and losses.
The characters are well-developed, each contributing uniquely to the plot. A seemingly casual minor character introduced early on makes a significant impact later in the series. Amidst the competitive struggle for survival, the protagonist ventures deeper into the labyrinthine universe to protect his race. The standout feature of the series is its stunning art and the minimal use of dialogue, which together create a macabre atmosphere. What the story lacks in dialogue is more than compensated for by the masterful artwork.
The author excels in blending futurism with gothic elements through the protagonist's odyssey. Highly recommended for those who appreciate artistic beauty and can adeptly interpret the story solely through contemplating the art.
I had no prior knowledge of Blame! before stumbling upon it randomly while browsing the Top Manga section. Seeing such a concise manga ranked so highly intrigued me enough to give it a read. I absolutely adore this manga. The art, storytelling, and fight scenes all blend together seamlessly.
The abstract approach to storytelling and the minimal use of dialogue make every sound and speech bubble carry significant weight. Some might argue that this is its weakness, claiming that it lacks a straightforward narrative. However, it's an exciting and unique style that few modern manga employ.
It assaults the senses by being the complete opposite of what you are accustomed to, a solitary and claustrophobic journey across a universe governed by its own unexplained rules. This makes it more of an experience than a straightforward read that leaves you utterly confused. While I believe it is worth reading, the paneling left me completely in the dark, bewildered, and with a sense of unease. This is indeed a unique experience, but there were entire chapters where I felt lost—not in a sense of wonder about the world, but out of sheer frustration. Consequently, mixed feelings arise.
I understand how one can appreciate the beautifully ugly art and the perfectly conveyed sense of dread within this world. However, the poor paneling at times made it harder to grasp than it should have been. Its overly pretentious nature, while innovative and distinctive, failed to captivate me fully into its world. It’s good, yes, but overrated nonetheless.
Do you have a penchant for colossal science-fiction megastructures? Are you captivated by art so vast and intricate that even after scrutinizing the pages in full resolution for over ten minutes, details still elude you? Does the concept of a weapon capable of creating city-sized craters wherever it's aimed excite you? Do you appreciate manga that relies minimally on dialogue yet maximizes visual storytelling?
Well then, Blame! is the manga for you!
At first glance, Blame! appears to be a hero's journey set in a sci-fi universe, but as layers peel away, it morphs into something akin to a horror story. The future portrayed is vast and chilling, governed by emotionless machines, perpetually constructing until the heat death of the universe. As our protagonist Killy ventures deeper into the megastructure, the direness of his situation becomes more apparent, leaving readers with an unsettling sense of scale: We are insignificant, and we will never grow larger.
The narrative is subtle; while the plot remains consistent throughout, you won't encounter any shounen battle manga clichés here. At times, you may find yourself bewildered and disoriented, but this confusion is intentional and adds significant depth (pun intended) to the story.
This is all paired with Nihei's extravagantly detailed artwork, blending into a solemn procession through despair—just as cold and lifeless as the machines dominating the world of the story.
In summary, Blame! is like peering down a mine shaft: hauntingly beautiful, echoing, and profound. If you're willing to take your time to reach the bottom, who knows what marvels you might discover.
Popular Reviews
tl;dr: A poorly executed story with underdeveloped characters set in a fascinating world.
Blame is a manga situated in an intriguing post-apocalyptic cyberpunk setting. The city appears to extend infinitely in all directions, managed by an AI within the netsphere. Humanity lost control of this AI, which now operates autonomously based on its original parameters. Consequently, the city's systems function but barely. Four main factions exist within this environment:
There are humans struggling to survive, Silicon Life—sentient silicon beings aiming to access and control the netsphere, the Administration (AI tasked with protecting humanity), and Safeguards—AI programmed to eliminate potential netsphere threats, including humans and Silicon Life. Additional entities include Builders, who mindlessly construct the city, and various dangerous creatures.
The issue with Blame lies in its poor storytelling. Moreover, the plot itself is weak. It revolves around Kyrii and scientist Cibo searching for someone with the Net Terminal Gene to access the netsphere. While not a bad premise, the execution is flawed. Kyrii’s motivations are often unclear, and his backstory doesn't justify his actions. Cibo, driven by curiosity and a desire to help others, lacks character development, making her unengaging. Side characters add little value, and the numerous battles against Silicon Life and Safeguards feel pointless and disconnected from the overarching narrative. This results in a lack of emotional investment in any outcomes. Additionally, Kyrii's overpowered gun becomes repetitive quickly.
