DARK INFATUATION OF ROYAL LORDS

Tried but regretted it. Goodbye.

Some update please

I know. I always get excited at the start of a new novel because the plot seems good and then after several chapters it feels like it's been tanked by the author with nothing but lame antagonism for "no apparent good reason" and non stop filler. Then I end up disappointed.

D*mn didn’t expect that, thought it was his master. Gotta read through this now

Really good story but when is the next one coming out about her son

I can't wait for Henry to start kicking butt.  Henry is my Hero. He doesn't play.   Two peoples you don't mess with is Monique and Lil Nomni.   Henry will kill you for those two.   He's not scare    Boy I love this book

“It’s his fault… for listening…!”

A confession can be the greatest relief from the weight and remorse of a sin, particularly when one is nearing death. Yet, a single confession can also rip apart the façades and fragile trust between two friends.

On a mountain climbing expedition at Mt. Owari, Asai and Ishikura find themselves trapped in a blizzard. Compounding their predicament, Ishikura has suffered a severe leg injury during the climb. Resigned to his impending demise, Ishikura confesses to a past murder to Asai, seeking forgiveness and hoping Asai can escape without him. However, Asai refuses to abandon him. He eventually locates an abandoned lodge nearby and carries Ishikura there for shelter and aid. Rescue is en route, but a critical issue arises: will Asai turn Ishikura over to the police when help arrives? If Ishikura wants to keep his secret hidden, he must act, and time is slipping away. With the two isolated in the lodge 3,200 meters up the mountain, the stage is set for their ultimate battle.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto, known for popular works like Akagi and Kaiji, showcases his deep psychological analysis of the characters as always. The story largely follows Asai's perspective, as he starts doubting Ishikura and realizes he might be silenced. The two friends engage in an intriguing struggle, questioning and guessing each other’s intentions behind every move. When the game of pretense concludes, the battle escalates into a desperate fight for survival. One might expect Asai to have the upper hand over the injured Ishikura, but the situation flips unexpectedly.

Overall, the story is compact and well-paced. While some elements may seem too convenient, it is somewhat excusable for a one-volume manga to maintain plot momentum. A 300-page volume is substantial by normal standards. The setup here functions perfectly and makes sense. I appreciate that the battle between the two characters is both psychological and emotional. There are the usual thrills and spills, and the ending provides yet another twist.

In my view, both Asai and Ishikura lack distinct personalities, despite being the sole characters. Although the backstory to the "confession" is explained, there isn't much character development beyond their gradual mental breakdowns. They aren't portrayed as particularly intelligent, and their actions are understandable. Realistic characters are usually a plus for me, but they feel too plain.

The artwork by Kaiji Kawaguchi (who also collaborated with Fukumoto on Seizon -LifE-) is quite good. Generally, the drawings are detailed and polished. The snowy and mountainous backgrounds are especially well-executed. At least we're spared the "unique" large-nosed characters typical of Fukumoto's style. :P

Confession contains all the elements for a great story. It's simple, grounded, and effective. While it may not be a masterpiece, I have no major complaints aside from the somewhat weak characters. If I were to pinpoint a weakness in the story, it would be the tension. If Fukumoto could elevate it to the level seen in Kaiji, Confession could approach near-masterpiece status. Nonetheless, I found it to be a very entertaining and satisfying read. Anyone who enjoys a short psychological thriller should definitely give it a try.

Kokuhaku - Confession stands as one of the most surprising hidden gems Japan has to offer when exploring unpublished stories. This one-shot is part of a forgotten collaboration between Nobuyuki Fukumoto, known for crafting twisted psychological characters, and Kaiji Kawaguchi, renowned for his warfare comics such as Eagle or Zipang. The combination of a gritty realistic portrayal and a chilling, suspenseful plot is what makes this work so compelling.

Confession revolves around a pair of climbers caught in a fierce snowstorm. When the older member of the duo sustains a serious leg injury, he decides to reveal a horrifying secret to his companion, determined to die without regrets. However, the weather quickly improves, and with this new revelation, the two protagonists engage in a cat-and-mouse game where paranoia plays a pivotal role. Both are haunted by that precise moment and are prepared to do anything to survive or ensure the secret remains intact. Confession masterfully utilizes its single setting. The cabin where the two main characters are stranded becomes a maze of rooms and concealed passageways, filled with light and shadow, while the snow rages outside. The authors' skill in keeping readers uncertain about the fate of the protagonists from the outset is remarkable, enhanced by the intricate details and emotional expressions on the faces, battered and shaped by the freezing temperatures. This artistic triumph is achieved through a cinematic approach to storytelling, leaving one to wonder why there isn't an adaptation of this story, given all its surprises and unexpected twists!

Confession is one of the most underrated mangas I've come across, offering profound insights into the cinematic potential of this medium. A narrative driven by guilt, with the need to find peace while simultaneously escaping judgment. In this manner, a simple cabin transforms into an arena where survival becomes increasingly challenging. A complex storyline pairs perfectly with sharp, rugged character designs and artistic elements, culminating in an ending that feels more relevant than ever.

FINAL VERDICT: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