DARK INFATUATION OF ROYAL LORDS

Backwards Reading Idiot Reviews: Confession  

Confession is a short one-shot by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, an author with an impressively long list of notable works, mostly gambling series like Kaiji (three separate series) and Akagi. Unfortunately, I haven't read these series yet, so this is my first impression of the 52-year-old mangaka.  

Story: Two friends who regularly climb a mountain get caught in a blizzard. In the confusion, one of them, Ishikura, gets injured on a rock, leaving it up to Asai to save him. After some time and failing to find safety, Ishikura, believing he's about to die, confesses to a murder—specifically, the murder of Asai's ex-girlfriend. Naturally, Ishikura tears up, claiming what a relief it is to unburden himself at the moment of death. But then Asai discovers a cabin, and Ishikura's eyes quickly dry up.  

Asai soon notices Ishikura's conflicted feelings about having revealed his sin now that he's going to live. Asai wants to get away from Ishikura, but it will take a few days for a rescue team to navigate through the blizzard, so the two men are stuck together. A combination of minimal talking and emotional tension quickly makes Asai suspicious.  

This is as far as I'll go for now, but let me say the story had me hooked. It's almost like Misery, where one person is trapped and suspicious of the other. The concept alone was enough to entice me for several reasons. Wanting to see psychological development in both characters would be enough to make anyone want to read this. But you also have to consider that both men are stuck with each other, with little medical supplies and little food. They're on a mountain, in a blizzard. Should either of these men choose to act rashly, they could easily cover up the act. It's very enticing, just watching them move around the cabin, seeing them look at each other. Each picture and action makes the other man react subtly. This subtlety, combined with only hearing Asai's thoughts, makes every page tense, leaving you wondering what will happen next in the chain of actions and thoughts.  

Characters: Since we only have two characters and this is a one-shot, I'll be brief here. Asai comes across as slightly unstable but clear-thinking. In a way, he reminded me of the Narrator from Fight Club—alright on the surface but possibly messed up inside! No, the ending isn't that Asai and Ishikura are the same person! In a way, his psychology, even without the tension of the situation, was interesting enough. But seeing him try to process what his friend is thinking is incredibly fascinating. Though the author had limited time to portray his psychology, he did it well within the short space available. Asai was probably my favorite of the two.  

Ishikura, on the other hand, and I swear I couldn't put it more simply, comes across like Annie Wilkes. Seriously, right down to the almost carefree attitude (though his lacks the peppiness between any sort of 'outburst'). Now, I'm not implying anything by comparing him to Annie Wilkes (no spoilers in this review, folks), but he literally comes across as quite blunt and very intelligent. Perhaps even more so than Asai. There's the matter that we never hear his thoughts, only his spoken dialogue, so he does have the unfair advantage when it comes to character depth.  

Art: As I mentioned in previous reviews, I'm not one to criticize art in manga since I accept what I'm presented with. However, in this manga, art is somewhat crucial because emotional expressions can be a vital part, focusing on the men's psychological development. The main issue is that with the features the artist gave the characters, their emotions don't vary much beyond neutral and fearful. This isn't a typical MCR song; I need a bit more emotion. It's the same thing for all 200+ pages: fearful, then neutral, then confident, happy for about five seconds, then fearful again. Sometimes the dialogue feels more emotional than the characters themselves. However, considering the scenario they're in, the lack of expression might be forgivable. Backgrounds and other details like appliances in the cabin are done well and can be detailed when needed, but most of the time, the author can get away with little or no items since it's just a rescue cabin.  

The bad: My one and only complaint about Confession is this: it's a bit repetitive. Now, it is a one-shot, but seriously, sometimes several pages are devoted to a single statement repeated over and over again. I felt like I was reading an incomplete Abbott and Costello routine. I understand they're trying to convey the passage of time as he thinks things over, but you don't need to waste perfectly good space in a one-shot just to show time passing.  

Confession overall (last word): Confession is a great one-shot but is not without its flaws. The story and characters are strong, but the art can feel wasted, and the dialogue can drag. The ending, though unexpected, didn't throw me as much as I'd hoped, leaving me thinking, "Well, that was strange." But if you have a spare half-hour or so, you can't go wrong with Confession.  

