Sasori

I’d love to introduce you to this 70’s classic manga, “Sasori". The manga follows the story of Nami Matsushima who was convicted for a murder attempt, sent to a female prison and typically tries to escape in order to revenge from her ex-lover. We get to witness her attempts in prison in order to escape and her survival from her cellmates and guards. I personally can’t remember where did I stumble on this manga, but I believe it’s my first time reading a classic 70’s manga. To me, Nami Matsushima is the ideal example of a ‘femme fatale’, a viciously charming woman who is capable of exploitingher beauty and brains in order to reach what she wants; whether it was from the guards or her cellmates, and she won’t definitely reveal her vulnerable side. A true Sasori, I believe. For the plot, as I’ve mentioned, just attempts to escape; but it was enjoyable, I do enjoy a mangaka’s way of exposing his technics. Sasori san might seem manipulative for every time she exploits anyone around her, it’s all revolving around a theme of revenge eventually. Beneath, lies a woman scared of her past. The buildup of the guards was enjoyable and funny, especially The Warden who reminded me of Warden Norton (The Shawshank redemption). As for the art, it’s nothing mentionable; a simple outline for the manga and that’s it. It’s a classical style of drawing, I believe those simple lines as well help build up the characters, giving them a funny-serious vibe. Without more said, it was not a bad manga, it has good potential, and I love to recommend. If you remember “Miss Scorpion” from “Love Exposure”, who is based on a character from 1972’s “Female Prisoner #701 Miss Scorpion” (Lead role by Meiko Kaji), this 70's movie is originally adapted from this manga.