[TRIGGER WARNING: this series contains a lot of body horror, and explores the subject of death. - If anybody is triggered by this, then take caution when reading / watching the series.]





BEST THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES:


(1. SUBJECT MATTER: Surprisingly mature for a standard action shonen; - that being confronting death, valuing the life of others as well as your own, and even facing your own demise.

This also brings with it a lot of tension and fear that characters you like could die at any moment. And some very well might.

HOWEVER, this is later completely dropped in favour of straight up action and lots of body horror with little repercussion, which ain't necessarily bad, it's just a bit whiplash inducing if you don't expect it.)



(2. WORLD BUILDING: Nearly every arc expands on the world of Curses and Shamans, bringing in a new faction and memorable characters.

It's a dreary and depressing line of work being a shaman, but the comedic elements of the main cast act as a nice contrast to the dark background.

HOWEVER, the magic system, though unique and lot of fun to see in action, gets far too much explanation to the point of tedium, you could skip half the pages of power explanation and it wouldn't matter.)




(3. ACTION: If you want cool characters doing badass things, fight scenes that feel like they have proper weight behind each punch and kick, then you will love this series.

This manga is able to make you really feel the speed and ferocity in the movements, it's honestly a lot of fun. Nearly every fight leaves marks in the environment, and the wind up and payoffs can be extremely satisfying to watch.

HOWEVER, there is very little strategy beyond punching something really, really, really, really, hard. Despite some of the characters having unique powers of their own, they will most likely resort to the good ol' fist-to-face method. - This wasn't so much a problem for me but it might be for others.)





WORST THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES:


(1. VILLAINS: While the monster designs are cool and creepy, showing off some truly disturbing body horror, a lot of them fall into the trap of "human-like blob monster". Fans of body horror have most likely seen a lot scarier. Its nothing special.

But worst of all, is the fact that nearly every villain, except for one, has the same role; - that being "Wacky Magic Serial Killer". Which gets extremely annoying after a while!

This can get so bad to the point where you're cheering for them to die, just because you want them to shut the hell up. Some are utterly pointless and die straight away. Don't get me wrong, it's super satisfying to see their comeuppance, but theres not much going for some of them beyond that.)




(2. TONE: For the first few arcs the series is legitimately tense as the death of close characters, and even the main character, is at a constant threat.

But, this changes to a tone in which many characters get stabbed, have their bones broken, blood poisoned, flesh burnt, head smashed and throat slit... and they just walk it off! I don't know what that plot armour is made of but it's strong stuff!

Also, unless you are a regular for horror movies and gore, then the tone can really tire you out sometimes. The fast pace has few moments where it slows down so fare warning when binge reading.)