Shiki Toono wakes up in a hospital, finding the walls and people around him covered in mysterious black lines. With no recollection of his past, Shiki is informed that he survived a fatal car accident, leaving a fragment embedded in his chest. His fascination with the lines leads him to trace over an object, discovering his ability to destroy it. Realizing only he can see these lines, Shiki is given a pair of glasses to hide them before starting a new life with his relatives.
Eight years later, following the death of his father, Shiki returns to the Toono mansion, his childhood home. One day, while leaving school due to anxiety, he encounters a mysterious woman. An overwhelming urge takes hold, and he uses his ability to trace the lines covering her. Soon after, he wakes up in the mansion, questioning whether what happened was real or just a dream.
Shingetsutan Tsukihime weaves a tale filled with adventure, romance, and mystery. As Shiki begins to uncover his past, the secrets hidden in the shadows start to catch up with him.
Shingetsutan Tsukihime had six volumes published in English as Tsukihime by DrMaster from August 9, 2005, to March 24, 2009, before the publisher ceased operations.
The first thing I'd like to say is if you're discouraged from reading this manga due to the anime of the same name, don't be. The difference between the anime and the manga's attempt to recreate the visual novel is vast. Now onto the actual review.
Story: 10
For those unfamiliar with Tsukihime's story, there's a phrase that sums it up effectively: "The biggest characters you can imagine in the smallest story possible." This phrase fits because the story merely involves a high school teen getting involved in vampire-like murders around his town. With such a small plot, you wouldn't expect the characters to overshadow the narrative, but they include the princess of the true ancestor, the top assassin from the church, and a member of the most powerful group of vampires. Despite the story's modest scope, these characters bring immense depth. The continuous uncovering of plot throughout adds another layer of appeal. Although it's impossible to recreate the exact story from the visual novel, I love the direction the manga takes.
Art: 8
The art is my only complaint about this manga. While it has improved with each volume, it still doesn't match up to many others out there. During the first volume, it felt lacking in appeal. However, the action scenes rival those of even the best animes I've seen.
Character: 10
For anyone who has played Tsukihime, you'll understand why I believe the characters are perfect. As mentioned earlier, the characters could be considered bigger than the story itself, adding great appeal. Even among all the anime I've seen, most of my favorite characters come from Tsukihime, and I'm confident you'll find at least one character from this manga to add to your favorites.
Enjoyment: 10
It goes without saying that I love this manga and it sparked my addiction to all Type-Moon related projects.
Overall: 10
Despite its single flaw, this manga makes up for it tremendously with its unique approach to recreating the visual novel.
This is a spoiler-free review.
No manga has been on my reading list longer than Tsukihime. I first noticed it after watching "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works," which is written by the same author, Kinoko Nasu, last year. However, my reading list kept growing, and since I wanted to watch "Kara no Kyoukai," another of Nasu's works, first, I had to delay reading Tsukihime. But I've finally found the time to read it, and I'm very glad I did.
Story - 8/10
The tone of the story feels very similar to Fate and Kara no Kyoukai. It's dark, violent, and features elements of action, horror, mystery, and romance. However, among all of Nasu's works, "Tsukihime" is probably the most straightforward and easiest to get into. No expansive timelines, lore, or time travel like in "Fate" and no drugs, rape, or personality disorders like in "Kara no Kyoukai." The fact that it's more "normie" shouldn't be seen negatively. The story is well thought out and brings enough new things to the table, especially the "Vampire lore," which was refreshing and a nice break from many stereotypes. Among all the genres mentioned, the romance aspect was handled best. This is definitely the best-written romance Nasu has ever done. It was built up well over a long time from both perspectives, without feeling forced. It was intense and romantic without being stereotypical or, dare I say, "cringe." The mystery was also really good and keeps you guessing until the final chapters.
The flaws of this manga lie in its lack of some important information. Both with the mystery aspect and the lore, it felt like some info was kept secret just for the plot to progress. Another problem is the fights, which are more visual and gory spectacle than strategy. This might work in an anime format (just look at Demon Slayer and Fate), but in a manga, unless the art is top-tier, it makes the fights seem bland and forgettable. There were still hype moments though, and I'd bet money that if this got an anime adaptation by ufotable, like Nasu's other works, it would have gotten a lot more recognition.
