Synopsis:
Darkness Personified!
Follow main character Damien and friends on their hilarious but treacherous journey through the supernatural dark web!
In order to save Rin, his high school crush, Damien makes a deal with the God of Darkness. In exchange for his protection, Damien must find a way to free this horrid evil from the confines of a book, which forewarns humanity’s end.
Favorite Lines:
Rather than highlighting a specific quote, I wanted to highlight a couple of my favorite chapters which were chapters 3 (My Confession) and 4 (Ranked Part-1).
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you have been following along with this blog, you will perhaps notice that this is the first manga/anime novel to be featured on Likely Story. As a lover of good stories and good art, why not combine the two?
Citizen Evil, written by M.A.S. with contributions from illustrators Apeng, Virand, Galihmsantoso, and Hieumayart, is a dark fantasy manga that embraces classic manga tropes while offering a fresh, English-language experience. For fans of Japanese-style storytelling or newcomers curious about the medium, this multi-volume series is both a homage and an innovation.
From the very first page, we are thrust into the chaotic world of Damien, a socially awkward teen whose obsession with his crush, Rin, leads him down a dangerous and paranormal path. The story wastes no time, offering minimal exposition but plenty of action. Damien’s decision to dabble with forces far beyond his understanding introduces a ripple effect of chaos, weaving in side plots that suggest a much larger, ominous conflict at play.
The narrative structure is bold, layering the main plot with threads of dark forces and cryptic lore early on. While the story can feel dense at times, this technique offers intriguing hints at the series’ broader worldbuilding, leaving readers eager to unravel its mysteries.
Citizen Evil adopts the traditional manga format, including its right-to-left reading orientation. The aesthetic choices—sharp panel designs, dynamic shading, and visually impactful scene transitions—enhance the authenticity. While it’s steeped in the dark fantasy genre, there’s an unmistakable originality to how M.A.S. builds his world, blending supernatural intrigue with a fast-paced narrative that hooks readers immediately.
I wanted to specifically touch on the the artwork in Citizen Evil, which was a standout feature to me; it elevated every moment with detail and emotion. Each scene is imbued with tonal shifts that complement the action or dialogue. From sharp, intense shading during battles to softer, more rounded lines in lighter, comedic moments, the illustrators’ ability to convey mood visually is remarkable.
Summary:
Overall, Citizen Evil Volume 1 is an ambitious and fast-paced introduction to what promises to be a thrilling series. Its blend of relatable characters, intricate worldbuilding, and polished artwork make it an excellent pick for fans of dark fantasy or manga enthusiasts. While it introduces a lot in a short span, the balance of action and intrigue ensures you’ll stay engaged.
Whether you’re a seasoned manga reader or new to the genre, this volume is an excellent entry point. With its cliffhanger ending and hints at a larger narrative yet to be uncovered, Citizen Evil will leave you eager for Volume 2.
You can check out Citizen Evil here!