Tenkuu Shinpan is a psychological and horror manga. To put the plot as simply as possible, it’s about masked humans killing innocent people who are trapped at the high-end of buildings. Our main character is Yuri Honjo, a teenage highschool girl who will have to adapt to her horrific surroundings. Along the way, she will meet a few important characters along the way while introducing new characters. However, what is most important in this manga, in my opinion, would be how Yuri actually adapted into this horror-themed setting.
Plot - 7
The plot is as basic as can get- the main character finds themselves at a different world where everything is trying to kill them. Not only is this done plenty of times, it is seen more in anime and manga media. However, I have yet to seen a setting that takes place at the high-end of a building, nonetheless buildings. Although characters are summoned to an unknown place, the setting is quite unique and intriguing. This setting that takes place on the rooftop of skyscrapers is one of the primary reasons that I got dragged into reading the manga. Not only is the setting interesting, but the stakes are set high without meaning to be. Yuri and the other characters fight endlessly against their enemies near the top floors of the buildings, and it is especially dangerous at the rooftop where falling off is most likely a possibility.
The enemies we have at first, that being masked men, are terrifying and intelligent in creative ways. Not only are these enemies able to fight, but they are human. Just learning that a human could be degraded into a monstrous being is not only terrifying, but it makes us wonder if our main cast could ever turn into these masked beings as well. Although the enemies do not only relate to the masked men, but to humans as well, it helps us take in the psychological aspect this plot tries to give us. This will, however, fly through the window as the story progresses into a more action-filled and fantasy-like perspective.
Characters - 5
First off, let’s explain who Yuri is. Yuri Honjo is a high schooler and the younger sister of her brother, Rika. She first starts off as a scared girl who cannot handle the trauma laid out in front of her. These masked men, whom she will meet at the start, are killers who have no control over their body. Their mission, at first, seems to be to kill people by driving them suicidal, and at first Yuri falls for this ploy, but with her devotion for her brother she ends up having the determination to survive. From that point, Yuri will learn to adapt to her surroundings and survive while keeping her kind personality. Though with the ideal of “survival of the fittest”, Yuri will make teammates along the way.
This story cannot be explained without revealing huge plot points and characters, so I will be talking about them. Not only is Yuri as important as a main character, but she is important in a way that she will go against the world. Her teammate, whom she will meet later on in the story as Nise (or affectionately as Nise-chan), is a character whose motivation is largely dependent on what Yuri wants. As much of a lousy excuse this may be, Nise’s briefly explained past seems to be the point to why she’s following Yuri- everyone hated her, and Yuri is the first person to reach out to her. Yes, it is a stereotype and overused trope, but she is still endearing in her own right.
Older brothers are common in the anime and manga media, and it should be no surprise to hear that Yuri has an older brother. Rika is the older brother of Yuri, and being a sibling to her, it is obvious we will see his face in the manga and that he’ll be at least important in some way. He is similar to Yuri in that he is strong-willed and determined, but he contrasts in that he isn’t as kind nor as self-sacrificing as Yuri is. What is also noteworthy to say is that he has a close connection to Mr. Sniper, and it is shown throughout the manga that the their connection is an important part to the plot as well.
Kuon and Mr. Sniper are also very important characters. Kuon is whom the people in the world consider “close to god”, and akin to how Nise’s and Rika’s character could be defined as a trope, Kuon’s personality is defined in that she is too kind and have no recollection of her memories. She only does what she does because of Mr. Sniper as well, but that can be excused somewhat in that she has no recollection of what to do. Though the same could be said for Mr. Sniper, he finds motivation in learning about his connection to Rika. He has no knowledge of himself, having once been controlled by the mask, but he contrasts from Kuon. He is strong and independent, capable of defending himself in comparison to Kuon.
Though most of these characters could be explained through tropes and stereotypes alone, they are endearing and unique in their own right. However, at times it is obvious the author wants to bring fanservice into the manga (and don’t get me wrong, I love the fanservice at times), and the things these characters do, both good and bad, are unnecessary.
Art - 7
I find the art keen to the eyes. It is easy to dissect and look at. Not only are the characters good-looking and handsome/beautiful, but the author is able to draw characters who look downright terrifying and ugly. Characters who are intentionally ugly look downright ugly, and it makes us cringe when we see such characters threatening the goodwill of our protagonists. It is also good to note that the masked men look beautifully terrifying when drawn that way, blood spilled on their clothes. Though it is hard to capture their emotions plainly behind their masks, the art is still appealing and nice, though it could be better.
Enjoyment - 8
Honestly, in my opinion, the manga is enjoyable and I find myself anxious to click to the next page. I found myself glued to reading every chapter as the days pass, and although at times I could be turned off from the exposition and lack of action, the manga is easily able to capture my attention in the blink of an eye.
Overall
I would round the score off to 7/10. I do recommend this, it is highly enjoyable and fun to read!