I also think the pacing was a bit off sometimes, with some big infodumps that can be hard to follow. This manga only has 75 chapters, which is really short, and I appreciate the effort put into making this such a unique and interesting story.
Art - 8/10
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I really liked the art in this manga. Many people online said it didn't age well (this manga is from the early 2000s) and wasn't detailed enough. While I somewhat agree with that, I want to point out what the art did right: setting the tone. The dark and twisted nature of the story is portrayed perfectly with the art. The different shades of black and grey give every nighttime scene this dark and eerie vibe. The character designs are what you'd expect from Nasu. Some people find them bland, but I've gotten so used to them over time that I've come to really enjoy them.
Character - 9/10
As I said, this manga is absolutely carried by its main couple, the protagonist Shiki Tohno and his love interest, the vampire Arcueid Brunestudd. I really liked Shiki as a protagonist. Seeing the world through his eyes was very intense and dramatic. He reminds me a lot of Shirou from Fate/stay night, but he wasn't as whiny. But the real star of the manga is, of course, Arcueid. She steals every scene she's in, whether it's a bloody and gory action scene at nighttime or a nice lunch at a restaurant. The constant switch between romance during the day and action during the night really helps the characters develop and show multiple sides of their personalities. Her backstory was super interesting to read and really makes her stand out compared to other female protagonists. The side characters were also a nice addition. Given that this manga only has 75 chapters, don't expect everyone to have an ocean-amount of depth to them. The ending of their story together was also satisfying af.
Enjoyment - 9/10
This was a very short but also highly enjoyable read. Every fan of Fate and Kara no Kyoukai will love this, but I can definitely see an even wider audience enjoying it. As I said, this is much simpler and more straightforward than something like Fate. If you like your dark action and romance, this manga may be for you.
- Marco_Yooo
P.S. There exists an anime adaptation of the manga, but it was received so poorly that to this day, the Tsukihime fandom denies its sheer existence, so watching that is probably not a good idea. If you want the full experience, read the original visual novel. If you're like me and don't have the time for a 200-hour visual novel anymore, this manga is your best option.
FINAL SCORE - 9/10
Have you ever wished that certain moments in a story could be stretched out or even last forever?
That’s exactly how I felt at several points while reading this manga. It might sound like an exaggeration, but the bittersweet narrative struck a chord with me, especially if you’re someone who appreciates a good romance. The reason behind this feeling was our main character, Shiki, who managed to evoke my sympathy effectively. He faced constant hardships and peril, yet his moments of happiness and romance were few and far between. However, those brief glimpses of joy were so sweet that I found myself rereading them multiple times.
This is a short tale filled with drama and romance, featuring supernatural elements. Shiki always seemed to find himself in unfortunate situations even before the strange occurrences began in his city. His encounter with the princess was peculiar enough to make me wonder how it was even possible. As the plot unfolded, many things started making sense on their own. Despite initial confusion, the story eventually hooks you in. There are some fantastic twists towards the end that I never saw coming.
The supernatural abilities portrayed here are intriguing, although they aren’t entirely original in concept. There are some well-executed fight scenes that I would love to see animated. But after finishing the manga in one sitting, I’m wary that an anime adaptation might disappoint me, as I’m already satisfied with how the manga turned out. This is an older manga that I wish I had discovered earlier; while I’m familiar with some Type-Moon works like the Fate series, this one feels like a hidden gem (or perhaps I’ve just been neglectful). Ultimately, I highly recommend this manga, particularly for romance enthusiasts.
Tsukihime, another manga featuring a vampire beauty and a boy with mysterious powers. It might sound boring at first glance, but surprisingly, it's anything but!
Story 9: The plot is exceptional. The protagonist, Shiki, ever since a near-death accident eight years ago, can see mysterious lines representing the essence of death itself. Furthermore, he can sever these lines, leading to certain death for whatever he slices! Quite an intriguing premise, isn't it? The setting, however, is somewhat typical - involving a serial killer case that Shiki gets tangled up in due to his fascinating encounter with Arcueid Brunestud, a beautiful yet deadly vampire. Much like Berserk, what I adore here is the storytelling and the flashbacks, which significantly enrich the narrative as it progresses.
