Biomega, Vol. 1

Biomega reads a lot like a late '80s-early '90s OVA, in the sense that the manga has an incredibly tight focus on action. While there is a narrative there, the story spends more time on the action sequences. To be fair, there isn't anything wrong with that - the manga gives the action sequences the time they need to flow properly, and allow the reader to keep track of everything. There are a lot of manga artists who could probably learn something form Nihei.

The art. Yes, it is difficult to interpret sometimes, because it is hazy and dark and sketchy. But it is also really impressive, sometimes lovely, and there are a couple grotesque panels that I thought were amazing and want on my wall.

The storytelling and dialogue are scant and rough, just enough to give you a hint of the zombie apocalypse unfolding. And we all know zombies terrify me only slightly less than Deliverance storylines. There is also a talking, gun-toting bear who guards a young girl who apparently might hold the key to humanity surviving the zombie apocalypse.

I'd forgotten about this manga. I hadn't wanted to read it long ago. Now is the right time.