The art, while generally praised, didn't impress me. The cover art is excellent, but the internal illustrations are mediocre. Initially captivating due to the unique world designs, the dread-inducing visuals and awe-inspiring landscapes become repetitive. By the second volume, the art felt dull and unappealing. Many panels serve no story purpose and merely showcase the world. Faster pacing and more judicious use of art might have sustained interest. Instead, the overwhelming visual bombardment numbs the reader, combined with slow paneling and nonsensical plots, making the manga boring at times.
Lastly, the Vertical master edition uses a different translation from the Tokyopop version and anime. As someone new to the franchise, most differences seem minor, except for the protagonist being named Kyrii instead of Killy, which changes the tone significantly. Overall, I’m not a fan of this change.
The narrative is presented in a highly visual manner, with meaningful dialogue being a rare occurrence. It's a concept that stands out and hasn't been seen much elsewhere. Most panels resemble architectural sketches of cityscapes, offering insights into what it would be like to traverse the world of Blame! Hidden gems can be found in every nook and cranny, making reading each panel a longer process compared to dialogue-heavy manga such as Ore Monogatari, which lacks detailed backgrounds or landscapes.
The art style is rough and gritty, with character designs even showing inconsistencies. However, the art excels in depicting artificial landscapes. If you're looking for stories or designs driven by characters, you might want to look elsewhere.
The story itself is quite straightforward, but the journey keeps you engaged. Similar to The Hobbit, this tale follows a protagonist (and his occasional companions) on a path towards a clear goal: finding something.
I read the Master Edition, which consists of six volumes with larger pages. I found the last two volumes to be my least favorite. Suddenly, the focus shifts to fighting, and reaching the ultimate goal is condensed into just a few pages. The issue with the fight scenes is that due to the rough art style, it can be challenging to discern what is happening to whom. Some fight scenes required careful examination to understand.
In conclusion, this is a must-read for fans of visual novels. The storytelling is executed in such an unconventional way that it serves as an excellent case study for how visual novels (comics, manga, etc.) can diverge from mainstream approaches.
However, for me, it falls short of other masterpieces like Berserk, mainly due to those final two volumes. Ultimately, the graviton gun-wielding artificial immortal superhuman prevails, and there are minimal stakes involved.
Note: English is not my native language, I apologize for possible mistakes. (Review in English and Spanish)
To start with, this is undoubtedly one of the gemstones or jewelry of Cyberpunk in the world of manga and one of the best cult sleeves within the genre, thanks to the legendary Tsutomu Nihei (unfortunately not of the anime so far, as it has not had an animated adaptation as such and I prefer not to count the "animated projects" that came out at the beginning of the millennium, only the film of 2017 gives a bit of honor to this story, for the moment.)
Blame! is located in a futuristic world thousands of years in the future! In this world, humanity has been practically annihilated, the world as we know it has long ceased to exist, and we are situated in a kind of huge Megastructure that many simply call "The City," which presents chaotic and unbridled growth thanks to machines that still operate without any control... to give us an idea, it would be something similar to the theory known as the Dyson Sphere, a theory proposed in the year 1960 that talks about a gigantic or colossal Megastructure, able to surround a star completely and that extends in space.
In this almost endless or infinite Megastructure, built with the intelligence of past humanity and machines known as The Builders, is where Blame! unfolds. Here we encounter beings such as The Safeguard, these robots (those of higher ranks practically close to artificial intelligence and with human features) had the objective of defending humans with connection genes to the Netsphere. However, past humans lost this ability, thus they were considered threats or unauthorized inhabitants, and since then The Safeguard dedicated themselves to annihilating them. We are also introduced to some of the beings with the best design that can be seen, the Silicon Life, who share, although for other reasons, that objective with the Safeguard.
This Megastructure has spread so much that over thousands of kilometers you cannot find any kind of life. It's no wonder; the few remaining groups of humanity are so separated from each other that they have mutated over time, some of them no longer having the human appearance we know, not to mention that they are always on the verge of extinction.
