Liar Game is a quality psychological manga, but it comes with significant issues. Let's break it down step by step:
The characters in this work are exceptional. They are complex and human, adding substantial depth to the story. Characters like Fukunaga or Abe are particularly intriguing due to the development surrounding their beliefs and the challenges that led them to their current paths. Additionally, there are charismatic antagonists who enhance the story with their strong presence. Yokoya manipulates through his philosophy of fear, while Harimoto exploits fragility and insecurities within people's beliefs.
The protagonists, Akiyama and Kanzaki Nao, are both fascinating to follow. Initially, it can be exhausting to keep up with Nao because her overly innocent and pure personality makes her an easy target in this type of game, which can be disheartening. However, she gradually grows throughout the story as she learns the importance of trusting her own beliefs while also recognizing the value of doubting others during the bonding process. On the other hand, Akiyama is shrewd from the very beginning. Yet, this presents a problem since his competence diminishes the thrill of the competition by making his victories seem inevitable. Thankfully, the author progressively adds more layers to his character, allowing him to falter in more emotional aspects of the situations. This creates a perfect balance between intellect and emotion between the protagonists, strengthening the narrative.
The story itself starts off as uninteresting and predictable. As the author portrays Akiyama as superior to the others, it takes time for the conflicts to become engaging, especially with the forced nature of the early arcs. Fortunately, once the antagonists enter the scene, the plot rapidly gains momentum, becoming highly captivating. The game of chairs stands out as the pinnacle of the psychological games in the series. Ultimately, the ending is quite thought-provoking, albeit leaving a somewhat indigestible taste. Despite this, I find value in it and appreciated it overall.
The art style is fairly basic, not particularly remarkable, and even the expressions lack distinction.
In conclusion, Liar Game is a great psychological manga, albeit with certain flaws that may hinder the reading experience. Nevertheless, it quickly picks up pace and concludes in a reflective manner.
When I first started Liar Game, my expectations were pretty low; I thought it might just be a Death Note knockoff. How wrong I was! Although I seriously considered giving up on this manga at the beginning—for reasons I'll explain later—I'm extremely glad I didn't! This is a manga that will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving more.
Story ~10/10~
In short, an overly honest girl gets entangled in a game where lying is key. The first thing she does is fall for a lie and seeks help from a former swindler.
Overall, it's quite original. But if you decide to read this based solely on the plot, you may find it's entirely different from what you'd expect. This story delves into the darkest parts of a human's heart—lies, deceit, greed, and selfishness—and one pure girl who sees beyond all that.
Art ~7/10~
Alright, this is the first reason I almost stopped reading. The art at the start is mediocre at best. Eyes lacking emotion, people with oddly shaped heads that triple in size when their mouths are open, and tiny arms—not to mention the drawings are highly disproportionate. (For example, when standing normally, Nao looks about average height, but when she kneels and bends over to cry, she appears as if she'd be 8 feet tall standing.)
However, note that I said "at the beginning." The art noticeably improves as the series progresses. The art style gets better, bodies look proportional, the weird way of drawing lips that made the top one resemble a mustache disappears, as does the strange habit the artist had of drawing eyelashes at the sides of the eyes. While the art doesn't improve to something deserving great praise, it becomes pretty decent.
Character ~10/10~ -prepare for semi-long rant-
The heart and soul of this manga. And the second reason I almost stopped reading. Initially, the story's major flaw was Kanzaki Nao. Stupid, naive, easy to fool, always relying on others for help, and a total crybaby. Again, notice I said 'At the Beginning.' As the story unfolds, she transforms into a strong girl while still retaining the honest purity she once had. Thanks to this, she's able to realize the "true" (air quotes because this has not yet been 100% confirmed) motive behind the liar game.
What kept me going in this manga was Akiyama Shinichi, the genius swindler recruited by Nao. The word genius is an understatement for this man. Capable of bringing down an entire MLM company, and he's only like, 24? I don't want to go into too much detail, but he's pretty similar to L from Death Note, even having the dark circles under his eyes. (The picture of him on his MAL profile doesn't do him justice though—he's actually fairly good-looking.) The reasons behind his actions and abilities are a bit of a spoiler, so I won't elaborate much on him.
