Ayashimon Manga Review: A Delightfully Self-Aware Supernatural Adventure

Explore the engaging and action-packed world of Ayashimon manga, blending shounen manga, yokai folklore, and organized crime. Follow the journey of Maruo as he strives to become a hero and encounters the enigmatic Urara in a quest for meaning and power. Dive into a complex web of Ayashimon and human factions in this creative and self-aware supernatural thug story.

Ayashimon Manga Review: A Delightfully Self-Aware Supernatural Adventure

Ayashimon is a manga series that combines elements of shounen manga, yokai folklore, and organized crime, creating a captivating and action-packed reading experience. With its self-aware protagonist and creative world-building, this series offers a refreshing take on the supernatural thug story genre.

Maruo, the main character of Ayashimon, is a young man with a burning ambition to become a hero like the protagonists of his favorite shounen manga. Through his determination and mimicking of their training regimens, Maruo successfully emulates his beloved heroes. However, this achievement presents a new challenge – finding opponents who can offer him a truly challenging fight.

The manga cleverly incorporates references to popular series like Dragon Ball and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of these franchises.

Maruo’s Quest for Heroism

Maruo’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Urara, a young woman on the run from yokai thugs. This encounter leads Maruo to become her first recruit in her quest to establish her own yakuza clan. The manga cleverly incorporates references to popular series like Dragon Ball and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of these franchises.

The manga subtly hints at Maruo’s troubled past, suggesting that he grew up in an abusive household. His admiration for shounen heroes stems from their ability to fight their way out of difficult situations. However, when Maruo confronts his own abusive father, he realizes that the victory he sought did not bring him the closure he desired. This realization fuels Maruo’s quest to understand the purpose behind his struggles and pushes him to become his own hero. It is a compelling exploration of trauma and the search for meaning in one’s experiences.

Urara and the Ayashimon World

Urara, the enigmatic young woman Maruo encounters, is linked to a powerful crime syndicate in Kabukicho. She is on a mission to continue her deceased father’s legacy without revealing her true identity. As Maruo becomes her bodyguard, he delves deeper into the world of Ayashimon, a class of yokai that serves as the organized crime faction in this supernatural realm.

The concept of Ayashimon as the supernatural underworld’s yakuza adds an exciting twist to the story. While Maruo relishes his newfound role, Urara remains a mysterious figure, playing a long game that intertwines with Maruo’s journey.

The Complex Web of Ayashimon and Human Factions

Ayashimon explores the power dynamics and rivalries within the Ayashimon community following the death of the Enma family’s leader. Various factions vie for control, and Doppo, one of Enma’s leaders, emerges as a potential major villain. His brutal actions, which include mutilating other Ayashimon in the name of ‘art,’ establish him as a formidable antagonist.

Additionally, there is a group of human onmyoji tasked with maintaining peace in Kabukicho. Their role in the conflict between Ayashimon and humans remains ambiguous, adding further intrigue to the narrative.

Art and World-Building

The art in Ayashimon is busy, mirroring the complexity of the story and its various factions. While this can be overwhelming at times, it also contributes to the manga’s action-packed nature. Yūji Kaku, the creator of Ayashimon, effectively incorporates visual references to popular manga series, such as Dragon Ball and Fist of the North Star, enhancing the self-awareness and enjoyment for fans of these works.

The world-building is creative, blending elements of yokai folklore with the modern-day setting of Kabukicho, creating a unique and engaging universe.

Conclusion

Ayashimon offers a refreshing and self-aware take on the supernatural thug story genre. Its protagonist, Maruo, brings a unique perspective as he strives to emulate his favorite shounen heroes. The manga’s exploration of trauma, the search for purpose, and the complex web of Ayashimon and human factions make for an intriguing narrative.

The art and story can be overwhelming at times, but Ayashimon remains an action-packed and enjoyable read. If you are a fan of shounen manga and enjoy supernatural adventures, Ayashimon is definitely worth checking out.