The manga Hell is Dark with No Flowers, adapted from the light novel series by Yoru Michio, has arrived, and it’s a curious blend of the macabre and the mysterious. With art by Ruka Tōdō, this first volume introduces readers to a world where curses take tangible form and a young man finds himself embroiled in a supernatural conflict. The series weaves together elements of detective fiction with dark fantasy, creating an experience that’s both intriguing and unsettling.
A Mysterious Beginning
The story centers around Seiji Tohno, a young man who, due to a strange ability, sometimes sees people as monsters. This has led to a life of isolation, drifting between internet cafes. Seiji’s life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a massive, European-style mansion. Inside, he meets the enigmatic Shiroshi Saijou, a boy who offers him a job as an assistant in exchange for room and board. This marks the beginning of Seiji’s descent into a world he barely understands.
Shiroshi runs a “proxy service,” as he puts it, but it’s far from ordinary. He seeks out individuals possessed by yokai (Japanese spirits and demons) and ensures these sinners are sent to hell. The first volume introduces this premise, immediately throwing Seiji into terrifying encounters with supernatural forces. It’s a world where humans can be monsters, and actual monsters are all too real.
Characters: Incompetence and Enigma
The dynamic between Seiji and Shiroshi is a key element of the story. Seiji is portrayed as a relatable, if somewhat incompetent, protagonist. He is unobservant, self-indulgent, and often scared; a stark contrast to the cool and capable Shiroshi. This makes for a rare dynamic – a truly inept assistant alongside a far more aloof boss. However, Seiji’s very flaws offer a different perspective to Shiroshi on the humans they judge.
Shiroshi, on the other hand, is an enigma. He is captivating with a mysterious aura, and a hidden agenda. He’s the son of the Demon King, on a mission to find sinners and send them to hell. Despite this, he seems welcoming to Seiji, creating an interesting contrast that hints at the potential for a complex relationship to develop.
A Blend of Horror and Mystery
Hell is Dark with No Flowers is not a straightforward horror story. It combines elements of mystery, detective fiction, and the supernatural. Shiroshi acts as a detective, investigating cases involving yokai possession, with Seiji often bumbling along. The series slowly unveils the mystery behind the characters and the nature of their work.
The first volume presents several cases that deal with themes such as abuse, suicide, and self-harm. These are not for the faint of heart, as they often involve gore and body horror. The mysteries are well-constructed, offering clues that allow the reader to follow along with Shiroshi’s investigations, and sometimes even anticipate the solution.
A Gothic Atmosphere
Ruka Tōdō’s artwork enhances the series’ dark and eerie atmosphere. The detailed illustrations, particularly of the mansion and its surroundings, effectively create a hauntingly gothic feel. The use of dense foliage and intricate architecture adds to this effect. The character designs are also well done. Shiroshi’s dangerous yet alluring demeanor stands out in stark contrast to Seiji’s more vulnerable portrayal.
While the art is generally praised, some reviewers have noted that the density of the pages, both in terms of text and imagery, can feel overwhelming. This may be a point of contention for some readers, who might find the style better suited for prose. Nevertheless, the art does a commendable job of capturing the series’ dark and supernatural themes.
Themes and Symbolism
The manga delves into various themes, including the nature of sin, the consequences of human actions, and the blurred lines between humans and monsters. The idea that humans themselves can be monsters, capable of terrible cruelties, is explored alongside the existence of actual supernatural beings.
The title, Hell is Dark with No Flowers, is itself symbolic, representing the bleak and unforgiving world of the series. However, there’s also a hint of a “hauntingly beautiful undertone”, suggesting the potential for hope or redemption amidst the darkness. The series also seems to ask if humans and demons could coexist in peace, a question that might get more exploration in the future volumes.
Influences and Comparisons
Some reviewers have drawn comparisons between Hell is Dark with No Flowers and other works such as xxxHolic and Hell Girl. It shares some thematic similarities with Matsuri’s Phantom Tales of the Night, with its blend of supernatural elements and detective work. The manga explores similar themes of human nature and the supernatural, but it also manages to forge its own unique identity.
The style and themes also evoke the dark surrealism found in the works of artists like Hieronymus Bosch, particularly the hellish visions in The Garden of Earthly Delights. Additionally, elements of traditional Japanese folklore, including references to yokai and Buddhist conceptions of hell, are integrated into the narrative, giving it a rich cultural backdrop.
Overall Impression
Hell is Dark with No Flowers Volume 1 is a promising start to a unique series. It sets up an intriguing premise with interesting characters, a gothic atmosphere, and a blend of horror and mystery. While the first volume is relatively short, it does a commendable job of introducing the series’ world and its main players.
The series isn’t without its flaws. Some might find the density of the pages overwhelming, and some might not fully connect with Seiji as a protagonist. However, the mysteries are well-crafted, the artwork is impressive, and the themes are compelling. The dynamic between the main characters is also a draw, leaving readers eager to see how their relationship develops.
The manga adaptation of the story has been welcomed by fans of the light novel, with many noting that the manga may prove to be a better way to experience the story. The combination of Michio’s writing and Tōdō’s artwork is effective, and the series is certainly one to watch for fans of dark, supernatural mysteries.
