TLDR - This is a piece of art. Probably one of the most unique reading experiences you'll ever get. Just read it!
Story - 10/10
There is little to no dialogue in a chapter. The story is in its world, journey, and characters. The reader is left to find their way through this world and understand the story on their own. It's almost as if we are living through the protagonist. The story does take a Satoshi Kon-Esque turn in the later chapters, as the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred. The concept of time and space, physical and virtual are almost non-existent at times. Sometimes, years pass by in just a few panels, locations change in an instant and the story progresses by leaps and bounds. This isn't to say that there is no story. Nihei keeps the reader captivated with beautiful sets and explosive action scenes while adding on layers of world-building and mystery with each chapter. While Nihei intended to tell a linear story, it does get pretty vague and the reader is left to add in their own thoughts, ideas, and interpretations.
Art - 10/10
This is a tough one. While the art in the first few chapters might look odd, Tsutomu Nihei really improves in the following chapters. The art style just fits the tone and setting of the story. No other art style would do justice to the bleak, vast, mind-bending world of Blame!. There's no rigidness or defined boundaries to the character art, rough around the edges, they bleed into each other. Whereas the background world is beautifully constructed and unique to each and every page, and this is where Blame! really shines - The small meticulous details, the vast infinite landscape, and the plethora of character-designs.
Characters - 10/10
There is barely any character backstory, inner monologues, or plot narrations in the entirety of this series. This adds another layer of vagueness to the story, which I personally really love.
Enjoyment - 10/10
There isn't even one page that didn't knock my socks off. There's constantly something new in terms of story, art, or even pure adrenaline-inducing action. A constant feeling of awe, excitement, and tension builds up to give the reader a journey of their lifetime. You won't regret reading it.
