Yuriko Hara, the manga artist best known for “Cocoon Entwined” – a work visually defined by its use of hair in school uniforms – continues to push boundaries with her latest anthology, “Out of the Cocoon.” Released last December, the collection of five stories delves into extreme themes, including love for a zombie and cannibalism, while also offering a continuation of the narrative established in “Cocoon Entwined.”
The opening story, “Sweet Dreams Zombie,” presents a grim vision of Japan under the shadow of a rapidly spreading zombie virus. The government’s immediate and brutal response – the execution of anyone suspected of infection – sets a stark tone. The narrative centers on Momoe Hayashi, a seventeen-year-old who escapes the authorities after her mother is killed and she is identified as a host. She finds refuge with a classmate, Noumi, who harbors a disturbing secret: she’s hiding Momoe’s corpse and appears to be in love with it. The story explores the depths of obsession and the lengths to which someone will go to preserve a connection, even in the face of death. While the timing of Noumi’s attachment to the deceased Momoe is somewhat ambiguous, the story effectively conveys the intensity of grief and unconventional love.
“If the World Was Ending Tomorrow” offers a shift in tone, presenting an apocalyptic scenario where the Earth faces imminent collision with the Moon. A lottery system determines who gains access to a survival shelter, leaving the majority to face their fate. The story follows Takada and Katou, former classmates, as they spend what may be their final day together. It’s a reflective piece, prompting both characters to confront regrets and contemplate the meaning of life in the face of oblivion. Unlike the preceding story, this one concludes on a surprisingly hopeful and emotionally resonant note.
The most unsettling entry in the collection, “Dog Eat Dog,” explores the disturbing relationship between a cannibal and a man seeking assisted suicide. The narrative details a consensual act of mutilation and consumption, pushing the boundaries of taste and challenging readers with its graphic content. Hara deliberately courts shock value, delving into increasingly dark territory and revealing unsettling details about the victim’s past. Despite the graphic nature, a fleeting sense of beauty emerges towards the end, adding a layer of ironic resonance, though the imagery remains deeply unsettling.
“52 Hertz Whale,” the briefest story in the collection, focuses on a couple and the quiet intimacy of caring for a sick partner. The titular whale, known for emitting a frequency outside the range of other whales, serves as a metaphor for loneliness and the search for connection. However, the lack of substantial context leaves the story feeling underdeveloped and less impactful than the others.
The final story, “Out of the Cocoon,” serves as a direct continuation of “Cocoon Entwined,” following Hana and Youko after their graduation. This chapter will likely resonate most strongly with readers already familiar with Hara’s earlier work, providing a satisfying emotional payoff.
Across all five stories, homosexual relationships are explored, albeit with varying degrees of intensity and thematic focus. “Sweet Dreams Zombie” and “Dog Eat Dog” stand out as the most memorable, while “If the World Was Ending Tomorrow” offers a compelling emotional core. The final two stories, while lighter in tone, contribute to the overall tapestry of the collection.
“Out of the Cocoon” is not a collection for the faint of heart. Its shock value is undeniably high, and its themes are often disturbing. However, the artwork remains consistently impressive. Hara’s attention to detail is remarkable, even in the most grotesque scenes, and the full-page illustrations are particularly striking, blending beauty and brutality in a way that lingers in the memory. The manga is available for purchase on Amazon.
“Out of the Cocoon” is a collection that will appeal to readers who appreciate extreme and provocative storytelling, particularly those drawn to its most daring and unsettling chapters. It’s a work that challenges conventions and explores the darker corners of human desire and obsession.