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Okay, so the story was crafted by Fukomoto Noboyuki, the mastermind behind Kaiji and Akagi, with art contributed by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, known for his work on Seizon -LifE-. The narrative kicks off with two friends engaged in mountain climbing. Following an accident, they get caught in a storm. During this time, one of them reveals past transgressions, believing they might be on the brink of death. Unexpectedly, they stumble upon an abandoned cabin stocked with supplies and a phone—a somewhat peculiar way to launch the story, in my view.

Story: The plot is intriguing, though not unparalleled. Its beginning feels a bit odd, but it steadily improves. As the protagonists remain confined within the cabin, they begin to lose their grip on sanity. Without giving too much away, as the chapters progress, the story becomes increasingly shocking.

Art: The artwork is commendable, robust, distinctive, and impactful.

Characters: Both characters are well-developed and captivating. I genuinely began to empathize with one of them.

Enjoyment: It's an engaging read that won't consume much of your time.

Overall: It's highly worth checking out. In summary, the story is solid, the art is impressive and unique, the characters are compelling, and it stands as a good one-shot. If you're looking for something to pass the time, give "Confession" a shot.

This is my attempt at a manga review. I'm aware it may not be perfect, but I gave it my best. Thank you for taking the time to read my review if you did.<p>

Let me admit that this isn't a terrible read, but its execution and brief runtime won't exactly place it among the best examples of the genre.  

The pacing required for such a story is sidestepped in favor of a swift conclusion. The excitement is present, though it's debatable how deeply you'll be able to engage given the predictability.  

Characters swiftly fall into their predestined roles with little development. There are faint hints of deeper characterization, but they only emerge upon close inspection and still come across as mediocre.  

The art doesn't enhance the work's strengths. While it's detailed and functional for minor elements, it doesn't contribute to the narrative. Facial expressions often appear stiff and unintentionally amusing, creating an incongruous comedic tone.  

This feels like a project on autopilot, relying heavily on its climax to stun the audience. However, the ending telegraphs itself from the beginning, leaving many readers unmoved.  

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The recommendation baseline for Confession/Kokuhaku is straightforward: if you're a fan of intense psychological thrillers, you'd likely love this.

Award-winning creators Nobuyuki Fukumoto and Kawaguchi Kaiji provided the story and art respectively for this single-volume manga about two long-time friends stranded in the middle of a mountain blizzard. An unsettling sentence on a pitch-black background sets the opening tone, and we are immediately thrust into the heart of the action. The rest of the story is best discovered on your own, but it's safe to say that fans of Fukumoto's works (most notably the popular long-running series Kaiji and Akagi) will be familiar with what's in store: mounting psychological tension, dramatic physical stakes, and a rather bleak perspective on humanity and morality. While I occasionally find Fukumoto's narrative in Kaiji to be overblown, which can slow down the pace, there's no such issue with Confession. It introduces, builds up, and resolves its conflict at just the right length. The manga could be faithfully adapted into a 90-minute live-action film (something I would really enjoy seeing) without losing any significant elements in the process.

There are essentially only two characters here: the good-looking protagonist Asai and his disabled friend Ishikura (technically, there is also a third vital character, but she only exists in flashbacks). By the end of the story, we will have learned almost everything about these two. The tension, doubt, and constantly shifting dynamics between Asai and Ishikura are skillfully conveyed, interspersed with internal monologues (mostly from Asai's perspective) that help build the atmosphere. If there is a downside to Kawaguchi's art, it's that sometimes the characters' reaction shots are too exaggerated, making them appear unintentionally silly. However, it succeeds in the most crucial aspect: capturing the sense of claustrophobia and isolated setting amidst a deadly white storm (and later, a secluded mountain cabin).

Confession doesn’t aim for grand concepts or ambitions, but it excels at being what it is: a fast-paced survival story brimming with suspense and paranoia so thick you can almost touch it, and a gripping read all the way to its flawlessly executed conclusion.

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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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.

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

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