Uhhh... what to say about this one? This manga is considered to be a horror classic. It could sure fit that description. Basic idea is just phenomenal. Entire school, just out of a blue, transported in the middle of a unknown desert. Bunch of stranded kids trying to survive with limited supplies hits the bull's eye. First few volume were like a dream. THE best any horror manga can give. The mystery, suspense, thrill. Entire manga is actually pretty much like this.
Unfortunately, as the story progresses more and more flaws comes to light.
Call me petty but first thing you don't understand is how far into the future they went. I mean, everything on the surface is literally dust. Then all of a sudden appears that huge hotel building still in one piece. We also see those giant mutants which should normally took hundreds of thousands of years to evolve. But it can't be that long, the freaking subway still works. We don't find out exactly what happened, just that humans are responsible (who would guess, ha). There are many more unrealistic stuff, like how they all, with out almost any food and water, take a hike of some 100 kilometers over wasteland to Mt. Fuji. Like that wouldn't be enough, Sho just comes back to school carrying that girl, but no food and water, holding a distance between him and all the others chasing him. Some kids those Japanese are, right? Still, this is to be expected by horror genre and do mind this is standards setting title.
I considered giving this manga lower rating, but I actually liked the ending. All I'll say is that it turned out as I hoped and not as I feared it'll be. The pace, though, is quickened towards the ending and the last volume felt kinda rushed.
Art was probably top notch in it's days, and even though it's old school don't let that put you of from reading this gem; really even today it doesn't look bad at all. My conclusion is that this title is certainly worth your time. If you are a horror freak, a must-read. Everyone else who can stand up some blood and death, this is a survival title you've been looking for. Mind that my rating would be around 9, but those pesky little things bug me a little, although many of you probably will not notice them. I did account for the manga oldness and so should you. Last thing for me to say is "Good reading!".
(+12)
(-49)
