Koroshiya 1

Koroshiya Ichi is one of the strangest creations ever made by a human. With its convoluted plot, shockingly realistic art, and complex characters, it's a series that I desperately want to recommend to everyone, even though I know it won't appeal to all.

Truth be told, it probably won't appeal to anyone. I'm not sure if reading Koroshiya Ichi can even be called an enjoyable experience. Interesting? Yes. Entertaining? Sure. Enjoyable?

...

Well...

One aspect I appreciate about Koroshiya Ichi is how uncomfortable it makes you feel. Not just because of the gruesome imagery but also due to its bizarre sexual undertones. The way it incorporates BDSM elements is intriguing. It's kinky, not necessarily in a sexually arousing way (unless you're into that), but rather as a sexualized expression of violence. In many ways, it's quite Freudian.

To properly explain what I mean, I need to delve into some details. You could say the work features dual protagonists or perhaps dual antagonists. Either way, neither are particularly good people. Together, they embody the two sides of the S&M coin: Ichi is a sadist, while Kakihara is a masochist, both taking their roles to extremes. In his personal life, Ichi is incredibly submissive, almost childlike, whereas Kakihara is dominant, being the head of the Anjougumi and imposing his will on others. Yet when you examine Ichi's "relationship" with Kakihara, things get flipped. Kakihara was a masochist from the start, deriving extreme sexual pleasure from pain, while Ichi loves killing—really loves it.

As much as I want to continue, I fear saying more would spoil the story, and you likely already know whether this sort of thing appeals to you. But for the sake of completeness, I'll add this: whether you can handle the bizarre, gory, sexualized S&M violence is your own decision. If you can stomach it, yes, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The story is excellent, filled with colorful characters (mostly bad people). And it taught me one very important lesson: never wander into Kabukichou late at night, as you might encounter one of these twisted individuals.

A brief and straightforward review of this underappreciated manga.

Initially, I was uninterested in reading this manga due to its vague and peculiar summary. However, after a single night, I discovered a gem for fans of violent themes. The story had immense potential, with some aspects remaining mysterious even after the epilogue. It doesn't seem intended as a cliffhanger, though.

The artwork suits the narrative perfectly, being quite detailed, if I may say so. The gore art is somewhat realistic in its unique way. While the art is impressive, the characters are not developed as much. There's no noticeable character growth, which could have made this piece even more magnificent. The characters remain unchanged throughout the manga, and by the end, we don't learn much about the main character's past or motivations.

In summary, it's a great read with fantastic art. By the way, you don't necessarily need to enjoy gore to appreciate this manga, although it is quite graphic.

Wow, this manga will leave a lasting impression on you for days after reading it. The artwork in this book is incredibly detailed, utilizing the Gekiga style with no shortcuts taken in drawing either the characters or the background scenery. Each character possesses their own unique personality, which evolves further as the story progresses. The art quality improves with every volume.

This book is enjoyable if you know what to expect. I recommend watching the movie first to get an idea of what you'll be reading. The levels of violence, sexual taboos, and overall madness exhibited by the characters are not suited for casual readers. Some scenes made me exclaim "What the hell?" or squirm uncomfortably in my seat.

Despite its intense content, this is an incredible manga. It features great pacing, artwork, storyline, and characters that make you eager to read the next volume just to see what predicament they find themselves in next.

The main character truly lives life on the EDGE, finding a SEAT at the edge of a marina at one point, which I personally connected with on a deep level.

This manga really had me glued to the edge of my seat, I have to admit. My seat is quite long, so this speaks volumes. Though I could stretch out, I opted to stay right at the edge the whole time.

The antagonist? He's someone who embodies living life on the EDGE. His overwhelming sense of freedom kept me perched on the edge of my seat throughout.

The story itself deconstructs a love story, showcasing two stark opposites: the protagonist as an utterly twisted sadist, while the antagonist is a deviant masochist.

It consistently kept me on the edge of my seat. 10/10

If you're on the hunt for something unconventional, Ichi The Killer might just offer a bizarre and captivating exploration into sadomasochism and mind control, capturing your attention from the very first frame. Should heavy psychological themes or out-of-the-ordinary narratives not be your cup of tea, amidst the torrents of gore, perversion, and swarms of unsavory characters, you'll likely encounter numerous highly offensive elements.

Review

Alright, to start off, it's no secret that vanilla isn't my preference. I'm drawn to works that stand apart, those that diverge sharply from the typical manga (and anime) mold. These unique offerings tend to resonate more deeply with me, sparking intrigue and engagement in ways conventional stories often fail to achieve. For those who share this inclination towards the unusual, Ichi The Killer could prove an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience, albeit one fraught with graphic content and morally ambiguous scenarios.

4/10 story
6/10 art
3/10 characters
5/10 enjoyment
4/10 overall.

The manga is a continuous flow of sex and violence without any clear purpose. It attempts to delve into deeper aspects of the human psyche, but ultimately it doesn't quite reach its goal, ending up just below mediocre.

