Before we continue, let me clear up some misconceptions about this manga that you might have:
- Yes, the relationship between the main characters is unusual for siblings, but not to the point of fanservice-y, exaggerated sister/brother complexes. Their relationship is justified by their horrific past (which I won't elaborate on for this review's sake). I'd actually consider it to be almost symbiotic. Neither can live without the other, as they've been left with no one else to depend on for so long.
- Yes, it contains cannibalism. Well, if you can consider the monster-like form that the infected take on to be even remotely human. (There is a scene where you see a human eating another, though it's not as explicit as you'd think). This manga doesn't shy away from drawing the gut-feasting scenes either.
And now, let's talk about the plot. Infectious, man-eating disease? Been there, done that. As the name implies, it transforms those afflicted with the Butterfly Virus into a horrific, butterfly pupa-like being that craves for human flesh. Our two protagonists are thrown into this confusing world of the Butterfly Virus, and the story follows them on their struggle to become normal again. Various mysterious, underground organizations dedicated to the research of this virus become involved, and our protagonists are left to find out just who - or what- they can rely on.
As I've noted earlier, the art in the more suspenseful scenes is very detailed and horrifically gory. You'll see human guts spilling out, heads blown off, eyeballs plucked out…you get the idea. The expressions of horror and malevolence on the character's faces are also well drawn - you can really get a foreboding, "oh crap!" sentiment from it.
The art in the more normal scenes is an almost sudden contrast to all this. For the most part the almost cutesy appearance of the characters - namely, our female lead (the sister) - will throw you off. I find that it gives it a greater shock factor though, because soon you'll be seeing these poor innocent kids go through absolute hell.
Conclusion:
Basically, you'll need a strong stomach and an open mind to read this. I've found myself cringing as I try to imagine how much pain - both physical and mental - our poor protagonists are experiencing as they strive for a better, normal life while putting their horrific past behind them.
While approaching the end of the second chapter, I've found that the story seems to be headed towards a very generic, predictable path. I can't say I've been amazed by the plot, despite the shocking but revolting gory scenes. I'm always left expecting both of the characters to "man up" or at least attempt to fight back against the antagonists. To me, they just seem like the punching bag that functions as the source of "shock" and "horror" - and that's what makes Pupa just another generic horror manga.
As a horror manga, I wouldn't say that it's so frightening that I'd call it nightmare fuel, but if a depressing, merciless story chock full of slimy bits and gore is what you're craving - go for it.
