I really wanted to enjoy BLAME!, and I've heard great things about it. However, I just couldn't grasp the story. I understand that part of its charm is immersing yourself in the journey, but I couldn't find enjoyment in that aspect. If you're intrigued by this concept, read a few chapters and decide for yourself. The art is impressive, but the story left something to be desired.
If you appreciate a dark cyberpunk narrative, give this a shot with that mindset. I believe that if you can overcome its shortcomings, it's a compelling story. For some readers, these aspects might not even be considered flaws. Despite giving the story my best effort, I struggled to stay engaged.
Overall, BLAME! boasts a fantastic atmosphere but contains many unexplained elements. With more time, I might have come to understand them better. If you're willing to wait and simply go along for the ride, give it a try. If not, still take a look at it and drop it if it doesn't resonate with you.
"Don't think; feel. It's like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all the heavenly glory." Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon (1974)
Tsutomu Nihei is quite simply the Bruce Lee of the cyberpunk genre. Unlike other cyberpunk titles that often center around the philosophies of existentialism or nihilism, Nihei carves out his own path in BLAME!. There is no thought-provoking or multi-layered story plot. There is very little dialogue and narration. What you get here is just stunning visuals which act as the principal mechanism for story progression, and Nihei accomplishes it with aplomb. To be able to transcend the boundaries of normal storytelling is nothing short of a masterpiece. It is an extremely satisfying read that made me finish it in just two marathon sessions.
The BLAME! universe is a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Whatever little that’s left of the human population is scattered into small communities across the vast and seemingly unending darkness of the mega landscape. We join our protagonist, Killy, in his quest to search the gigantic labyrinth for the Net Terminal Genes. I won’t spoil too much but the Genes are the key to save the world which has spun out of control. He wanders around aimlessly for (amazingly) long periods of time, hoping to find clues to his goal. Equipped with his trusty SFG (little brother to the Big Fucking Gun), Killy is a force of nature. Well, I jest. It is actually called the Gravitational Beam Emitter. (Cool name huh?) In any case, this incredibly powerful little gun can blow a hole that extends for miles in anything that stands in its way. On his journey, Killy’s encounters with other strange creatures (cyborgs, machines and the like) usually explode into high-octane battles. Surprisingly, there is no lack of action scenes despite the passive nature of the manga. The fighting is straight to the point. The characters do not make any cool poses for the sake of it, and we are also spared the annoying in-battle blabbering found in most shonen mangas. Yes, it’s pure, unadulterated, actual fighting. Absolutely fantastic.
Another highlight is the glorious artwork. Nihei’s experience in architecture really shows in the manga. Never before have I seen colossal structures being drawn in such detail and cool angles. It may take a while to get used to his style, but be prepared for a barrage of eye orgasm. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
As I’ve described earlier, the artwork replaces the role of narration. The characters seldom talk, unless absolutely necessary. The resultant slow pace of the story might be a turn-off for some people. However, it accentuates the gloomy atmosphere very well. The delivery also adds a different dimension to the reading experience. Little details are revealed as the story progresses. It may seem confusing to some due to the lack of explanations and spoon-feeding by the author, but it allows the reader to interpret the events in their own way. While the plot may not be particularly remarkable, it is very engaging. It fits Nihei’s style perfectly as it lends it a mysterious touch. The reader is constantly left wondering about the history of the events, backgrounds, and motives of the characters. It certainly tickled my curiosity. As we follow Killy’s exploits, we watch as the world of BLAME! slowly unfolds before our eyes. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself (spiritually) living in it!
This is not a thinking manga. To truly enjoy it, you must heed the words of the grandmaster. Activate your sensory perceptions and immerse yourself into the world of BLAME!. Don’t just think. FEEL.
Well, instead of writing a few more paragraphs, let me try to summarize the whole thing using a few descriptors and keywords:
Atmospheric; Dark Ambience; Vast Universe; Colossal Structures; Explorative; Passive; Surreal; Explosive Action; Magnificent Artwork; Grotesque Character Designs; MASTERPIECE
How I wish I could do a review using drawings instead.
