Love And War..

“I am automatic. When I detect adversity approaching, I float to the surface. That’s why I am Boogiepop—phantasmal, like bubbles.”  

First and foremost, this review exclusively covers the first three light novels in the Boogiepop franchise, as these are the only significant ones licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment. This includes Boogiepop and Others, Boogiepop Returns: VS Imaginator, and Boogiepop Returns: VS Imaginator Part 2. I also own the exceptional Boogiepop Phantom anime, but that will be discussed in a separate review.  

Kouhei Kadono’s Boogiepop light novels, which can be described as the morbid side of young adult fiction, are credited with sparking the light novel trend in Japan. Each Boogiepop book is narrated from different characters' perspectives, with the narrators changing every chapter. In the West, many people's introduction to the Boogiepop universe is through the horror-themed anime, and like myself, they often find it challenging to fully grasp the show's overall plot. Therefore, I strongly recommend reading Boogiepop and Others (also known as Boogiepop Never Laughs) before diving into Boogiepop Phantom. It will significantly enhance your experience.  

The novels themselves are relatively less creepy and horrifying compared to the show but remain equally macabre and psychological. Of course, animation amplifies the dark atmosphere consistently present in the Boogiepop universe.  

“Everyone wants to believe that the runaways were killed by an assassin that wanders in the shadows, fleeting as the morning mist… instead of running off to Tokyo or some other grim reality.”  

Boogiepop and Others revolves around a junior high school where rumors of a shinigami who murders those in pain frequently circulate among the female students' gossip. In reality, Boogiepop is not a grim reaper but more of a superhero: a being that fights for justice against those deemed enemies of the world. When an inhuman man-eater infiltrates the school, Boogiepop must emerge to stop it.  

This novel, or its manga adaptation, serves as the most ideal entry point into everything Boogiepop. Without reading either, when things get chaotic, one might struggle to understand what's happening. Regarding the writing style, Andrew Cunningham’s English translation often conveys a vibe reminiscent of fiction like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson: a tone that feels as if it is addressing younger readers, avoiding complex literary devices or diction. Whether this is advantageous depends on the audience.  

Overall, without delving too deeply, Boogiepop and Others is a predictably dark light novel filled with twisted, psychopathic characters. However, the story also highlights brighter aspects, focusing on the romantic and academic challenges faced by junior high and entrance exam students and their relationships with each other.  

“Even if snow does fall in April, Imaginator, it will only melt in the warmth of spring. It will never accumulate.”  

Boogiepop Returns: VS Imaginator has a peculiar title. To clarify, it is not Boogiepop Returns versus Imaginator but rather “VS Imaginator” as the secondary title under the primary “Boogiepop Returns.” VS Imaginator introduces several new and intriguing developments to the Boogiepop universe. For instance, power-inducing drugs from a secretive agency play a key role in the plot. Inhuman agents of the so-called Towa Organization are sent to Boogiepop's domain to observe the effects of their experimental products. Meanwhile, a creature known as the Imaginator seeks to alter humanity using its own powers to achieve its ultimate goal.  

The two light novels in the VS Imaginator arc shift focus to entirely new characters while retaining a few of the most significant ones from the original. The execution of this arc suggests that subsequent light novels will consist of separate, individual arcs loosely connected by the enigmatic hero known as Boogiepop. The tone established in the first novel continues in the second and third, all translated by the same person. A worthy sequel to Boogiepop and Others, Boogiepop Returns: VS Imaginator marks the continuation of these captivating light novels.  

In conclusion, Boogiepop is a franchise that never grows old for me. It tells a dark story focusing heavily on teenage mental issues, something I always appreciate. If you're seeking a wonderfully depressing set of novels, I encourage you to explore Boogiepop. If you've come here from Boogiepop Phantom, I urge you to enhance your animated experience by reading some of Kadono's original novels.  

“Life is brief, young maiden, fall in love; before the crimson bloom fades from your lips, before the tides of passion cool within your hips, for those of you who know no tomorrow.” -Isamu Yoshii

“There is a popular urban legend among children about a shinigami who offers release from suffering. This so-called "Angel of Death" is known as Boogiepop, and surprisingly, the legends are true. Boogiepop exists.

Boogiepop is a light novel series authored by Kouhei Kadona with illustrations by Ogata Kouji. The series centers around Boogiepop, a shinigami who inhabits the body of Miyashita Touka to confront dangerous entities threatening the world. This review primarily focuses on the first story, 'Boogiepop and Others,' which is the most recognized tale and one of the few novels in the series translated into English.

