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| I have never seen a manga which could be described as a work of art... by calstine on July 15th, 2009, 6:54am |
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...except Mushishi, of course.
I'll start my comment with this simple truth- Mushishi is simply the best manga out there. I would even consider it on par with most masterpieces of the actual literary world. I have never seen a style of story-telling like Urushibara Yuki's; it is her unique skill and cannot be duplicated.
This manga is suitable for any and every age group. I am serious. Anyone, from a two-year-old to a centenarian, can read this with no fear of coming across even the slightest hint of age-inappropriate content. However, it takes a certain type of intellectual, irrespective of age, to be able to enjoy the true beauty of this tranquil piece of poetry.
The realism of the characters, their behaviour and their lifestyles; the depiction of nature and the sense of 'personality' given to each and every mushi, is simply stunning. It is very rare to find a manga that is quite so breathtakingly brilliant in its simplicity and matter-of-factness.
Ginko is not my favourite fictional character for no reason. He is probably the most realistic and engaging persona I have had the pleasure of coming across in any work of fiction so far. He has a calm, decisive, clearly defined personality which makes you feel, very strongly indeed, how unrealistic most other manga characters are.
Of course, it's not just Ginko - every single person we meet as we follow him on his journey, is an interesting and believable individual in his or her own right; each with unique strengths and weaknesses that define who they are.
The supernatural premise of the tale, while allowing for the writer to be quite creative and original in her approach, also does a most fantastic job of helping the reader feel closer to nature, and aiding him to understand the subtle message behind each stand-alone story.
There is simple nothing to complain about regarding the art. Never have I seen a style of drawing which even remotely resembles that of Mushishi's. It matches the mood and theme of the manga so well, that no other style would suit it better. Its mystic allure will undoubtedly charm those with the ability to appreciate true artistic skill when they see it.
Anyone, child, teenager, or adult, should read Mushishi. If you pass up on it, I can assure you that you will never be able to call yourself a true manga fan.
Rating: 10 / 10.0
... Last updated on July 16th, 2010, 5:31pm |
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| Subtly Appealing by OppKnox on June 1st, 2009, 4:40pm |
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Once I was lulled into Mushishi’s dreamlike pacing, I realized the series does have a vague, lingering allure. The title may suggest otherwise, but the true protagonist is nature, or rather everything that comprises Ginko’s world, particularly mushi. The manga’s artistry lies in its lush, ethereal landscapes, while the people tend to look alike, as if the universal human condition is the one constant amidst the unpredictable flow of life. Mushishi is a bit like music without a melody or that favorite album you disliked at first. It grows on you.
Edit: I just realized my comment reiterated what the previous reviewer said. Sorry, though I suppose a little consensus doesn't hurt.
Rating: 9 / 10.0
... Last updated on June 1st, 2009, 4:52pm |
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| Eerie and beautiful by serobins on April 28th, 2009, 11:10pm |
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Take your time reading Mushishi. The manga moves at a slow pace, but it made me shiver more than once. I've never read any stories like these. They were strange, eerie, and haunting. The art is amazing. Human figures blend into the surrounding landscape, as though they are only one more part of nature and not separate from it at all. In fact, in many ways, the landscape and the seasons are the focus of the stories and the art. This won't be for everyone, but I've rarely read anything that sparked my imagination more. It even gave me a few weird dreams.
Rating: 10 / 10.0 |
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| A must read to be sure by Shingi on January 27th, 2009, 1:02am |
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This series has really entranced my attention so far. It's style and flare is from my experience completely unique and something that shouldn't be missed.
The stories are contained within a single chapter, giving it great ability to sit and only read a little while on a lunch break or whatnot, but having the full effect of a complete story that even gives you things to think about.
It draws you in and really engages you in the story line - you find yourself on the edge of your seat, and hoping that the problem in the chapter is solved happily.
A highly recommend read - no matter what type you normally read ... if you pass this up, you're REALLY missing out.
Rating: 10 / 10.0 |
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| Grand master level by mystichead on January 23rd, 2009, 2:32pm |
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I cannot describe much in words how great this is
-art: style, approach, quality, uniqueness topnotch
-content and story: although mostly episodic....it connects them in a delicate and beautiful web-like fashion .....this is remarkably at a master level, extremely entrancing, and intellectual while very easy to understand....the concepts can lightly touch philosophical questions..and causes one to ponder unconsciously....truly unique here as well
Character: although mostly Ginko, the almost perfect charcter, is described and shown in a very rare masterful form which captivates the audience and keeps the story alive for a long ride(usually stuff like this ends fast since it hard come up with material)...the other characters of the each episode are depicted with true human like emotion....showing the depts of psychology....
I can go on and on......read it for yourself
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| Nothing else like it by Pammeh on January 14th, 2009, 4:44pm |
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Set in sketchy lineart and carried out in a dreamy, ethereally measured pace, Mushishi is unlike all that genre-cliche manga out there. You want epic battles, cool weapons, cute romances, raging drama, etc? It's probably best to look elsewhere.
What Mushishi does, and does brilliantly, is set up a world that its protagonist, Gin, takes the reader through step-by-step. With stately pace and beautiful depictions, the reader is immersed into a world quite unlike our own. This isn't done with melodramatic flair; rather, Gin's usually unruffled attitude really drives home the point that this strange place IS his home, he and everyone else he encounters belong in it, and the reader is the outsider getting a glimpse into it.
It's the creation and exploration of the world inhabited by mushi that makes Mushishi so fabulous.
Rating: 10 / 10.0 |
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| Nothing short of brilliant by Crenshinibon on December 20th, 2008, 5:34pm |
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It's been a while since I've last read Mushishi (I have yet to get a chance to pick up the sixth volume), but I was suddenly struck by the urge to write a comment.
The fact of the matter is that Mushishi succeeds at a level far greater than almost everything else out there. It has a defined, intentional premise that allows the author a lot of creative freedom due to its episodic nature, and yet not a single story has been lacking. The art is a simple style, but still strikingly beautiful in a stark sort of way. Ginko has a strong, developed personality that remains consistent and well-pronounced throughout his encounters. It's an absolute delight to experience every time I crack open one of the volumes.
Rating: 9.9 / 10.0 |
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| Mushi-shi by Schmuyle HaukSendorf on October 8th, 2008, 9:40am |
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This marvelous illusion of a profound Japan is my favorite manga among those which embody an unique world - next to Tsuruta's Spirit of Wonder. Wonderfully inspired and enchantingly depicted, this stories -often eerie, always beautiful- leave a moving impression in the reader. Fascinating.
Rating: 8 / 10.0
... Last updated on October 8th, 2008, 9:42am |
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| One of the best manga and anime by edguitar2121 on April 5th, 2008, 6:23pm |
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| One word Amazing!! Mushi shi is cutting edge that will make you want more. What makes Mushi shi so great is the story, artwork and creativity. The story of Mushi shi is smart such as how and why these Mushi can mess with your body and using true elements of the human body. Also the artwork is truly amazing and creative such as how the Mushi are shaped and drawn it truly is creative. Mushi is a must read and a must watch. Watch and read both the manga and the anime I highly recommend it |
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| Beautiful! by G-17 on December 8th, 2007, 12:22pm |
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One word.... Beautiful.
Everyone should be reading this. The anime is just as good (better in some ways).
I've so far bought two volumes from DelRey and have another two on 'pre-order'.
Yuki Urushibara is getting lots of attention worldwide because of Mushishi, and I personally think she deserves every bit of it.
Rating: 10 / 10.0 |
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