This cast of characters is perfect for the story, each having their own reason for staying in the game, whether it be for wealth, domination, saving the other contestants, or finding the terrible person behind the Liar Game. Each has their flaws, some more than others, but each one has good in their heart, brought out by Nao and Akiyama, except for one. -*cough*Yokoya*cough*-
Enjoyment/Overall ~10/10~
I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, to the point where I finished 95 chapters in 2 days (although each chapter is roughly 17-18 pages). It's a manga that will have you pondering how on earth Akiyama could possibly beat the opponent, only to reveal a plan so intricate and well-thought-out that Einstein would be staring at the page with smoke coming out of his ears. Truly an amazing manga.
After finishing Death Note and Code Geass, I was craving more manga centered around strategies and battles of wits. Thankfully, someone on a forum recommended this one to me, and I couldn't be happier I started reading it.
- Story - The premise revolves around a girl who becomes entangled in the Liar Game, where deceiving your opponent is key to achieving your goals. Though it might seem straightforward initially, the narrative takes unexpected twists as it unfolds, making it nearly impossible to put down once you're immersed in a game.
Score: 9/10
- Art - While the artwork isn't particularly striking, it doesn't detract much since the focus lies heavily on dialogue rather than visuals.
Score: 7/10
- Characters - There's a diverse cast, including the overly honest protagonist Nao, the sharp-witted Akiyama, the manipulative Yokoya, and my personal favorite, the transvestite Fukunaga.
Score: 9/10
- Enjoyment - Each game featured in the manga is meticulously crafted, ensuring that victories feel earned through strategy rather than contrived. I was consistently on the edge of my seat, and the pacing never falters.
Score: 10/10
OVERALL: With the exception of the art, everything about this manga is engaging. If you enjoy series like Kaiji, Tobaku Haouden Zero, or Death Note, which revolve around outsmarting opponents with tricks and cunning, then this is undoubtedly worth your time.
It's been a while since I last read Liar Game, as waiting for updates can be truly agonizing. However, given that it ranks among my most cherished manga and is one of my favorites, I feel compelled to pen a review.
First things first: do not let the art deter you. This point cannot be stressed enough, as the artwork in the early stages is frankly abysmal. I can only imagine how many readers might have abandoned this series—or worse, rated it harshly—due to its visuals.
That said, the art does improve over time, eventually growing on me to the point where I came to appreciate it as fitting for the narrative.
Liar Game is the kind of manga that grips you so tightly, you simply cannot put it down. Its story is thrilling and utterly unpredictable, showcasing remarkable intelligence from its creator. The plot is both inventive and masterfully crafted, with twists and pacing that keep readers hooked.
The characters form an intriguing ensemble, each with their own charm. Akiyama stands out as the undeniable star, with his unmatched intellect and suave demeanor. Nao, on the other hand, elicits mixed reactions; her innocence and naivety may come across as endearing or somewhat irritating. Personally, she frustrated me at first, but I grew to admire her by the later chapters.
I would classify Liar Game as a "mental thriller," a true masterpiece in terms of storytelling—a top-tier manga that fans of unique narratives and intellectually stimulating plots should not miss. The sole reason I gave it a 9 instead of a perfect 10 is the subpar art, which, if refined, could elevate the experience further.
All in all, it's an incredible and captivating read that I wholeheartedly recommend to manga enthusiasts and even those who don't typically read manga. It's just that good.
This manga has reminded me to not put too much stock into MAL's rankings for popularity and scoring. Perhaps I walked in with expectations that were just too high, but this didn't even live up to its premise all that well. While the characterization and artwork were competent enough to keep me coming back, the story itself is pretty shoddy. Let's dig in and see just why I feel this way!
[Story - 4]
The basic premise is that an overly honest girl gets a pro conman to help her out in an underground tournament of games revolving around deception. This is all fine and dandy, since it's a fairly intriguing premise and it does deliver initially, but there are some things I take issue with.