*There are many more details that I would like to include in this review, but I do not want to ruin the surprises.*
Our protagonist is a man named Killy, who has been wandering for a long time in that cybernetic labyrinth and is accompanied by a powerful weapon called Gravitational Beam Emitter. From the first chapter of the manga, we see a quiet guy who does not remember things about himself and with only one objective: to find the Network Terminal Genes. What are the Network Terminal Genes? Saying more would really spoil a lot, but let's say that it is something that only a pure human can possess, and as I mentioned at the beginning, humanity as we know it has practically died for a long time when Blame! starts.
This is a manga with a solitary atmosphere and a world of death. We are immersed in a chaotic history full of loneliness, where we will see our protagonist embark on a journey that seems to have no end, travel thousands of kilometers, climb thousands of structures, and yes, this is a peculiar manga in which in many chapters we will have more images than dialogues. You've heard the famous phrase: Sometimes an image says more than a thousand words?
I think there can't be better manga than Blame! to confirm that phrase. But don't worry; this manga tells things when it needs to tell them, mainly through one of the characters that I have loved most, Cibo, a kind of transhuman android, that accompanies Killy in a good part of the story.
The visual narrative is incredible, but I must admit that it is not quite well taken because it allows a completely free interpretation and different depending on who reads it. I know that for many, the chapters where Killy runs through that labyrinth can seem heavy, and explanations that we obtain in explanatory chapters can be messy (It is not surprising that after finishing the manga you find yourself visiting forums to complete some idea or doubt that the story leaves you).
Talking about his art or drawing, it is noted that Nihei studied architecture. His strokes and drawings in the Megastructure, as well as in the Silicon Life and other structures and backgrounds that we can see in the manga, are incredible! I have no complaint in that section; it is a delight of drawing. However, the design of the characters (especially their faces), at first leaves much to be desired, although this improves a lot over time, but that part I do not finish to convince entirely.
His characters are undoubtedly interesting, most of them leave you a mystery and you want to know more or explain more. I consider Cibo the best character that could be introduced to accompany the protagonist and also the character that opens us to certain explanations in the story. Do not expect it to be the typical relationship of friends you can see in other stories, or that these show some kind of friendship affection as such. Their relationship is rather cold, without words, perhaps distant at times, but in the end, it is about mutual companionship, practically what would be expected of two people who can't really be considered "people" as such.
Killy is the quietest protagonist I've ever seen, but that doesn't make him bad, on the contrary, it was to be expected from someone like him, and he is the best character in the manga. My favoritism for him may come close to Guts (Berserk). At times I come to think of this story as a world similar to Berserk's, but completely cybernetic and more nihilistic. Killy is the man!
I have to highlight the enigmatic Silicon Life, these undoubtedly have the best design you can see. Unlike the characters with human features, they have 100% cybernetic appearances, with a gothic combination, violent and exaggerated designs, but without doubt, you would like to do some cosplay of them and it is not less, a cosplay imitating the appearance of Silicon Life would be 10/10.
To finish writing, this is a manga that I would recommend to all fans of the Cyberpunk genre, although most of them are likely to find this work confusing (which it is). However, it is one of the best readings and visual experiences of drawing that you can read or see. A story that touches very well the feelings of loneliness, surrealism, where you can find several things like dark environments, a post-apocalyptic dystopia, structures that will leave you with your mouth open, mystery, cyborgs, and creatures, and well, give it a chance if you haven't done it and read it.
Overall/Rating: 9/10
Now this is definitely an intriguing entry to delve into. Initially, readers might be utterly bewildered by the unfolding events, and the absence of dialogue doesn't aid in clarifying matters. However, as you progress, you gradually grasp the universe within which the story unfolds. This isn't achieved through reams of dialogue but rather by sharing the harsh realities faced by the characters. It's quite refreshing to encounter a manga that employs such a unique method of world-building; the fascinating world presented is reason enough to dive into this series.
The artwork adopts a very gritty, futuristic aesthetic. Occasionally, it can be somewhat challenging to discern precisely what's happening, especially if you're accustomed to the polished visuals of contemporary digital manga. Yet, this style possesses considerable charm. All that's required is an open mind and acceptance of its idiosyncrasies to fully appreciate the intricate details embedded in each panel.
