Okazaki is back and how – Abstract AF!

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

Slow claps for the return of Okazaki! Missing from all the action in the last few chapters of Shuzo Oshimi’s “Happiness,” despite being one of the primary protagonists, he’s finally back. Not like I had any issue with him not being around, but it would’ve definitely been disappointing for some readers, since he seemed like the primary lead of this vampire-thriller-drama. Anyway, Okazaki gets a bloody good re-entry, and a literal blood-laden entry, because this penultimate volume is quite the gore-fest!

“Happiness” Vol 8 ended with the tense cliffhanger of Yuki being surrounded by the crazy cult members of “Blood of Happiness,” after their leader Sakurane instructs them to consume Yuki’s flesh to become immortal “Gods.” His exact instructions are: “All of you!! Rip him up!! Tear our God’s body apart!!! Consume his flesh!!! Gulp down his blood!!! Then you all will become as Gods!!!” The last few pages of volume eight ended with a fantastic frenzied panel of Yuki trying to run as the cult members grab him. Surrounded and sure to die, Yuki cries out for Okazaki, and the last page ends with the glimpse of only half of Okazaki’s face, assuring readers of his return.

So, the first page of “Happiness” Volume 9 begins with a stark bold close-up of Okazaki, with a bewildered expression on his face, strapped to a bed, like an animal under observation in a laboratory. Shuzo Oshimi had established in the previous edition that the vampires can telepathically call out to each other, so Okazaki is awakened by Yuki’s cry for help, but first, he must navigate the treacherous confines of the lab where he is being experimented upon. In a bizarrely good twist, someone unexpected comes to Okazaki’s aid.

The artwork, gory twists, and an alarmingly growing body count – this volume is unhinged, and tracks the fates of all surviving characters. A lot of the action unfolds at Sakurane’s cult, whose members are just as deranged as their leader – an excellent depiction of crazy cults and herd mentality. I loved the fast-paced narration this time around and the volume gets over before you know it, with a frustratingly shocking twist, which can lead to possible outcomes in the finale – either a scarily disturbing resurgence of Sakurane or his eventual defeat. If like me, you hate Sakurane, we will be on the same team – hoping the villain dies a painful death in the finale.

Rating: 4 on 5.

Read Next: The Mystery of the Blue Train – Book Review

Also Read: Mother-Daughter Murder Night Book Review (Audio version below)