Blame is a story that I believe I'll never encounter again, for both good and bad reasons. I've never read anything that left me so bewildered yet captivated at the same time. That's exactly how Blame! made me feel while reading it. Even though I mostly understand the manga's concept and the motivations of the main character, the sheer volume of mystery and unexplainable elements in this narrative is astonishing. This manga epitomizes the phrase "Show don't tell." Every single panel is crucial to understanding what's happening, and every page forces you to pause, take a breath, and contemplate its significance. I wouldn't recommend this manga to those seeking a light, easy read with good art. However, I would strongly suggest it to readers who want something that makes them think deeply about themes like immortality, the fragility of life, loneliness, and hopelessness. Although I appreciated the manga, I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Admittedly, the art is incredible and mesmerizing; it's one of the primary reasons I stuck with it until the end. It's a masterpiece in terms of visual storytelling. Perhaps with a second reading, I'll gain a deeper appreciation for it.
Ultra violent and pretty gory, it gives an Akira-like vibe. I appreciate the style, but there's no story, plot, or explanation for anything. Some might enjoy this ambiguity, but 80 words spread over 5 chapters isn't very substantial. The artwork is stunning initially but loses its impact as the series progresses until colored pages add some visual flair.
SPOILERS:
Killy's journey begins without much context; he's just traveling for reasons unknown. This continues for numerous (30) chapters before we learn he's searching for NET TERMINAL GENES. But why? For whom? What purpose do they serve? Along the way, he encounters various inhabitants of a vast mega-structure, about which little is explained. Anything that threatens him gets obliterated by his gravity beam weapon. He then confronts a massive humanoid governor/president with Cibo, leading to its demise for unclear reasons.
Killy's wandering seems endless. Based on my calculations, he travels for months, even centuries in some instances. Distances are exaggerated; one storage container is described as being the size of Jupiter. The proportions and sizes within this metal structure are mind-boggling, yet their purpose remains unexplained. Whether it spans a minute or a millennium, it doesn't seem to matter. Elements like space warping, time warping, shape-shifting, cybernetic organisms, AI, giants, dwarfs, humans, clones, monsters, and more are introduced without coherence. Limited dialogue leaves too many unanswered questions and opens up even more, which detracts from the experience. I don't plan to continue reading the series as it became boring and slow, lacking substance.
TL;DR: Good fights, no story, becomes boring and slow later on, and in my opinion, not worth reading.
I'm a fan of manga, cyberpunk aesthetics, post-apocalyptic settings, action-packed narratives, and lone protagonists with an unwavering resolve to complete their missions. You might think I'd adore Blame! Well, you'd be mistaken. Oh, so very mistaken. It's the first manga I ever abandoned mid-read (and yes, I even pushed through Boruto hoping it would improve... that speaks volumes).
There's no plot, dialogue, character development, intrigue—nothing at all. Even if there were none of these elements, it could still have been tolerable if the art and action sequences lived up to the hype. But apart from a few decent shots here and there, the illustrations are almost unbearable to look at. The action scenes are utterly confusing; you never really know what's happening, except that the main character keeps moving forward because, well, he's the only "character."
He wields an overpowered gun that one-shots everyone, making him some sort of chosen one. Brilliant, right? I forced myself to keep reading but couldn't take it anymore—it was unbearably boring. You learn nothing about the characters, their motivations, or their abilities, so they act arbitrarily at any given moment. Anything can happen because, why not? There's no need for logic or a coherent storyline.
If only I could make sense of what I was seeing, it might have been better, but every fight scene looks like two piles of garbage trying to merge into one. So, I found myself reading, hoping for something comprehensible to occur, both in terms of narrative and visuals. But it never did.
I'm baffled by how highly this series is regarded. Honestly, watching Dragon Ball Evolution might be less painful.
The most captivating aspect of this manga is its atmosphere. Tracing the characters through endless corridors, cramped tunnels, and bizarre landscapes of warped technology never loses its charm. It masterfully evokes both a sense of wonder from the meticulously detailed, boundless scenery and an underlying dread of what lurks within. That thriller element compels you to turn the page, even with minimal storyline and sparse dialogue.
At times it can be perplexing, but the uncertainty adds value. If anything, you share the same confusion as the characters. The protagonist, in particular, maintains an expression of deadpan bewilderment throughout the manga. Even during fights, his face seems to ask, "Why am I here, why am I doing this?" And not in some profound, existential manner—he's genuinely puzzled about who his adversaries are. Occasionally, other characters provide lore dumps, but these rarely seem to resonate with the protagonist. He just keeps moving forward.
