Fourteen

Fourteen is a... truly bizarre experience. No, I don't think you understand what extend of uncontrolled madness I'm talking about. Fourteen goes from humanoid KFC byproduct equipped with genius mind and militant approach towards humanity, through world-wide conspiracy covering up apocalypse with the power of soap-opera to a loli with a laser gun taking over a giant mechanical t-rex in space. Fourteen is a saga that jumps from one absurdly bizzare idea to another, and manages to connect them in well-flowing story. It is really impressive to pack 20 volumes with unique and creative concepts that just keep getting more and more entertaining. The mostbizarre part is, in fact, how the story actually makes sense. Especially after you realize what kinds of horrors and surreal situations took place. And it still makes sense in the grand scheme of the story. I wouldn't hesitate to call this Umezu Kazuo's Opus Magnum. Now of course, to truly enjoy this manga, you need to balance not taking it too seriously and taking it too seriously. The wackiness does cross into the comedy zone sometimes, especially if your sense of humor aligns with weird shit, but Fourteen still takes on some serious themes (of course, in it's own signature way) and especially the last arc and the finale itself is a poetical, philosophical take that might leave you in thoughts. As the story, the art itself too treads between wacky weirdness and horrifying horror. The art seems almost... warped at times, and I mean this in a good way. It surely helps to build up the atmosphere. The illustration are often in the uncanny valley teritorry. The art might seem bad at the start, especially if you're unfamiliar to Umezu's style, but you'll get used to it fast. Well, within the extent one is able to get used to an uncanny valley. Overall, this manga is not for everyone and some will certainly shake their heads in disbelief that people actually like it, but if you're looking for something that is both unique and entertaining, if you're looking for a one of a kind manga, you should definitely try Fourteen.

Fourteen is the greatest manga that has ever been written or ever will be written. It is a dark tale of a chicken man who plans to exterminate humanity, but it goes from this premise to the most insane heights. This series is a horrific nightmare, one that alternates between being genuinely confusing and horrifying and absolutely hilarious in its absurdity. It has a narrative structure despite its insanity, but one that might not be immediately obvious due to the stories schizophrenic and rapidly alternating nature. The artwork is sublime, with a bizarrely realistic style that resembles a mixture of Fletcher Hanks and Robert Crumb thatonly elevates the insanity further. Character poses are stiff and emotions look somewhat bizarre and forced, but this only assists in enhancing the utter insanity that this series revolves around. It features some of the most incomprehensible bullshit I've ever seen, images that made me stare in disbelief at the nonsense I was witnessing. The characters aren't developed extensively, though Chicken George has an interesting arc and iconic design. It doesn't matter, because their insanity only assists in the story, such as Grand Master Rose, the closest thing to a villain, who is a centuries-old technocratic billionaire who controls the world finances and replenishes his youth with a steady diet of fetus organs, or Chicken Lucy, George's girlfriend that is a regular chicken but can talk, or America, who is the president's son and actually named America, and who has hair that is a plant and becomes a Christ-like figure by the end of the series. If you can't tell, Fourteen is a thrill ride from beginning to end. The insanity only escalates and you must turn the page to figure out more of the fantastical nonsense present in the series. None of it makes any sense. It makes Neon Genesis Evangelion look like Sesame Street. It makes Texhnolyze look like Fairly Oddparents. It makes Junji Ito look like "See Spot Run". It never lets up, with increasingly absurd and escalating mass death and panic that reaches an increasingly fevered pitch until the equally nonsensical ending. Fourteen is an absolute masterpiece, and one that every intellectual must read.

This is truly the weirdest thing I have ever read in my life. I am no stranger to strange or gory manga, but this is just another level. Yet it's also so addictive to read! Like a slow moving, revolting, disturbing car wreck you can't turn your head away from. There's a concept and a story, but everything changes at a breakneck speed in this manga, it's hard to keep track of. Several times I wanted to put it down because it just made no sense to me, but I would pick it right back up. It's uniquely weird. It's hard to describe. If youfeel like you're reading horror manga and nothing fazes you anymore, give this a try.

"14" by Kazuo Umezu is a masterpiece of the horror genre, embodying a mixture of surreal madness, seasoned with Japanese design with unique charisma. This mangaka, recognized as the "Father Tiger" of Japanese horror and has inspired many, including the famous horror author Junji Ito, demonstrates in "14" his incredible ability to create an atmosphere and tension that literally takes your breath away. One of the greatest advantages of "14" is the masterful use of elements of horror. Kazuo Umezu, with his unique vision and style, creates a dark and exciting atmosphere that permeates every page of the manga. His artistic style, combining detailed drawing andexpressive images, allows the reader to fully immerse himself in this surreal and creepy world. The lines and shadows of his illustrations make each scene feel like an unpredictable horror, causing goosebumps. The plot of "14" is an exciting story filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. Kazuo Umezu skillfully spins the intrigue, creating a narrative that constantly keeps the reader in suspense. The story, which touches on deep and relevant topics such as the dangers of high technology, environmental disasters and human nature, is not only terrifying, but also provokes reflection. This manga tries to surprise at every step, filling the reader's head with new ideas and questions. Nevertheless, "14" remains a "bubble gum": despite its depth and layering, the manga is more focused on aesthetic and emotional perception than on logical comprehension. This makes it an ideal work for those who are looking for an emotional and visual experience, if superficially, but still able to touch on important issues. The characters in "14" deserve special attention. Each of them is a carefully crafted character with their own fears, motivations and tragedies. They become alive and real in the eyes of the reader, arousing sympathy and empathy. The main antagonist is especially bright, whose immorality and composure raise questions about the nature of evil and the dangers that man harbors. Although Kazuo Umezu remains in fact a household name in the West, at home he really enjoys great popularity and recognition as an eminent horror author. His contribution to the horror genre in Japan is significant, and he has inspired many talented artists and writers, including Junji Ito, who inherited from his mentor a unique vision and approach to creating atmospheric works.