Reading this manga was strange at first- there's a lot going on, and it's all really weird- but I soon got in-sync with the "feel" of the comic and I was hooked. I marathon read my way through this, and was shocked at the incredible array of themes. Being that this is written by Dowman Sayman, the mixture of horror, comedy, and over the top violence and gore is to be expected.
Though, it's interesting that this manga is much less disturbing than some of his other works. I think this mainly because the violence has a context to it- we really get to know these characters, so when something shocking happens to them, it's upsetting. Usually, the violence isn't meant to be taken too seriously, but there are exceptions- like when the younger sister gets cut to pieces, the usual humor gives way to something genuinely tragic. I also loved the confrontation between Elena and the Demon, after he dismantles Beluna (and f*ing mails the parts back). The usually jokey aspect of the violence quickly vanishes, as Elena totally overpowers him with no effort- even breaking off his horns just to add insult to injury.
It also took me a while to get a handle of the impressive cast of characters (which has been "thinned" over time). Of course, we have the main pairing of Taizo and Elena- which should bother me more, given how she looks, but given that she's an immortal witch and her cute and bubbly persona is (partially) an act. Plus, there's just something about the combination of cuteness, dark-skin, and her tattoos that draws my eye to her- plus she's pretty cute when she's being all girly.
Beluna is strangely compelling- being the literal composite of two people (I have my theories on who the head came from). Despite this, it's clear that she's more than just a stand-in for Elena's dead sister. Beluna, as a person, clearly has her own agenda- independent of the parts that comprise her. It's unclear if she understands emotions- or, if she's even capable of experiencing them (at least at the present)- but it's obvious she understands what makes the feelings important. And so, she willingly takes on the role of "Elder Sister" to Elena. The evolution of this is seen in her interaction with the Sleuths- when she tells Lilly that she'll help her ("free of charge"), stating simply "that's what a friend does".
When we meet "Leader", we get further insight into the dark past of the island- that because of the conflict, that it's commonly known that you know you or friends could just suddenly step on a landmine! I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if Dowman is intentionally referencing the continued landmine problems, in places like Cambodia or parts or Afghanistan. Back to the Sleuths... the relationship between "Doctor" and the Eldest Sister was really cute- especially how devoted they were to each other. I felt so sorry for her when she started decaying rapidly (and was scared of being rejected), but Doctor doesn't leave because his feelings haven't changed. That is how you do a Zombie RomCom (hear that, "Warm Bodies"?). I'm seriously shipping Leader & Vixen (she's clearly tsundere for him). I hope we get to see more of them (and more Sleuth Brigade adventures).
Even the half-crazy suicidal Amalia is strangely cute in her own way- even when she's doing all batshit! But she can't help it, she just luvs the Manager too much. And I'm still waiting to see what happens with the "Snark" plot.
I hope the next chapter is posted soon, I'm really enjoying this series!
