After reading some of Nakamura-sensei's later works, this was very disappointing. The problem is not so much that its dark. Its just plain weird! The characters' personal tragedies were realistic but the fact that every single character in that small circle was so twisted or had gone through something so terrible was not believable.

The main character doesn't have any redeeming qualities. He latches first onto Leo, then Michel, but doesn't feel any real devotion to them. Supporting characters were inconsistent. The circus master is pimping out his performers to sadistic clients at the beginning to the manga and at the end he's giving the main character wise advice on how to go on with his life??

I couldn't help but one-shot this. It was pretty dark, but not without substance. Although I didn't particularly enjoy the drawing style, I feel it ultimately added to the aesthetic of the manga. Starting out, I didn't think I'd like nearly as much as I do now but reading about the tortured life of the protagonist was surprising interesting.

... Last updated on June 18th, 2015, 8:53am

I was okay with everything except the ending left a nasty feeling behind. Overall, I felt like 'what was the point' but at least it was unforgettable like all her other works. Except, I enjoyed her other works more. Including the dark ones.

... Last updated on October 7th, 2014, 3:13am

After reading some of Nakamura-sensei's works, I've come to realize that her stories are either very light or very dark. This manga belongs without any doubt to the second category, which I think is why it's so difficult to fully appreciate a work like this. I could not: some scenes are very disturbing and they were too much for me. However, I can see the point of including them in the plot (also, this manga was serialized in Manga Erotics F, so, well). The result is very shocking and upsetting. I'd say, do not read this manga if you're sensitive, because you're probably going to find it disgusting.

Nakamura's works always stand out, and this is no exception. The reason why I read Nakamura's darker manga even though I don't really like the shocking scenes is because I'm always sure I'm going to read something unique. After reading so many manga which all looked the same, Nakamura's manga are a breath of fresh air. Both the plot and the art style (here still uncertain, particularly in the first chapters) are extremely eccentric.

In the end, Copernicus no Kokyuu is a must read for Nakamura's fans and those who highly appreciate diversity and creativity.

Intereresting and tragical characters mix up, hurt each other and find confort in their pain. It's disturbing, but good, with strange art that only emphasizes how messed up everything is.
That being said, this manga is not really my cup of tea so I'm only rating it 7 (for strictly subjective reasons).

I'm a very big fan of Nakamura Asumiko, especially her darker works. As far as I know, this is one of her earlier works, and it's also visible in the execution of the story.

Her art is wonderful - as always. Actually I like her earlier art style the best, since it's more imperfect and creative. Her faces and eyes are especially compelling.

But the storytelling doesn't work well. It's a clusterfuck. I'm all for psychologically twisted plots and elaborate drawings, but the whole introduction of the circus is just too crammed. Too much is happening in one page, and it's hard to appreciate neither the story nor the art. It get's better after the first 3-4 chapters, but in the end I'm not connecting very well with any of the characters.

This is definitely a beautiful and interesting story, but as @Miomi says, there's "visible effort, but [it's] a bit dull." Nakamura Asumiko has become much better at storytelling in her later works. Nonetheless, this is worth reading, but you have to appreciate obscurity and a different kind of art style. The genre tags mature, tragedy and psychological should say a lot.

... Last updated on July 16th, 2012, 9:26am

The art is unlike other mangas, but you could get used to it later on easily, and while it does seem a little bit disturbing, as well as boring at the first few chapters, the later few chapters makes up for it. I find the main character's interactions with Michel quite adorable, and the fact that Takeo still got his well deserved happiness also makes everything better. Overall, I think it's quite a good manga.

This series gave me shivers. I'm probably one of those who are unlikely to read this just because the contents are disturbing, but I after skimming through it once a while back, I decided to sit threw it once again now. Nakamura-sensei's art is unique and dominates a whole new realm of 'beauty'. The story is so tragic but there are rare nuances of hope that make this manga so memorable. I would recommend this to everyone but caution that its not for the faint of heart. I gave it a 9 because I'm on the borderline. If you decide to read this, you're in for a treat but it's according to one's own tastes to whether it'll be a sweet or a sour experience. For me, it was bittersweet.

There is little I can say about this series; apart from that it’s exceptional. The art is as breathtaking as the storyline is heartbreaking. But... this is not a manga that will sit well with most people, for all the same reasons that those who do adore it, will never forget it.

i don't think i've ever read something so disturbing in my life. >.> i saw the words yaoi + angst and thought it might be the type i read but...ugh this is ... a bit too depressing and just plain nauseating for me.

i decided not to give it a rating because it isn't BAD and i have a feeling i'd just give it a bias rating. it's really dark. the art is interesting and kinda creepy... as for yaoi, uh...no yaoi in here. yea there are male x male but they don't have any affections behind it and it's just...weird.

if you like dark, SUPER TWISTED, WEIRD, downright DEPRESSING stuff, I guess you can try this out. it's not *bad*. i was hoping to find something that'd tug my heartstrings, but instead i found something that made me think, "errr...i don't really wanna read this..."

... Last updated on January 17th, 2011, 7:30pm