Art 8: While not my absolute favorite, the artwork is commendable and shows noticeable improvement throughout the series. Some scenes are drawn so magnificently they leave you awestruck.
Characters 10: This is undoubtedly the highlight of the entire series. Each character is uniquely crafted and deeply complex. They form the backbone of Tsukihime, and I'm confident anyone who reads it will agree. The way emotions are portrayed, how they evolve from hatred to love, fury to lust... it leaves me speechless.
Enjoyment 10: Simply put, I devoured this manga without stopping, my eyes glued to every page, feeling every emotion it evoked. That sense of uncertainty was utterly captivating. Is that enough to convey how enjoyable it was?
Overall 10: In summary, Tsukihime stands out as one of the most epic mangas ever, transcending its genre. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates extraordinary stories with deep characters.
I hope this review has been helpful to you. Thanks for reading :)
Tsukihime initially debuted as a PC visual novel by Type-Moon in 2000. It was later adapted into an anime that received lukewarm reviews from fans, to the extent that many deny its existence. A manga series also emerged and is still ongoing. I recently played the Tsukihime game and found it captivating with one of the most touching storylines in gaming history. However, it also included some disturbing scenes. I managed to purchase the first five volumes of the manga, noting volume six is rare and pricey, but can confidently say it's a worthy adaptation.
EDIT AS OF 7/13/2011: Thanks to scanlations (since DrMaster ceased operations), I've read the entire manga version of Tsukihime.
Story:
Shiki Tohno is a high school student living in an ordinary town. He possesses the "Eyes of Death Perception," enabling him to see black lines on people and objects, and cutting these lines results in death. This ability came after a near-death experience as a child. The stress from seeing these lines affects his health until he meets Aoko Aozaki, who provides glasses to hide the lines. She instructs him to remove them only when necessary before disappearing.
The manga follows the Arcueid path from the game, incorporating elements from other paths and even referencing Kagetsu Tohya, the sequel. By the third volume, original scenes appear. The plot remains compelling, maintaining fascinating powers and plot twists while adding new sequences. It’s dark yet captivating. 10/10.
Art:
The artwork isn't top-tier but improves over time. Characters like Shiki, Arcueid, and Ciel resemble their game designs, whereas Akiha and Arihiko do not. Despite this, action sequences look great. Unlike the game's static images, the manga offers more visuals, making it gorier than the game. 8/10.
Characterization:
This is Tsukihime’s strongest point, attracting a strong fanbase. Characters are multi-dimensional; Shiki maintains happiness despite hardships, and Arcueid is a standout character. Villains aren’t one-dimensional, providing depth. While Satsuki, Hisui, and Kohaku seem less complex, it’s likely due to omitted details. 10/10.
Enjoyment:
My enjoyment of the manga rivals the game, filled with terror, heartache, and happiness. It has become one of my favorite manga series, and I plan to follow it to the end. 10/10.
I highly recommend Tsukihime, even if you haven’t played the game. Be warned, it’s horror, so it may not suit the faint-hearted, but everyone else should check it out. While the VN is superior, the manga is still excellent, and I prefer its ending to the game's Arcueid routes.
One of the finest mangas I have ever read, period! I haven't seen the anime (which I've heard isn't too great), but the manga is a true masterpiece. There isn't a single aspect that doesn't deserve top marks. The art is amazing, the characters and story sublime, with a gripping and intellectual plot that's polished to all-around brilliance. I actually don't usually enjoy horror stories too much (perhaps the exception being Dance in the Vampire Bund), but this one transcends the limitations of any single genre with its beauty and style. All I can say, without spoiling anything, is that if by the last chapter you're not begging for more, I would be very surprised.