The plot of the initial novel, 'Boogiepop and Others,' revolves around a man-eating shapeshifter called the 'Manticore' infiltrating a school, prompting Boogiepop's intervention to track it down. As the narrative progresses, we meet various characters whose stories eventually intertwine, forming a cohesive picture that isn't immediately apparent due to the unique writing style of the Boogiepop novels.

The Boogiepop novels feature a distinctive narrative structure where the story unfolds non-linearly. Each chapter explores different segments of the story, gradually piecing together the overall narrative. This method fosters an aura of mystery, though it might confuse some readers. Most questions will be answered by the end of the novel. A standout aspect of each chapter is its focus on specific characters, allowing the author to develop them deeply as we experience the novel through their perspectives. We gain insights into their thoughts and actions, enabling us to perceive the larger narrative through the chapters' interconnected pieces. This approach also reinforces the enigmatic nature of Boogiepop. We rarely get a chapter dedicated solely to Boogiepop, except for interactions with other characters. This is evident in Boogiepop's rooftop conversations with Keiji Takeda, occurring early in the novel. In these segments, Takeda would visit the rooftop to converse with Boogiepop, revealing aspects of Boogiepop's character, operation, and embodied ideals.

The non-linear storytelling adds intrigue to the plot beyond mere character development. It creates a mystery that isn't straightforward, shifting the reader's curiosity from what happens next to how certain events unfolded. For instance, the novel concludes events we hadn't fully realized occurred until someone mentioned them, prompting questions about the sequence of events leading to those outcomes rather than speculating on what follows.

Subjectively, I greatly appreciate this series. Its mysteries captivate me, and the supernatural elements are fascinating. Each novel deepens Boogiepop's character, notably in "Boogiepop at Dawn," which delves into Boogiepop's origin, further enhancing the non-linear storytelling across books. The artwork, while not spectacular, complements the series' aesthetic pleasingly.

To me, although categorized as mystery, horror, and psychological, the series doesn't execute horror tropes effectively. While it excels in mystery and psychological elements, it falls short in horror.

In summary, this is an excellent light novel series rich in mystery and psychological themes. Although it includes horror elements, they aren't particularly frightening. If you're seeking an engaging mystery with supernatural occurrences and psychological undertones, I highly recommend this series.

P.S. - I discovered these novels after watching the anime and must say, the anime omits much content. For the best experience, read the novels. The anime, while not terrible, pales in comparison to the depth of character development in the novels, especially concerning Boogiepop. Boogiepop's character in the anime lacks the complexity found in the novels.”

<p>The first volume in the Boogiepop series is undoubtedly one of the best books I've read in a while. The characters are intricately developed; while you could categorize them into tropes, it would greatly undermine their depth. The book maintains a dark tone throughout, with most of the story unfolding in a secluded school nestled in the mountains, enhancing its atmosphere. Alongside this setting, the narrative is peppered with musical references to '80s bands like Oingo Boingo, Prince and The NPG, contributing to the unique "Boogiepop" vibe.</p>  
<p>In the author's note, Kouhei Kadono elaborates on what Boogiepop signifies—melding niche subjects such as the psychology of serial killers, interdimensional beings, and somewhat obscure music to form the "boogie," while the first-person perspective, an engaging writing style that's easy to follow, and teenage "forbidden" romances contribute to the "pop" elements. I believe this is the ideal way to encapsulate what makes Boogiepop as a book so remarkable.</p>

Basically, picture that one scene in The Tatami Galaxy where they overlay a bunch of still images of the douchebag character from different angles, visually representing the narrator's explanation of how his perception of the douchebag as a person changes the more he learns about him. Now apply the same logic to the narrative structure in Boogiepop. At the start, we're introduced to a high school student and his meeting with Boogiepop. Boogiepop explains himself as something automatic, a being that rises to the surface like a bubble and then vanishes. A vague threat is established, and Boogiepop is there at the school to fight it, but the narrator isn't involved in the action at all, and it ends suddenly without him ever knowing what it was all about. Basically, we know how the story ends at the start – Boogiepop wins – but the reader's understanding of the story and perception of past events change as they read through. The story in Boogiepop is told from different perspectives, each perspective having its own individual narrative, and through these different perspectives, the reader learns more about the overarching narrative, which involves a monster known as the Manticore threatening a bunch of high school students.

The trouble with commenting on these individual narratives is that I'm inevitably going to be drawn into a bunch of irrelevant comparisons between each narrative, avoiding the main question "is the book good?" And I would say yes unless someone laughed at me for saying yes. If someone laughed at me, I would deny ever having read the books and hide underground for the rest of my life. Generally, the narratives are good; they have enough variety. The personalities of the narrators are conveyed easily by having them written in a certain style, examples being Keiji’s narration written formal and proper, the playboy’s narration written loose and colloquial. The main triumphs of Boogiepop are its characters who are all enjoyable and friendly and entertaining, and the concept of who Boogiepop is.