One thing I'll harp on right now is PACING. God, the pacing is so abysmal. The first 3 or 4 volumes have great pacing, but following this, it just gets progressively slower and slower until the final 'game' is over 3 or so volumes yet takes place in the timespan of several hours or so. For a title that is supposed to feel pretty 'high stakes' and tense at all times, it just got extremely dull for me after a while.
To lead into my next gripe: It would have been one thing if the story was paced like this to slow burn towards an explosive climax. However, this title does quite the opposite. It goes out with something that can be said to be less than a whimper - a tidy, clean ending that comes and goes in about......3 to 5 chapters or so. I don't necessarily mind this 'happy' ending, but the final few panels really grind my gears since there was no previous build-up or indication it would turn out like that. It just comes out of nowhere for shock value, and that's especially insulting considering how intellectual this title presents itself to be.
It isn't ALL bad, however: Some of the 'games' are actually pretty intriguing, and can have great twists (first one that comes to mind is that musical chairs one, along with the contraband game). The themes of trust and doubt (and how they go hand in hand), the human condition, and psychological complexes dovetail well with the story and can be rather poignant at times. Just a shame that they didn't get a better writer to handle them.
(Side note - you know those two extra chapters? They're just the original last chapter split into two. Totally worthless to read them.)
[Art - 5]
Okay, I'm not gonna beat around the bush on this - the art is so hit-or-miss that I don't blame anyone for being turned off by the first 2 volumes alone. The expressions of each character can get rather goofy, the settings can be either too moody or bare-bones, and most of the character design isn't really all that notable.
On the flip side, however, the rest of said design can get good; I'd say that Akiyama's consistent stoicisms, matched with his cunning personality and bland fashion taste, suits him well (and totally reminds me of Light Yagami). Kanzaki's wardrobe and expressions just ooze 'woobie', Fukunaga's an absolute treat to see, and Nokoya's very face is just pure mischief.
[Character - 6]
This is probably the strongest element of the title in my opinion, even if that wasn't what it was aiming for. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the investment in some of these people's fates are what really kept me going after the story started to drag its feet.
Shinichi Akiyama is a bit of a Gary Stu, sure, but he's just too much fun to read. Something about how wildly sharp and on-the-nose he can be is just addicting, even if it takes AGES to get to the true payoff of his reveal. His backstory is adequately angsty, and he's got the temperament to match! It rubs up perfectly against Kanzaki's overbearing warmth.
Speaking of Kanzaki, let's move onto her. I have more mixed feelings about her than I do about her male counterpart, but she's fine for the most part. I know that some people don't enjoy naive kindness in characters, and it remains until the end here, but seeing her develop was interesting. It wasn't much, unfortunately, but you can totally tell that she has a shift in mindset over time and is able to adapt to the situation accordingly. Again, something about her compassion is just too palpable, and it just rubs off on you.
This leaves two other characters to discuss since the rest are admittedly bland and/or forgettable. To sum it up: Fukunaga's a delight to read between her comparable wit and her overall vicious personality. She serves as yet another foil to both Akiyama and Kanzaki, and it's genuinely great to see her develop over the course of the title. It's a damn shame that she got shafted HARD during the last arc, because the payoff in her arc was just....splendid. As for Nokoya, he's totally just another Rich Brat Who Loves Being Mean, but he presents as a perfect match for these three. While he doesn't get royally screwed over in the end, the few comeuppances he received were wonderful. He does have some form of an arc, but it plays second fiddle to seeing him ham it up as a 'primary' antagonist.
[Enjoyment/Overall - 5]
As you can see, this title has left me feeling unsatisfied despite its good elements being enough to keep me around until the very end. I'm sorry to say it, but I can't really recommend this one to anyone save for those who want to see psychological game shenanigans get drawn out way too long. The real liar game at play here was most of MAL giving this a 9 or 10.
<p>I discovered Liar Game when I watched the first episode of its Korean drama a couple of years ago, but eventually, I chose to read the manga because of its excellent reviews and popularity. Although I haven't finished the entire series yet, I've read five volumes and can confidently say it's absolutely worth reading. While the naivety of the main character and the less-than-stellar art style may be somewhat off-putting at times, the plot and the way the 'games' develop more than make up for them. As someone about to study psychology in university, this series is incredibly intriguing in terms of human morals and trust.</p>
Sorry this is my first review ever, so it might not be perfect.
