Book Cover

What does it mean to be human?

# Review

In this psychological thriller, Susumu Nakoshi is a homeless man who lives out of his beloved car. Nakoshi undergoes an experimental trepanation procedure (getting a hole drilled in his head) in exchange for money. After the procedure, Nakoshi gains the ability to view people’s homunculi, their inner manifestations of themselves.

The artstyle is very good, many of the panels have a poetic look and the art is grounded in reality. The story is uncomfortable to say the least; there are definitely some plot points added for shock value but overall the story builds up some very interesting themes, such as an exploration of mental health and loneliness. The themes are definitely explored in an abstract way and open to interpretation, though. The characters are unique and contribute to the cynical tone of the plot, such as the protagonist Nakoshi being a narcissist and a pathological liar. I do appreciate Yamamoto’s dedication to this manga, such as being homeless himself to more realistically portray homelessness in Japan.

# Conclusion

Very disturbing read about the human condition.

# Overall rating: 7.7

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