King of Thorn volume 1

Overall score:

The Medusa Virus is killing everyone. It petrifies their bodies, almost as if they are turning to stone. When a cryogenic chamber is set up to freeze one hundred sufferers until a cure can be found, Kasumi is chosen by lottery to take a place. Her twin sister Shizuka, however, is not. Kasumi takes her place already filled with survivor's guilt for the sister who will most likely die while Kasumi is in cryogenic sleep. But things are never that simple.

Kasumi wkaes up, and the world has changed. The cryogenic chamber and the castle it was built in are covered with thorny vines and filled with dinosaur-like monsters. With a handful of survivors, Kasumi goes to look for escape only to find that they seem to be cut off completely from the outside world. They have no idea how much time has passed or if a cure has been found. The small group has to struggle to survive all the while knowing that the Medusa Virus will kill them even if the monsters don't.

Only, survival isn't the only goal for some in the group. Some seem to have their own agendas, especially Marco, ho knows more about the facility than he should, and the survivors may not be alone in the castle. Kasumi has to decide who to trust and how much her own survival matters to her.

I'm not usually a fan of horror, but this story sucked me in and wouldn't let go. Kasumi's character is a fascinating mix of weakness and strength, and the mysteries presented left me always wanting more.

The artwork is beautiful, done in a detailed, more realistic style. However, the art is also quite violent. You are shown the bodies of those who have died from Medusa and you see several people being eaten by one of the monsters. This manga is rated OT for older teen (age 16+) for good reason. Along with the violence and disturbing imagery there is also swearing, including use of the F-word. However, unless you are very adverse to violent content, I would highly recommend this series. It has excellent artwork and storytelling.

This is the first book in a great series, four of which have been published in the United States.

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Written by Sigyn on July 02nd, 2008