This is the very first Manga I've ever read, and wow, did I pick a great one!
Story 10/10
The story is incredible. It reminds me a little of Death Note. It makes you want to dive into the next chapter almost instantly. Each chapter is packed with suspense, and you learn a lot about psychological tactics.
Art 7/10
The artwork isn't really the strongest aspect of this Manga. The art is decent but nothing extraordinary—characters often lack expression beyond baggy eyes or tears.
Character 10/10
The characters are incredibly diverse, from an honest girl to a greedy, insane man. And like most Mangas, there's a badass character here—and this one truly delivers.
Enjoyment 10/10
Do I really need to explain? This is an outstanding Manga.
Overall 9/10
It's a highly suspenseful series and definitely worth your time.
[SPOILER-FREE]
- Story:
Liar Game stands out as a unique psychological thriller manga. It begins with Kanzaki Nao, an honest girl, receiving a mysterious package from the LGT Office. Reluctantly opening it (which contained a substantial amount of 100 Million Yen), she finds herself unwittingly drawn into the Liar Game Tournament. This is the central premise. The tournament revolves around wits and strategy, where each participant or group strives to outsmart one another. The plot unfolds in a stylish manner, and the mind games are meticulously crafted and executed. The games themselves are exceptional, prompting readers to devise their own strategies.
- Art:
The art style falls somewhere between average and good. However, the captivating story renders this aspect almost negligible. The artwork does improve progressively as the chapters advance.
- Characters:
Liar Game shines brightly in character development. Akiyama, the male lead, is cunning and extraordinarily intelligent, reminiscent of Light Yagami and L Lawliet from Death Note. Yokoya and Fukunaga also deliver stellar performances. As each game unfolds, you'll inevitably wonder, "Who will emerge victorious?" I assure you, Akiyama's schemes alone will astound you beyond measure.
- Enjoyment:
Brilliantly twisted planning. Pure entertainment and badassery. If you have a penchant for mind games and psychological mangas, Liar Game promises an epic experience.
- Overall:
Liar Game is impeccable and enthralling. Thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed, the manga is a masterpiece. It is a must-read for all manga enthusiasts.
Alright, so it's time to review the manga that utterly surpasses every other manga in terms of psychology. It's a manga filled with intensely psychological battles that will leave you thrilled and contemplating for hours until the next chapter.
It's a tale about an exceptionally honest girl named Nao. She has entered a tournament with 100,000 participants. She is given 100 million yen. If she gets tricked, she will be saddled with a debt of 100 million yen, but if she tricks her opponent, she'll gain 100 million yen. Enormous wealth awaits the masterful liars, while debt awaits everyone else.
Story: 10. The story is truly remarkable and captivating.
Art: 7. The only thing I can say about the art is that it's not as polished as in the most popular mangas. It's slightly above average and improves as the series progresses. Bear with the art; everything else will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours.
Character: 10. There are numerous unique characters in Liar Game, and they are developed more as the story unfolds.
Enjoyment: 10. If you're passionate about psychology, this manga is definitely for you.
Overall: 10.
It's an absolutely incredible manga that I haven't been able to put down since I started reading.
Really captivating from the start. The plot is fairly straightforward but features incredibly intricate and unexpected twists. The artwork isn't exceptional, but it's satisfactory. However, the art isn't the focal point of this Manga. The story, in contrast, is fantastic. You're compelled to keep reading to uncover the mysteries behind it all. The Liar Game can be highly recommended for anyone who appreciates psychological games and engrossing storytelling!
Story: If you have a keen eye, you'll notice that some problems in the games can be solved with math. But don't worry, they're not predictable. The element of surprise is what makes it enjoyable, and that's exactly what Liar Manga delivers in the first game—it hooks you right away. It sweeps you into the night on a small boat. So just relax and do what's best: look at the stars... Now, for the rebels including myself: This is a game of wit ('lies'). There can only be so many shocking moments without violence involved. To solve this issue, I recommend... reading faster :)
Characters: Nao Kanzaki - The writer's moral compass. She is incredibly and unwaveringly kind. Why not throw her into the mix? We needed a role model anyway. Ms. Nao truly has her own gravity. She steers this story into an exciting one. She genuinely inspires Mr. Akiyama.
