Ryo Minenami’s Boy’s Abyss continues to be a haunting exploration of despair and twisted relationships in its eighth volume. Published on January 28, 2025, this installment moves the narrative forward, leaving behind the immediate aftermath of previous events and venturing into a new, equally disturbing arc. While the series initially appears to offer a glimmer of hope, it quickly reminds readers that happiness is not on the menu.
A False Sense of Closure
Volume 8 opens with Reiji, Gen, and Nagi by the riverbank, the site of the suicide pact that went awry. Following the previous volume’s cliffhanger, a shift occurs within Reiji, prompting him to reach out to Esemori for help. Esemori takes Nagi to the hospital and promises to leave town with her once she recovers, effectively marking an end to their roles in the immediate story. This departure, combined with Reiji’s mother being released from the hospital and his grandmother being placed in elder care, gives the impression that the story is wrapping up. There is a sense of lives being put back on track, Reiji gets a job at a warehouse, and even a three-month time skip occurs. It’s a false dawn, however, as the series quickly plunges back into its signature darkness.
The Twists Continue
The feeling of normalcy doesn’t last long. Reiji has dropped out of school and is working at a warehouse. The narrative reveals that Gen has disappeared after being falsely accused of attacking his girlfriend. This fabrication serves to protect Reiji and Nagi, but it adds to the growing list of secrets and lies that permeate the town. Reiji’s mother suffers from amnesia, unable to recall the car accident or the attempted suicide, further complicating the already fraught family dynamics.
Reiji then encounters Chako’s parents, who are furious with him for something he doesn’t understand. It turns out that Chako, whom Reiji last saw planning a move to Tokyo, has been through something traumatic. When Reiji contacts her, they arrange a meeting at her house. Chako tries to protect Reiji by lying, but eventually reveals the truth of what happened to her, resulting in an unexpected and unsettling encounter. This encounter highlights the series’ exploration of intimacy and its use of sexual situations as a narrative tool to delve into the characters’ psyches.
To add further complications, Reiji has a strange encounter with Ms. Shiba, who visits his mother and apologizes for the car accident. This adds another layer to the complex web of relationships in Reiji’s life, suggesting Ms. Shiba’s continued meddling.
The Town’s Grip
One of the overarching themes of Boy’s Abyss is the feeling of being trapped, despite the town’s natural beauty. Reiji feels bound to his family and the small town, yearning for escape either by moving away or by ending his life. The town’s legend of the “Lover’s Abyss”, a place where couples commit suicide, romanticizes suicide and contributes to the overall sense of hopelessness. This narrative element is not only controversial, but appears to be the central point of the series.
The artwork in Boy’s Abyss adds to the bleak atmosphere. The manga uses lighting and shadows to create a claustrophobic and melancholy feel, drawing the reader into Reiji’s internal struggles. Panels often focus on intimate moments to convey Reiji’s feelings, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
Gen’s Revelation
Amidst all the chaos, there is a flashback to Reiji and Gen as children, revealing Gen’s deep-seated reasons for being so protective of Reiji. This is a major revelation about Gen’s character and adds a layer of complexity to their relationship. It explains his fierce protectiveness, though Reiji remains oblivious to Gen’s true motivations, adding to the tragic irony of the narrative. This revelation is a great example of how the story uses small moments to create large dramatic impacts.
Themes and Analysis
Boy’s Abyss doesn’t shy away from heavy themes such as suicide ideation, nihilism, and depression. While some may find the series too depressing, it can be argued that these portrayals are realistic. The series explores the darker sides of intimacy and uses sex as a tool to explore the characters’ psyches, rather than for simple fanservice. There is a constant exploration of comfort in companionship and the twisted relationships that form in the characters’ search for it. The series also highlights the destructive nature of secrets and lies and how they perpetuate the cycle of despair.
The series is a study in intense self-loathing and ennui, as highlighted by a character’s pet fish being named “Nagi” (the doldrums), a blunt yet effective symbol for the manga’s themes. The narrative is a rollercoaster, always heading downwards and rarely offering moments of reprieve, creating a constant sense of dread. Many readers have noted its “soap opera” like qualities with a shock factor, but it’s this over-the-top drama and dark subject matter that makes it compelling.
Overall Assessment
Boy’s Abyss is not for the faint of heart. It is a challenging manga that dives into the depths of human despair and broken relationships. While it is a difficult read, it is also a gripping and thought-provoking one. Volume 8 continues the series’ trend of intense drama and emotional turmoil, demonstrating why it has gained such a dedicated following. The volume is a masterclass in suspense and the art of the twist, leaving readers on edge until the very last page.
Ryo Minenami continues to craft a narrative that is both beautiful and disturbing, using the setting of a small town to illustrate a relatable sense of seclusion and despair. Despite the heavy themes, the characters are deeply human, and their struggles resonate with readers. The latest volume proves that Boy’s Abyss is far from over, and the story continues to twist in unexpected ways. For those who appreciate a dark and complex narrative, Boy’s Abyss Vol. 8 is an essential read.
