Itou Junji Kyoufu Manga Collection: Souichi no Noroi Nikki · review
This is mostly a continuation of the previous volume, with mostly the same cast. Souichi is involved for the first four chapters, while a new potentially recurring antagonist makes an appearance in the last two. Story, 6: The premises were still good for this volume, but the overall execution didn't thrill me. There were a lot of unanswered questions (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I was left unsatisfied for most chapters). I appreciated that the overt occult from the previous volume was mostly abandoned in favor of ghosts or deteriorating psyches. Art, 7: Solid as always. There were a few more ghastly-looking charactersin this one that will surely creep some out.
Characters, 6: We get to see most of the recurring cast from the previous volume, though none of them really get a chance to shine other than Kouichi and Souichi, the latter of whom was developed a decent amount. His motivations still remain mostly unclear though, unless he simply likes to be a nuisance in petty revenge.
Enjoyment, 6: I wasn't a huge fan of this volume, but there were some gems to be gleaned about Souichi's character in the chapters that focused on him. The stories in general weren't as interesting for me, but it was a fine read.
Overall, 6: I would recommend this if you are a fan of Ito's work, particularly the preceding volume in this series, as most of the cast returns in some capacity. The art is fun to look at as always, so that may also be a pull.
Favorite Chapter: "The Room With Four Walls"; Least Favorite: "Fashion Model"