Akiyama - He starts off as an 'ex-con,' but what are his intentions? Does he want to swindle Nao? We learn he single-handedly destroyed a company he didn't like. Scary. He will likely become the readers' moral— to kick ass... mentally, of course.
Yokoya - Just as smart as Akiyama. He loves money, what more can I say? He strokes his mice as he devises strategies. He easily manipulates his opponents, giving him an early economic lead. But who will win the Liar Game...
Art: Not an art critique, but the words do harmonize well with the art.
Enjoyment: Stop forcing yourself to look for flaws, and you'll enjoy it even more than I do.
It features a complex, gripping story right up to the final, somewhat disappointing chapter!<br /><br />It's absolutely worth reading. At one point in my life, after diving into this fxxking manga, I actually considered studying psychology. It's incredibly cool, even though there isn't much action. The real thrill lies in focusing and understanding every detail the characters explain.<br /><br />Initially, you might think the art isn't beautiful, but as you read further into the chapters, you'll realize it perfectly complements the dark narrative.<br /><br />If you enjoyed Death Note, I guarantee you'll love Liar Game too. And there's no romance or boring harem stuff here!
Popular Reviews
The characters in this work are exceptional. They are complex and human, adding substantial depth to the story. Characters like Fukunaga or Abe are particularly intriguing due to the development surrounding their beliefs and the challenges that led them to their current paths. Additionally, there are charismatic antagonists who enhance the story with their strong presence. Yokoya manipulates through his philosophy of fear, while Harimoto exploits fragility and insecurities within people's beliefs.
The protagonists, Akiyama and Kanzaki Nao, are both fascinating to follow. Initially, it can be exhausting to keep up with Nao because her overly innocent and pure personality makes her an easy target in this type of game, which can be disheartening. However, she gradually grows throughout the story as she learns the importance of trusting her own beliefs while also recognizing the value of doubting others during the bonding process. On the other hand, Akiyama is shrewd from the very beginning. Yet, this presents a problem since his competence diminishes the thrill of the competition by making his victories seem inevitable. Thankfully, the author progressively adds more layers to his character, allowing him to falter in more emotional aspects of the situations. This creates a perfect balance between intellect and emotion between the protagonists, strengthening the narrative.
The story itself starts off as uninteresting and predictable. As the author portrays Akiyama as superior to the others, it takes time for the conflicts to become engaging, especially with the forced nature of the early arcs. Fortunately, once the antagonists enter the scene, the plot rapidly gains momentum, becoming highly captivating. The game of chairs stands out as the pinnacle of the psychological games in the series. Ultimately, the ending is quite thought-provoking, albeit leaving a somewhat indigestible taste. Despite this, I find value in it and appreciated it overall.
The art style is fairly basic, not particularly remarkable, and even the expressions lack distinction.
In conclusion, Liar Game is a great psychological manga, albeit with certain flaws that may hinder the reading experience. Nevertheless, it quickly picks up pace and concludes in a reflective manner.
Story ~10/10~
In short, an overly honest girl gets entangled in a game where lying is key. The first thing she does is fall for a lie and seeks help from a former swindler.
Overall, it's quite original. But if you decide to read this based solely on the plot, you may find it's entirely different from what you'd expect. This story delves into the darkest parts of a human's heart—lies, deceit, greed, and selfishness—and one pure girl who sees beyond all that.
Art ~7/10~
Alright, this is the first reason I almost stopped reading. The art at the start is mediocre at best. Eyes lacking emotion, people with oddly shaped heads that triple in size when their mouths are open, and tiny arms—not to mention the drawings are highly disproportionate. (For example, when standing normally, Nao looks about average height, but when she kneels and bends over to cry, she appears as if she'd be 8 feet tall standing.)
However, note that I said "at the beginning." The art noticeably improves as the series progresses. The art style gets better, bodies look proportional, the weird way of drawing lips that made the top one resemble a mustache disappears, as does the strange habit the artist had of drawing eyelashes at the sides of the eyes. While the art doesn't improve to something deserving great praise, it becomes pretty decent.
