Helter Skelter shows the life of Ririko, a japanese top model who thrives to maintain her position, as the concept of beauty changes and new models come in. As stated earlier, Ririko uses plastic surgery to adapt herself to the changes of the concepts of beauty. This doesn't come without any consequences: frequent maintenance is necessary and if done in excess, even that won't help over time.
As the story goes on, we observe how aftereffects of the plastic surgery begins to show up: bruises, skin problems, psychological problems related to the ingestion of different drugs, you name it. This has effects on herself as well as the interactions Ririko has with her staff. Being emotionally unstable is one of the side effects.
The storytelling is done well using meaningful dialogues that gives the reader a good insight in the emotional states of all the different characters, and the actions they do. One thing I missed in the story were the reasons why Ririko became such model. Personally I'd have liked to see her gradual "transformation" into the current Ririko, as well the emotional state she was in.
Several characters are introduced in Helter Skelter: Hada, Ririko's assistant; 'Mom', her manager; the detective that is investigating a case related with Ririko, her sister... Most characters lack a bit in development, however in exchange we see their interactions with the lead character, though it has an issue: these characters have near to no influence in Ririko's development. It must be said that some secondary characters have interesting backgrounds or motives, making the story for the reader more enjoyable. Ririko's development is mainly influenced by the media and her own view of beauty; this shows how big her ego is and gives the reader an insight on how she possibly decided to do plastic surgery.
The art of Helter Skelter is rather lackluster. It is very simplistic with little detail, which I personally think is a big minus to the manga. The main focus lies on the beauty theme, so you would expect very well drawn characters as well as a big variety in the physical appearance of the characters. Because of this art style, the physical changes Ririko undergoes are barely noticeable. This goes for the other characters as well, as little difference is observed. Some may think otherwise, that it fits the manga as beauty is a subjective concept. I personally think this is not the case as it fails to transmit well the concept of beauty and the changes Ririko undergoes.
Helter Skelter was an enjoyable read with a great story, giving a good insight into the modelling a world, as well as the problems extensive plastic surgery gives.The art style didn't quite fit with the story, though the story made up for it. I would recommend this manga to anyone with an interest to the modelling world, or wants to read something different, as it is relative short with a good story.
Thanks for reading, any feedback is appreciated.
