Hey everyone!
This is Hotaru bringing you a slightly different review today, since I had the chance to delve into the first two volumes of Leviathan . If I could summarize the experience in a few words, I think it would be something like "disturbing" and "addictive." Because, seriously, once you start, it's almost impossible to put down.
The story begins with space raiders finding the Leviathan spaceship, which carries a kind of diary written by one of the young survivors. And what is discovered in this diary is a scenario I never thought I'd see in a manga: children and teenagers, trapped in space, without adults and certain that no one will come to save them. Man, that situation alone gives you a knot in your stomach right from the start!
What struck me most was how the author portrays the despair and loneliness of these characters. The plot isn't limited to suspense or horror – it's a psychological analysis of what loneliness and despair do to people. In every dialogue, you feel the weight of the situation and how these people are teetering on the edge. I won't lie: there were scenes that left me on edge!
Volume 1 – (Chapters 1 to 5)
In the first volume, we are introduced to the hostile environment of the Leviathan, and it is here that the magic – or rather, the terror – begins. Shiro Kuroi's art is very detailed, with a realistic approach that spares nothing. Every expression of panic, every detail of the scenery, everything is there to make you feel the dread along with the characters. I truly felt the adrenaline in some scenes, and I confess that I got chills from the way the author built the claustrophobic atmosphere of the ship.
And it's not just the visual horror. Leviathan has a way of messing with the reader's psychology, making you think, "What would I do in this situation?" And, well, the answers aren't pretty. It's impossible not to get chills from the suffocating atmosphere and, of course, the gore that appears in very specific scenes.
Volume 2 – (Chapters 6 to 10)
Now, I need to talk about the second volume, which, wow, was quite an experience. The cover, the smell of a new manga (I confess I'm obsessed with that, I think I even enjoy opening it more than reading it, hahaha). But, unlike the first, the second volume didn't come with a bookmark. Not that it makes much difference, but I'd keep it for my collection, you know?
Finally, right from the first page you can feel that the story isn't going to let up. The psychological terror is even more intense, the distrust between the characters only increases, and I almost felt my heart jump out of my chest in some scenes. It's a volume full of adrenaline, one of those that makes you turn the pages too fast, wanting to know what happens, but afraid of what you'll find. And, again, the gore is there, but always justified, bringing even more weight to the story.
The author uses space and silence as allies of terror – and it works! At times, the situation is so desperate that I myself felt tense just imagining it. And the deaths… Each one was impactful, unafraid to show the raw reality of the struggle for survival.
These two volumes of Leviathan have been, so far, an emotional rollercoaster. Shiro Kuroi isn't here to give you a break, and if the next volume keeps up the pace, I can't wait to see how this story ends. Leviathan pulls you into a nightmare in space, but it's the kind of nightmare you want to experience until the end – if you have the stomach for it, of course.
I wanted to extend a special thank you to JBC for sending me volume #2 of Leviathan before its official release in Brazil, which will be on November 15th. It's a huge honor to be able to check out this incredible manga in advance and share my first impressions with you all. Thank you so much, JBC, for the opportunity to bring this unique experience to the Otaku Saver community!
