This novel, like other upbringing novels I have read, does not reach the peak of its cultivation in a few years. It is quite normal for 20 or 200 years to pass at once during cultivation. There were places that made me emotional especially when I looked at the past of the main character. I got a little emotional when the characters I saw at the beginning of the novel, which I thought I would definitely see as important people in the following chapters, grew old and died over time. Although the terms in some chapters bore me, I see it as a novel worth reading. Finally, sorry for my bad english. *-*
In the beginning, I struggled to differentiate the side characters, which made it difficult for me to engage with the story. However, once I grasped the narrative rhythm, I began to truly enjoy it.
The storyline is compelling. The protagonist is fighting against the world around him, eliminating the "monsters" while grappling with his internal conflict of being a "monster" himself.
There is an element of love, but it's neither the overly sentimental "puppy love" nor the purely lust-driven kind often found in romance novels. The love is skillfully integrated into the plot, sometimes taking center stage and other times stepping back to allow the characters' broader challenges to take precedence.
This tale may be challenging to dive into initially, but once you do, it reveals itself as a masterpiece.
The protagonist's internal battle with eliminating monsters while gradually transforming into one themselves is crafted with stunning elegance. As the narrative unfolds, doubts creep in about who can truly be trusted around the main character. The artwork is exquisite, enhancing the horror elements within the storyline seamlessly.
Although categorized as a horror manga, its psychological depth stands out, evoking genuine empathy for the characters.
The romantic arc avoids being overly sentimental or driven by lust, instead evolving naturally, given the context of the unfolding events.
One of the top horror mangas that I find irresistible to revisit time and again.
Puberty - the process of transitioning into adulthood. Your body transforms into something alien, your parents seem like strangers, those around you appear threatening, you feel confined, yet simultaneously like an outcast. In Dawn, all these emotions manifest as elements of fear.
Story (8):
The narrative centers on Takashi Nagasawa, a diligent and unusually hardworking high school student. Caught in a series of bizarre events, he is compelled to combat the Nightshift, creatures resembling zombies. On the surface, the story appears to be a conventional high school horror tale, which it indeed is. However, it also delves deeply into romance and offers a glimpse into student life.
Please don't misjudge the manga based on its initial chapters—while the beginning is intense and peculiar, the storyline improves significantly as it unfolds. What stands out is its ability to evoke chills through a pervasive sense of paranoia and insecurity, an accomplishment that's challenging to achieve in manga where clichés like "peek-a-boo" or "long hallway" scenes often fall flat. Additionally, numerous side stories are woven into the main plot, each reflecting another "puberty fear" mentioned earlier. Whether this was intentional, coincidental, or a subconscious psychological trick aimed at readers remains unclear but adds depth to the narrative.
Art (9):
The art style is what one might call "classic." The manga has a 1990s aesthetic, but before dismissing it, consider this: while I'm not typically fond of this style, I genuinely appreciate the artwork in Dawn. Just examine the cover of the first volume—it’s striking. Characters are meticulously drawn, monsters feature intricate details, and action sequences are clear and engaging. However, if you're seeking visual appeal with typical bishounens or voluptuous girls in short skirts, look elsewhere—try HOTD instead.
Characters (8):
Beyond the protagonist, the manga doesn't delve deeply into other characters. Takashi is likable, though it's curious that despite being portrayed as a "geek," he doesn't always display intelligence. He represents someone relatable, grappling with standard high school issues (apart from the zombie predicament) and unsure how to navigate them. The supporting characters in the side stories are also compelling; although limited information is provided about them, it's sufficient to evoke empathy.
Enjoyment (9):
Initially skeptical due to an average start, I gradually became increasingly engrossed in Dawn. It blends intelligent horror and mystery with comedic and romantic interludes to provide relief. Regrettably, not all volumes have been translated, leaving us to wait for the conclusion.
Overall (9):
Dawn is a fascinating story that horror and mystery enthusiasts should explore. Admittedly, a score of 9 is generous (for me, it signifies near-perfect manga), but I've noticed many readers avoid manga with scores below 8. (Side note: please overlook any grammar errors, as English isn't my native language.)
Popular Reviews
The storyline is compelling. The protagonist is fighting against the world around him, eliminating the "monsters" while grappling with his internal conflict of being a "monster" himself.
There is an element of love, but it's neither the overly sentimental "puppy love" nor the purely lust-driven kind often found in romance novels. The love is skillfully integrated into the plot, sometimes taking center stage and other times stepping back to allow the characters' broader challenges to take precedence.
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The protagonist's internal battle with eliminating monsters while gradually transforming into one themselves is crafted with stunning elegance. As the narrative unfolds, doubts creep in about who can truly be trusted around the main character. The artwork is exquisite, enhancing the horror elements within the storyline seamlessly.
Although categorized as a horror manga, its psychological depth stands out, evoking genuine empathy for the characters.
The romantic arc avoids being overly sentimental or driven by lust, instead evolving naturally, given the context of the unfolding events.
One of the top horror mangas that I find irresistible to revisit time and again.
Story (8):
The narrative centers on Takashi Nagasawa, a diligent and unusually hardworking high school student. Caught in a series of bizarre events, he is compelled to combat the Nightshift, creatures resembling zombies. On the surface, the story appears to be a conventional high school horror tale, which it indeed is. However, it also delves deeply into romance and offers a glimpse into student life.
Please don't misjudge the manga based on its initial chapters—while the beginning is intense and peculiar, the storyline improves significantly as it unfolds. What stands out is its ability to evoke chills through a pervasive sense of paranoia and insecurity, an accomplishment that's challenging to achieve in manga where clichés like "peek-a-boo" or "long hallway" scenes often fall flat. Additionally, numerous side stories are woven into the main plot, each reflecting another "puberty fear" mentioned earlier. Whether this was intentional, coincidental, or a subconscious psychological trick aimed at readers remains unclear but adds depth to the narrative.
Art (9):
The art style is what one might call "classic." The manga has a 1990s aesthetic, but before dismissing it, consider this: while I'm not typically fond of this style, I genuinely appreciate the artwork in Dawn. Just examine the cover of the first volume—it’s striking. Characters are meticulously drawn, monsters feature intricate details, and action sequences are clear and engaging. However, if you're seeking visual appeal with typical bishounens or voluptuous girls in short skirts, look elsewhere—try HOTD instead.
Characters (8):
Beyond the protagonist, the manga doesn't delve deeply into other characters. Takashi is likable, though it's curious that despite being portrayed as a "geek," he doesn't always display intelligence. He represents someone relatable, grappling with standard high school issues (apart from the zombie predicament) and unsure how to navigate them. The supporting characters in the side stories are also compelling; although limited information is provided about them, it's sufficient to evoke empathy.
Enjoyment (9):
Initially skeptical due to an average start, I gradually became increasingly engrossed in Dawn. It blends intelligent horror and mystery with comedic and romantic interludes to provide relief. Regrettably, not all volumes have been translated, leaving us to wait for the conclusion.
Overall (9):
Dawn is a fascinating story that horror and mystery enthusiasts should explore. Admittedly, a score of 9 is generous (for me, it signifies near-perfect manga), but I've noticed many readers avoid manga with scores below 8. (Side note: please overlook any grammar errors, as English isn't my native language.)
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