TLDR
Story – 3/10 – 3 x 0.275 = 0,825
Art – 6,5/10 – 6,5 x 0.2 = 1,3
Characters – 3/10 – 3 x 0.225 = 0,675
Enjoyment – 4/10 – 4 x 0.3 = 1,2
Total: 4 -> 4
Story – 3/10
Opus started out with an interesting premise but with a terrible execution.
Opus is a manga by Satoshi Kon, an animator by nature. It is one of his few manga works.
The story follows the protagonist – Chikara, a mangaka – that was literally swallowed by his own work of art – an action manga. The story then follows the interactions between the mangakas and the characters that he made.
While the beginning is somewhat interesting and engaging, Opus has the gift of ruining this in the first few chapters. It becomes a confusing mesh of events with no real connection between them.
When evaluating the story, one must also keep in mind that it is unfinished and thus has no true ending. One “final” chapter has been released, but it doesn’t conclude the story in any way.
Moreover, the story doesn’t seem to be the main topic of the manga, as he focuses more on the relationship between the mangaka and the characters he created. Again, it all ended too soon to be of value.
Art – 6,5/10
The art is not poorly executed but falls short of being impressive. The character design is average as well, although functional. The cadence of the panels isn't particularly well-accomplished. The backgrounds have some degree of quality in them.
Characters – 3/10
The characters are mid at best, although it is hard in such a short and unfinished manga to create compelling characters. The main character – the mangaka – is interesting, as well as the main character of the manga – Satoko –, but the rest of the cast is a mess. There are characters but they play no role whatsoever.
Enjoyment – 4/10
The manga definitely had potential, but it just didn't deliver. We are left with a sub-par story with a good premise but a bad execution. I can’t see how, aside from the legion of fans that Satoshi Kon rightfully has due to his animes, can Opus be of any interest to anyone. It is just an unfinished story going nowhere – at least, from what we saw. It could have some interest in the question between the author and his creations, but that would depend on how it evolved. It may be interesting if you are reading everything from him but not much else. And, in that regard, Tropic of the Sea does a much better job. Unfortunately, it deserves a not recommended.
