Kagerou Project is an interesting multi-media franchise. Yes, let me start with stating this is a multi-media project. The other media aren't optional - this is just one part of the overall story. It isn't "alternative version" in a stand-alone way, no, it's all just a part of one large complicated storyline with multiple routes. The manga is one of such route(s). The novel is another one. The anime is sort of a finale (or at least at the point in time this review is being written, with a sequel to that finale planned). The music and music videos are... chaotic pieces of information thatyou will have to put together somehow, good luck with that - no, really, the franchise isn't going to make it easy, considering some short manga are included only with a limited edition of the cds. Yep, specifically only with the limited editions. You want to get the whole picture? Better pay up.

The fact that I even had to explain the basic structure of the franchise before getting to the actual review might leave you wondering where should you even start. My recommendation would be music - manga - novel - anime, but asking the nearest KagePro fanboy will probably get you more detailed and reliable explanation.

Now, for the manga itself - it starts with the classic scene of terrorist takeover of a shopping mall - one that is present in almost every part of this franchise. You might be even wondering if the manga is actually going to be any different. It is, but it gets a while to really get going. For me, I wasn't really interested in the story until the later half of this manga. Until then, the characters didn't feel exactly interesting or relatable. In other words, it the story struggles with making you actually care about what happens to the characters - it just plainly introduces them, almost like it expects you to already be a fan. Well, it probably does hope you already are a fan.

If, like me, you would not exactly call yourself a fan, I would still recommend to not drop this manga before it gets to the part about Azami's backstory - as mentioned, the part where it gets interesting. Sure, that means you might endure the somewhat boring first part, but I'd say it's still worth sticking with it, especially if you want to see what is all this hype about. While I don't want to spoil the content, I would definitely not recommend picking up the novel or the anime without finishing this manga, as finishing this manga might be the point at which you might start being more invested in the characters - something that lot of this franchises unfortunately builds upon a lot, the expectations of you already being invested from some other parts of the franchise. Similar how the cryptic and scattered format of the music videos might make you interested into seeking out more complete version of the story.

The art is fine, most of the time it's somewhat average (not bad, but also not breathtaking), but it does have some cool spreads. At the very least, the art doesn't deteriorate the experience.

Overall, while it might not be as amazing as the fanbase wants you to believe, it's still worth checking out.