Character ~10/10~ -prepare for semi-long rant-
The heart and soul of this manga. And the second reason I almost stopped reading. Initially, the story's major flaw was Kanzaki Nao. Stupid, naive, easy to fool, always relying on others for help, and a total crybaby. Again, notice I said 'At the Beginning.' As the story unfolds, she transforms into a strong girl while still retaining the honest purity she once had. Thanks to this, she's able to realize the "true" (air quotes because this has not yet been 100% confirmed) motive behind the liar game.
What kept me going in this manga was Akiyama Shinichi, the genius swindler recruited by Nao. The word genius is an understatement for this man. Capable of bringing down an entire MLM company, and he's only like, 24? I don't want to go into too much detail, but he's pretty similar to L from Death Note, even having the dark circles under his eyes. (The picture of him on his MAL profile doesn't do him justice though—he's actually fairly good-looking.) The reasons behind his actions and abilities are a bit of a spoiler, so I won't elaborate much on him.
This cast of characters is perfect for the story, each having their own reason for staying in the game, whether it be for wealth, domination, saving the other contestants, or finding the terrible person behind the Liar Game. Each has their flaws, some more than others, but each one has good in their heart, brought out by Nao and Akiyama, except for one. -*cough*Yokoya*cough*-
Enjoyment/Overall ~10/10~
I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, to the point where I finished 95 chapters in 2 days (although each chapter is roughly 17-18 pages). It's a manga that will have you pondering how on earth Akiyama could possibly beat the opponent, only to reveal a plan so intricate and well-thought-out that Einstein would be staring at the page with smoke coming out of his ears. Truly an amazing manga.
<p>
- Story - The premise revolves around a girl who becomes entangled in the Liar Game, where deceiving your opponent is key to achieving your goals. Though it might seem straightforward initially, the narrative takes unexpected twists as it unfolds, making it nearly impossible to put down once you're immersed in a game.
Score: 9/10
- Art - While the artwork isn't particularly striking, it doesn't detract much since the focus lies heavily on dialogue rather than visuals.
Score: 7/10
- Characters - There's a diverse cast, including the overly honest protagonist Nao, the sharp-witted Akiyama, the manipulative Yokoya, and my personal favorite, the transvestite Fukunaga.
Score: 9/10
- Enjoyment - Each game featured in the manga is meticulously crafted, ensuring that victories feel earned through strategy rather than contrived. I was consistently on the edge of my seat, and the pacing never falters.
Score: 10/10
OVERALL: With the exception of the art, everything about this manga is engaging. If you enjoy series like Kaiji, Tobaku Haouden Zero, or Death Note, which revolve around outsmarting opponents with tricks and cunning, then this is undoubtedly worth your time.
Overall score: 9/10
First things first: do not let the art deter you. This point cannot be stressed enough, as the artwork in the early stages is frankly abysmal. I can only imagine how many readers might have abandoned this series—or worse, rated it harshly—due to its visuals.
That said, the art does improve over time, eventually growing on me to the point where I came to appreciate it as fitting for the narrative.
Liar Game is the kind of manga that grips you so tightly, you simply cannot put it down. Its story is thrilling and utterly unpredictable, showcasing remarkable intelligence from its creator. The plot is both inventive and masterfully crafted, with twists and pacing that keep readers hooked.
The characters form an intriguing ensemble, each with their own charm. Akiyama stands out as the undeniable star, with his unmatched intellect and suave demeanor. Nao, on the other hand, elicits mixed reactions; her innocence and naivety may come across as endearing or somewhat irritating. Personally, she frustrated me at first, but I grew to admire her by the later chapters.
I would classify Liar Game as a "mental thriller," a true masterpiece in terms of storytelling—a top-tier manga that fans of unique narratives and intellectually stimulating plots should not miss. The sole reason I gave it a 9 instead of a perfect 10 is the subpar art, which, if refined, could elevate the experience further.
All in all, it's an incredible and captivating read that I wholeheartedly recommend to manga enthusiasts and even those who don't typically read manga. It's just that good.