In some ways, it resembles other "meaningless murder and dismemberment" genre mangas such as "Pumpkin Night," "Kuchikujima," "Caterpillar," "Terra Formars," "Satanofani," and the abysmal "Bougyaku no Kokekko." What sets this one apart from the rest of the low-quality titles is that the storyline is slightly more developed, and the author at least attempted to create something more profound than a simple excuse for graphic violence.

The plot centers around an "ichi" killer character and memories of bullying and past events. However, as the narrative progresses, it becomes increasingly implausible and loses its believability. Still, at least they made an effort.

The characters are not well-developed and mostly serve as fodder for the violent scenes. They all have significant flaws, and it seems the writer is trying to create the most repulsive personas possible to shock the reader. This approach gets tiresome, especially when you start questioning how certain events could occur or why characters believe in specific individuals. Nonetheless, I've encountered worse stories before.

In terms of enjoyment, I found the manga to be decidedly average with no surprises or standout moments. I am quite selective, though. Titles like "Angel Densetsu," "Propeller Heaven," "Wakusei Closet," "Uzumaki," "Yajin," and the Korean manhwa "Solo Leveling" were far more engaging and interesting compared to this piece.

Overall, I rate this title as poor.

If you haven't consumed much material in this genre, aren't particularly discerning, and are looking for gore, you might consider giving it a try. This "subgenre" contains a lot of subpar content, and this title stands above many others. However, it still isn't very good.

From the same author (Yamamoto Hideo), I found "Homunculus" to be significantly more intriguing and layered compared to this work.

For those considering reading it, be aware there's a significant trigger warning for rape. While extreme gore and torture are expected, they're presented in an entertaining manner.

I felt the manga concentrated more on characters like Ichi and Kaneko, but it didn't add much depth to them. Kakihara was notably sidelined in the manga, whereas the movie devoted considerable time to developing each recurring character.

The art, however, was absolutely fantastic. Some panels were incredible due to the special effects and the expressive facial features of the characters. Overall, it was pretty good and enjoyable to read.

Ichi the Killer Review

"There is no love in your violence" - Masao Kakihara

Ichi the Killer is a manga penned by Hideo Yamamoto, which ran in Weekly Young Sunday from 1998 to 2001. Before diving deep into this review, given its spoiler-filled nature, I must issue a content warning. Even someone not easily disturbed found Ichi the Killer quite unsettling; if you have a weak stomach for violence, gore, sexual assault, abuse, mutilation, or similar themes, proceed with caution. This manga holds nothing back, and at times, I wish it did.

To be upfront, I do like Ichi the Killer but wouldn't recommend it because it's incredibly disturbing, and most people likely won't enjoy it. Honestly, I didn't even enjoy it myself; I just appreciate it, but I'd rather not revisit it anytime soon.

The best place to start might be Takashi Miike's film adaptation. This isn't a film review, but the movie is infamous for being banned in numerous countries due to its obscene violence and off-putting themes. Full disclosure: I haven't watched it yet, as I can only imagine how horrifying the live-action torture scenes would look.

Some additional points: I'm not a huge fan of gore, but I can handle it. Movies like Hostel or games like Dead Space don't bother me, but this manga got under my skin in certain places. Specifically, I dislike any damage below the waist, especially to the legs from the knee down—a hangover from watching Pet Sematary at a young age.

Moving past childhood trauma, let's discuss the technical aspects, starting with the artwork. The art is scarily good; Yamamoto leaves a lasting impression through unique facial expressions, shadows, and gore. The torture scenes are so gruesome and sadistic that I hesitate to describe them. Suffice it to say, Yamamoto excels at making you feel every cut, punch, and needle. The artwork kept me engaged; there's something macabrely attractive about how ugly he draws his characters. Special mentions go to Ichi’s eerie "smile" and Kakihara’s design, which perfectly captures his unhinged nature.

Now, let's talk plot. Some thugs contact a man named "Ichi" to kill a Yakuza clan leader and steal money from his safe. This catches the attention of high-ranking Yakuza enforcer Kakihara, who sets out to find the killer while our group of thieves plots to eradicate Kakihara’s crime family by calling upon Ichi. Much intrigue and gruesome homicide follow. It's a standard but interesting enough plot carried by its characters and unflinching violence.

Speaking of characters, they're the main focus of this review. I hate them, which is good because Yamamoto clearly didn’t want us to like anyone. There are no "good guys" in Ichi the Killer. Ichi is the protagonist, and Kakihara is the antagonist—that's it. And honestly, I appreciate that. Yamamoto doesn’t force us to pick sides but leaves us helplessly watching the horror unfold.

First up is Ichi, a traumatized, mentally unstable pseudo-sadist. Despite being our protagonist, he's surprisingly absent from much of the story, appearing only sporadically. His presence is chilling, especially his fantasies and murder methods, which make him seem inhuman. His tendency to indulge in pudding after killing someone is unsettling, and his confrontation with the prostitute and her boyfriend cements his status as unlikeable and terrifying. Simply put, he's crazy and needs to satiate his desires somehow.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have Kakihara, the most entertaining character. He has an aura reminiscent of Goro Majima crossed with Heath Ledger’s Joker. A masochist who does whatever it takes to get his way, his scenes leave readers on edge, waiting for him to snap. He's dangerous, sometimes "kind" to select people, but otherwise, anything goes. As our POV character, it's interesting to see events unfold from his perspective. Watching him deal with unwilling clients is grim and heart-pounding. He contrasts perfectly with Ichi, taking joy in cruel acts, much like Alex from A Clockwork Orange.