Blame! is unlike any manga you'll ever encounter. Its gritty, dark universe might be the most harrowing ever imagined. The number of deaths in this series surpasses the spoken words, adding to its unique appeal. Dialogue is scarce, and as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. This manga plunges you into a grimy abyss of mechanical horrors where time and space are mere suggestions, and the world's design feels so chaotic that stairs and doors often lead nowhere.
Massive bio-mechanical monsters haunt the claustrophobic expanse of grey metal and concrete that constitutes the world of Blame!. However, this can make the artwork appear cluttered and disorienting, which is a common issue with the "mechanical nightmare dystopia" genre. Nonetheless, the effort poured into the intricately drawn, albeit visually noisy, world and characters is astonishing.
Rating: 8
TLDR Story – 5/10 – 5 x 0.275 = 1.375 Art – 9/10 – 9 x 0.2 = 1.8 Characters – 2/10 – 2 x 0.225 = 0.45 Enjoyment – 6/10 – 6 x 0.3 = 1.8 Total: 5.425 -> 5
Story – 5/10 Blame! immerses us in a tale rich with stunning visuals but sparse on dialogue, true to Nihei's style. The narrative is characteristic of the author’s work: an array of breathtaking panels, minimal character development, and subpar dialogue. Initially, the plot is somewhat understandable, though it soon becomes predictable. As the story progresses, it becomes packed with action and epic moments filled with explosions but lacking substance. Events occur without clear reasons, and the storytelling turns confusing due to nonsensical action sequences. Characters appear and disappear abruptly without background or explanation. Nihei’s reluctance to incorporate meaningful dialogue severely hampers his storytelling.
The absence of explanatory panels at the beginning or end of volumes further complicates matters. If you get lost, which is easy, you’ll find yourself rereading numerous panels repeatedly or accepting that understanding the story might be impossible. This isn't to say stories can't succeed with minimal dialogue; Nihei demonstrated this effectively in Biomega, a superior cyberpunk manga compared to Blame!. One positive aspect of Blame! is its world-building, albeit primarily conveyed through art. Its atmosphere is well-crafted and immersive.
Art – 9/10 Nihei’s art remains his strongest asset, and Blame! exemplifies this strength. The artistic style is remarkable, the settings are awe-inspiring, and the landscapes draw you in completely. However, character design is limited—Nihei only excels at drawing a few facial types. While the visual flow is enjoyable, it doesn’t always aid the narrative effectively.
Characters – 2/10 Characters in Blame! follow Nihei's usual pattern: they serve merely as props for action scenes rather than contributing through dialogue. They are uninteresting, lack personality, and even the main characters like Killy and Cibo have no backgrounds or growth. Minor characters are virtually non-existent within the story.
Enjoyment – 6/10 Unlike some of Nihei's other works, such as Biomega, enjoyment here is moderate. The story is hard to follow, and the manga feels unnecessarily lengthy. The presence of mediocre characters further detracts from the overall experience. Despite the captivating art, Blame! often feels like an excuse for Nihei to showcase his exceptional panel illustrations rather than tell a coherent story. For these reasons, it earns a mixed-feelings rating.
I truly adore this manga artist, though I can't quite pinpoint why. Clearly, I'm a fan of the artwork. The storyline in this piece took some time for me to get into, but once it clicked, it became nearly impossible to put down. This peculiar world is filled with countless twists, turns, and surprises. Part of me wishes the story had extended a bit further. While I usually prefer more dialogue, the stunning illustrations make up for it... They almost convey more than words ever could.
I can describe this manga with just one word: MASTERPIECE!!! Blame! is simply incredible. The art style, characters, and fights are all amazing and unique. However, the most remarkable aspect of Blame! is its astonishing, unique, and beautiful atmosphere. The backgrounds are designed in such a way that you can feel exactly what the characters are feeling, which I believe is the most extraordinary feature of Blame!. I could talk about Blame! for hours, but since my English isn't very good, I can't express everything I want to say, so I'll stop here. YOU MUST READ BLAME! IT'S WORTH EVERY SECOND, BELIEVE ME!!!! (I need a bigger review to upload it, so...sdhfiusdahgiusdhgsdjghaksjdghsiudghsdghsdiughsg)
One of the initial aspects you'll notice about Blame! is its exceptional artwork. Every page is intricately detailed, to the point where some finer points might escape your attention unless you're truly focused or decide to read it again.