Although I appreciate the thorough and detailed reviews from others, I'll keep mine somewhat shorter and without specific examples to attract any passersby to this incredible manga while avoiding spoilers. Let me just say that this manga truly is amazing. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, and the story unfolds in ways that aren't easily predictable. For me, it stands out with one of the most touching narratives I've ever encountered, alongside some deeply unsettling moments, all combining into a fantastic tale that is well-paced and perfectly balanced. The artwork isn't flawless, but it certainly doesn't take away from the enjoyment. Honestly, I love this series. Just a piece of advice: don't watch the anime adaptation; it feels entirely different. The visual novel is also fantastic.
Warning, this review may contain spoilers.
First impressions:
This manga is based on the hentai game and adapts one of the original routes in its entirety. It seems interesting enough, with vampires killing people and some romance developing in the background. I wonder how they will handle this.
Story: 6/10
The tale begins with our main character Shiki Tohno who has moved back into his family home after being cared for by distant relatives due to a major incident that nearly killed him and gave him the ability to see lines of death. While getting used to life with his sister and their twin maids, a mysterious case of vampire-like murders spreads through the city. One day, returning from school, he encounters a mysterious foreign woman and, in what can be described as a psychotic rage, cuts her into multiple pieces. A few days later, the same woman, revealed to be a vampire named Arcueid, visits him. She has come to the city to kill a powerful vampire known as Roa, responsible for the recent murders and other supernatural events. However, she has been weakened by Shiki’s attack and forces him to help her complete her mission, beginning their partnership.
Tsukihime is one of Type-Moon's more interesting stories, avoiding clichés like "people die when they are killed." The story mainly revolves around Shiki and Arcueid hunting lesser vampires while searching for Roa, which gets repetitive. Fighting generic vampires repeatedly loses its charm. On the positive side, external and internal problems add flavor. For example, facing Roa and a werewolf-like vampire externally, and internally dealing with Shiki's bloodthirsty tendencies and Arcueid's vampiric nature.
The bond between them turns into a romance, which isn't bad. Unlike many romances involving different species, it avoids cheap melodrama. Their relationship develops naturally, simply hanging out when not fighting vampires, making the romance decent.
Overall, the story is okay and surprisingly grounded for a supernatural series. Negatives include feeling dated and lacking punch. Its presentation feels outdated, especially compared to newer works like Fate/stay night. A re-adaptation might improve it, given some interesting ideas about vampires and their legends. Written by a group starting a game company, it deserves some slack. Tsukihime isn’t badly written, considering its origins, earning a slightly good score.
Characters: 6/10
Shiki initially seems like another bland protagonist, but he has unique traits. He jokes about death, lacks fear, and becomes a sociopathic killing machine near supernatural beings. Unfortunately, he can't control this bloodlust, leading to moments of insanity, making it interesting to see him hold onto his humanity.
Arcueid is intriguing up to a point. She has a cat-like personality, free-spirited and carefree. Originally a weapon, interactions with Shiki broke her cycle of hunting and killing vampires. Now she enjoys life's simple pleasures, like going to the movies or just relaxing, concepts previously unknown to her.
Their interactions discussing concepts like intelligence and attachment are fascinating. Side characters are basic, but we get insight into their thoughts and feelings. Sadly, this manga only covers one route, focusing mostly on Arcueid. Other characters' routes have potential, like discovering Shiki’s adopted family has a demonic bloodline.
The main villain, Roa, feels flat and comes off as a psycho yandere. His reasoning is weak—he misinterpreted love as hatred, sparking a centuries-long war. This makes him uninteresting despite an intriguing concept left vague and open to interpretation.
Art: 6/10
The artwork isn’t the best, looking choppy at times but fitting the setting. Fight scenes are okay but boil down to removing body parts. Character designs are good, as I am a fan of most things Type-Moon.
Enjoyment: 6/10
I liked the well-done romance and cool vampire fighting scenes. Watching the main character slowly lose sanity using his powers was interesting, as was the concept of seeing lines of death.
Overall: 6/10
Conclusion:
If you're a Type-Moon fan or want a human-vampire romance unlike Vampire Knight or Twilight, you'll like this manga. If you dislike romance or overused plots, you probably won't.
Special credit to my new script editor, Lonecrit.