Next, we have the excommunicateds: Inoue, Ryuu, Noboru, and Jiiji. With the exception of Inoue and Jiiji, these characters are somewhat likeable but get decimated. Jiiji is the true villain, aiming to clean up Tokyo's Shinjuku Kabukicho district by any means necessary. An unscrupulous ex-cop, he manipulates Ichi to achieve his goals, implanting false memories to turn him into a mindless killer.

Kakihara’s sect includes the twins Jiro and Saburo, hitman Kaneko, and hostess Karen. The twins are the most disturbing characters, their actions genuinely unnerving. Their demise at Ichi’s hands provides some catharsis. Karen is likeable and fun to follow, infatuated with Kakihara. Her reveal as the mole and instigator of Ichi’s sadism adds depth to her character. Her demise shows Jiiji's ruthlessness.

Kaneko is my favorite character, relatable as a genuinely nice guy caught in an absurd situation. His obsession with proving he's not a coward leads to his downfall. Contrasting with Ichi, who calmly kills bullies despite his cowardice, Kaneko loses his cool under pressure. His arc highlights the tragic hero narrative, the closest we get to a "good guy," though being a yakuza hitman complicates things.

The most intriguing part is the buildup to Ichi and Kakihara’s confrontation. Kakihara languishes, loving every moment leading up to meeting his shinigami. His demeanor shifts from confidence to perversion to obsession and ends in fear. Watching his mental degradation kept me reading.

What hooks readers in Ichi the Killer? For me, it wasn’t enjoyment but fascination with brutal crime and wanting justice for the perpetrators. It felt like watching something awful, unable to look away until it concluded. The story grabs you, making you witness horrific things, almost feeling the author's gaze saying, “fucked up, isn’t it?”

So, what can we take away from Ichi the Killer? It’s akin to No Country for Old Men. The story shows that Jiiji’s efforts to stop the cycle of violence will fail if he keeps propagating it. The world is full of troubled individuals, driven by desire—from Kakihara’s agony to Inoue’s addiction to Jiiji’s quest for justice. Desire is the mindkiller. As Jiiji says, Shinjuku eats people like Ichi, making them appear normal.

The most disturbing implication is that without someone as awful as Jiiji, men like Kakihara, Saburo, and Jiro would exist unchecked. They ruin the world without punishment, suggesting that only greater evil can save it. Similarly, Ichi fights for selfish motives, embodying desire incarnate.

Towards the end, the concept of ultimate despair emerges, culminating in seeing Takeshi in Ichi’s role. It affirms that people like Ichi can’t be stopped except by themselves, replaced seamlessly by others. The cycle of senseless violence continues with no greater meaning. There’s no moral lesson, no salvation—just an ending. No heroic moments, no joy, just stark, uncontrolled violence. No heroes, just Ichi, whose violence contains no love. Time for a shower and something happier. Catch you later.

This manga is, to put it mildly, quite intriguing. If you're looking for something with extreme gore, intense sexual assault scenes, and a lot of content that's just plain difficult to stomach, then this might be up your alley. However, in the end, I didn't find it particularly worthwhile. The overarching plot was what kept me engaged, and it was interesting to see the main characters' motivations revealed, along with the complex dynamics between everyone and within themselves. That said, the gore and general violence felt somewhat pointless. This was especially true for nearly every female character in the series, as it seemed the author wasn't interested in exploring them beyond the notion that "because they are women, they suffer since they are weaker than men." I don't know. There's a fine line between portraying endless gore and horror while still keeping it relevant to the plot. "Ichi the Killer" doesn't quite cross that line, but it's not engaging enough to justify all the violence. Some of the gore looks cool, but much of it is so intense (ESPECIALLY the sexual assault and genital mutilation scenes) that it detracts from the plot.

Overall, it's pretty much just torture porn.

Warning, this story is quite gory. The more I delve into Hideo Yamamoto's works, the more I admire his talent. He has a remarkable knack for encapsulating dark sexual identity within horror. Many of his stories and characters resonate with me deeply. Ichi is no exception; he battles with his identity and remains very much a child at heart. I find myself relating to the masochism and sadism portrayed in this book, as well as the bullying and suppressed fear and anger that many experience. Ichi is both terrifying and comically endearing, and I adore him. Jiji is another amusing character who adds to the intrigue. Currently, I have only read Prelude and Homunculus, but I am eager to explore his other works. Hideo excels at capturing the essence of psychological horror. The unsettling nature and darkness of his narratives are truly impressive. His art amplifies the greatness of his stories. Ultimately, all I can say is read this book and you will begin to appreciate how phenomenal an author Hideo is, and how skillfully he makes his characters feel real and human.