The next thing that will likely catch your eye is the minimal dialogue in Blame!. The world depicted is stark and desolate, and the scarcity of spoken words amplifies the sense of despair felt in certain chapters.
At its heart, the storyline is fairly straightforward. It follows Killy on his journey through a vast cyberpunk universe, driven by the quest to find Net Genes. This mission isn't simple given the enormity of the Blame universe, which spans our entire solar system. Throughout his travels, he encounters various individuals, makes adversaries, and faces numerous challenges.
In my opinion, the standout feature of Blame! is undoubtedly its stunning artistry. Nihei crafts a world so imaginative that it fully immerses you. The environments are uniquely varied, from distinctly cyberpunk cities to temple-like structures. The design of characters and creatures is also of the highest quality.
All things considered, this is an essential read for fans of cyberpunk settings with somber atmospheres.
WARNING:
I'm not a writer in any form, so my sentences might seem random and out of place. I apologize in advance. Also, this review is completely biased – get over it. Additionally, I don't enjoy writing, so this will probably be very short.
I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES! Alright, got that off my chest, but the point isn't to rant about how much I adore it. My job here is to convince you to read it. Before diving into why I "FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES," let me ask: "Why haven't you read this already? What's wrong with you?"
Anyway, Blame! is just one masterpiece after another, from the stunning artwork to its unique storytelling method. Let's start with the artwork.
The artwork surpasses typical manga standards, in my opinion. Each panel feels like it could stand alone and make a fortune. The fact that all these beautiful pieces are woven together into a story is amazing (I remember most panels and have favorites). The artwork is crucial because it tells more of the story than words do.
So, expect to be confused for a good while about what the hell is going on. Actually, scratch that—if you don't use your imagination and come up with your own assumptions, you'll never understand what's happening. And that, to me, is the beauty of this series. It's something you can discuss with friends to form your own opinions and create your own story. Apart from key points provided by the series—like a man named "Killy" traveling upwards in a strange world, searching for some kind of DNA—you can reread this multiple times and get a different story each time. To me, it's like an RPG, and that's awesome.
I don't know if I've mentioned it yet, but I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES. This is something I will recommend over and over again. So, to any of my buddies, if you ask for recommendations, expect to see Blame! on the list every time. One thing I must complain about is—WHY ISN'T THERE MORE? I WANT MORE. That's all.
Popular Reviews
I really wanted to enjoy BLAME!, and I've heard great things about it. However, I just couldn't grasp the story. I understand that part of its charm is immersing yourself in the journey, but I couldn't find enjoyment in that aspect. If you're intrigued by this concept, read a few chapters and decide for yourself. The art is impressive, but the story left something to be desired.
If you appreciate a dark cyberpunk narrative, give this a shot with that mindset. I believe that if you can overcome its shortcomings, it's a compelling story. For some readers, these aspects might not even be considered flaws. Despite giving the story my best effort, I struggled to stay engaged.
Overall, BLAME! boasts a fantastic atmosphere but contains many unexplained elements. With more time, I might have come to understand them better. If you're willing to wait and simply go along for the ride, give it a try. If not, still take a look at it and drop it if it doesn't resonate with you.
"Don't think; feel. It's like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all the heavenly glory." Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon (1974)
Tsutomu Nihei is quite simply the Bruce Lee of the cyberpunk genre. Unlike other cyberpunk titles that often center around the philosophies of existentialism or nihilism, Nihei carves out his own path in BLAME!. There is no thought-provoking or multi-layered story plot. There is very little dialogue and narration. What you get here is just stunning visuals which act as the principal mechanism for story progression, and Nihei accomplishes it with aplomb. To be able to transcend the boundaries of normal storytelling is nothing short of a masterpiece. It is an extremely satisfying read that made me finish it in just two marathon sessions.
