Have you ever wondered what would happen if your worst nightmare was the person who gave you life? Shuzo Oshimi’s manga, Blood in the Tracks, takes us on a thrilling and disturbing journey into the depths of a mother’s twisted love.

A Mother’s Love, Turned Nightmare

In Blood in the Tracks, we meet Seichii Osabe, a shy and well-adjusted teenager living with his seemingly perfect parents, Seiko and his father. Seichii’s only concern is his mother’s overprotectiveness and his teasing cousin, Shigeru. But a seemingly harmless hiking trip turns into a life-altering event.

During the trip, Shigeru playfully pushes Seichii off a cliff, causing Seiko to panic. While everyone else jokes about it, Seiko’s true nature is revealed when she pushes Shigeru off the cliff with a smile on her face. Only Seichii witnesses this shocking act, and his world is forever changed.

The Fallout of a Disturbed Family

As the aftermath of the incident unfolds, Seichii starts to unlock disturbing memories of his mother’s controlling and possessive behavior. He realizes that her overprotectiveness was a desire to dominate every aspect of his life, even his own death. Despite the darkness within her, Seichii still loves his mother, and his loyalty remains unwavering.

But secrets can’t stay buried forever. Shigeru’s parents suspect foul play and are determined to uncover the truth. And as they dig deeper, the Osabe family’s facade begins to crumble.

A Masterpiece of Psychological Horror

Shuzo Oshimi expertly plays with the concept of the ideal mother versus reality. Seiko initially appears as the nurturing woman, but her true nature is gradually revealed. She becomes a shell of a woman driven by her own deep trauma, using her motherly bond to control and manipulate her son.

The visual representation of Seichii’s psychological state is both subtle and chilling. Oshimi captures the gradual breakdown of his spirit and morals, culminating in a mentally taxing climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Emotionally Draining, Yet Compelling

Blood in the Tracks is not for the faint of heart. It delves into uncomfortable themes and pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a psychological horror manga. If you’re not in the right state of mind or uncomfortable with emotionally taxing stories, it’s best to approach with caution.

One minor drawback is the pace of the most recent arc. As a reader invested in the story, each new update may not move the plot as significantly as desired. However, the overall devastation and excitement make up for this minor setback.

Experience the Unsettling Beauty

In a genre that often relies on supernatural monsters and external terrors, Blood in the Tracks stands out by exploring the horrors that can exist within our closest relationships. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that sometimes we are not safe, even from those who are supposed to protect us.

As a fan of psychological horror, this manga is an absolute must-read. It may leave you feeling uncomfortable and disturbed, but it’s a journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on this unsettling and captivating ride with Blood in the Tracks.

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