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Story: 10/10
The story in Fire Punch is unhinged and insane but never nonsensical. It strays away from all narratives and formulas usually employed in literature, instead opting for a chaotic jumbled storyline that somehow fits perfectly together. From a shounen revenge story to a macabre philosophical drama, this manga settles for no conventions, and I love that aspect of it. The world-building was also exceptional in this series, and not because of extensive exposition, but rather in how it exacerbated the sheer despair every character in this manga feels. The ending was undoubtedly questionable and quite rushed. Though, I enjoyed the closure it brought ... after reading 80 chapters of pure pandemonium. The narrative and themes are so numerous and multi-faceted that no two people reading this manga will come out of it feeling the same. However, to me, Fire Punch is an avant-garde tale of finding hope and purpose in a world consumed by despair.

Characters: 9/10
The majority of the characters in Fire Punch were charismatic and exciting. This is especially apparent in Togata, who, for the first part of the story, was practically the main character, stealing the show entirely. The manga is also very good at making you relate to and care for the characters. They can be hyperbolic and crazy, but seeing harm done to most of them stirs something inside of you. The only reason this score could be better is that a couple of characters were introduced yet did nothing to the narrative and caused no repercussions upon their demises. Overall, the characters in this manga were great and helped drive the story.

Art: 9/10
While the art was quite rough around the edges, its bold and gritty nature helped set the story's tone. It can be unforgivingly harsh and grotesque, heightening the story's intensity and evoking a visceral response from those reading. The paneling was terrific, allowing for fluid and almost movie-like scenes.

Enjoyment: 9/10
Fire Punch is envoloped in depravity, hopelesness, and desolation. It can be distressing to read, with few moments of happiness. But it is through this lense of overwhelming despair and anguish that we see hope. And not a superficial hope, but a hope built by the love of others. It shows that in the depths of emotional and existential dread, love is our guiding force.

In conclusion, Fire Punch is an exceptionally unique manga. Reading it was truly a special experience, one that has not and never will be replicated in manga, anime, and all of fiction.

"Sometimes, we uncover the most profound lessons about love and life within the depths of tragedy."

Story: 10/10
The House in Fata Morgana's story is like a beautiful setting for a play. At its core, Fata Morgana is a tragic love story spanning multiple generations. As the narrative progresses, more and more layers are revealed, unveiling a masterfully constructed literary complexion permeated with myriad nuances and perfectly polished to give the viewer a deep sense of satisfaction when each of its mysteries are uncovered. Each story arc is intricately woven into the overarching plot, leading to a revelation that will leave you awe-struck and emotionally moved. ... Throughout the story, you will be confronted with thought-provoking themes of fate, hope, identity, revenge, forgiveness, and most prominently, love. Its avant-garde method of storytelling was perfectly executed. The prose is poetic, though, unlike a picturesque, Shakespearean tragedy. It's raw, harsh, and unembellished. Humans can be deplorable, and Fata Morgana does not hide this fact. Though unforgiving in this regard, the juxtaposition of pure sorrow and unparalleled happiness is what got me invested in the series. The only aspect of this story that people may find undesirable is its slow-paced writing requires much patience. However, this is necessary to build up the story's masterful climaxes.

Characters: 10/10
The most compelling part of Fata Morgana is its characters. They are complex, multi-dimensional, and beautifully developed. The characterization is subtle yet profound, mainly through small talk and other forms of dialogue. From this process, you eventually learn to know the characters deeply and personally. You understand their idiosyncrasies and characteristics, and they become more than pixels on a screen. You start empathizing with them, feeling their pain, and even crying. Some of my favorite moments in the series were casual small talk. These brief moments of happiness made everything so much more painful to see it all crumble. They may seem insignificant to some, but without them, the story would lose any weight; it would be utterly superficial. But the depth the characters bring to Fata Morgana is what makes it so evocative. The main character, in particular, is my favorite person in all fiction. And not because he's perfect; he's far from it. But it's through his individuality, flaws, and shortcomings and how he tries to overcome them that you begin to see him as a human. The same goes for Jacopo, who, sometimes, isn't even a good person. But it's through his circumstances and flaws that we see a surprisingly timid man and a great character. Finally, while I can't say much about the antagonist, I will say they have one of the most tragic backstories… ever. Overall, I can't praise the characters in this story enough. They aptly portray concepts like insanity, grief, greed, and love. The relationships they form are filled with joy and heartbreak, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer long after the book is finished.

Visuals: 9/10
Everything from the beautiful covers to the fantastic illustrations, this light novel looks great, perfectly complementing the exceptional story.

Enjoyment: 10/10
Fata Morgana was entirely enthralling; not once did I find myself bored or disinterested, especially towards the latter half of the LN. The suspense was practically palpable, keeping you on the edge of your seat. However, Fata Morgana can be gut-wrenching and hard to read. But while the story is full of sorrow and suffering, that only amplifies and adds more worth to the moments of ecstasy and happiness. After all, a story devoid of tragedy and contention is nothing but a superficial fantasy.

Overall: 10/10
The House in Fata Morgana is an experience. An experience you won't see replicated anywhere else in fiction. An experience spanning a millennium. An experience drenched in tragedy and tribulation. An experience permeated by love and joy. It's not something you'll forget in weeks, months, or even years. It's not ephemeral and will leave a lasting impression on those who embark on this journey through time and space, delivering an unforgettable, remarkable literary tale.