This review has some minor spoilers depending on your definition of a spoiler. But honestly its an abstract and opentointerpretation type of work so dont worry too much. Hitsugi Katsugi no Kuro. Kaichuu Tabi no Wa Kuro for short is a manga written by Satoko Kiyuzuki that explores dark themes such as death grief and anxiety in a sliceoflife setting. Presented in a 4koma structure often characterized by comedic and humorous elements. My expectation going into this was the classic juxtaposition of horror and cute but the story went beyond that. It follows Kuro in her journey with her companions Sen and the twin sisters Nijuku and Sanju searching for a witch and a professor. The travel metaphor for life has been done before and we have good examples such as Kinos Journey Girls Last Tour and Mushishi. Even though I love the aforementioned examples this manga managed to gain some space in my heart. It did so through the structure of the story visual elements and most importantly its themes and how well it executes them. Kiyuzukis art style is both whimsical and haunting blending elements of fairy tale and gothic aesthetics capturing your attention and bringing you into the journey. The world Kuro traverses is depicted in monochromatic tones which accentuates the somber and contemplative mood of the story. The mangas visual composition often uses stark contrasts and intricate details to evoke a sense of wonder and unease mirroring the thematic depth of the narrative. The story is masterfully written giving you the information you need at the moment you need it. It doesnt info dump unnecessary details all at once allowing you to get used to the world and the characters. Although the story is told in a nonlinear and sometimes confusing way the themes remain consistent. Its as if the whole essence of the story is unified and appears in every element. Death https://i.ur.com/4ohVjjC.png Mortality death and the things that come along with it are still unresolved subjects in my life. Furthermore I dont believe it is possible for us to resolve or fix this aspect of ourselvesthat being fully comprehending death. Every time someone dies there is a great variety of clichs that flow around and if any of them actually worked it wouldnt be a topic studied over centuries by many scholars ranging from Epicurus and Plato to Elisabeth KblerRoss who provided a framework for our current understanding of how we process loss and grief with the five stages of grief denial anger bargaining depression acceptance. But still the knowledge we have doesnt suffice and everyone deals with it in a different manner when the time comes turning to religion acceptance avoidance or even constant anxiety over this this is my way by the way. The first time I attended a funeral was for a relative of mine when I was four years old and to this day I remember that day very clearly. Sometimes I even think of it as my first memorya woman desperately crying over the coffin of her dead husband. I have never seen someone cry so desperately and loudly since then despite attending many funerals for grandparents greatgrandparents uncles and friends. Every time I try to process and grieve in my own way and move on with life but then I remember something about that person and there I am anxious about death again. There are still plenty of people left to die including myself. Needless to say this leads to a state of anxiety over death some may even say a sickness unto death. https://media1.tenor.com/m/KGcFWre4qgAAAAC/jujujuanime.gif Please forgive me I have a strange sense of humour This was a good pun though Existentialism and absurdism Sickness unto Death is a book written by Sren Kierkegaard which helped pave the way for existentialism a philosophy that explores themes like existence and the meaning of life. At the heart of the manga lies a profound exploration of existentialism. Kuros journey with her coffin is symbolic of the human conditionthe inevitability of death and the burden of existential angst. Kuros constant companionship with the coffin reminds readers of the omnipresence of mortality. Her quest filled with encounters and reflections mirrors the existentialist search for purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe. Despite the burdens she carriesboth literally with the coffin and metaphorically with her pastKuro continues to move forward embodying Camus concept of the absurd hero who perseveres in the face of an irrational and meaningless world. The absurd hero was a concept introduced by Albert Camus in his seminal work The Myth of Sisyphus. The absurd hero recognizes the inherent meaninglessness of life but chooses to confront it headon embracing the struggle without resorting to false hopes or nihilism. Kuros journey can be seen as an allegory for the human condition in an absurd universe. Her incessant travel with the coffin whose contents are initially unknown symbolizes the human pursuit of purpose amidst lifes uncertainties. Like Sisyphus Kuro is engaged in a seemingly endless and purposeless task. Yet it is her perseverance and the manner in which she confronts her journey that align her with Camus absurd hero. Beyond the surface The manga has a philosophical nature and does not merely explore concepts to sell the audience some cheap morality on how to live your life it challenges itself to go beyond the surface level. https://i.ur.com/7RFqRsf.jpeg https://i.ur.com/l5pMBhu.jpeg Even though the manga has depth when exploring its themes that is not the only reason it resonated with me. It seems to me that the author has a voice or is trying to find one on the subject of death. This reminded me of an interview where Ingmar Bergman talked about his movie The Seventh Seal 1957https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050976/ and how important that movie was for him to understand and accept death. Furthermore there are some similarities between the movie and the manga. https://c.tenor.com/kh0l5A7U18QAAAAC/tenor.gif The movie follows a knight named Antonius Block returning to Sweden after the Crusades. He meets Death and challenges it to a chess duel while trying to find answers about life and existence. The supporting characters in both works also serve to deepen the main characters journeys. In the manga the various beings Kuro encounters each represent different facets of life and death contributing to her understanding of her own journey. Similarly in the movie characters like Jns Blocks squire the mute woman and the traveling actors provide contrasting perspectives on life faith and mortality enriching Blocks existential quest. Although both deal with the same themes the manga leans into a surreal almost dreamlike exploration of its themes with an emphasis on the personal and emotional aspects of Kuros journey. It uses its fantastical setting to delve into the psychological and emotional impacts of carrying ones burdens and facing mortality. https://i.ur.com/26CtEnV.png Conclusion Even if the nonlinear structure is sometimes confusing the manga excels in its atmospheric storytelling and the intricate often melancholic world it builds. The art style complements the narratives tone with detailed shadowy illustrations that evoke a sense of desolation and beauty. Kuros interactions with the various characters she meets on her journey reveal her resilience and the underlying sadness she carries. The themes of loss and the weight of ones past are poignantly explored making it a deeply reflective read. Kuros journey burdened both literally and metaphorically by her coffin invites readers to reflect on their own struggles with mortality and meaning offering a philosophical meditation on life and death. By embracing her burdens and continuing her quest despite the absurdity of her circumstances Kuro exemplifies the courage and authenticity that define the absurd hero. Through her story the manga encourages the readers to reflect on their own journeys and the ways in which they confront the absurdity of existence and death.