I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
Series: OMORI #1 Published by Kodansha Comics on May 17, 2026
Demographic: Seinen
Genres: Psychological Horror
Source: NetGalley
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Based on the hit indie rpg of the same name, Omori employs the tropes of video games, alternate worlds, and even psychological horror to explore how young people process tragedy, friendship, and forgiveness.
Since the terrible tragedy of four years ago, SUNNY hasn't set foot outside his house. Now, in an attempt to shake him out of his torpor, his family has decided to leave Faraway Town. Three days before the move, Sunny's childhood friend KEL shows up to hang out one last time—but the world outside the young shut-in's door has changed completely, and Sunny's reunion with his old pals goes from bad to worse. Whether by chance or fate, the chain of events that begin to unfold calls up a past they all thought was buried forever . . .
I’m not just an avid reader, I also love video games, so when I saw that OMORI—which I knew as an RPG—had been turned into a manga, I was hooked!
You don’t need to have played the video game beforehand to appreciate or understand the manga, but once you’ve read it, you’ll probably want to give the game a go straight away! Indeed, OMORI has just that mysterious, dark charm. The artwork is really nice, perfectly complimenting the RPG graphics the manga is based on and effectively conveying the story’s dark atmosphere. The Headspace (a vibrant fantasy) and the White Space where Sunny’s mind refuges—and OMORI resides—are deeply intertwined, and the reader can’t help but feel both compassion and a strong desire to understand what really happened. Given the characters’ age, the story feels even more poignant, as it delves into grief and loss, as well as the emotional trauma that lies just ahead . . .
If psychological horror is a genre that captivates you, this manga might have something special in store for you. As a gaming enthusiast myself, I’d recommend checking out the game as well!
Want the full OMORI experience? Try surviving it firsthand!
Explore a strange world full of colourful friends and foes. Navigate through the vibrant and the mundane in order to uncover a forgotten past.
When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate . . . and perhaps the fate of others as well.
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About Silvia
Silvia is a dreamer at heart, drifting through ink and imagination, reading and playing stories alike, forever drawn to East Asian wonders ♡ Anything that sparks her creativity fills her with joy and makes her want to explore, play, and create even more!
Peek into all the corners of her world ⟡˙⋆
I remember the videogame in your wishlist very well and it always intrigued me, so I’m glad to see there is a manga as well. More importantly, I think it’s really useful that one doesn’t necessarily link the other, and we can read the manga without having to play the game beforehand and viceversa.
Lastly, I’m very glad you haven’t lost your “voice” after being away all this time, you always write such inspiring reviews and I can’t wait to see what will be your next one!
I knew you’d spot that from my Steam account *hehe* and yes, it’s great to be able to read about something without necessarily having played the game first–and vice versa–but it’s even better when you get to enjoy both experiences 😉
Aww, thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me, I truly appreciate it 💜
Silvia!!! Welcome back from hiatus and thank you so much for the kind words on my blog! I am still here and so glad to see you. It sounds like you’ve had a trying time and I’m sending virtualhugs.
I love alternate worlds so much and this manga sounds dark and atmospheric. Thank you for sharing it
Greg!!!! I’m so glad to hear from you! I was really worried when I popped over to your blog and saw you hadn’t posted anything for a while, not even in the comments . . . Thank you so much for getting in touch and for the virtual hugs, I’m sending some your way too *hugs*
The story is definitely dark and intriguing, especially thanks to the two ‘worlds’ the protagonist finds himself in. I was familiar with the video game, so when I saw they’d made a manga as well, I couldn’t resist and I jumped in straight away!
You are absoloutely welcome! I’m so glad you’re still around.
*hug!!*
Same goes for me, I’m always happy to hear from you! 😊
*big hug!*