The protagonists are introduced without any backstory, something I believe they don't need at all. This approach allows us to learn more about them as their journey progresses, fostering a sense of attachment. While they may not be the most relatable characters due to their underdeveloped personalities, this is a deliberate choice that aligns with the narrative's setting. Consequently, this aspect enhances rather than detracts from the story.
I stumbled upon this manga series by chance and found the initial chapters perplexing, yet ultimately, I have no regrets about reading it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that it has earned a place among my favorites. The allure of Blame! is difficult to articulate, but if you share my love for sci-fi and dark fantasy, you're bound to relish reading this manga.
Thanks for taking the time to read this review!
Sure, most people older than eight hate narrators in stories, as if you can't realize it yourself, eh? The point is that most people can't, and consequently, most stories feature a narrator. The so-called 'hidden narrator' is a supernatural entity that takes over characters at random moments, making them say or discuss things completely out of character and absurdly irrelevant to their roles. This helps clarify things for the reader. You wouldn't typically tell your archenemy, "It's you, the guy who..." when you encounter them, right? Imagine doing that to an old foe—it's pretty stupid, and you'd probably get interrupted and punched before finishing.
BLAME! doesn't do this; the manga is notorious for its characters rarely speaking. In reality, they speak as little as most would without a hidden narrator, resulting in many readers being baffled by what exactly BLAME! is about. Even diehard fans often lack detailed knowledge. The plot seems immense, yet simultaneously could be all power of suggestion. The author later published some details revealing the intricate and consistent machinations within BLAME!'s world, of which only fragments reached the readers. Significant planning likely went into making everything fit cohesively.
The author is an architect, and this is evident—the backgrounds are more detailed than the characters, much more so. The black-and-white manga features mostly pale-faced characters lacking detail, which suits the setting since they are quite featureless. The contrast with the extremely detailed dark backgrounds of enormous structures works well here, drawn with disproportionately high detail, especially for a manga series. Unlike many manga, there are plenty of scenes with only background. This makes sense, given the setting is inside an apparently endless, chaotic structure called 'The City.' A refreshing change, as I often lament how humans are overused in art and fiction, tired of this human-centric view. In BLAME!, The City seems more prominent than the characters, though the characters are still well-crafted. No larger-than-life heroes here, sorry if you prefer that. The characters and entire setting are surreal and grotesque, ready for lots of mutilation and amputation. But uniquely different from most media, it adds to the surreal and grotesque feel—characters barely notice their torn-off arms, staring stoically instead. Picture Alice's Wonderland assimilated by The Borg.
Naturally, as atmosphere greatly contributes to value, the re-readability is practically infinite. Most find the second read better. It's like Donnie Darko—the more you read, the more you seem to understand. And it's equally cryptic and vague. The tagline is "Maybe on Earth, Maybe in the Future," summing up BLAME!'s essence. It could take place in Earth's future, but maybe not—perhaps in a distant galaxy long ago? It's really not connected to our world, another escape from human arrogance. There's little to relate to here. One of the best things I've ever read.
These just keep getting better with every volume, and I'm only 30% through! The mind-boggling world concepts and their vast scales haven't lost their appeal yet. The overwhelming existential dread and the immense sense of insignificance these illustrations evoke continue to be deeply satisfying.
This volume surpasses the previous two by introducing a more coherent story. For the first time, I feel like I have a grasp on what's happening. The action remains thrilling, and the absurdly fascinating and infinitely creative world-building and design ideas are still there. But now, we get the added bonus of an evolving plot and characters that start to make sense. It feels like everything is building towards something grand.
Imagine a murder committed by any murderer in history. Would you believe that there are murders you could witness every day, or even within your own family? This manhwa centers around a young boy whose father (spoilers) is a murderer. The boy is trying to figure out how to defeat him. It's a psychological warfare between father and son. With its amazing characters, I've watched hundreds of animes and read a lot of manga, but this is the first time I genuinely felt scared for the main characters' lives. The author did an amazing job of writing these characters into a realistic environment with real emotions. In total, I would give this manhwa an 8/10.
