Kokuhaku

Story: 10
The story was fluent and continuous. It was told from many perspectives with each view giving more details about the main plot. The story was neither complex, nor simple. The only complaint is the beginning few pages before Sensei addresses the class. It was confusing, if not necessary for the story. The manga is unique in showing the events from each of the main character’s perspectives as this showed their ideology and reasoning for the actions taken. Although this manga is only 4 chapters, the pacing was not rushed. Again, with the exception of the beginning, each page was used beautifully for building tension. The genres (according to MAL) are drama and josei. While there was no shortage of drama in this manga, I do not fully understand why this is josei. However, this manga does need a 'pro-revenge' (all caps) tag to be added. The ending was satisfying as almost all the loose ends were tied up. The only exception I can remember was the fate of Yoshiteru Terada (Werther) not being discussed.Thankfully though, it was not an open, nor abrupt/forced ending.

Art: 8
The art was realistic, but not unique or memorable. Just a standard mangaka version used to deliver the story. It may sound strange, but the art was too normal to fit this heavy story. Then again, I could not imagine it any other way. The panels were fluid throughout the work with the drawing style being consistent. The backgrounds were not memorable, but this did not take away from the work. Character design was unique enough to distinguish them apart from each other, but not enough to be remembered, apart from a few such as Moriguchi-sensei and Student A.

Character: 9
None of the characters were well rounded. Each had their own strength and weakness. In terms of realism, the situation was not normal to know if they reacted realistically. However, Moriguchi-sensei was too calm when addressing her class. When things did not go their way, Student A and Student B started to deteriorate both mentally and physically. For Student A it was more mentally, while for Student B it was more physically. In terms of fleshing out characters, it was done evenly, not favouring any particular one. The antagonists’ backgrounds and motives were portrayed in enough detail. It is to the point that some may even identify with Student A to some degree. Student B felt more like a supporting character and while this character played a major role in the story, they felt forgettable.

Enjoyment: 9
Although drama and josei are not my particular cup of tea (F.Y.I. I prefer jasmine green tea at 85 °C), this manga was quite enjoyable. I will not recommend this work to non-manga fans, but at the same time it is not reserved only for veteran readers either. If you are even a casual reader, give this a try. I will not re-read this work in the future. Re-reading would take away from the enjoyment of what is to come. The manga is memorable not just because of the story, but in the delivery. The characters may be forgotten in a few days, but their roles (e.g. Sensei, Student A and Student B) and the story will be remembered for a while.


Note
This is my first time writing a review. If there is anything that need to be improve, please send me a direct message. I would also like to thank @Vituperative for helping me edit this.