I was definitely expecting something more innocent and fluffy when I went into this, and that was not what I got. There still was a "sincere love story", but there's definitely something...off about this couple. As you continue reading the manga, occasional instances of creepy and disturbing imagery make it clear that there is something terribly wrong with Yuri's reincarnated lover.

Other reviewers, both on this site and others, have given the series bad reviews due to the synopsis being "misleading." Personally, I think it was done very well. It wouldn't have had quite the same impact if I knew what I was going into, just like with Madoka Magica (as another commenter observed).

I do have to agree, though, that the plot was a little ridiculous and unrealistic at times--like when the main character wanted to commit suicide over this guy that she barely knew. And though the romance was there, it wasn't very well developed. Why is Yuri so devoted to Aono, anyway? Hopefully we'll get an actual backstory later.

As for the art style, it's a bit simplistic, but it's easy on the eyes and I think it actually suits this story very well. You'd never expect such a disturbing story from art like this, and that's what makes it better than some of the other hyperrealistic but predictable horror manga. Personally, I also feel the art style made Dark Aono's moments much more chilling.

Still, I wouldn't exactly call this manga a "horror." It's more lighthearted than that; the characters are quirky and don't take their situation that seriously, and the manga is riddled with inappropriate jokes at inappropriate times. Honestly, it's made me laugh more than it has sent chills down my spine. Definitely give this one a shot!

I agree with pichuloo's review in that the sense you get from the art style and the blurb doesn't match up with the intensity of the story. But this discrepancy has been endearing to me, or at least spellbinding in a way.

From chapter 1 alone (available on Kodansha's website) you get the impression that this manga is not entirely as black and white (or vague, I suppose) as the summary paints it. You're introduced to a lot of oddities right away, least of all being Aono-kun's death, and the juxtaposition of cute art with how dark the story can get is reminiscent of series like Madoka Magica and Promised Neverland. It's not that there isn't a "sincere love story" (MC is very sincere), but after blowing through the first four volumes I think it's more thoroughly explained as a supernatural mystery that delves into Japanese folktales and legends, like Ghost Hunt only with an emphasis on the romance in an enthusiastic and inexperienced couple.

So, I'd say try out chapter 1 and keep going if you find yourself wanting more. "Guro" seems a bit of a strong label but it does get dark. It's not horror to the level of Junji Ito, though, or at least not yet. If you're a little bit of a pervert and/or you appreciate when things get a little dark, I think you'll like this. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest.

I don't write reviews often, but seeing this one has not a single comment here, I'd like to address a few things, based on reading volume 1st and skimming the 2nd volume:

I do think the official Kodansha summary is extremely misleading; "almost too sincere love story" made me think it was a very innocent/heart-warming/cute story. There are few disturbing scenes that do feature images that border on very mild guro which made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

So, the story is a about Yuri-chan who has a crush on Aono-kun, they end up pretty soon together. 2 weeks after they started dating, Aono passes away and Yuri is devastated. As she was about to commit suicide because she can't bear life without him anymore (after 2 weeks of dating!!), Aono appears as a "ghost" and was able to stop her just in time. So begins the supernatural/weird love story with blood and kinda disturbing body possessing imagery.

Honestly, this isn't what I expected. As I mentioned above, I don't really think it's innocent or cute at all and wouldn't recommend it unless you like supernatural manga with elements of guro. The art is pretty plain most of the time.

... Last updated on April 22nd, 2018, 11:22am