We continue to catch up with a quick return to volumes 2 and 3 of Denjin N. We had already presented the first volume to you at the beginning of the year. The manga published by Pika Edition is a kind of horror and fantasy thriller, rather violent, and whose plot will be completed with the fourth volume.
Despite the flaws raised, some points remained interesting, in particular vis-à-vis the powers of the antagonist, who can take possession of any electrical object, and the duo of detectives. We sensed it, the rhythm bursts from Denjin N.
Trouble Game
After a quick appetizer, volume 2 begins just as quickly, we chain the dead. As said in the first volume, the manga relies heavily on the realism of the drawing, to anchor us in reality, but also on violence. Not hesitating to dwell on clearly visible pieces of flesh. It’s forced and it’s hard to miss, something to delight those who are fond of this kind of horror.
The story struggled to fully take off, especially with the antagonist. We are logically better aware here of the desire to deal with a subject that has been present in Japanese society, and has been for a long time. As Koike was able to do in the 90s with the excellent Perfect Blue. However, in Denjin N we do not favor subtlety, we plunge head first into pure violence.
Our two investigators briefly introduced in the previous volume will take more place in the plot. A duo of characters endowed with great intelligence and which is reminiscent of what was done in Death Note. Moreover, other elements, visual or even situations, clearly suggest the cult work, whether in volume 2 or the next.
Final destination
Over the chapters, the pursuit of the killer takes a rather surprising turn, although lacking in interest on the merits. Besides that, we are happy to have once again subjective views via surveillance cameras or computers, etc. This brings a little tension, a permanent insecurity. Even more so given the powers of the fanatical villain of the story. Too bad this one isn’t more interesting.
Even if meager attempts to direct his motivations, as an antagonist it is difficult to find interest in it. It’s hard not to stupidly hate this individual, when there was probably some nuance to be added. There are still some elements that can be worked on in the last chapters. Finally, we have slight regrets on the writing of certain dialogues which may seem irrelevant.
When they are not repetitions of information a little too present for such a short story. Coupled with the sustained rhythm, this is quickly disturbing, we feel that there was the possibility of being less concise to better work on certain points. That being said, we want to know the final outcome, which may well surprise us. Let’s hope so.
Should we fall for volumes 2 and 3 of Denjin N?
Between cyber-voyeurism and cyberbullying, Denjin N highlights themes consistent with our current era. A far from innovative approach, but one that still works. The authors also prioritize violence in an attempt to have a more lasting impact on readers. A bit like a Sion Sono with his film Ssuicide club. He seized on a subject of society to turn it into a work with horrific overtones and not skimping on hemoglobin.
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All this brings rhythm and energizes the plot, the manga being very visual it is easy to read. On the other hand, we are still mixed concerning the narration and the deepening of the main characters. None are really engaging, despite a few finds. For the drawing, black and white is very well used and we benefit from superb decorations. Unlike the staging which does not add much, except for a few passages.