Recently I checked the manga because I am fond of the author's art, purely for the aesthetic. Suehiro Maruo's surreal artistic skills and bizarre presentation never fail to amaze me. Shoujo tsubaki, similar to his other works, has it all; the aesthetically pleasing art, the gruesome story &, of course, the muddling and unsettling atmosphere.
The pillar of Suehiro Maruo's storytelling lies substantially in his visual portrayal. The distinctive nature of his craftsmanship is primarily surreal & absurd artistry. Understanding the importance of the visual narrative unveils many shattered pieces of the story. When the full image is on display, the entirety of the story becomes transparent and comprehensive.
The story may be a commentary on the oversexualization & abuse of young girls in Japan, or simply a sorrowful tale of the agonising life of Midori, whatever the author's vision was meant to be, the heart-rending & upsetting story of shoujo tsubaki was and still an impactful reflection of the cruelty & heinousness of life.
Shoujo tsubaki isn't an idiotic story that leans on pure chock , it is an ingenious and clever tale meant to be disturbing. Sexual, mental & violent acts are equally essential to delivering the fundamental message which was unfortunately discarded and buried beneath the intense brutality.
