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Reviewed by Steven Mortiboy The series opens with an ominous scene, a hanging corpse. This fits well as corpses are the narrative centre of the book. The living characters are Karatsu who can connect with the dead and hear their last requests, Sasaki a hacker and all round tactician, Numata who’s a dowser, but instead of water he finds dead bodies, Yata who channels an alien through a sock puppet and Keiko, a embalmer who learnt her art in the states. I found I related with the characters situation disturbingly well as they are under-graduates and I too can’t find gratifying employment. The premise for the series is revealed quickly: The group realise that their skills may not be much use amongst the living, but they have the corner on the corpse market: “ We make a living off the dead, my friends and I” – Karatsu Each story in this volume has its own narrative. This is a blessing and a curse as it means that some tales are inevitably better then others. There are plot points that run throughout this volume and the series as a whole. For example, who or what is the lady that seems to watch over Karatsu and what are her intentions? The first story begins when the main characters first meet on a field trip to a national park that is also a suicide hotspot. It is not long until the characters are introduced and Karatsu receives the first “delivery”. This first job involves the group helping to bury the hanging corpse from the opening scene with his lost lover. Other tales in the book include; getting a senior citizen to the correct ceremonial resting ground and uncovering a sinister beauty salon owners terrifying habits. The art is fresh, realistic and suits the dark tone of the book. The pacing is well timed giving the action scenes a sense of genuine suspense and horror. It equally gives advantage to the comic timing throughout the book. Although Volume 1 has a strong sense of humour it is very dark and its roots are in the horror genre. The horror is very graphic and has a severe, harrowing feel to it and this could certainly be off-putting for readers more interested in the humour aspects. The book fits in well with other horror Manga, such as MPD Psycho, and yet remains unique with its characterization and style. Perhaps the “black as morning coffee” humour or the “real as it gets” horror isn’t for everyone, but without a doubt this is a solid introduction to what looks to be a great series. Comment on this review of Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service v1 on the Manga Life Forums. |
6 October 2009
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