I think this sort of fantasy story works because Boogiepop itself links back in some way to reality. The idea of Boogiepop is pretty similar to the human body's autoimmune system and how it fights off diseases. Your mind can easily accept Boogiepop's existence since it already has a prior reference point to work off of, similar to how the aliens in Ridley Scott’s franchise look like and are based on underwater sea creatures, and so are more easily believed and scarier as a result.

The individual narratives in Others are good, but the plot itself isn’t great. The Manticore feels like a derivative idea. The fight between the Manticore and Boogiepop's allies is exciting enough, and I like the bit of foreshadowing with the boy who's good at archery, but it's not as engaging as the parts where the characters were just talking to each other and living their lives. Because the Manticore is an existence that feels disconnected from reality, it feels like it's of arbitrary/forced importance, and all the characters involved directly with the Manticore suffer from that same unreal disconnect.

This criticism applies to basically all of the novels in the Boogiepop series. Characters are likable, but the supernatural elements are literally unbelievable and so prone to inducing indifference. Instead of just repeating myself over and over for the other books, I'll note the interesting parts.

At the start of VS Imaginator, the concept of a man who can see into the hearts of people and see their flaws is really cool for the same reasons that Boogiepop is cool. The hearts/souls of people being represented by flowers, and how what is missing is described by their flowers missing petals, or leaves, or stems, is a really vivid image; it sticks with you.

The Peppermint Wizard suffers in readability due to the fan translator trying too hard, despite that, it's my favorite story besides the first one. The wizard’s a really good character, and the message is pretty strong too.

Anime adaptation's pretty whatever.

"Boogiepop and Others" begins with the quote, "...The actual events probably form a very simple story. From a distance, they appear to be quite confusing; to have no clear threads connecting them whatsoever, but the reality is that this is undoubtedly a much more straightforward, commonplace tale." This opening encapsulates the central theme of Boogiepop: the significance of diverse perspectives in storytelling and in life.

Without delving into specifics, the first volume illustrates this concept by presenting various segments of the same narrative from five distinct viewpoints. These segments converge to create a story that is simple yet rich in thematic depth. While the plot itself isn't groundbreaking, the manner in which it's narrated adds layers of meaning without unnecessary complexity. As each perspective unfolds, more of the overarching story is revealed, tying together loose ends left by previous viewpoints. Moreover, each new perspective introduces fresh themes while reinforcing existing ones.

Boogiepop explores numerous themes, including the influence of ordinary individuals on the world, the pressures society imposes on youth, the consequences of an indifferent, self-serving system, and the dual nature of humanity—both its irredeemable evil and its all-encompassing goodness. A recurring thread linking many of these themes is the impact of Japan's lost decade on society and its members. When Boogiepop was initially written, Japan was experiencing a decade of economic recession followed by stagnation. The unfulfilled promises of a brighter future for the youth profoundly affected Japanese society, effects still evident today. However, Boogiepop counterbalances these darker themes with hopeful ones, focusing on the positive actions and impacts of ordinary people.

In essence, Boogiepop's narrative and world are thematically profound without being overly complex or convoluted. Although the narrative structure is somewhat intricate, it enhances the story's thematic depth effectively.

On the character front, Boogiepop's cast exhibits a certain level of complexity. They serve to advance the story, showcase varying perspectives, and delve into the myriad themes of Boogiepop. Despite occasional imperfections in their handling, they fulfill their roles well, vividly illustrating how their surroundings affect them and, at times, how they influence their world. Unlike many stories, these characters feel genuinely human—flawed yet not defined solely by their flaws—and avoid being mere tropes or collections thereof.

Regarding the art, there's little to elaborate on—it's adequate. Character designs range from solid (most characters) to exceptional (Boogiepop). Unlike many contemporary light novels, there aren't numerous illustrations, primarily just text.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Boogiepop to anyone interested in light novels or seeking a unique narrative. Boogiepop has yet to receive a proper adaptation (while "Phantom" captures much of the style and impact of the light novels, it is an anime-original story, not an adaptation), and it is both intriguing and enjoyable to read. The ending and the complete story left a significant impression on me personally.

Scores:
Character: 14/15
Story: 10/10
World: 10/10
Structure/Writing: 10/10
Art: 4/5
Overall: 48/50 (9.6)
Recommendation: Highly Recommend

I'm at chapt 8 and already sick of his praises.. your comment makes despair!