Cossette no Shouzou

I'll keep this particular review brief mainly due to my unusual connection with this piece.

On one hand, the artwork is stunning. The fine line work combined with bold use of black ink and high contrast layouts makes it visually striking. The art occasionally feels claustrophobic, an effect that seems intentional given the story's content.

Speaking of which, I wasn't particularly fond of the plot. The concept of a haunting transforming into a deadly romance didn't capture my interest at all. It was only a page-turner in the sense that I wanted to see how it ended or to admire the next beautifully illustrated page. Fans of Gothic themes, violence, and overly dramatic narratives will likely find much to enjoy here.

Overall, while I can appreciate the visuals (especially the gorgeous covers), the story and its development fell short for me.

I have to admit, this manga, despite being created after the anime concluded, offers significantly more depth. The story begins with the protagonist sketching a girl he saw in an antique shop painting, which feels far more grounded compared to him seeing her through glass. Moreover, the painting was crafted using her own blood following Marcello's murder of her. This artwork carries a haunting backstory: every owner meets their demise. It underscores that Eiri wasn't arbitrarily chosen, even though his fascination with the painting remains inexplicable.

The manga delves deeper into these themes than the anime, portraying Cossette as someone with genuine emotions rather than a heartless tormentor. She appears remorseful for the actions tied to her items instead of merely seeking to inflict pain on Eiri. Despite this added complexity, I find it hard to connect with the characters due to the subpar artwork.

Throughout the book, there's a narrator-like dialogue without clear indication of whether it’s Eiri or Cossette speaking. Sometimes it blends both voices, making it challenging to discern who is talking. The narrative explores the psychology of obsession and love with a surreal touch. Additionally, it broaches a depressing reflection on the essence of life, concluding that we live only to die one day. That nothing we do holds significance since we all share the same fate.

Unfortunately, the artwork pales in comparison to the anime, often appearing blotchy. Cossette is the sole character rendered in detail, while others look bland and uninteresting. Items and backgrounds frequently resemble scribbles or are overly detailed for a black-and-white manga. This inconsistency makes it difficult to distinguish focal points. Elements meant to recede into the background are sometimes more detailed and captivating than those intended to stand out. Given that the main character attends an art school, the manga disappoints considerably in its artistic execution.