Ranked #1949

Skyhigh Karma (Manga)

"Why are humans so sadly and terribly evanescent?"

The 2nd season of the Skyhigh series. Yet instead of the various independent stories that come across Izuka, this series covers just one story. In a way, it seems to be a bit touching but awkward nevertheless. However, the words that seem to ring about humanity still remains.

In the first season, we were left with the concept of the afterlife and the three choices made. Yet in this series, there is more of a realistic and deeper description of it. Apparently Buddhism seems to play a large role in this series, considering that Japan was once a Buddhist country. And, I'll just leave it at that. The rest will unravel itself in the story.

Instead of the usual life and death scenario, we see the intervention by "dark" spirits, or the unappeased spirits, that cause murder. Not to mention a more expansive use on the "supernatural" powers that was only once utilized in a single story in the first season. However, these "powers" are based on Buddhism, at least from what I can gather. The act of gaining "good" karma takes a critical role in this story.

There seems to be a slight improvement in art compared to the first season, but in addition to that, this season doesn't seem to be as dark as the first. The first season was filled with gloom, darkness, and hatred. Yet this season adds a few positive emotions. A sense of family ties or love. One could say that this factor brightens the entire plot, as the main character acts on this.

One noticeable difference between these two seasons is Izuka. Izuka was the name of the Gatekeeper, but in this series she takes a more direct approach in her clients. In addition, she seems to be more empathetic. Honestly I don't know why this Izuka in this season is called Izuka, since the original gatekeeper in the first season was given the post to another person. I guess that the new gatekeeper is portrayed in this season, but I'm not seeing that much of a resemblance between the Izuka in this season and the replacement for Izuka in the first season. But that's just me. :/

Besides that, characters all have their own sturdy personalities, and of course their beliefs. We have those that deny ghosts, and some that believe in them. In my opinion, the only person have experienced a significant change is Mai. In fact, burdened with a sense impending doom would drive anyone insane, yet she, despite wanting to be a normal girl, accepts reality while wanting to accomplish "something." (Can't really reveal it without spoiling.)

I can't say I've enjoyed this as much as the first season, but it's a definite change. We're given a more in depth description of a tragic story instead of short mini stories in the first season. Definitely more drawn out, and somewhat interesting considering the new, added elements.

There isn't much violence, and hardly any gore if none at all. However there are some naked images, although not as much as the first season. There does seem to be an improvement in quality between the first and second season, but it's probably not very significant. For this season, it's not necessary to read the first season as it still remains interesting.
read more

After reading the first skyhigh, one can't stop reading
Where the first series was more a combination of independent stories, this one is telling 1 more profound story.
in general it's a quite obscure story, and once you start to read, it's allmost impossible to stop.

as allways Takahashi Tsutomu is capable of bringing a very dark atmosphere in his drawings.
very sharp drawings, good eye for details ...
you really "feel" the story when reading

the characters all seem tormented, but they all handle their burdon in another way...
In this story there are no "shallow" characters

in general this is a very intelligent written manga, with amazing art.

I really recommend you to read this story if you are a fan of more dark manga.
actually I would recommend this manga to everyone, even to other manga writhers, 'cause this is the perfect example of how a manga should be :)

IT'S A GODDAMN MASTERPIECE ^^ read more