Manga Review: Kokuhaku - Confession
Story:
Friends Asai and Ishikura get lost on a routine mountain climbing trip. Ishikura injures himself and at his supposed moment of death reveals a terrible secret to Asai. However, shortly after they find an abandoned log cabin and both survive. Trapped alone and waiting for help, the secrets of their pasts stahaunting them, secrets some would kill to keep quiet…
Impressions:
Confession is an intense psychological thriller penned by Nobuyuki Fukumoto and drawn by Kaiji Kawaguchi, so no Akagi noses here. The premise is a simple one, two men trapped together suspicious of the other, and the paranoia that develops between the two is portrayed perfectly. The eventual game of cat and mouse between Asai and Ishikura is very unique, with constant twists and turns that leaves one constantly wondering who the victor is going to be. Confession is just a one volume story, which is the perfect length for it. Any longer would of dragged things and it allows for the strong feelings to stay fresh. The artwork is all good, though I have to admit that some of Kawaguchi’s expressions, particularly when he draws the mouth like an “O,” are more hilarious than serious. It doesn’t have any gambling or gangsters, but Confession maintains Fukumoto’s strength of showing characters in extreme situations. It’s a great, quick read for people who want to explore beyond the known into his other manga works.
