Mushishi Collector's Edition 1 Author Yuki Urushibara

Manga Review

5 out of 5 stars!

"Though seldom seen, there are certain mysterious lower life forms that seem to differ entirely from everyday plants or animals. People have long feared this strange class of creatures, which have come to be known as Mushi."

Ginko is a traveling Mushishi who helps out those who are troubled by Mushi. But unlike other Mushishi he doesn't always kill the Mushi, depending on the case. Some are terrifying and shouldn't be taken lightly while others seem to be able to semi exist alongside humans. There's still so much people don't understand about Mushi, and he aims to uncover more. Teaching those along the way.

Supernatural phenomena, mysteries, intense forces of nature, parasitic like Mushi, and more. Ginko will investigate all and try to help anyway he can.

"His power defies human understanding. That's the sort of thing that rattles people."

I've gotten into anime and manga later in life, not having grown up with any of them sadly. I find that I'm drawn more to the supernatural genre and Japanese Yokai, I just can't get enough of! The mythology and stories revolving around the individual yokai! Mushi are similar to yokai but they're more relatable to flora and fauna. Being microscopic organisms.

So, I'm in love and been on a bit of a kick with the "Witcher" games and books and Ginko gave me that vibe. I know, I know it's a VERY odd comparison but hear me out. What drew me to Ginko is the fact that he handles things differently, in one of the stories a character even points it out. How most Mushishi come in with tales of victory and how they defeated a Mushi and rid them from the land or host they latched onto. While Ginko takes a different approach. Analyzing the situation and understanding things from all angles. Ginko is very laid back, approachable, and easy going, a far cry from my grumbly and gruff Geralt.

I enjoyed the deeper meanings behind some of the stories. I was intrigued and understood some of the reasonings behind why the humans who were hosts to a Mushi wished to keep the organism. Some of the stories have happy endings and some there's a sweet sadness to them. This is a relaxing and comforting read in an interesting way. The pacing is medium/slow and it's a collection of Ginko's tales of travel. I also liked his form of payment, and I hope to see the Mushi in the last story of this edition again.

I was excited by how the Mushi had parallels to some of the fungus and parasites we currently have on our planet. Watching how Ginko broke down how they adapted and survived. I didn't pick up any language with this read. There are some creepy Mushi and in order for them to thrive there's some things that are non-reversable. I'd say light horror but nothing too crazy or overly gory! Some violence, blood, griefs, deaths, difficult decisions regarding Mishi, and misfortunes.

This read has made me want to watch the anime! The art style is beautiful and whimsical at moments giving a fever dream feel. We get spoiled with panels of full color! The moments that are intense and the Mishi's true form or nature are shown it felt like you had been slowly lulled into it. I loved the author's bonus stories of real-life supernatural encounters! The notes she sketches out as well! I also appreciate the translation notes! I cannot wait to read the next volume and see where Ginko travels to next and what Mushi he will have to deal with! 

Enjoy the read and maybe have some moments of reminiscing and nostalgia. Don't forget to give the author some stars!

Thank you, Kodansha Comics and NetGalley!

Mushishi Collector's Edition 1: Urushibara, Yuki: 9798888776346: Amazon.com: Books

Mushishi Collector's Edition 1 by Yuki Urushibara, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®