[Story - 4]
The basic premise is that an overly honest girl gets a pro conman to help her out in an underground tournament of games revolving around deception. This is all fine and dandy, since it's a fairly intriguing premise and it does deliver initially, but there are some things I take issue with.
One thing I'll harp on right now is PACING. God, the pacing is so abysmal. The first 3 or 4 volumes have great pacing, but following this, it just gets progressively slower and slower until the final 'game' is over 3 or so volumes yet takes place in the timespan of several hours or so. For a title that is supposed to feel pretty 'high stakes' and tense at all times, it just got extremely dull for me after a while.
To lead into my next gripe: It would have been one thing if the story was paced like this to slow burn towards an explosive climax. However, this title does quite the opposite. It goes out with something that can be said to be less than a whimper - a tidy, clean ending that comes and goes in about......3 to 5 chapters or so. I don't necessarily mind this 'happy' ending, but the final few panels really grind my gears since there was no previous build-up or indication it would turn out like that. It just comes out of nowhere for shock value, and that's especially insulting considering how intellectual this title presents itself to be.
It isn't ALL bad, however: Some of the 'games' are actually pretty intriguing, and can have great twists (first one that comes to mind is that musical chairs one, along with the contraband game). The themes of trust and doubt (and how they go hand in hand), the human condition, and psychological complexes dovetail well with the story and can be rather poignant at times. Just a shame that they didn't get a better writer to handle them.
(Side note - you know those two extra chapters? They're just the original last chapter split into two. Totally worthless to read them.)
[Art - 5]
Okay, I'm not gonna beat around the bush on this - the art is so hit-or-miss that I don't blame anyone for being turned off by the first 2 volumes alone. The expressions of each character can get rather goofy, the settings can be either too moody or bare-bones, and most of the character design isn't really all that notable.
On the flip side, however, the rest of said design can get good; I'd say that Akiyama's consistent stoicisms, matched with his cunning personality and bland fashion taste, suits him well (and totally reminds me of Light Yagami). Kanzaki's wardrobe and expressions just ooze 'woobie', Fukunaga's an absolute treat to see, and Nokoya's very face is just pure mischief.
[Character - 6]
This is probably the strongest element of the title in my opinion, even if that wasn't what it was aiming for. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the investment in some of these people's fates are what really kept me going after the story started to drag its feet.
Shinichi Akiyama is a bit of a Gary Stu, sure, but he's just too much fun to read. Something about how wildly sharp and on-the-nose he can be is just addicting, even if it takes AGES to get to the true payoff of his reveal. His backstory is adequately angsty, and he's got the temperament to match! It rubs up perfectly against Kanzaki's overbearing warmth.
Speaking of Kanzaki, let's move onto her. I have more mixed feelings about her than I do about her male counterpart, but she's fine for the most part. I know that some people don't enjoy naive kindness in characters, and it remains until the end here, but seeing her develop was interesting. It wasn't much, unfortunately, but you can totally tell that she has a shift in mindset over time and is able to adapt to the situation accordingly. Again, something about her compassion is just too palpable, and it just rubs off on you.
This leaves two other characters to discuss since the rest are admittedly bland and/or forgettable. To sum it up: Fukunaga's a delight to read between her comparable wit and her overall vicious personality. She serves as yet another foil to both Akiyama and Kanzaki, and it's genuinely great to see her develop over the course of the title. It's a damn shame that she got shafted HARD during the last arc, because the payoff in her arc was just....splendid. As for Nokoya, he's totally just another Rich Brat Who Loves Being Mean, but he presents as a perfect match for these three. While he doesn't get royally screwed over in the end, the few comeuppances he received were wonderful. He does have some form of an arc, but it plays second fiddle to seeing him ham it up as a 'primary' antagonist.
[Enjoyment/Overall - 5]
As you can see, this title has left me feeling unsatisfied despite its good elements being enough to keep me around until the very end. I'm sorry to say it, but I can't really recommend this one to anyone save for those who want to see psychological game shenanigans get drawn out way too long. The real liar game at play here was most of MAL giving this a 9 or 10.
This is the very first Manga I've ever read, and wow, did I pick a great one!
