Kokumin Quiz

国民クイズ

7.30(1K votes)

Ranked #5308Popularity #6798

chapters

volumes

Status

Finished

Published

Sep 9, 1993 to Mar 2, 1995

Authors:Sugimoto, Reiichi, Katou, Shinkichi

Comedy

Worth Reading? — Global Verdict

9.3/10

Average Review Score

100%

Recommend It

Reviews Worldwide

International Reviews

Lunk

Recommended

National quiz is quite a strange and unusual series. The premise itself sets it apart from most of what is published. Japan is ruled by a quiz show, instead of some form of elections or stable government. And what follows is a story that takes this premise and turns the world on its head, so that such an idea does not seem stupid at all. While the story is intriguing and characters tolerable (well, portrayed but not especially deep, this is after all, not a psychological drama), what really sets this apart is the amazing art. The world of national quiz has a lot of room of visual extravaganza(with the show itself being flashy) and Katou utilizes this superbly. The art is slightly crazy, insanely detailed and quirky. The characters all look different and have very expresionable faces. A very important point is that the art has strong lines, which with a comprehensing panel structure means you won't get lost on a page. And that you always know what exactly is happening in the picture. This is, all in all an unforgettable masterpiece, that all people who are deeple interested in the medium of manga should read.

12 found helpfulJan 4, 2009

DevilsAngel9697

Community Discussion

Saikyou Densetsu Kurosawa

Battle Royale

Dainippon Tengutou Ekotoba

Synopsis

In a different world than the one we live in, a world where Japan is the lone superpower of the world, there is a wildly popular game show called the National Quiz. Every night, people dreaming of riches, fame, vengeance and happiness compete on the show, for the chance to be granted a wish, any wish they have: the National Quiz has the power to make your wildest dreams come true. It also has the ability, if you lose, to make your life a living hell. This is the story of K-i K-ichi (aka prisoner KK47331), a former actor-turned losing National Quiz contestant-turned wildly popular host of the show, and the people and events surrounding him. (Source: Mangascreener)

Oh, what a strange manga this was. All of the drama and seriousness of Orwell's "1984" ... without any of the drama and seriousness of it. Story: The story was fun, one of a society run by greed and a game show. I've always enjoyed stories of truly twisted social norms set in a parallel world, and this one was certainly that. Any wish granted, as long as you were a trivia whiz. It's insane, and written as such. Art: Odd. Very odd. Definitely the 90s feel, but sometimes hyper-realistic, sometimes stretched to grotesque proportions. Overall, enjoyable, but just as strange as everything else about the manga. Characters: Asmuch as I would like to say that they're original and amazing...I can't. Most of them fall under your typical dystopian manga character types. I still loved them, they were expressive and entertaining, but...for example, I kept comparing characters to ones in 20th Century Boys. They're kinda all the same. Enjoyment: As I've said, a lot of fun. I 100% suggest reading this if you're into corrupt government and rebellion. Plus game shows. The author really tries to be showing with every fiber of the manga just how twisted and ridiculous the world pictured would be

YouRanForIt

Recommended

Kokumin Quiz is an unforgettable manga with amazing art & a hard hitting story. For a manga that is now over 30 years old, it feels extremely relevant to the world today. It offers a wild and grotesque game show, where basically arbitrary winners create the laws and rule the world. It seems outlandish at first, but its really a metaphor so obvious it punches you straight in the face. Japan has become the new America, ruling over the world and imposing their will on everyone else. The plot does exactly what is demanded of it- it doesnt stretch things out or leave you hanging, but keepsa steady and enthusiastic pace. Starting with an episode of the quiz to set the tone and display the level of abuse it bestows upon all participants, it slowly introduces characters and interests that later collide spectacularly. The art is absolutely captivating. Most characters are drawn almost as caricatures, with far more realistic features than many mangas. Characters often have ghoulish or beast-like features to show their heightened emotions. Everyone has such distinct personalities that are immediately apparent due to their looks. Personally: It took me 4 hours to read the whole thing, and I'll never forget it. Please give it a try!

0 found helpfulFeb 13, 2025

Where to Read

Find a Specific Chapter