Eternal Sabbath Review
I usually avoid science fiction akin to how vampires avoid garlic. But as I was browsing through the shelves, this manga title caught my eye. Admittedly it was the title itself that attracted me: Eternal Sabbath. The art also had a hand in the persuasion and I thought I would check it out.
I wasn't disappointed. I went back to the same bookstore the next day to purchase all the other volumes that they have in stock (which wasn't much, only until volume 4). When I got home, I didn't have time to properly mourn my deflated wallet. I was busy attacking the plastic wrapping of the manga volumes.
Overview
The first chapter introduces us to ES, later renamed Ryousuke. He has the ability to "hack" into people's brains and rifle through the brain's "data" and adjust or edit the data to his liking. Set in modern Tokyo, the first chapter gives off an eerie vibe. The strangeness is further emphasis by a distinct lack of word panels, unexpected outcomes in seemingly ordinary situations and accompanied by ES' aloof narration. On a whim, ES investigates a murder. The mindscapes he envisions are particularly disturbing and explicit: a young boy's fantasy of hacking his tormentor, a school bully, with a hatchet in hand; pathological hatred morphing from a crazed stallion to a bulbous diseased dome; a beautiful aflame female in the nude, emerging from a cigarette lighter.
After saving a potential victim and giving the murderer what he deserves,
ES infiltrats into a family and became known as Ryousuke. At this point, the
actual plot starts. Dr Kyoujo, a neurological specialist is called in to examine
the same murderer. Through much investigating and warnings from Ryousuke,
Kyoujo discovers what Ryousuke really is: The prototype of a successful scientific
experiment.
Volume 2 delves into the main villain of the series: Issac, the younger clone
of Ryousuke. Being born with solely the intention of being dissected, Issac
has little love for humans, treating life as dispensable. Here we see a switch
of roles. Instead of scientists experimenting on him, Issac, curious about
human emotions and vengeful for his ill treatment, toys with humans simply
because it's fun.
The rest of the series revolves around the efforts to curb Issac's movements.
The art is detailed but not overly so. Some mangakas (comic artist) have a tendency to go lazy on the background, while some over do it. ES omits background imagery when the mangaka wants facial expressions to stand out, and other times, provides the necessary background to add texture and reality.
No matter how breathtaking the art is, an ill-fitting layout will spoil everything. ES's clean-cut layout complements its art, providing readers with an easy reading experience.
The flow of the plot is also commendable, revealing information to the reader at a suitable pace that is neither too draggy, nor hurried. The character development of ES is paid close attention too, as the supporting characters are not chucked aside but are also given their due recognition. Another plus point is that there are no manga stereotypes. I am especially glad when the lead female character did not fall head over heels in love with the lead pretty boy. She approached him with logic and reason, whereas typical lead females are either obsessed over the lead guy or hate his guts.
Exciting and fast-paced, ES provides an intriguing read, blending action, thriller and moral reflection in an addictive mix, leaving readers raving for more. A definite must read!
By Chia Ling Xian