Title: The Summer Hikaru Died
Author: Mokumokuren
Demographic: Seinen
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural
Published: 2021 – Present
English-translated Volumes: 5 and Ongoing
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.32
Rating: 9/10
In a rural, quiet town, we meet Yoshiki and Hikaru, two inseparable teenage boys who have been best friends for years. One day, Hikaru decides to hike up the village’s mysterious mountain. But when Hikaru doesn’t come back home, search parties are sent out to try to find him. A week goes by and Hikaru miraculously reappears. Life goes back to normal but Yoshiki isn’t convinced. This Hikaru is… different. He may look and sound like Hikaru but something’s off. So when Yoshiki decides to ask him about it, the shocking truth comes out. When Hikaru went missing on the mountain, he was fatally injured and taken over by a mysterious and dangerous being. Desperate to stay by Yoshiki’s side, Hikaru begs him to keep his secret and… Yoshiki agrees.
Pros:
Raw, Emotional Art
Yoshiki’s complicated dilemma is full of raw emotion and the author beautifully brings the intense anguish and turmoil to life with incredible art. You feel Yoshiki’s grief, desperation, and overwhelming confusion with each interaction. You can’t help but put yourself into his shoes and wonder what would you do if this was the person you loved? What would you be willing to rationalize in order to cling to the shred of what remains of the person you cherish the most? It is a heart-wrenching ordeal that instantly connects you to this character.
Mysteries and Reveals
On top of this intense emotional dilemma, we’ve got fascinating mysteries that only get more complicated as the story progresses. What starts as a creepy old wives tale about a mountain quickly escalates into a dangerous investigation into the dark history surrounding this village. Why did Hikaru go to the mountain? What has taken over Hikaru’s body? Why do the village elders call upon an odd guy and his hamster to come help? You get some answers in the first five volumes but each answer just results in more questions.
Worldbuilding
The author expertly paces the introduction of worldbuilding details. You never feel overwhelmed when new information is provided. Characters, locations, and historical details are beautifully brought into the story and given enough context to pique your curiosity.
Overall…
It is pretty early in this manga series but I am hooked! From plot reveals to character development, I am incredibly excited to see what future volumes bring to the table. The intriguing mysteries, the eerie suspense, the raw emotions… You have to read this series. It’s that good. I sincerely hope that this review is enough to make you pick up this manga. I promise you will not be disappointed. And to top it off, the series has an anime adaptation that’s on Netflix and… it did not disappoint.
Caroline’s Library 