The BLAME! universe is a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Whatever little that’s left of the human population is scattered into small communities across the vast and seemingly unending darkness of the mega landscape. We join our protagonist, Killy, in his quest to search the gigantic labyrinth for the Net Terminal Genes. I won’t spoil too much but the Genes are the key to save the world which has spun out of control. He wanders around aimlessly for (amazingly) long periods of time, hoping to find clues to his goal. Equipped with his trusty SFG (little brother to the Big Fucking Gun), Killy is a force of nature. Well, I jest. It is actually called the Gravitational Beam Emitter. (Cool name huh?) In any case, this incredibly powerful little gun can blow a hole that extends for miles in anything that stands in its way. On his journey, Killy’s encounters with other strange creatures (cyborgs, machines and the like) usually explode into high-octane battles. Surprisingly, there is no lack of action scenes despite the passive nature of the manga. The fighting is straight to the point. The characters do not make any cool poses for the sake of it, and we are also spared the annoying in-battle blabbering found in most shonen mangas. Yes, it’s pure, unadulterated, actual fighting. Absolutely fantastic.
Another highlight is the glorious artwork. Nihei’s experience in architecture really shows in the manga. Never before have I seen colossal structures being drawn in such detail and cool angles. It may take a while to get used to his style, but be prepared for a barrage of eye orgasm. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
As I’ve described earlier, the artwork replaces the role of narration. The characters seldom talk, unless absolutely necessary. The resultant slow pace of the story might be a turn-off for some people. However, it accentuates the gloomy atmosphere very well. The delivery also adds a different dimension to the reading experience. Little details are revealed as the story progresses. It may seem confusing to some due to the lack of explanations and spoon-feeding by the author, but it allows the reader to interpret the events in their own way. While the plot may not be particularly remarkable, it is very engaging. It fits Nihei’s style perfectly as it lends it a mysterious touch. The reader is constantly left wondering about the history of the events, backgrounds, and motives of the characters. It certainly tickled my curiosity. As we follow Killy’s exploits, we watch as the world of BLAME! slowly unfolds before our eyes. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself (spiritually) living in it!
This is not a thinking manga. To truly enjoy it, you must heed the words of the grandmaster. Activate your sensory perceptions and immerse yourself into the world of BLAME!. Don’t just think. FEEL.
Well, instead of writing a few more paragraphs, let me try to summarize the whole thing using a few descriptors and keywords:
Atmospheric; Dark Ambience; Vast Universe; Colossal Structures; Explorative; Passive; Surreal; Explosive Action; Magnificent Artwork; Grotesque Character Designs; MASTERPIECE
How I wish I could do a review using drawings instead.
Blame is a story that I believe I'll never encounter again, for both good and bad reasons. I've never read anything that left me so bewildered yet captivated at the same time. That's exactly how Blame! made me feel while reading it. Even though I mostly understand the manga's concept and the motivations of the main character, the sheer volume of mystery and unexplainable elements in this narrative is astonishing. This manga epitomizes the phrase "Show don't tell." Every single panel is crucial to understanding what's happening, and every page forces you to pause, take a breath, and contemplate its significance. I wouldn't recommend this manga to those seeking a light, easy read with good art. However, I would strongly suggest it to readers who want something that makes them think deeply about themes like immortality, the fragility of life, loneliness, and hopelessness. Although I appreciated the manga, I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Admittedly, the art is incredible and mesmerizing; it's one of the primary reasons I stuck with it until the end. It's a masterpiece in terms of visual storytelling. Perhaps with a second reading, I'll gain a deeper appreciation for it.
Ultra violent and pretty gory, it gives an Akira-like vibe. I appreciate the style, but there's no story, plot, or explanation for anything. Some might enjoy this ambiguity, but 80 words spread over 5 chapters isn't very substantial. The artwork is stunning initially but loses its impact as the series progresses until colored pages add some visual flair.
SPOILERS:
Killy's journey begins without much context; he's just traveling for reasons unknown. This continues for numerous (30) chapters before we learn he's searching for NET TERMINAL GENES. But why? For whom? What purpose do they serve? Along the way, he encounters various inhabitants of a vast mega-structure, about which little is explained. Anything that threatens him gets obliterated by his gravity beam weapon. He then confronts a massive humanoid governor/president with Cibo, leading to its demise for unclear reasons.
Killy's wandering seems endless. Based on my calculations, he travels for months, even centuries in some instances. Distances are exaggerated; one storage container is described as being the size of Jupiter. The proportions and sizes within this metal structure are mind-boggling, yet their purpose remains unexplained. Whether it spans a minute or a millennium, it doesn't seem to matter. Elements like space warping, time warping, shape-shifting, cybernetic organisms, AI, giants, dwarfs, humans, clones, monsters, and more are introduced without coherence. Limited dialogue leaves too many unanswered questions and opens up even more, which detracts from the experience. I don't plan to continue reading the series as it became boring and slow, lacking substance.
