One of the greatest advantages of "14" is the masterful use of elements of horror. Kazuo Umezu, with his unique vision and style, creates a dark and exciting atmosphere that permeates every page of the manga. His artistic style, combining detailed drawing and expressive images, allows the reader to fully immerse himself in this surreal and creepy world. The lines and shadows of his illustrations make each scene feel like an unpredictable horror, causing goosebumps.
The plot of "14" is an exciting story filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. Kazuo Umezu skillfully spins the intrigue, creating a narrative that constantly keeps the reader in suspense. The story, which touches on deep and relevant topics such as the dangers of high technology, environmental disasters and human nature, is not only terrifying, but also provokes reflection. This manga tries to surprise at every step, filling the reader's head with new ideas and questions.
Nevertheless, "14" remains a "bubble gum": despite its depth and layering, the manga is more focused on aesthetic and emotional perception than on logical comprehension. This makes it an ideal work for those who are looking for an emotional and visual experience, if superficially, but still able to touch on important issues.
The characters in "14" deserve special attention. Each of them is a carefully crafted character with their own fears, motivations and tragedies. They become alive and real in the eyes of the reader, arousing sympathy and empathy. The main antagonist is especially bright, whose immorality and composure raise questions about the nature of evil and the dangers that man harbors.
Although Kazuo Umezu remains in fact a household name in the West, at home he really enjoys great popularity and recognition as an eminent horror author. His contribution to the horror genre in Japan is significant, and he has inspired many talented artists and writers, including Junji Ito, who inherited from his mentor a unique vision and approach to creating atmospheric works.