Chi no Wadachi
Blood on the Tracks

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Chi no Wadachi delves into the chilling horror of manipulation—a theme profoundly expressed and eerily familiar to many. The manga artfully explores these sinister dynamics, turning the conventional understanding of horror on its head. As the narrative unfolds, it thrusts the reader into an inescapable nightmare, akin to the cycle of manipulation that entraps its characters. This vivid portrayal not only heightens the sense of entrapment but also blurs the line between reality and deception, leaving readers as disoriented as the characters being manipulated.

The thematic journey through manipulation is poignant and resonant, allowing the reader to persevere through the manga's occasionally sluggish moments. The narrative's ... heavy emphasis on this cycle crafts a haunting atmosphere where escape seems impossible but necessary. As the protagonist, Seiichi, grapples with breaking free from these controlling forces, his struggles reflect a universal and relatable battle, enhancing the narrative's depth and emotional impact. This connection is especially significant during the middle chapters where the plot seems to wander—yet, these segments are essential for building toward the story's resolution.

Regrettably, around chapter 100, the manga experiences a noticeable dip in momentum, and the central themes appear somewhat diluted. However, this shift is not without purpose. The ending, which some might find controversial, actually ties the story together with a sense of finality that might have been lost had the manipulation theme been relentlessly pursued without evolution. This conclusion offers a bitter reflection on Seiichi's journey, suggesting that some cycles, once begun, are almost impossible to break. This important realization resonates deeply, making even the story's weaker portions worthwhile.

For fans of manga art, Chi no Wadachi is a must-read, independent of its narrative strengths. The artwork is nothing short of spectacular, with each panel meticulously crafted to enhance the story's oppressive atmosphere. The character expressions are particularly notable—they vividly convey the intense emotions and psychological turmoil faced by the characters, adding layers of depth to the already complex narrative.

In summary, Chi no Wadachi is a compelling exploration of psychological horror and manipulation, presented through both a gripping story and stunning visuals. This manga is highly recommended for those who seek a narrative that challenges the boundaries of traditional horror and delves deep into the psychological landscapes of its characters.

Overall rating: 6.5/10 ⭐
Chi no Wadachi, or Blood on the Tracks, is a story that's honestly left me perplexed. When it came out, it was a solid 8/10 manga which I read regularly given how intriguing each chapter ended up being. However, over time I feel the story lost meaning and the pacing was not good enough especially considering the stellar start it had.

Story: 4.5/10
While the initial premise, and execution of the first 50-60 chapters was excellent, I felt the mangaka couldn't keep up the same consistency with the story-telling which made me eventually lose interest from chapter 100 or so. Having known (or not) ... what had happened initially, only for a swerve at around chapter 100, which doesn't give you definite answers left me desiring more closure. It wasn't that the swerve was bad, but I felt KNOWING who does the deed was important. It might be owing to me being a bit too dense for this manga, but I feel we didnt have a definitive answer which bothered me.

Pacing and execution: 5/10
There were times I loved the pacing and times where it was just way too fast. The execution and resolution of the story also left me desiring a lot more.

Art: 9.5/10
The BIGGEST positive of Chi no Wadachi is the art. The portraits, stills of characters with grotesque expressions, landscape was beautifully captured in the manga and I HAVE to give Shūzō Oshimi props for his amazing art style.

While I had high hopes for this manga, the execution of the story was poor, which resulted in me only catching up with the final 1/3rd of the manga more than 6 months after it ended. But I loved the art and inital premise and story so much, that it'll still have a place on my profile as one of my favourite manga.

Chapters and volumes here are irrelevant, but i think i stopped when the kid grew up to a beta male.
I really hate these kind of "Psychological" type manga, because no one really understands the genre, maybe i am one of those, but this is boring, lame slop. To the point that you can predict that these chracters will never become dynamic in any way. Just look at the mom, static as hell.
First of all, its seems as though this manga falls in the category, "just because i have trauma means anything i do can be justified". "You want to kill someone? Oh but ... you have had trauma, well then its ok". Btw The police is absent, should've seen it coming.
This feels just like a longer chapter of the first 50 or so, there is absolutely no need for the story to continue other than being pure shock value. I guess i fell also in that trap. Similarity in "Watamote", there is 0 reason for this manga to reach 153 chapters. Presumably there is even going to be a epilogue of the mc.
And i really don't understand how every single "Psycho" manga, tries too hard. Someone just has to die, trauma, or some other bs youve seen done 100 times in other manga. At the point where you just dont understand no longer why certain characters to these actions, and you are not to blame, you never get told.

Style is similar to other "Psycho" manga, punpun, aku no hana, i am hero. Looks like same author. Over use of black, bad balance in pages. Author tries to do systematic pages, but it fails. "if in doubt, black it out"

Please add an "unrealistic" theme to this manga.

I think actually others will enjoy this series, we got the big boob heroine, the Psycho "i can fix her", the "Traumatized" mc that does not want to change. Even if i did not enjoy it based on the upper text. Just another slop Psycho manga
Ii will not be recommending chi no wadachi.