Story 10/10
The story is incredible. It reminds me a little of Death Note. It makes you want to dive into the next chapter almost instantly. Each chapter is packed with suspense, and you learn a lot about psychological tactics.
Art 7/10
The artwork isn't really the strongest aspect of this Manga. The art is decent but nothing extraordinary—characters often lack expression beyond baggy eyes or tears.
Character 10/10
The characters are incredibly diverse, from an honest girl to a greedy, insane man. And like most Mangas, there's a badass character here—and this one truly delivers.
Enjoyment 10/10
Do I really need to explain? This is an outstanding Manga.
Overall 9/10
It's a highly suspenseful series and definitely worth your time.
- Story:
Liar Game stands out as a unique psychological thriller manga. It begins with Kanzaki Nao, an honest girl, receiving a mysterious package from the LGT Office. Reluctantly opening it (which contained a substantial amount of 100 Million Yen), she finds herself unwittingly drawn into the Liar Game Tournament. This is the central premise. The tournament revolves around wits and strategy, where each participant or group strives to outsmart one another. The plot unfolds in a stylish manner, and the mind games are meticulously crafted and executed. The games themselves are exceptional, prompting readers to devise their own strategies.
- Art:
The art style falls somewhere between average and good. However, the captivating story renders this aspect almost negligible. The artwork does improve progressively as the chapters advance.
- Characters:
Liar Game shines brightly in character development. Akiyama, the male lead, is cunning and extraordinarily intelligent, reminiscent of Light Yagami and L Lawliet from Death Note. Yokoya and Fukunaga also deliver stellar performances. As each game unfolds, you'll inevitably wonder, "Who will emerge victorious?" I assure you, Akiyama's schemes alone will astound you beyond measure.
- Enjoyment:
Brilliantly twisted planning. Pure entertainment and badassery. If you have a penchant for mind games and psychological mangas, Liar Game promises an epic experience.
- Overall:
Liar Game is impeccable and enthralling. Thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed, the manga is a masterpiece. It is a must-read for all manga enthusiasts.
10/10
It's a tale about an exceptionally honest girl named Nao. She has entered a tournament with 100,000 participants. She is given 100 million yen. If she gets tricked, she will be saddled with a debt of 100 million yen, but if she tricks her opponent, she'll gain 100 million yen. Enormous wealth awaits the masterful liars, while debt awaits everyone else.
Story: 10. The story is truly remarkable and captivating.
Art: 7. The only thing I can say about the art is that it's not as polished as in the most popular mangas. It's slightly above average and improves as the series progresses. Bear with the art; everything else will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours.
Character: 10. There are numerous unique characters in Liar Game, and they are developed more as the story unfolds.
Enjoyment: 10. If you're passionate about psychology, this manga is definitely for you.
Overall: 10.
It's an absolutely incredible manga that I haven't been able to put down since I started reading.
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Story: If you have a keen eye, you'll notice that some problems in the games can be solved with math. But don't worry, they're not predictable. The element of surprise is what makes it enjoyable, and that's exactly what Liar Manga delivers in the first game—it hooks you right away. It sweeps you into the night on a small boat. So just relax and do what's best: look at the stars... Now, for the rebels including myself: This is a game of wit ('lies'). There can only be so many shocking moments without violence involved. To solve this issue, I recommend... reading faster :)
Characters: Nao Kanzaki - The writer's moral compass. She is incredibly and unwaveringly kind. Why not throw her into the mix? We needed a role model anyway. Ms. Nao truly has her own gravity. She steers this story into an exciting one. She genuinely inspires Mr. Akiyama.
Akiyama - He starts off as an 'ex-con,' but what are his intentions? Does he want to swindle Nao? We learn he single-handedly destroyed a company he didn't like. Scary. He will likely become the readers' moral— to kick ass... mentally, of course.
Yokoya - Just as smart as Akiyama. He loves money, what more can I say? He strokes his mice as he devises strategies. He easily manipulates his opponents, giving him an early economic lead. But who will win the Liar Game...
Art: Not an art critique, but the words do harmonize well with the art.
Enjoyment: Stop forcing yourself to look for flaws, and you'll enjoy it even more than I do.
Rate: 9
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