"NOiSE" is really unnecessary. Being a prequel of "BLAME!", we just get a little smell of what was before it all crumbled down for eternity in that world. Way more clear with the storytelling, but I don't know if I can even interpret it as such. The complexity of Nihei's works tend to throw me for a loop when he gives us a more straight-to-the-point story. I feel like I got it, but then, what's there to appreciate? Just the art, I think. The story could've been expanded way more. We got a very sympathetic character, a person who clearly wants the good of everybody, but it'sput against nightmare fuel concepts, such as brainwashing, conscience transferring, purposeless existence, body modifications in such a short span. If we got at least double the time with her, to flesh out those other characters, and the concepts, we would've gotten one of Nihei's most comprehensible stories, but alas, we're stuck in the machinations of his minimalistic explorations.

As of characters, missed potential, and sure, you can tell me all about how that's not the point of this guy's work. However, the seems of a good, character-driven story are there, it's more like the problems of his writing got on the way of exploring more. There's a battle between what to focus on, and the world won over characters, it seems. In a way, the lesson of the story feels all the less depressing because I couldn't connect that much. "The failure of the few, let to the end of the world for the many".

In terms of art, holy mother of god, I always love Nihei's art. The impact, the dirty, gritty nature of the story. It's all there in full throttle as always. You have unfathomable structures, the multiple kilometer-sized mayhem, overpowered weapons that are basically the only thing allowing people to exist, everything shown with enough distance as to give impact, but not enough to really get a good picture. Purposeful, incredible, massive, unique, I never get disappointed on that front. Great stuff.

I wish everything had the same level of quality. The story is clear, sure, but it doesn't try to delve deep on people's psyche, even if it seems like it tries to. The characters have such a great foundation, but not enough time to shine. All that with godly art.

5.2/10, if you want more clarity on "BLAME!", give it a shot, but don't expect it to work on its own.