The creator of Blame!, Tsutomu Nihei, isn't particularly skilled at crafting narratives. While in his other works like Knights of Sidonia or Biomega he attempted to hone his writing skills, in Blame! he didn't focus on that aspect. This is what distinguishes Blame! from his other creations. He is an exceptional artist, and this work showcases his talent more than ever. Many of the finest illustrations in manga can be found within the action sequences and architectural designs of Blame!. The fierce and imposing structures could not have been illustrated better by anyone else, nor could his unique style of depicting action scenes. Although I admire Tsutomu Nihei for not letting plot or dialogue interfere with his masterpiece, Blame! stands out as one of the most consistently challenging manga to comprehend due to the lack of these elements. Having to check forums every chapter just to understand what's happening can become quite tiresome.
That being said, if you're looking to experience the extraordinary artwork of Tsutomu Nihei without the narrative shortcomings that made his other works difficult to read, I highly recommend reading Blame!.
What sets apart a comic aimed at teens from one targeted at adults? Is it the gore or profanity? Actually, no; it's about individual perception. This comic relies entirely on the imaginative capacity of the reader. The basic premise is established initially, but most of the narrative depends heavily on the reader’s engagement. The story primarily delves into scientific horror with hints of cosmic horror. It follows the protagonist's adventure in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world as he searches for the 'net terminal gene,' aided by various allies while facing betrayals and losses.
The characters are well-developed, each contributing uniquely to the plot. A seemingly casual minor character introduced early on makes a significant impact later in the series. Amidst the competitive struggle for survival, the protagonist ventures deeper into the labyrinthine universe to protect his race. The standout feature of the series is its stunning art and the minimal use of dialogue, which together create a macabre atmosphere. What the story lacks in dialogue is more than compensated for by the masterful artwork.
The author excels in blending futurism with gothic elements through the protagonist's odyssey. Highly recommended for those who appreciate artistic beauty and can adeptly interpret the story solely through contemplating the art.
Blame! The Abstract Masterpiece.
I had no prior knowledge of Blame! before stumbling upon it randomly while browsing the Top Manga section. Seeing such a concise manga ranked so highly intrigued me enough to give it a read. I absolutely adore this manga. The art, storytelling, and fight scenes all blend together seamlessly.
The abstract approach to storytelling and the minimal use of dialogue make every sound and speech bubble carry significant weight. Some might argue that this is its weakness, claiming that it lacks a straightforward narrative. However, it's an exciting and unique style that few modern manga employ.
10/10, This manga is incredible.
It assaults the senses by being the complete opposite of what you are accustomed to, a solitary and claustrophobic journey across a universe governed by its own unexplained rules. This makes it more of an experience than a straightforward read that leaves you utterly confused. While I believe it is worth reading, the paneling left me completely in the dark, bewildered, and with a sense of unease. This is indeed a unique experience, but there were entire chapters where I felt lost—not in a sense of wonder about the world, but out of sheer frustration. Consequently, mixed feelings arise.
I understand how one can appreciate the beautifully ugly art and the perfectly conveyed sense of dread within this world. However, the poor paneling at times made it harder to grasp than it should have been. Its overly pretentious nature, while innovative and distinctive, failed to captivate me fully into its world. It’s good, yes, but overrated nonetheless.
Do you have a penchant for colossal science-fiction megastructures? Are you captivated by art so vast and intricate that even after scrutinizing the pages in full resolution for over ten minutes, details still elude you? Does the concept of a weapon capable of creating city-sized craters wherever it's aimed excite you? Do you appreciate manga that relies minimally on dialogue yet maximizes visual storytelling?
Well then, Blame! is the manga for you!
At first glance, Blame! appears to be a hero's journey set in a sci-fi universe, but as layers peel away, it morphs into something akin to a horror story. The future portrayed is vast and chilling, governed by emotionless machines, perpetually constructing until the heat death of the universe. As our protagonist Killy ventures deeper into the megastructure, the direness of his situation becomes more apparent, leaving readers with an unsettling sense of scale: We are insignificant, and we will never grow larger.
The narrative is subtle; while the plot remains consistent throughout, you won't encounter any shounen battle manga clichés here. At times, you may find yourself bewildered and disoriented, but this confusion is intentional and adds significant depth (pun intended) to the story.
This is all paired with Nihei's extravagantly detailed artwork, blending into a solemn procession through despair—just as cold and lifeless as the machines dominating the world of the story.
In summary, Blame! is like peering down a mine shaft: hauntingly beautiful, echoing, and profound. If you're willing to take your time to reach the bottom, who knows what marvels you might discover.
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