“A horror-themed take on the time loop, this is a thrilling modern twist on the classic Japanese ghost story. Azusa Yuunami doesn't believe in ghosts or curses – but she's more than willing to photograph supposedly haunted locations for her brother's website collecting local spooky folklore as long as he keeps bribing her with sweets. A fateful visit to an abandoned well, however, lands her right in the middle of her own terrifying ghost story. Tracking the mysterious figure appearing in her photographs reveals the true nature of her curse – she must relive the same day over and over again, and her only hope might be the mysterious exorcist who has seen the gruesome ends that await her.” (Mangamo)
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*This review covers the first five chapters of the manga series
Taking a unique turn on the traditional ghost story, “Ghost Story Loop” presents itself as an odd mash-up of genres across its opening five chapters. Injecting elements of sci-fi and (possibly) romance, the series hooks the reader in fast with ghastly visions and a genre-bending approach. At the same time, the familiar ghastly renditions of traditional long-haired ghosts lurking around the corners make this work a horror lovers' delight, first and foremost.
The art of Tsunami Katou propels the story and keeps the tone in the realm of the supernatural while the highlights of the book come from confrontations between Azusa and the specters that haunt her. There are other more abstract apparitions that appear throughout the first five chapters, which gives reason to keep reading just to see how Katou continues to develop the world created by Jun Yagi. Furthermore, the artist has a knack for capturing action sequences which makes the otherworldly battles between the exorcist Rintarou and the apparitions a wonderful spectacle. Without a doubt, Tsunami Katou is an idyllic stylistic choice for the varied narrative approach of “Ghost Loop”.
The story, by Jun Yagi, compliments traditional ghost stories with the idea of curses targetting those who overstep boundaries, in this case visiting a forbidden location. However, the departure point into the realm of sci-fi and romance gives the story a very unique appeal. The idea of reliving a deathly curse induces the story with a sense of intensity in not knowing the fate of Azusa and expecting death at any turn. This also pushes the sense of desperation on Rintarou to save the girl he sees diying to be reborn without knowing of her curse. The first five chapters only tease this concept, but it is handled in such a way that will excite readers to learn more about the peculiar haunting of Azusa.
Admittedly, five chapters are a bit brief to comment on the overall direction and quality of a horror work that plays with so many different elements and genres. However, the initial impression of “Ghost Loop” is certainly a favorable one that will catch the attention of horror fans — let's just hope Jun Yagi and Tsunami Katou can deliver on the drama and style that defines the opening chapters.