TL;DR: Good fights, no story, becomes boring and slow later on, and in my opinion, not worth reading.
I'm a fan of manga, cyberpunk aesthetics, post-apocalyptic settings, action-packed narratives, and lone protagonists with an unwavering resolve to complete their missions. You might think I'd adore Blame! Well, you'd be mistaken. Oh, so very mistaken. It's the first manga I ever abandoned mid-read (and yes, I even pushed through Boruto hoping it would improve... that speaks volumes). There's no plot, dialogue, character development, intrigue—nothing at all. Even if there were none of these elements, it could still have been tolerable if the art and action sequences lived up to the hype. But apart from a few decent shots here and there, the illustrations are almost unbearable to look at. The action scenes are utterly confusing; you never really know what's happening, except that the main character keeps moving forward because, well, he's the only "character." He wields an overpowered gun that one-shots everyone, making him some sort of chosen one. Brilliant, right? I forced myself to keep reading but couldn't take it anymore—it was unbearably boring. You learn nothing about the characters, their motivations, or their abilities, so they act arbitrarily at any given moment. Anything can happen because, why not? There's no need for logic or a coherent storyline. If only I could make sense of what I was seeing, it might have been better, but every fight scene looks like two piles of garbage trying to merge into one. So, I found myself reading, hoping for something comprehensible to occur, both in terms of narrative and visuals. But it never did. I'm baffled by how highly this series is regarded. Honestly, watching Dragon Ball Evolution might be less painful.
The most captivating aspect of this manga is its atmosphere. Tracing the characters through endless corridors, cramped tunnels, and bizarre landscapes of warped technology never loses its charm. It masterfully evokes both a sense of wonder from the meticulously detailed, boundless scenery and an underlying dread of what lurks within. That thriller element compels you to turn the page, even with minimal storyline and sparse dialogue.
At times it can be perplexing, but the uncertainty adds value. If anything, you share the same confusion as the characters. The protagonist, in particular, maintains an expression of deadpan bewilderment throughout the manga. Even during fights, his face seems to ask, "Why am I here, why am I doing this?" And not in some profound, existential manner—he's genuinely puzzled about who his adversaries are. Occasionally, other characters provide lore dumps, but these rarely seem to resonate with the protagonist. He just keeps moving forward.
Just keep walking. Just keep walking.
Blame! – Spoiler Free – Mixed Feelings
TLDR
Story – 5/10 – 5 x 0.275 = 1.375
Art – 9/10 – 9 x 0.2 = 1.8
Characters – 2/10 – 2 x 0.225 = 0.45
Enjoyment – 6/10 – 6 x 0.3 = 1.8
Total: 5.425 -> 5
Story – 5/10
Blame! immerses us in a tale rich with stunning visuals but sparse on dialogue, true to Nihei's style. The narrative is characteristic of the author’s work: an array of breathtaking panels, minimal character development, and subpar dialogue. Initially, the plot is somewhat understandable, though it soon becomes predictable. As the story progresses, it becomes packed with action and epic moments filled with explosions but lacking substance. Events occur without clear reasons, and the storytelling turns confusing due to nonsensical action sequences. Characters appear and disappear abruptly without background or explanation. Nihei’s reluctance to incorporate meaningful dialogue severely hampers his storytelling.
The absence of explanatory panels at the beginning or end of volumes further complicates matters. If you get lost, which is easy, you’ll find yourself rereading numerous panels repeatedly or accepting that understanding the story might be impossible. This isn't to say stories can't succeed with minimal dialogue; Nihei demonstrated this effectively in Biomega, a superior cyberpunk manga compared to Blame!. One positive aspect of Blame! is its world-building, albeit primarily conveyed through art. Its atmosphere is well-crafted and immersive.
Art – 9/10
Nihei’s art remains his strongest asset, and Blame! exemplifies this strength. The artistic style is remarkable, the settings are awe-inspiring, and the landscapes draw you in completely. However, character design is limited—Nihei only excels at drawing a few facial types. While the visual flow is enjoyable, it doesn’t always aid the narrative effectively.
