Middling

A really lovely one. Whereas most apocalyptic stories will try and keep a chipper tone to them this one almost wallows in the misery from start to finish. As depressing as it may be there is comfort to be found in this work as well. These two mens relationship is built off an almost foundational misunderstanding and yet they still seek solace in one another. Can a relationship built off devouring another ever be healthy? Back in the day I would meet that question with a resounding no but nowadays im not so sure.

Gesshoku Kitan is an absolutely phenomonal manga and the best I've seen from Syundei. The cute artstyle intersecting with the morbid subject matter is interesting and the heavy mystery pervading the work is really cool! The normal boy and the cool mysterious friend is a trope that I adore even if I am unable to emulate it in my own life. Gesshoku Kitan doesn't shy away from its dark subject matter but it does an excellent job of being tasteful about it, whether or not Syundei wants the audience to get something out of it. While I think the book could've been more subtle in its buildup to the ending and was slightly rushed it is still an absolute masterpiece.