A review by floatinthevoid
No Longer Human by Junji Ito

dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Oh, I have a mixed feeling about this adaptation of the original novel. First of all, the artstyle is amazing, like wow. It really did so well in the way that it visualizes the narrative of the novel, such as Yozo's anxieties and trauma personified.. It enhanced the reading experience. But on the other hand, I feel like Yozo's character is a bit more demonized than the original work. Like, he becomes even more abusive and misogynistic. I know maybe it's for the horror effect, but it feels like it reduces a portion of the complexity of his character. 

I don't have any problem with Ito's own perception of Dazai's work, like the extra scenes and stuff. The bit where Ito choose to
Spoiler break the 4th wall by inserting Osamu Dazai in the manga is very interesting although a bit odd, I get that it's his take on the narrator of No Longer Human who narrates the life of Yozo Oba from his own perspective.
it's an interesting take. 

All in all, one thing that I really respect about Junji Ito is how truthful he visualized Dazai's work. You can see how he honored No Longer Human by making it alive through his drawing and his own style to make the story alive. Respect. 

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