Characters – 2/10
Characters in Blame! follow Nihei's usual pattern: they serve merely as props for action scenes rather than contributing through dialogue. They are uninteresting, lack personality, and even the main characters like Killy and Cibo have no backgrounds or growth. Minor characters are virtually non-existent within the story.
Enjoyment – 6/10
Unlike some of Nihei's other works, such as Biomega, enjoyment here is moderate. The story is hard to follow, and the manga feels unnecessarily lengthy. The presence of mediocre characters further detracts from the overall experience. Despite the captivating art, Blame! often feels like an excuse for Nihei to showcase his exceptional panel illustrations rather than tell a coherent story. For these reasons, it earns a mixed-feelings rating.
I truly adore this manga artist, though I can't quite pinpoint why. Clearly, I'm a fan of the artwork. The storyline in this piece took some time for me to get into, but once it clicked, it became nearly impossible to put down. This peculiar world is filled with countless twists, turns, and surprises. Part of me wishes the story had extended a bit further. While I usually prefer more dialogue, the stunning illustrations make up for it... They almost convey more than words ever could.
I can describe this manga with just one word: MASTERPIECE!!!
Blame! is simply incredible. The art style, characters, and fights are all amazing and unique. However, the most remarkable aspect of Blame! is its astonishing, unique, and beautiful atmosphere. The backgrounds are designed in such a way that you can feel exactly what the characters are feeling, which I believe is the most extraordinary feature of Blame!. I could talk about Blame! for hours, but since my English isn't very good, I can't express everything I want to say, so I'll stop here. YOU MUST READ BLAME! IT'S WORTH EVERY SECOND, BELIEVE ME!!!! (I need a bigger review to upload it, so...sdhfiusdahgiusdhgsdjghaksjdghsiudghsdghsdiughsg)
One of the initial aspects you'll notice about Blame! is its exceptional artwork. Every page is intricately detailed, to the point where some finer points might escape your attention unless you're truly focused or decide to read it again.
The next thing that will likely catch your eye is the minimal dialogue in Blame!. The world depicted is stark and desolate, and the scarcity of spoken words amplifies the sense of despair felt in certain chapters.
At its heart, the storyline is fairly straightforward. It follows Killy on his journey through a vast cyberpunk universe, driven by the quest to find Net Genes. This mission isn't simple given the enormity of the Blame universe, which spans our entire solar system. Throughout his travels, he encounters various individuals, makes adversaries, and faces numerous challenges.
In my opinion, the standout feature of Blame! is undoubtedly its stunning artistry. Nihei crafts a world so imaginative that it fully immerses you. The environments are uniquely varied, from distinctly cyberpunk cities to temple-like structures. The design of characters and creatures is also of the highest quality.
All things considered, this is an essential read for fans of cyberpunk settings with somber atmospheres.
WARNING:
I'm not a writer in any form, so my sentences might seem random and out of place. I apologize in advance. Also, this review is completely biased – get over it. Additionally, I don't enjoy writing, so this will probably be very short.
I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES! Alright, got that off my chest, but the point isn't to rant about how much I adore it. My job here is to convince you to read it. Before diving into why I "FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES," let me ask: "Why haven't you read this already? What's wrong with you?"
Anyway, Blame! is just one masterpiece after another, from the stunning artwork to its unique storytelling method. Let's start with the artwork.
The artwork surpasses typical manga standards, in my opinion. Each panel feels like it could stand alone and make a fortune. The fact that all these beautiful pieces are woven together into a story is amazing (I remember most panels and have favorites). The artwork is crucial because it tells more of the story than words do.
So, expect to be confused for a good while about what the hell is going on. Actually, scratch that—if you don't use your imagination and come up with your own assumptions, you'll never understand what's happening. And that, to me, is the beauty of this series. It's something you can discuss with friends to form your own opinions and create your own story. Apart from key points provided by the series—like a man named "Killy" traveling upwards in a strange world, searching for some kind of DNA—you can reread this multiple times and get a different story each time. To me, it's like an RPG, and that's awesome.
I don't know if I've mentioned it yet, but I FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES. This is something I will recommend over and over again. So, to any of my buddies, if you ask for recommendations, expect to see Blame! on the list every time. One thing I must complain about is—WHY ISN'T THERE MORE? I WANT MORE. That's all.
Later.
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